Substance Abuse | Knowing the Signs & Symptoms — Support And Information About Substance Abuse

Addiction and Pain Treatment

Sometimes, healthcare professionals find themselves in between a rock and a hard place. They must help a patient by providing pain relief, but at the same time these drugs can become addicting, including opioid medications like codeine and morphine. That means healthcare professionals must find the fine balance between giving enough medication to relieve the pain, but not so much that the patient will become addicted.

When a patient comes into the doctor’s office with a substance abuse problem, the issue is even more challenging. About 191 million people a year visit their primary care physician at least every two years, and not only do these doctors prescribe medication to their patients, but they should also indentify a drug abuse situation, work with the patient to recognize the problem, and to also help the patient seek the appropriate help to break the addiction. It is often up to the doctor to not only identify a prescription drug abuse situation and help the patient, but to help prevent one from occurring by monitoring the prescriptions that they give to their patients.

The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) is continuously looking to create new medications that are less likely to become addicting. One example of the work done by NIDA is on the drug called buprenorphine/naloxone, also called Suboxone. This drug was created with help from the pharmaceutical industry to treat opioid addictions, but it is suggested that this medication can also be used as a pain treatment that is less likely to become addicting to the person that takes it. Further studies are needed on this alternate pain medication before it will be recommended, but it is a step in the right direction.

Older Drug Users Fear the Future

When people think about drug addicts or see television shows about drug addicts, there is usually a young man or woman that is battling a disease and searching for help. All drug addicts need help to get better and live a healthy and enjoyable life, but what happens if you are older? What if you are a drug addict and you are 60 or 70 years old?

Many older addicts struggle with what will happen to them in the future. For instance, Tammy Johnson is 60 and has used drugs for most of her life. She is currently taking regular doses of methadone, a prescription from her doctor, to keep her heroin addiction under control. She is confident in her doctor’s ability to get her the medication she needs if she is in the hospital, but what happens if she can’t get to her methadone? The most terrifying thing on Tammy’s mind is if she has to go into an old people’s home, how would she get her medication?

The National Survey on Drug Use and Health gathered some data between 2006 and 2008, which showed that about 4.3 million Americans that are 50 and older claimed that they used illegal drugs within the last year. As the Baby boomers advance in age, many are still smoking marijuana and abusing prescription drugs.

Most long-term drug users will have a rather short life, with plenty of health problems. Doctors are seeing drug users in their 40s that have health issues that are typical of 60 and 70 year olds. The troublesome thing is that the majority of substance abuse treatment facilities do not cater to the older generations. Thus, older people are not getting the help that they need. Drugs continue to be considered a young person’s problem so older people that need help simply do not go to the doctors. This has got to change.

Filed Under: Relapse Tagged With: Professions In Addiction, Substance abuse, Substance dependence

How Does Drugs Affect the Brain?

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Drugs are actually chemicals that go right to the brain and affect its functioning. Drugs interfere with the brain’s communication systems by interrupting the way nerve cells normally process, send, and receive information. Different drugs will affect the brain in different ways, but all drugs do go to the brain and wreck havoc.

Heroin and marijuana activate neurons because their chemical make-up mimics real brain neurotransmitters. These drugs fool receptors and the drugs are allowed to lock onto and activate the brain’s nerve cells. Unfortunately, marijuana and heroin do not activate the nerve cells properly, leading to abnormal messages beings transmitted thought the brain’s network.

Drugs like cocaine or amphetamine cause the brain’s nerve cells to release unusually large volumes of natural neurotransmitters or the drugs prevent the normal recycling of these brain chemicals, which messes up the signals between the neurons. These drugs will amplify the messages and disrupt the communication between neurons in the brain.

All drugs target the brain’s reward system and flood the brain with dopamine. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that is found in the areas of the brain the control emotion, motivation, movement, cognition, and pleasure. When this system is over stimulated with drug use, the user feels the euphoric effects.

Drugs affect the areas of the brain that induce the feeling of pleasure and reward. The brain is wired to repeat these types of activities, usually to sustain life not to take drugs, so it remembers the feeling and teaches people to do drugs again and again to feel that pleasure, without even thinking about it.

Drugs can release two to ten times more dopamine than a natural reward does. This happens immediately after taking a drug that is injected or smoked, and usually lasts a lot longer than natural rewards. This means that the brain is feeling a lot more pleasure when on drugs, then by natural means.

When someone abuses drugs, over time they can become depressed and will feel lifeless. Drugs will impair cognitive function, cause memory problems, behavior problems, and a loss of self control and make decisions.

Filed Under: Substance Abuse & The Body Tagged With: Brain, Neuron, Professions In Addiction

Get the Help You Need in California

If you are looking for a rehab program for yourself or a loved one, you may find that there are many options, and in fact, there are rehabilitation facilities all over the country. Some of the best rehab facilities that you will find, though, are based in Orange County, California.

There are many reasons that these facilities are considered some of the best in the country. Many say that the weather in California helps. When staying at a California alcohol rehab center, the weather and scenery can be a relaxing, and even in some cases spiritual, aspect to your treatment. In fact, this is so much the case, that there are many people that, when they are looking at a rehab center, look in California first.

When rehab is something that you are looking into, it can be a stressful time for everyone involved. Whether you are looking for yourself, or for a loved one, you know that the rehab program itself will not be easy. Nothing worth doing ever is. But, having the beauty of the area, and the mildness of the weather

can be a huge help. To some, this may seem almost a little silly, but it has been shown that being able to sit back and relax can help a person overcome their addictions. There is nowhere in the country better suited to this purpose than in California.

Along with the weather and the scenery, the rehab facilities in California also offer tried and true programs to help their patients get clean. No matter what you are trying to rid yourself of, you will find the perfect program to do it in a California rehabilitation center. Many different options that include trained professionals and great programs will help you move past your addiction and on with your life.

Filed Under: Substance Abuse Treatment Tagged With: Addiction Psychiatry, California, Substance abuse

Why do People Take Drugs?

A drug is usually taken for the first time, by choice, because a person is looking to experience pleasure or to relieve pain. It feels good, so the person takes more. Some people are fine with taking a drug or drinking an alcoholic drink once in a while, which usually does not cause harm or will not mean that the person is addicted. Most people do not take a drug with the anticipation to become addicted.

Most of the time, a person first uses a drug for experimentation. They want to see what it feels like to take the drug. They may take it because their friends are doing it. For many, it’s a social thing. They will take drugs at a party or concert or other social event, just like someone would smoke a cigarette or drink an alcoholic beverage at a special event. This person will take drugs for the sheer pleasure of it. The problem with this is that everyone reacts differently to drugs and you could die the first time you take a drug.

Then, there are those that take drugs to take away pain. It may be physical pain or emotional pain. At first, it’s also an innocent event. But, whatever the pain is that the person is trying to take away will become tolerant of the drug and the person will have to keep increasing the amount of the drug to achieve the desired pain free feeling. This could be prescription drugs, illegal drugs, or alcohol.

Many people, especially young people, think that if a drug is sold in a store, then it must be okay to take, which is usually the case, as long as it’s not abused. Some people think taking drugs will reduce their levels of stress, which can happen, as long as it’s not abused. And some think it will make them cool, which is simply not the case. Some people will take drugs, like steroids, because they think it will make their body look better, but they cause acne, increased body hair, baldness, stunts growth, and more.

Filed Under: General Rehab & Addiction Tagged With: Drug, Illegal drug trade, Prescription drug

What is Addiction?

Addiction is a word that is used a lot, especially on television and in the news. But many people do not understand exactly what addiction is. When someone has an addiction, it’s no longer a choice but something they must have. And, when a person does not get what they are addicted to, there could be physical and mental consequences. Over 23 million people in the United States alone struggle with addiction, yet less than 10 percent of these people actually seek treatment.

Many people may not be aware, or understand, that an addiction is a chronic relapsing brain disease that is treatable. The primary symptom of addiction is when a person looses their ability to control their need for a substance, such as drugs or alcohol. The more a person uses drugs and alcohol, the more the brain changes, and the more control is lost. These changes in the brain also cause behavior changes.

There have been many studies done over the years that show proof that addiction is a disease. Brain scans and images have shown that an addiction severely alters the areas of the brain that is responsible for behavior control, decision-making, learning, and memory. These studies and brain images help to explain why an addict often has compulsive and destructive behaviors.

A person that is addicted to alcohol or drugs can not control their need for the substance, even when it is affecting their health, or is causing legal or social problems. The drugs change the addict’s brain functions so that when they go without, they feel the equivalent to starvation. The brain is sending signals that it is important for the person’s survival to take the drug.

A person does not become addicted overnight. It is a gradual process that takes place over a series of steps from experimentation to occasional use to the loss of control of use. As time goes by, the addiction will get worse and the ability to treat will get harder. Heath issues will also appear, such as organ disease.

Filed Under: Assessment Tagged With: Addiction And Recovery, Substance dependence, United States

What Happens in a Typical Alcohol Treatment Program?

There are many alcohol treatment programs throughout the country. There are some programs that are live-in, and others only provide daytime treatment. Some programs are based on religion and some on getting in touch with nature. Some have strict schedules and others are more laxed. Because there is such a wide range of treatment program types and philosophies, it’s important to research your options before choosing just one program. Although there are many differences in an alcohol treatment program, there are also a lot of similarities.

A typical alcohol treatment program starts off with detoxification. This is where the individual has to deal with withdrawal symptoms that usually make them sick, shaky, irritable, and moody. As the alcohol leaves the person’s body, they will start to feel better and they only have to deal with the craving of wanting more alcohol. There will be lots of therapy during the detox period, which usually lasts about two weeks, but can be longer depending on the person. Some facilities have a separate area for those in detox, a completely different building for detox, or a person may even go to on center for detox and another center for rehabilitation. During detox, the alcoholic is not able to have contact with friends or family.

Next, they move into the general rehabilitation program. Here, the therapy continues, which is usually a mixture of group therapy and individual therapy. Some centers might also provide crafts and projects which is considered art therapy. The patients will also be assigned to chores or jobs to do around the center, and can range from cooking, to laundry, to dusting. There is also journaling, crafts, and free time. During this part of treatment, the person is able to start contacting family and friends, though it’s usually limited to a few minutes, once a week. This all depends on the specific program.

Every alcohol treatment program is different, but this gives you an idea of the basics of a program and what you can expect if you or a loved one was to enter a treatment program.

Filed Under: Substance Abuse Treatment Tagged With: Addiction And Recovery, Computer program, Interventions

Rehab is the Best Way to Help a Person With Substance Abuse Problems

Everyone wants their family members and friends to have the best possible life, be successful, happy, and healthy. But, sometimes that doesn’t happen. When a family member or friend is having trouble with drugs or alcohol, so much so that their whole life is affected, rehab is probably the best place for them.

Alcoholism is a disease that can not be treated without professional help. It can take over a person’s life and bubble over into the lives of family members and friends. The best way to help an alcoholic loved one is to send them to a rehabilitation center. Typically, an alcoholic will require live-in treatment, where the person stays at the rehab center for 30 to 90 days, sometimes longer. The alcoholic will receive various forms of therapy, including individual and group therapy, and sometimes art therapy or other non-traditional forms of treatment. Every center has a different approach and philosophy, so it’s important to research rehab options prior to choosing one for your loved one.

Drug abuse is also a condition that many people require the assistance of professionals. Some people say drug abuse is worse than alcohol abuse, some say it’s not. But, one thing is clear and that is that drug abuse should not be taken lightly. A person abusing drugs not only has to have help kicking the habit, but it is imperative that the underlying problem that caused the person to turn to drugs is also resolved.

Many people turn to substances to self-medicate and forget their problems. Then, the person becomes hooked on the drugs or alcohol. Having a couple drinks on the weekend to unwind, or a glass or two of wine with dinner isn’t bad. It’s when drugs or alcohol interferes with a person’s life, that there is a problem. When a person can’t hold down a job, or spends their salary on drugs instead of food, or they can’t get out of bed in the morning or they scream and possibly hit their kids. The best way to help a person abusing substances is to send them to rehab.

Filed Under: Substance Abuse Treatment Tagged With: Addiction Psychiatry, Alcoholism, Substance abuse

Helping a rehabilitated person

When a person comes out of rehabilitation, this person’s self-esteem might be at the lowest. Substance abuse addictions happen most often due to the lack of willpower. Even if the rehabilitation might have created some control for the substance abuse victim, there are chances of a relapse. It is important to surround the substance abuse victim with good people who can monitor the activities of this person.

Rehabilitated people often do not have a purpose in life. They would have drowned their substance abuse tendencies so much that they would have made substance abuse the sole aim in their lives. A lot of things would have suffered in the process. Their jobs, their family life, their friendships and so on. The lost circle of social standing would have slipped the person into further substance abuse.

Rehabilitation would have flushed out the mindset of addiction. The person’s mind will be blank and without any excitement towards substance abuse. For a considerable amount of time it is important to make this person not interface with things that can again stimulate substance abuse. By doing this, the addiction will be completely flushed out from the person’s body, and mind.

Sometimes rehabilitated people might go back to rehabilitation because they would have gotten back to their old ways. As much as rehabilitation is important, even the period after rehabilitation is important. It is almost like the period after exercise. If one eats the wrong food, and excessively, there is no use of exercise. Similarly, the same thing can be said of rehabilitation. It is of no use if the post-rehabilitation period is not handled well.

Another way to get the rehabilitated person to get all right is to involve this person help substance abuse themselves. Since the rehabilitated person will have some knowledge on how to handle addictions and substance abuse, the same can be put to use to help victims of substance abuse and drug addiction.

Filed Under: Support Tagged With: rehabilitated

Drug Abuse Counseling: The Dual Disorder Recovery Counseling

Drug abuse counseling is a multipronged process. It some drug rehabilitation centers it is an integrated process that is combined with medication. One of the approaches employed by psychiatrists is the dual disorder recovery counseling. The treatment is divided into different phases. There are currently four phases. Stability and involvement

This phase is concerned with making the substance abuse patient to involve as an active participant in the recovery process. The patient will initially show a lot of apprehension towards recovery. This phase is concerned with motivating the patient to take up the recovery process. Initially all this is without the will of the patient. Once the symptoms are stabilized, the act of recovery becomes an act of will in the patient. The patient starts doing things on own accord.

Recovery
This phase is all about controlling stimulating environments. It is about getting de-addicted to people, places, substances, and other stimulants. The substance abuse patient will learn to shield oneself from harmful stimulants that trigger thoughts of addiction. The phase also gets the patient to deal psychological problems associated with substance abuse.

Second Stage Recovery
This is the mid-phase in the recovery. Here patients will learn to carry on the de-addiction behaviors, and also learn to communicate interpersonally. Interpersonal skills will improve the general outlook of the person and reduce this person’s slide into negative emotions like guilt, anger, depression, and angst. This recovery phase takes up to a year to get over.

Final recovery
This recovery period is the last recovery period. Patients are taught to maintain their levels of de-addiction through continued action of controlling substance abuse tendencies. Patients will continuously monitor their feelings and emotions. A lot of skills will be developed during this phase. Essential life skills like communication skills will get in-depth in this phase.

So these are the phases of the dual disorder recovery counseling. This is one among the numerous approaches to control and monitor substance abuse patients.

Filed Under: Substance Abuse Treatment Tagged With: Drug abuse

The Basis of Substance Abuse