Doctors and nurses have easy access to prescription drugs and can divert medications from patients or declare medications as “waste”. Many professionals are never reported to authorities and, indeed, are protected by other staff members.

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It is bad enough when a salesperson or office worker is under the influence, but something else when a surgeon is addicted. How does someone justify operating on a patient while taking drugs? Most believe they can handle the drugs and still perform normally.

Their co-workers enable some drug-abusing professionals. They are given lighter work schedules or absences are excused. Co-workers can fear retribution, particularly from powerful professionals, or they may fear they will ruin a co-worker’s life by reporting drug abuse.

Some states have responded to health care professional addiction by making reporting suspect behavior mandatory. Authorities then intervene and require the addicted person to enter treatment. Failure to report an addicted person is subject to discipline. The addicted physician is required to follow a specific treatment plan and report to the state licensing board. If the addicted person refuses to follow the plan, he or she can lose their medical license.

There are several residential rehab centers specializing in the treatment of health care professionals. All the programs focus on returning the addicted person to his or her professional life free from the temptation of relapse.

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These abusers do not purchase their drugs from pushers in an alley– they doctor shop. They go from one doctor to another, describing their symptoms, asking for prescriptions for oxycodone, hydrocodone, viocodin, and percocet.

These individuals my not know that law enforcement does not consider doctor shopping harmless or a victimless crime. It is a felony and can lead to five years in prison.

Abuse of prescription drugs can start with a real need. Patients can become dependent on painkillers prescribed after surgery or serious injury. Their own physicians can keep prescribing the medications by accident or inattention. When that doctor finally refuses to continue the medication, the patient shifts to another — or several other – doctors, asking for pain relief medication.

Several states have instituted PDMPs (Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs). These programs allow pharmacies and physicians to cross check patients and prescriptions and identify – called red flagging – individuals who are filling multiple prescriptions for the same medications. Red-flagged individuals are monitored carefully and allowed to use only one pharmacy and one doctor.

Hospital emergency departments are also involved in doctor shopping because patients go in, apparently in acute pain, demanding relief. The emergency physician has no relationship or history with the patient and is very likely to prescribe at least a small amount of painkillers.

As more medical records are computerized, doctor shopping should become increasingly difficult.

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Smoking marijuana cigarettes or tobacco cigars and cigarettes laced with embalming fluid and PCP was popular in large cities several years ago. It is now becoming popular with young addicts in small towns.

Sometimes called fry, fry stick, or wet, these cigarettes produce hallucinations or paranoia and aggression. Users often think they posses super human powers and exhibit erratic behavior. The typical hangover includes crushing headaches and loss of memory.

The long-term effects of substance abuse of embalming fluid and PCP range from brain damage to death and can include kidney damage, lung damage, muscle damage, and spinal cord destruction. Most young drug users are unaware of the damage fry sticks can cause.

Early studies have concluded fry is highly addictive and can be addictive with the first use. It can also have important medical consequences of sexually transmitted diseases including HIV/AIDS, and mental health issues. Because embalming fluid is legal and available online, even young dealers can process their own fry sticks.

Law enforcement and hospital emergency departments are training employees to recognize fry stick users so they can receive proper treatment. Parents and health care professionals now have to educate themselves to stay ahead of their children in order to recognize this and related addictions.

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There really is no set answer to this question, because people metabolize alcohol at a different weight. Someone with a slender build may not be able to drink but one drink before she starts feeling the effects of the alcohol, while someone with a larger frame can consume several drinks before any effects are even noticeable.

It has been said that women can’t “hold their liquor” as well as men. The same characteristics—height, build, and overall physical condition—enter into the picture where alcohol metabolism is concerned, no matter if the drinker is male or female.

About the only way to determine if a person has had too much to drink is by observing physical signs of drunkenness. These can include slurred speech, loss of coordination, red eyes, and in some instances, skin flushing. This last may be more apparent in very fair-skinned people than in those with darker skin.

Changes in temperament—a normally quiet person becomes noisy and raucous, a relatively even-tempered person becomes angry at the slightest provocation—can also be indicators of excessive alcohol consumption.

Marked drowsiness or even losing consciousness completely are definite signs of too much alcohol. If these are present, the person should be watched closely, as he not only may be intoxicated, but may also be suffering from alcohol poisoning.

If you even suspect that a person has had too much to drink, do not let that person drive away. Take the keys, disable the car in some way, or do whatever it takes to keep him from getting behind the wheel and possibly killing himself or someone else.

Changes in behavior are usually the “tip-off” that an addiction may be a problem. These include extreme mood swings, which can be caused by the person suffering withdrawal symptoms, inattention to personal hygiene, and failure to meet responsibilities (work, attend classes, pay debts or bills, and others).

Changes in social interaction can also be a sign that an addiction exists, especially if your loved one changes the people with whom he socializes, choosing only those who drink or engage in the same type of addictive behavior that he does. In fact, if alcohol is the culprit, you may notice that the first question your loved one will ask will concern whether or not alcohol will be served or can be brought to the function. If the answer is no, he may refuse to go.

Physical drug addiction changes can also be a sign. If you notice a change in a loved one’s appetite (generally skipping meals or eating very little), which can lead to weight loss, an addiction problem may exist.

People who are addicted to meth, for example, often do not feel hunger, and may go for days without eating. Alcohol has “empty calories” which means it causes a feeling of fullness; again something which may result in a person eating less frequently or not eating at all.

Inpatient Treatment

Inpatient treatment is exactly what it sounds like. A person enters into a drug rehab facility and does not leave for a specific length of time. This time period may be as little as 21 days or as long as a year.

Depending on the type of inpatient facility chosen, during the person’s stay, he can receive medical treatment for any physical problems that may have arisen due to drug or alcohol abuse. His health is restored, which is a condition in which he may not have been for quite a while.

Outpatient Treatment

In outpatient drug treatment, a person does leave a facility. Depending on the facility’s policy, the patient only leaves for a certain length of time, such as a weekend, but remains at the facility at other times. In some cases, however, a patient does not stay at the facility at all; rather, he comes and goes, just as he would to any other type of appointment.

If your loved one or family is resistant to inpatient treatment because he perceives this as a loss of control, he may be more willing to seek treatment that allows him some measure of freedom, which outpatient treatment does. However, the possibility that the person undergoing outpatient treatment can have access to addictive substances does exist.

Ninety day inpatient rehabilitation centers are popular choices for addicts that have been abusing drugs for many years. These places offer an environment of positivity that will allow the person to get well. Many people with substance abuse problems get so used to a life of anxiety and depression that they forget what it was like to actually be happy. Rehabilitation centers reintroduce the good things in life to these individuals, while removing them from the muck and mire they were used to. Add in the fact that doctors and counselors are working around the clock with the addicts, and choosing a rehabilitation center can be a great place to kick any substance abuse habit.

Removing yourself from a situation is one of the best ways to accurate see what is going on. This is one of the main benefits that checking into a rehabilitation center offers. While many people are reluctant to commit three full months of their life to living in a new place without the comforts of their addiction, the possibilities gained are endless.

Choosing one person to be sober for an evening, so that they can drive everyone home safely, is not too much to ask if everyone in your group of friends takes a turn. If you have six people in your group and you go out twice a week, you will only need to give up drinking one night every three weeks. When your reflexes are impaired while driving, even slightly, you may not be able to react quick enough on the road. If you are driving on an expressway at 50 or 60 miles per hour, a momentary lapse in judgment can make a big difference.

Occasionally sacrificing one night of drinking is a small price to pay for securing the lives of you, your friends and other drivers on the road. It is possible to go out and have a good time without drinking. Knowing that you are looking out for your friends and being responsible is a good substitute spending money on overpriced drinks.

The Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration (www.samhsa.gov), or SAMHSA, is designed to get people moving in the right direction when they are seeking treatment for substance abuse. They have an easily navigable map that provides information about all the substance abuse treatment facilities in the United States. You can easily locate and research all the facilities near you and contact them for more information. SAMHSA also has a 24-hour helpline, in case you have specific questions and can’t find the information on the web site.

This site is a great resource for anyone who has questions about treatment for substance abuse. This government site offers tons of reliable information that you can privately review before deciding what options are best for you. If you have decided to seek treatment or know someone who needs it, SAMHSA is great place to begin your journey towards finding the help that you need. You can log on to their site today and continue heading in the right direction.

This vicious cycle is all too familiar among drug addicts. The problem is that when you are addicted, you cannot see what is really happening. The drug will cloud your vision and take control of your life. Denial that a problem exists is one of the first signs of an addiction. If everyone else can see the problem except you, there is a good chance that other people are right. Admitting that you have a problem is one of the hardest things to do, but it is the first step at getting your life back on track.

Being able to admit that you have allowed yourself to become addicted can be extremely difficult. No one enjoys admitting that they screwed up. However, there are many directions to go to seek support if you want to overcome your addiction, including rehab centers, support groups, counseling and therapists as well as friends and family. When you have an addiction and are ready to admit that you have a problem, you will quickly find that you are greeted by many helping hands.

There are many different products available to help someone overcome the physical addiction caused by nicotine. Products designed to help slowly decrease your nicotine intake include patches, gum, lozenges, electronic cigarettes and even nasal spray. These can all be effective for different people, but you just need to find the right smoking cessation aid for you.

The bigger problem that comes with quitting smoking is the mental aspect of it. Certain activities or time of day will often trigger your brain to expect a cigarette. This is where you need to retrain yourself to a life without smoking. Many people have used therapy programs or even hypnosis. Some people can even quit cold turkey and use meditation to recondition their mind and body to accept their new lifestyle.

No matter how you go about doing it, leaving smoking in your past with help provide you with a brighter future. The mind is a powerful thing and the psychological aspect of quitting smoking tends to be the harder aspect of it in the long-term. If you have the will to do it, it will be possible. You just need to make the decision that you want a healthier body and mind and you will already be half way there.

Treating a heroin addiction is very volatile due to the extreme side effects experienced during withdrawal. Using methadone has proven to cause similar desired effects as heroin on the user, which allows for an easier time coming off of the drug. The length of time in recovery when using methadone varies, depending on the user and how quickly their body adjusts to being off of heroin. The process of reducing methadone dosage over time can last awhile if the individual’s psychological or physical state reacts badly without heroin. In the end, though, methadone has proved to be a highly effect drug for treating heroin and other opioid addictions.

Many clinics are designed to provide methadone to people addicted t       bbbbbtreo heroin on an outpatient basis. However, the addict needs regular treatment so that their body’s reaction can be observed and the dosage can be adjusted when necessary. The process can be long and arduous but worth it in the end.

Giving a new, similar drug to someone who is already addicted to one drug may sound counterproductive, but when it comes to heroin, any treatment is a step in the right direction. Methadone’s effects on the body are minimal. For someone who is serious about ending their fight with heroin, methadone is one of their few chances at surviving.

Al-Anon usually meets in smaller groups and allows people to find the best way to respond to someone who is an alcoholic or in recovery. These people can share experiences with each other and find new methods to try to cope with a loved one with the disease. Most people who live with an alcoholic end up enabling them and fall into patterns that are both detrimental to themselves as well as the individual with the addiction. These meetings can help break the cycle and provide a better life for everyone involved.

Al-Anon is an especially important program for children with parents who are alcoholics. Teenagers are especially vulnerable to developing long-term issues when a parent is an alcoholic. They can easily fall victim to something that they have little or no control over at a very important time in their lives. Getting help for young people through Al-Anon/Alateen is extremely beneficial.

Alcoholism’s effects can reach far and wide beyond just the person with the problem. Al-Anon offers loved ones of an alcoholic a chance to get their own lives back and gives them the tools to help someone that they care about. While people tend to feel like they can deal with their private issues on their own, a group like Al-Anon will show them that they need help too and many others just like them exist for everyone’s benefit.

After finishing up the safe environment of rehab, you have to eventually go back into the real world. Aftercare programs are designed to help you deal with situations where you may want to turn back to drugs. You never know what might trigger your addiction and once you are sober, it will be a life-long process of staying that way. People in your life may not fully understand what you are going through and so aftercare gives you sources for help outside of friends and family.

There are many different types of aftercare available to recovering addicts. You can find a sober living facility where you will be surrounded with others in the same situation as you. You will be able to talk with them when you are feeling urges and know that they understand where you are coming from. Counselors are also available to help you through tough times in person or over the phone, whenever you need them.

Getting clean and sober is a process that requires a lot of dedication and is ongoing throughout your life. Aftercare programs are designed to give recovering addicts a place to turn when they have any urges to return to their addiction. Real life can hit you quick after rehab and having a plan for when the going gets tough can be a life saver.

The pain-staking journey through addiction is documented by a few cameramen who follow the individual around their daily routine, often times filled with non-stop drug use. You can watch how the addict’s life is spiraling out of control and how it effects their family and friends, who are interviewed throughout the documentary. While it can be hard to watch someone destroying their life, you know that there will be an intervention at the end where the addict is given a chance to go to rehab.

During the intervention, the friends and family are joined by a professional interventionist to try and convince the addict to save their own life. If simple pleading is not enough, they step it up a notch. The addict is given consequences for continuing their ways, such as not being allowed to see their children or going to prison for using illegal drugs. Most addicts end up deciding to go to rehab. Some people complete it and embrace their new lifestyle, but some relapse and go back to the path they were on. Either way, the show is very compelling and gives viewers a look at the dark side of life.

Intervention can be disturbing and graphic at times but has a powerful message of hope. Substance abuse is on display and the grim consequences of it are fully explored. Whether you know anyone with an addiction or not, the show will entertain you as well as educate you about life.

One of the most prevalent signs of an addictive personality is when an individual is easily frustrated by a stressful situations of any level. When exposed to any amount of stress they tend to lack the coping skills that regular people would have. These individual will often times have little of no self-esteem. You may notice that they become obsessed with less harmful activities like exercise, coffee drinking or collecting things. These activities, in excess, could be an early sign that someone is prone to addiction.

Other signs of this disorder are sudden mood swings and avoidance of social situations. Individuals effected by this often try to hide their behavior and alienate themselves from people who may judge their actions. They will then begin filling the void, where personal relationships would be, with drugs, alcohol and other harmful addictions. Not having other people to interact with will almost defintely lead to depression and a worsening addiction. The sooner the behaviors are noticed, the better chance the individual has of stopping the downward spiral.

Having an addictive personality does not mean that someone is doomed to a life of substance abuse. The key is recognizing that the disorder exists and seeking out help to overcome it. There are many types of counselors, groups and therapists available for someone who wants to understand what is happening to them. Looking for signs early in life is important for helping someone stop the problem before it starts.

When dealing with a drug addict, you have to understand that they will do almost anything to get the drugs that they want. If you really love the person, you will be able to see how their short term want is really going to lead to long term problems. It is easy to tell them how bad the drug or drugs are for them but then give them money or a place to live. You will probably feel like you are keeping them safe and actually helping them. This is very far from the truth and you are merely making their addiction easier for them.

The best thing you can do for someone that you care about is try to convince them to get help by any means necessary. You need to stop allowing them to take advantage of you and your love for them. Drug addicts are in a state of mind where they see anyone who denies them their drug, as being mean and uncaring. They will often try to guilt their loved ones into helping them continue the lifestyle they are used to and any denial of that means that the person no longer loves them.

Simply put, when someone is addicted to drugs they are not the person that they used to be. Helping that person get off drugs is the best way to show them that you care. An addict will take advantage of anyone to get what they want. It is extremely important that if you care about that person, you will see how helping them get off drugs is the best thing that you can do for them.

Many prescription drugs, like painkillers, can be highly addictive if taken in excessive and over a long period of time. Pills, like Vicodin, Percocet or Oxycontin are often prescribed when someone suffers an injury or has surgery. These pills are not designed to be taken for extended periods of time, but patients will often become immune to their effects at lower doses and will increase their intake. This can quickly lead to addiction, due to their euphoric effects, even after the pain begins to subside.

Since these types of drugs are legal and not too difficult to get, many people do not see themselves as addicts. It is almost impossible to measure the amount of pain that someone is feeling, so doctors will often over-prescribe painkillers and patients will exhaust their supply before they are allowed to get a refill. This is an early sign of addiction. Patients are so used to the numb feeling associated with the pills that any amount of pain will cause them to take a pill. Most painkillers are supposed to be taken at lower doses as time goes on, but often time patients will do the opposite and increase their dosage.

The legal status of a drug does not determine how dangerous it can be. It is just as easy to harm yourself or become addicted to a legal drug, like painkillers, as it is with illegal drugs. Doctors prescribe painkillers for limited use for most patients, but the addictive nature of the pills can quickly become a problem if someone is not careful.

We all know the addict is sick.  The addict has a true physical and emotional problem.  They can’t stop even though they may want to.  They need help.  They refuse to get it.  The family lays down boundaries, the addict crosses them.  The family cannot stand to see their loved one in this condition, but it continues, and so on, and so on.  It is a vicious cycle.  The addict is in control of everyone but himself.  The addiction controls the family.  It feeds on the sympathies of those who want nothing more than to help the addict.  The addict will use these sympathies to get money, a place to stay, a sympathetic ear, anything he or she has to stay addicted.

If the addict will not get help, and many addicts will not until the family cuts them off entirely, the family can get help.  The addict will continually drain the family, one by one, until there is very little left.  The only way this family knows how to function is with addiction.  The family of an addict can get help, even if the addict won’t.  It may be the most important thing you can do for the addict.  You can retrain yourself to take back your own, non-addicted life.

Whatever the program, 30 days, 90 days, however long it takes to be free of the drug in your system, the addict needs to commit to that amount of time.  However, the amount of time needed to stay free of an addiction is simply a lifetime.  It will take a lifelong commitment to stay free from whatever substance the addict was addicted to.  During the intensive treatment in a detox center, the addict will be sick, hallucinate, want to get his or her hands on whatever substance it was that addicted them in the first place.  There are round the clock nurses and doctors watching out for the addict.  There are people to talk to whenever the urge strikes.  Once the detox has occurred, the actual ridding the body of the substance, the real work begins.

Detox works when the addict works hard at it.  Making sure before he or she leaves the treatment center that a strict, well thought out plan is in place so that he or she can stay sober, with a clear head.  Making sure he or she has contact names and numbers is vital in staying with the program.  Use the program, work the program, and live a better life.

Rather than quitting cold turkey, a gradual reduction of nicotine intake can provide smokers with an easier path to quitting. Nicotine is a physical addiction that causes changes in the brain, making users want it more. Symptoms of nicotine withdrawal include increased appetite, depression and a decrease in heart rate. Nicotine remains in the body for about two hours with every dose. Smoking cigarettes usually means taking multiple does of nicotine, which means that the drug usually stays in the body for hours after taking a smoke break.

Due to the symptoms that nicotine causes and the amount of tar in cigarettes, many smokers struggle to kick their habit. Electronic cigarettes offers the twin advantages of replicating the action of smoking and allowing the smoker to gradually reduce their nicotine intake.

The electric cigarette is abut the size of a ballpoint pen. Even though they mimic the actions of smoked tobacco, there is no actual smoke or combustion. Users can load in flavors to turn the device into a miniature hookah. Even though it looks and acts like a cigarette, the electric cigarette is both a conversation starter and an effective way to kick a smoking habit. If other methods have failed, picking up an electric cigarette is a healthy and effective way to quit smoking.

For the addict who desperately wants sobriety, it may take just knowing that someone else has actually survived the detox, has come through it and has been able to get up and function again.  This may be the turning point for them.  There is a lot of despair in detox.  It took a long time to become an addict, becoming a sober person is not going to happen overnight.  But for the desperate addict, sick and questioning whether this sobriety is such a good idea, your presence is extremely important.  You know what is going to happen next, you know this road, and you can walk along with someone to help smooth out the bumps.

You are also keenly aware that by doing this, you are aiding in your own sobriety.  Watching other people struggle with addiction may be just what you need to see day after day to keep you from slipping, keep you working your sobriety.  Never forget where you came from, it has everything to do with where you are going.

This is an amazing decision, life changing.  However the train to sober town has many bumps and derails time and time again.  What will make this the one way trip you need it to be?  It will be your attitude.  You have to want to do this for you.  People, doctors, television shows, can all tell you time and time again this is not good for you, but until you are willing to do the work, no amount of counseling, cajoling, crying, begging or pleading will make you do it.

The good news is that once you do make the decision, if you keep that attitude, nothing will stop you from conquering the addiction.  The tunnel between addicted and sober is a difficult crawl to sobriety.  You will need to muster every bit of strength you have ever had.  Your body will go through grueling changes, as well as you having to surrender a life you may have been living for years.  Keep your eye on the other end of that tunnel and you will arrive in sober town healthier and happier than you have ever been.

Education as Prevention

Not only does working hard at school exercise your brain and expand your mind, it also gives your child a wonderful goal to work towards. Having a target in mind is a great way to help them resist peer pressure and stay on the right track. Exercising your brain also helps maintain or improve your mental health. Because mental illness is a leading predictor of future drug abuse, this benefit shouldn’t be overlooked.

The Statistics Will Be on Their Side

Because college graduates are statistically less likely to suffer from a life-changing addiction, a degree is just one more weapon in your child’s arsenal of preventative measures. It means they will earn more money, have less stress in their lives, and be less likely to come across tempting situations. Although it’s not an absolute guarantee, it definitely helps! If you’re worried that you can’t afford to send your child to college, there are affordable options. Take a look at earnmydegree.com to find a good online university that fits your budget! In addition to the low tuition rates, an online education will mean your child can avoid many of the college parties and other situations where someone might try to tempt them with drugs or alcohol.

An education can help protect your child’s bright future!

It’s important to let them know you are aware of the problem. Many times an addict will live in his own world and convince himself he is alone with his disease. It’s important that you let him know just how much you care and that you are willing to do whatever it takes in order to see him get the help he needs. The most important thing you can help an addict do is help himself. Finding treatment for addicts will be the best way to end their struggles with substance abuse. If the addict is a dependent, like a child or a spouse, then help may be easy to find.

Contact your insurance company. In most cases the insurance will be for both in-patient and out-patient counseling. There are rehab facilities that they can connect you with. In many cases, insurances have an out-of-pocket maximum. This means they will cover up to a certain daily allotment. If you are without insurance, take the time to get the insurance you need. There are plenty of companies out there. It would be best to compare the different online insurance quote prices you get and find out which one fits best within your budget. The cost of going out of pocket to treat addiction can be incredible. Make your best effort to obtain insurance before resorting to that measure, even if it is necessary. Substance abuse is no laughing matter, and treating it immediately is vital to beating the disease.

In order for the detox to work, the body must be purged of all the toxins it has taken in, and this is only the first step.  Once the poison is out of the body, the body needs to heal.  The human body, being the wonderful self sufficient machine that it is, will do most of the work itself, as long as the addict can stay clean and sober.  This is such a difficult time in detox because the addict does not feel well.  His body is craving the drug or alcohol and the physical illness is overwhelming.

If you have committed to turning this addiction into lifelong sobriety, you can help your body in the process.  Feed your body what it needs, and do not feed your body what it does not need.  While you will be on a serious emotional program, lots of meetings and counseling, make sure you take care of your body.  Take the vitamins offered.  High doses of vitamins are used in the detox process to help the body find its way back to health.  Putting your body on the plus side health wise will make you feel better, and help you cope with the long fight ahead.

You meet up with someone who is not sober.  This is a huge problem for addicts.  You may not be strong enough, or far enough into your recovery to say no.  You may even actually feel, even though you know better, that just getting high one more time won’t compromise what you have worked so hard for.  All of these lies are a way for the drugs to suck you back in, and you fall.

You certainly do not want to go back to rehab or detox.  That sucked.  You were so sick, there were so many rules, people asking you how you felt all the time.  This is much better.  Stay high, no worries.  Then you remember all the people who love you, all the reasons you wanted to be sober in the first place.  You still want to be sober.  You just messed up.

Run, do not walk, to the nearest detox center or hospital.  You can start all over again.  You may have to be sick again, and be in locked rooms with no privileges.  You may not see your loved ones for a while.  You will never be turned away.  This may just be your time for success.

The only group who did not have a choice are the unborn babies of pregnant drug addicts.  This unfortunate, unsuspecting group of drug addicts are born into hospitals every day.  Babies who actually need to be given drugs to keep their heart rates from dropping, as their tiny bodies crave whatever drug their mother has been feeding them for the past nine months.  They are helpless against their addiction and sometimes cannot fight it.  Some babies of addicts are born too early and too sick, and cannot survive.

While every mother wants to protect her baby, addicts who find that they are pregnant need to get help as soon as possible.  There is help.  There are ways to safely get you off the drugs so that your baby has a better chance.  No mother wants to watch her baby suffer.  If you feel there is no hope for your, then hope for your baby.  Make a sacrifice for your child.  You may just find that your baby will save you as well.

Detox can be a long process.  You are not going to be able to go from addict to sober in a day or two.  It can take weeks, even months to even begin to think of a life without drugs.  During that time it is obviously a good idea to be somewhere that can keep you on a short leash, an inpatient facility.  After the initial intensity of detox, little by little you will have more free time.  Eventually you do have to go back out into the world, the world that wants to suck you back into the drug world.

Make the most of your free time, find people to be with who are sober, stay away from anyone or anything that could compromise your sobriety.  You know that sobriety is a lifelong commitment, and one that not everyone can stay with.  Surrounding yourself with the right people and the right activities will help you reclaim that life you so desperately want.  It is totally up to you.

A recently published study of Californian young men followed over 350 white males at age 20 and interviewed them every five years for 30 years. 25 percent of these men went on to develop a severe drinking problem by age thirty. In studying the family histories of these men, the researchers found that other drinking problems within the family were a significant factor in developing a drinking problem later in life. Men who either were divorced earlier than most men or received a lower level of education were also more likely to develop serious drinking problems.

Women tend to see alcohol as a better stress reliever than men do. Women generally believe that alcohol will reduce their stress levels (and women are more prone to feeling the effects of stress than men). Women also believe drinking tends to improve upon social situations and relieve tension or awkwardness in a given situation. Whereas women drink to further enjoy their social interactions, men tend to prefer solitary drinking. Another recent study examined women’s relationships with their mothers in terms of developing a drinking problem later in life. Women who said they had a poorer relationship with their mother were more likely to develop an alcohol dependence.

Other studies have discovered that a drinking environment affects the way we drink. People who drink alone at a bar drink the most, but stay the shortest time. Other studies have showed that music with rhythms closest to a person’s heart beat while resting produces the fastest drinking, while fast music slows our drinking down.

First, the article stated that men drink more than women by 11 percent. This is true all over the globe, regardless of trouble. While percentages of drinking amounts vary by country (Iceland drinks more than Israel, for example), men drink more than women in every country studied in the world.

Interestingly enough, Sharon Wilsnack, a neuroscience professor at the University of North Dakota, has found that homosexuality reverses this trait. In her extensive research on alcohol-related behaviors (particularly regarding gender), Wilsnack has found that lesbians drink more than gay men. Other studies confirm her findings.

Overall, however, homosexuals tend to drink more than heterosexuals by 16 percent. This could be because throughout history, the only place where gay individuals could really socialize freely with other homosexuals was in designated gay bars. And what does one do at a bar? Drink. Some researchers believe that this could help explain why so many studies have found that homosexuals outdrink straights. Other potential explanations include the massive stress that the homosexual population face every day as a result of being a minority group that is still frequently discriminated upon.

The Scripps Research Institute in La Jolla, California has released a study that may prove that stress hormones are firmly linked to alcoholism. In the study, scientists took several lab rats and addicted them to alcohol. They did this by first exposing the rats to alcohol vapors at routine times. The researchers made alcohol readily available for the rats to drink. Gradually the rats began to drink more and more alcohol. These rats also showed signs of withdrawal when the scientists took the alcohol away. In layman’s terms, the lab rats became alcoholics.

When the rats were suitably addicted to alcohol, the researchers suppressed the rats’ stress hormones. They did this by giving the rats a chemical called a CRF antagonist that reverses the brain’s stress hormone’s effects. Stress hormones are what causes the brain to feel “stressed:” anxious, worried, etc. Now that the stress hormone was not affecting the brain, the rats consumed less alcohol. Note that the CRF-antagonist does not reduce the pleasurable feeling brought on by getting inebriated. Rats would have still experienced the same “drunk” effect, but they still drank less.

The vaccine lasts for at least 13 weeks, which is when the researchers stopped recording results. Addiction experts and researchers are excited about the vaccine, especially because it can quickly and cost-effectively move into human trials. In short, it’s a feasible solution. By linking the cocaine to the common cold virus, the body’s immune system is trained to recognize cocaine as a foreign dangerous element that should be destroyed. Antibodies recognize, tag, and destroy the cocaine particles before the cocaine has a chance to reach the brain and cause the cocaine high. The human body does not naturally tag cocaine or other drugs because it doesn’t recognize the substance as a threat.

When you have depression, anxiety, or a similar condition, you frequently feel bad. Other people might not really understand why that’s the case, or they may think that it’s all in your head or you’re just making it up. Even though you know that’s not the case, the stigma of a mental health problem coupled with a lack of understanding from the people around you can really add up. It contributes to making you feel worse, and it’s something that you need to learn how to accept, handle, and shake off. As you learn to let go of what other people think of you, you’ll find that you’re stronger than you thought you were.

People who have depression, anxiety, and related conditions are also often very smart and very creative. If you can channel your feelings into something artistic you can help yourself and you may also be able to help others. That can raise your level of happiness just as much as a medication might – and medications don’t work for everyone. They also come with side effects that may be too much for some people to handle, so don’t allow yourself to feel worse if you can’t tolerate medications. There are many ways to improve your mental health.

People who struggle with anxiety can get help, and they can learn to help themselves, too. Many of them take medication – either every day or on an as-needed basis (or both) – and quite a few of them are in some kind of therapy. Whether they combine the two treatment options or simply choose one or the other depends on what they respond to, how strong their anxiety is, the options available in their area, and what their beliefs about their problem really are. Some people also can’t take the medication that could help them because they have other health problems or they’re simply too sensitive to handle it. It actually makes them more anxious, instead of calming them down.

Through proper breathing, meditation techniques, and exercise – along with other therapies – there are all kinds of things that you can do to help lessen your anxiety. Some people simply come to terms with it over time, too. When you accept the symptoms, they often fade away because they no longer frighten you. No matter how you choose to handle your anxiety disorder, though, it’s important that you seek out some type of help. That way you can get back to your life.

The first thing to do, once you realize that you have a problem, is to seek help. Don’t put it off, or feel that acknowledging it will be enough to get through it. Instead, you’ll need to put your focus into getting clean and also into getting a better understanding of your value as a person. It can be hard to feel valuable if you’re abusing drugs and alcohol, but once you begin to get clean you should involve yourself with counseling that can help you see that you have worth and importance. Giving back to others is another good way to feel as though you have value.

If you work with people who need to get clean once you’ve gotten clean, you can show them that they can do what you did – get and stay clean, and have value and purpose in their life. You can’t reach everyone, of course, and some people really don’t want to be helped. Some people also respond to help in different ways, so you may have to try different tactics. The bottom line, though, is that you’ll be able to work on your mental and emotional state once you’re free of the drugs and/or alcohol that are trying to control you.

Unless you’re ordered there by the court, you’ll generally have the option to leave at any time – but it’s very important that you stay until your treatment is complete. If you don’t, you may have a much higher chance of relapsing and ending up back in treatment again. That happens a lot with people in Hollywood and you hear about it in the news, but it happens to ‘normal’ people often, too. The only difference is that the average person’s struggles generally aren’t publicized, so not as many people know about them. Whether you’re a public figure or an average, everyday person, getting clean should still be your top priority.

If you aren’t interested in doing it for you, you should do it for the people who care about you – like your family and friends. Stay as long as you need to, and make sure that you get the help you really need. When you leave the inpatient treatment program, consider staying away from people and places that you associate with drug or alcohol use or abuse. You may even want to move to a new neighborhood or a new town. Take the steps you need to get and stay clean, and you’ll have a bright future.

If you’re facing a food addiction, it’s important that you understand the reasons behind it. You’ll probably need therapy to give you the answers you’re seeking, and you might also want to work with a nutritionist or someone else who’s certified to help you with weight loss. Until you learn to make the right choices, you won’t be able to effectively lose weight. A lot of people have weight loss surgery, but that’s often not the answer. People overeat and become addicted to food for a variety of reasons, and having surgery to reduce stomach size doesn’t address those reasons.

Instead, it’s only a temporary fix. The person often pushes his or her limits, stretches out the new stomach pouch, and gains the weight back over time. When you address an addiction properly, from a mental and emotional standpoint, you are better able to handle it and address it. That can help you determine whether you need to seek more therapy or whether there are other methods that might be more helpful for you. Until you get a handle on your food addiction, though, you’ll continue to struggle with your weight and health issues.

If you’re facing a food addiction, it’s important that you understand the reasons behind it. You’ll probably need therapy to give you the answers you’re seeking, and you might also want to work with a nutritionist or someone else who’s certified to help you with weight loss. Until you learn to make the right choices, you won’t be able to effectively lose weight. A lot of people have weight loss surgery, but that’s often not the answer. People overeat and become addicted to food for a variety of reasons, and having surgery to reduce stomach size doesn’t address those reasons.

Instead, it’s only a temporary fix. The person often pushes his or her limits, stretches out the new stomach pouch, and gains the weight back over time. When you address an addiction properly, from a mental and emotional standpoint, you are better able to handle it and address it. That can help you determine whether you need to seek more therapy or whether there are other methods that might be more helpful for you. Until you get a handle on your food addiction, though, you’ll continue to struggle with your weight and health issues.

In some instances, you can look online to find a facility like TheCyn.com to help your loved one deal with an addiction. It is often hard to get an alcohol or drug addict to admit they have a serious problem. If they are willing to get help, talking with them about their options is the first step. See if you can take them to a counselor to get the help they need. One of the most tried and true ways to get them into rehab is to hold an intervention. A licensed counselor can help ensure the intervention goes smoothly.

When the person is confronted by their friends and family and they have to face their destructive behavior, it can help them make the decision to go into rehab. Interventions are not always successful but when done right, they have a 90 to 95 percent success rate. Remember a few key things when considering an intervention. Do not be confrontational with the addict. You do not want to judge them. The goal is to help them. Research facilities before the intervention so you are prepared to offer real solutions and actual places where they can go for treatment. Make sure the intervention is in a familiar place so they are comfortable. Getting your loved one the help they need is important to help them on the road to recovery.

The hardest thing about getting help for your substance abuse is admitting that you need to. Once you do that, you’ll be better able to move forward and start doing the kinds of things you should do in order to get better. Whether you choose to go to inpatient treatment or you can do well with an outpatient option, it’s important that you make the right decision for you. If you’re unsure, talk with your doctor and/or a counselor at the treatment facility in order to decide what the best choice would be for your particular situation and level of desire to get (and stay) healthy.

You don’t have to let your substance abuse problems get the better of you. They don’t need to ruin your future or harm your family anymore. By taking the important first step of admitting that you need help, you’ll be on your way to finding the treatment program that will work for you. Some people try to get clean and then fail, so they completely give up. You don’t have to do that. Keep trying. Give it your all, and put your best effort toward staying clean. You really can do this, if you’re committed to it.

You’re wrong.

Countless individuals have considered this philosophy before you and far more will consider it after. It is known as Responsible Drug Use, but its reality is far different than its name promises. The belief is that a person can partake in recreational substances but must limit his amounts. Moderation is the point and caution is to be adhered to.

But that same caution is quickly forgotten when an individual overestimates his own abilities.

Responsible Drug Use (despite how appealing it may seem) is not an answer to addiction or abuse. The process is too reliant on the human condition and this destines it therefore to fail. No strength of will is enough to combat this problem. There will only be a false sense of security, which will allow users to take more than they should and become suddenly dependent on the tastes.

It is important then that all individuals abstain from recreational substances. Should that prove impossible, however, then institutions like MichaelsHouse.com must be immediately sought. There should be no hesitation.

Trying to conform to the notions of Responsible Drug Use is as futile as it is harmful. A disease must instead be eradicated through good sense, determination and intervention. Help is needed – and it is fortunately available.

Such emotions and sentiment are often irrational and do not answer to any specific logic. While adults overcome the trauma because of more experience, youngsters struggle and may often resort to substance abuse and addiction to hide their problem. Further, there have been instances where individuals have changed and end up behaving in ways hitherto considered impossible or unthinkable.

Rather than treating it as a mistake and rather than trying to punish such a person, you should recognize that it is a cry for help. The person is suffering from emotional trauma and is relying on substance abuse and addiction to overcome the same. It is obvious that psychological intervention will make a huge difference.

It is best to anticipate such problems and provide for such risks well in advance. This may be difficult when you are not stable yet. However, opting for joint and group counseling sessions and individual sessions with counselors will make a huge difference. An outlet for grief, more often than not, prevents the individual from resorting to such harmful decisions.

Even if you find that the family member has become an addict and is undertaking substance abuse, you should take remedial action immediately. It is best to involve medical experts in the beginning to reduce the chances of complications arising out of too many emotional traumas and feelings of guilt.

Relying on strong family bonds is a smart option as well. Every family does not resort to addiction to overcome trauma. You can learn from such families and handle trauma better.

The sparse and functional approach of some medical experts may not be suitable for some persons. People feel as if they have landed up in jail when they are asked to stick to a strict regimen without any comforts or luxuries. Of course, the withdrawal symptoms and the detoxification process do not help matters either.

If you want to improve your chances of sticking to the addiction rehabilitation program, you can opt for centers that operate more like resorts and hotels rather than as hospitals. Comfortable surroundings, beautiful scenic environment, access to entertainment and other such options can make a huge difference to the detoxification program.

Further, emphasis on overall wellness with the help of massages, diet changes, energy drinks and other such solutions will have a huge psychological impact. Whether the impact on the body is real or not, your mind will make it real.

Of course, such detoxification programs are going to be a lot more expensive as compared to standard and simple addiction rehabilitation programs. However, some persons use this as a great place to meet other persons who have faced the problem of addiction in the past. Meeting persons in comfortable and luxurious surroundings encourages the feeling that one is just out for holiday instead of a medical treatment.

If you are person who will find it easier to kick the habit of alcohol or drugs with the help of such an approach, then you should give it serious thought. As long as you can afford the services, there is no harm in opting for such a luxury oriented detoxification and rehabilitation center.

It is very important to teach your child to say no. However, a person with low self esteem and lack of confidence in one’s ability cannot say no. A person who surrenders to the star value and the coolness quotient of such drugs will obviously find it difficult to say no.

By enrolling your child in leadership and personally development programs, you will help him or her understand the real worth of an individual. If your child concludes that the coolness of an individual is not dependent on whether he or she smokes, it is obviously going to help avoid substance abuse.

On the other hand, if your child is impressionable and tends to follow the leader, choosing the wrong leader can be disastrous for his or her future. It is advisable to discuss these issues with teachers and education institutions. A program where all friends participate and learn new things about themselves and their personality will be a much better option than a lecture by parents or teachers.

It is advisable to make it a regular part and parcel of the curriculum. If the school is not ready to help you out, then you should take assistance of other social organizations to inculcate the quality of leadership. A sport is a very simple and useful way to teach leadership to your child. Teamwork, respect for physical and mental health and a sportsman spirit is what is required to understand that drugs are bad and life is better.

This cannot be allowed.

Substance abuse, simply explained, is a disease. It demands a reliance on chemicals that will only harm an individual, leaving them incapable of making wise decisions. There is no value to be found here, only eventual pain. But even the knowledge of this is not enough to sway most opinions. The addiction is far more appealing than battling it – to overcome it would require effort that seems too much, too long and too demanding. Apathy is far simpler.

It is also far more devastating, however.

Those suffering from substance abuse cannot be left to fend for themselves. They must instead be aided by those who understand their worries and their woes. Casual relationships are not enough (though friends and family are obviously to become involved, offering the necessary compassion and support). Groups like Rehab-International.org instead become the worthy choice – granting professional care and a variety of treatment options. Information is given. Explanations are provided. And abuse is defined to what it truly is: an illness that can be cured.

There is no doubt that a reliance on substances exists. There is also no doubt, however, that this reliance can be defeated. It simply requires an individual to first accept his problem and then allow others to help him conquer it.

It is possible and it is necessary.

But his abuse of a substance has ruined his judgment, his perception of time – he is familiar only with the effects of a drug, the fast consequences (injected always into the blood and able always to satisfy). Healing therefore is thought to be just as quick. A day should yield results. An evening should offer success.

It doesn’t.

Too often do individuals believe that treatment will be a swift process, able to be mastered within mere hours. The truth, however, is that it is a careful labor – demanding a user’s full attention, devotion and strength. The majority of programs involve 12 steps (each a slow increase of ability); but there is still the need to continue with therapy and sponsorship even when these steps are done. It is a lifetime of dedication. It is a constant care.

It is also a necessity.

Addiction is a disease that can be cured only though diligence. Programs will offer the tools and techniques to counter cravings; doctors will provide relief from the physical effects. But success is still ultimately reliant upon the individual and his willingness to battle temptation each and every day.

And this is why organizations like lapalomatreatment.com are so important: they offer the knowledge to understand substance abuse and the support to overcome it.

Treatment is not an easy ideal. It is, however, still one that can be achieved. Patience is simply required.

What impact does the diet have on the detoxification process? Substance abuse and addiction leads to accumulation of poison in the system. It is imperative for the poison to be cleansed before the body can revert back to its original condition. In such a scenario, the diet has a huge impact on the health of the individual.

Green leafy vegetables, organic substances and nutritious diet will help the body recover its balance faster. The digestive system will obviously be affected by the detoxification process. Each and every organ of the body will be on withdrawal symptoms and individual will find it very difficult to digest food and retain anything for long.

In such a scenario, eating junk food or other diets that are difficult to digest is only going to create more problems. In any case, eating the tastiest pizza is not going to make the person feel better. Having green leafy vegetables is one way of jump starting the digestive system and helping the individual get better.

Once in awhile, it is advisable to indulge in comfort food as an alternative to the craving for narcotic or addictive substance. The individual has to learn that it is okay to have urges and it is okay to given to them once in awhile as long as it is not going to harm the body.

Even a whiff of cigarette can destroy your lungs. However, a slice of cheese pizza combined with exercises and organic food is certainly a healthier balancing option. A person who is suffering from alcoholism will find it easier to face future if he or she believes that restrain and control is more important than complete abstinence.

Thirdly, good food and good dining opportunities with family can reestablish that social and emotional bond that went missing because of the addiction. This can have a huge impact on the self esteem and confidence of the individual.

There are innumerable instances where individuals who were brought up in model families have become victims of substance abuse. Hence, to look at this issue from a class perspective and to conclude that it cannot happen to a family like yours does not make sense.

Substance abuse can start out of innocent acts like consumption of certain stimulants by the child to study better. Excessive stress to perform well in academics and other fields often causes the individual to push beyond physical limits. Popping a few pills or consuming certain drinks may help the individual stay awake longer.

Of course, the effect of such drugs and substances after the high comes down is equally bad. However, shortsighted approach and focus on short term benefits leads to introduction to such substances. Once these substances enter the body, it is just a question of time before the individual becomes a victim of addiction.

Once the mind is set on the belief that consumption of a particular substance leads to better concentration, the individual will find it difficult to concentrate without the same. This is the hallmark of addiction. From control and choice, the individual moves on to compulsion.

Soon, the individual starts showing withdrawal symptoms when he or she is weaned away from the substance. This can happen in perfectly happy families and for no negative reason. Hence, constant vigilance and friendly relations with the child will help you intercede at the right moment and prevent the problem from growing beyond control.

To warn your son or daughter that consumption of narcotics and other harmful substances will not be tolerated because it will lower your status and prestige in society is not a smart move. It is only going to send the message across that you value your status more than the health of your child.

Such an approach may even encourage the child to opt for substance abuse as a form of rebellion. Rather, your opposition to addiction and substance abuse should be based on logic and pure fats.

Thankfully, there are numerous resources on and off the internet that have documented the negative impact of substance abuse. Great countries have fallen in the past because bulk of its population became victims of addiction. All great human beings and achievers have advised against such harmful habits.

The physical, mental, social and economic consequences of addiction and substance abuse should be laid out very clearly. There are innumerable instances where individuals with potential to achieve greatness have fallen behind because of substance abuse. Depending on the likes and dislikes of your child, you should take role models who have avoided substance abuse and others who have become victims of the same.

You must be prepared for the possibility of your child indulging in substance abuse despite these precautions and lessons. You must understand that there will be a certain level of curiosity and the child may feel that trying the substance once may not cause any harm.

To be prepared means that you will not commit the blunder of berating your child or scolding it when substance abuse does occur. Rather, you will be in a position to proceed further and point out that the same old arguments still apply notwithstanding the child’s curiosity. Blowing up is only going to push the problem underground. It is best to avoid such a scenario by good communication.

To simply give a lecture once a week on the risks of addiction to your child is not going to suffice. Rather, the message has to be hammered home in such a manner that there is absolutely no scope of any misinformed decision.

You must accept the fact that you cannot decide on the issue of substance abuse and addiction on behalf of your child. You might not have felt the curiosity to try narcotics and drugs. However, that may not be the case with your child. You should provide sufficient grounds for the child to understand how a moment’s weakness can be disastrous for the entire life.

Needless to say, you cannot succeed in this war all alone. You will have to get in touch with parents of all your child’s friends. You should involve the educational institution and social organizations where your child is a member. With more and more children spending more time on internet and social networking websites, you should consider the risk of these forums leading to substance abuse and addiction habits.

Opting for institutionalized measures will sound very good but you never know whether the message has gone across. Arranging a lecturer in school on the risks and hazards of tobacco and alcohol may not yield any real returns.

You will have to maintain constant efforts at home as well to make sure the message gets across. Adolescence or teenage happens to be the most vulnerable age. Once this phase passes, it is just a question of watching out for symptoms and signs that something may be wrong.

What resources should you rely on when explaining the harmful effects of substance abuse and addiction to your children? It is very easy to glibly state that such habits should be avoided. However, it can be difficult to come up with real reasons why one should avoid substance abuse.

Just log on to the internet and check out the websites of organizations like the United Nations, World Health Organization, Federal and state agencies fighting the drug menace. There are numerous books, journals and reports that cover each and every aspect of drug abuse and substance addiction.

You can start with the negative impact of such substances on the health of the individual. Health includes physical as well as mental health. Constant fidgeting, inability to concentrate, loss of temper, sexual impotence – these are symptoms that can help the individual understand how dangerous substance abuse can be.

Secondly, it is important to focus on the economic aspects of drug addiction and substance abuse. An individual who is a victim of this mistake will never be in a position to fulfill his or her potential in life. Finding a job, completing a degree, sticking to a job and settling down in life – all these dreams will be lost forever if one is victim of substance abuse.

Other children should always be presented as a role model for siblings. This will automatically encourage them to be proactive towards this problem. To simply focus on their problems and risks may not generate the necessary concern. However, to point out that the younger sibling of the individual may end up becoming a failure in life can send the message across a lot better.

It is important to give equal emphasis on personal touch and counseling. There is no harm in approaching a counselor for the task of introducing the problem to your child and providing advice and assistance on how to counter the same.

On the other hand, there are others who point out that the risk of trusting oneself and failing in overcoming the problem is too high. One reason in favor of medical treatment is that it helps undo the damage that the substance abuse addiction has done to the body. It is not just a question of mental trauma that the individual faces during withdrawal.

Consumption of narcotics and drugs leads to changes in the brain pattern. The brain is conditioned to rely on the drugs for its stimulation. The mind can react very violently and this can lead to numerous health problems. It is not just a question of excesses sweating and trebling of hands as is often shown in movies and documentaries. Individual can suffer from severe psychological disorders and proper and formal medical intervention may be essential to guide the individual through the process.

Remember, each and every relapse will cause more problems in the future. Each and every time you become a victim to substance abuse all over again, you will find it tougher to overcome the addiction problem at a later date.

There have been instances where persons who skipped the problem on their own and stayed away from drugs for a long time suddenly found themselves becoming an addict all over again. The feeling of helplessness can be solved by utilizing the services of a medical expert who can act as not just a health advisor but also a friend, philosopher and guide in need of mental weakness.

One reason why families often avoid visiting a qualified counselor for an addiction problem is the fear of social disgrace. A person who has become a victim of substance abuse and who has overcome the same may have to bear the stigma forever. The person may be treated as a time bomb just waiting to explode.

Teachers may not be keen on encouraging his or her performance in class. Peers may be advised to stay away from him to avoid the risk of becoming an addict. Society often imposes an irrational and unreasonable burden on the individual to prove that he or she is no longer an addict.

In such a scenario, skipping formal medical assistance often seems to be a small price to pay to avoid such problems. Well, choosing the right professional is going to give you completed discretion and protection. There is going to be absolutely no instance of complications relating to loss of confidentiality.

If you still have worries, you can make use of internet to carryout counseling without even stepping out of the house. Video conferencing facilities can be used to help the individual kick the habit immediately. This also increases the number of options you have as far as the addiction and detoxification experts are concerned.

Of course, medical experts will prefer personal intervention. However, this provides viable alternative where the self esteem of the individual can be boosted and the problem can be solved or its intensity can be reduced before undertaking personal visits.

Rather than simply concluding that medical expertise should be avoided, you should try to find via media to ensure that the substance abuse problem is brought under control and all its associated risks are reduced without loss of privacy. As time passes and as the victim’s confidence increase, traditional remedies can be utilized without any fear of disgrace.

A drug addict doesn’t live in a vacuum. Often, an addict’s friends and family become what has been termed enablers — that is, their behavior enables the drug addict to continue the addictive behavior.

Enablers often do not even know that their behavior is contributing to the addiction. Usually, the enabler is trying to do what he or she believes is the right thing by being understanding. For instance, if your son or husband is drinking and doesn’t get up in the morning for work, a mother or wife may wake him. This behavior allows the addict to escape the consequences of his actions and his addiction.

Other common enabling behaviors include loaning an addict money repeatedly, even though the addict most often uses it to buy the addictive substance.

Often, enablers are said to be in denial because they believe the addict’s lies about their substance abuse.

As enablers continue their behaviors, they usually become very frustrated and angry. Enablers often feel that whatever they do will not help the situation, and they don’t know what to do or where to turn. They fear that refusing to help the addict is mean or unloving.

What they don’t realize is that stopping the enabling behavior is the best thing to do to help an addict. Enabling an addict just perpetuates the cycle of addiction, and no one will ever get off. The addict won’t stop if there are no consequences to actions.

Changing behavior is difficult for enablers, but there is support out there. Check out an organization such as Al-Anon, which will provide you with a sponsor to help you change enabling behavior. Counselors can also help.

Don’t delay any longer. By helping yourself and learning how to change, you are helping the addict in your life change as well.

Okay — you have accepted that you are an enabler, that your behaviors are helping the loved one in your life who is addict continue the addiction. So how do you change? What are some of the things you can do to change your behavior?

First, don’t make excuses for the addict and the situations the addict creates through drinking or drug use. Don’t get the addict up to go to work or school — or call in to work or school. If the addict misses important family functions, like little Susie’s play or grandma’s birthday, don’t cover up for the addict. It’s not your fault, and you shouldn’t act like it is.

This leads into another big no-no. Do not lie for the addict.

Try not to physically clean up after the addict. This can be tough if you live with the person, but at least leave the mess so the addict can see where the addictive behavior leads and what a mess it causes.

Let an addict stay in jail. Don’t pay the addict’s bills.

If you get in an argument with the addict that seems to be going nowhere, just leave the room. Go for a walk, go to a meeting, read, anything that relaxes you and makes you feel grounded.

One caveat is not to threaten consequences that you are not going to carry out. If you know you are not going to leave, then don’t say it because the addict will see that you are making empty threats. Mean what you say and think it through.

Try to talk with the addict when he or she is not using and express your concern.

Get support, whether that is a sponsor, therapy, spiritual or religious advice, friends or groups such as Nar-Anon or Al-Anon.

Your health and well-being are important, and diminishing those will not help the addict.

Traditional group therapy is combined with cutting-edge technology to provide the addict with an effective and pioneering treatment program. The interactive program
occurs in real time on a computer monitor with a counselor and group members able to communicate through headsets and microphones. No matter where the addict, the treatment is accessible.

An experienced drug treatment counselor will guide the group, getting members to work with each other to kick the habit. Based on the traditional 12-step programs, such as Alcoholics Anonymous, online treatment is a great option for the addict cannot get to a more traditional program. Often, the program is also used by addicts who have already completed a treatment program and are in recovery, but feel they need additional support.

Participants laud the convenience and privacy of the program, as well as the affordable cost. Many also like the fact that they can continue to access the program.

During the group sessions, the counselors will discuss recovery and what it is. Participants are able to share their stories and feelings, and the difficulties they had or have in staying sober.

The program offered is 24 sessions in two months. After this program is completes, 52 weeks of followup care is offered, which features a weekly chat supervised by a counselor. The followup care does not cost extra, and discussion centers on how to prevent a relapse and keeping those coping skills sharp!

One hour of one-one-one counseling is also included. Issues discussed include motivation for using drugs, feelings, families, consequences of substance abuse, and, of course, how to stop. The atmosphere is supportive and non-threatening so that the addict can feel safe and able to talk without judgement being passed.

If the addict is a teen, perhaps you have tried simple things like making sure she gets exercise outside every day, or even redoing his room. You thought finally getting rid of that twin bed and switching it out for the double bed with that comforter she has been nagging you for forever might do the trick.

But you can tell she is still doing drugs, and it is breaking your heart. Don’t panic or give up yet. Try planning what is called an intervention. This is a technique that gets your daughter or son — the addict — to admit that they need help. It takes some planning and thought, but the results can be well worth it.

First, educate yourself about the substance abuse and the methods that work to stop addictive behavior, and then carefully make a plan. Is counseling the best way? Will your budget allow a rehab center? What about a group like Alcoholics Anonymous?

Gather together a group of family and friends to help you conduct a practice intervention session with your teen. Participants will want to carefully think about their feelings toward the addict and what addiction is doing to the family before expressing them to the addict. You need to determine what the consequences will be if the addict does not get help — and be ready to follow through on those consequences.

If this sounds intimidating, don’t worry. There are plenty of resources to help you through the process. Do some research online. Talk with counselors. Attend a meeting. In no time, you will have the information and support you need to help your teenager beat addiction.

Congratulations! You have been clean and sober for some time now. To stay that way and avoid a relapse, it is imperative that you stay away from all addictive drugs, not just the substance you kicked. If you are an alcoholic, the chances are high that you could also become addicted to a drug of abuse, such as heroin, or to prescription drugs. It’s no accident that drinkers are usually also smokers — nicotine is highly addictive.

The same caveat should be applied to those addicted to drugs of abuse, such as cocaine. Just because drinking wasn’t your thing when you were snorting cocaine doesn’t meant you can trust that your system can take having a glass of wine or a beer. You have to be on the lookout for that mindset, because it can block you on your road to recovery.

Okay — so what should you stay clear of to stay safe and sober? Well, it is a long list, but some of the substances are alcohol and drugs derived from opiates, such as your medicines prescribed to relieve pain. These include morphine, Percocet and Vicodin.

Depressants or benzodiazepines should also be avoided. These are often prescribed for those suffering from anxiety, insomnia or restlessness, and include Valium and Xanax.

Stay away from stimulants, even the prescription stimulants, such as Ritalin, but also from drugs of abuse, such as cocaine.

Even stay away from marijuana, although the jury is still out on how addictive the substance is. Forget about hallucinogenics, no matter how spiritually enlightening you think they might be.

By all means, dance the night away, but don’t take any ecstasy at the club. And leave the inhalants where they belong. Don’t inhale paint or any other household substance. They can be deadly.

While some of the substances on this list may same benign, they may trigger or lead to a deeper addiction to a more serious drug. It is better to avoid the risk.

And this must stop.

The effects of prescription drug abuse are well charted; and yet they are too often ignored, with an estimated 20 percent of the American population indulging in recreational usage. From this there has spawned dependency, addiction and even fatality. Too many fail to understand the risks involved with these medications and don’t consider the possible reactions. Most instead confuse them as simple treats. They believe a doctor’s sanction allows them the power to do as they wish. It doesn’t.

It must be understood that prescription drugs are vital. Their purpose can’t be denied nor should any ever try to. They must be kept available to those who need them.

The concern, however, rests with those who would instead abuse them. Medication is meant to heal, not damage. When used improperly, these chemicals can offer a dizzying array of side-effects and complications; with many leading to brain damage, heart attack or even death. They must not be misused. The results can be tragic.

If you suspect a loved one of suffering from an addiction, seek help immediately. Do not hesitate. This is an all too common worry that must be defended against. Don’t wait.

Prescription drugs, when used properly, can be a salvation. If they are offered as casual tastes, however, they will become dangerous. This is a truth that cannot be challenged. Understand their necessity, their concerns and their effects.

To what can you become addicted? Many substances are addictive, although they do may not affect you in the same way. In fact, various categories will react with the brain in diverse ways.

For instance, stimulants will make an individual more energized, while depressants will have the opposite effect. Depressants will help a person relax, rather then want to run a million errands. Hallucinogens, the drugs of choice in the 1960s, will actually make reality appear different to a user. Drugs can belong to more than one category and not all drugs are illegal. Even if they are illegal, the drugs may be easy to find and purchase. Other drugs are legal, such as alcohol, or are available only with a prescription.

Some common stimulants, or amphetamines, include crystal meth and speed, which are taken by individuals to increase their concentration levels and ability to stay alert. College students and teens are often attracted to stimulants because they want to pull an all-nighter to study.

Some stimulants, such as Adderall and dexedrene, are prescription drugs. Usually, individuals diagnosed with attention deficit disorder take these stimulants, which are effective in treating the condition. The drugs can be abused if taken by someone else or if the directions for proper usage are not followed by the patient.

As their name suggests, depressants depress the activity occurring in the brain. Often, barbiturates, such as Valium or Xanax, are prescribed as antidotes to anxiety, sleeplessness and even for patients diagnosed as bipolar. Using too much of these drugs can cause a person to go into a coma, or even death.

Drugs derived from opiates, such as codeine and morphine, relieve pain and are very effective in helping patients recover from surgery, for instance, by changing the way the brain receives messages of pain. Heroin, one of the most highly addictive drugs, belongs to this category.

Are there differences between women and men smokers?

Studies indicate that there are some differences, with the men coming out ahead. Studies of people trying to quit smoking indicate that it is the fairer sex who has a harder time quitting.

Fewer women attempt to quit, and those that do tend to relapse more than the men.On the plus side for women, they do not smoke as many cigarettes daily as the men and enjoy cigarettes that have less nicotine. And, like President Clinton, they don’t inhale at least not as deeply as the men.

The whys of these differences are not known. Scientists postulate that there nicotine affects women in a different manner then it affects men. Women could be more sensitive to the addictive substance, or their choices could be made because of myriad reasons. Perhaps, there are social nuances that lead women to smoke less, but not quit entirely.

Smoking has declined in the United States since the 1970s, as people became more educated about the consequences of the substance. This decline occurred primarily in men, and, today, there are almost an equal number of women smokers as men smokers.

Some treatments do not work as well for women trying to quit, such as the nicotine patch. Even when using the patch, women still crave nicotine. Psychologists also theorize that the possibility of gaining weight when they quit smoking is a big deterrent for women. Women are more fearful of being overweight than they are of diseases caused by smoking. The withdrawal for women may also be worse than it is for men.

Usually, an individual who quits smoking gains five to 10 pounds — a not insignificant amount of weight for women watching their pounds. If concerns about weight gain are taken into consideration before and during a program, women are more likely to succeed in quitting and in not experiencing a relapse.

It is no secret that it is hard to quit tobacco — whether it is smoked or chewed.
Even though kids and teens are educated today about the dangers of smoking and the horrible diseases caused by nicotine, teens continue to become addicted.

And of those who try to quit, about 35 million individuals annually, according to research, most give up the fight in seven days. The nicotine that a smoker inhales from a cigarette — maybe one to two milligrams — is enough to hook someone for life.

In addition to nicotine, cigarettes and other nicotine products contain many other chemicals — up to 4,000 — many of which are considered toxins. Substances like tar and nitrosamines. It is actually the tar in cigarettes that leads to many of the debilitating conditions associated with smoking, such as emphysema and lung cancer. Heart problems can occur from carbon monoxide.

People get their tobacco fix in myriad forms — smoking a pipe, a cigar or the ubiquitous cigarettes. Many athletes, particularly baseball players, chew tobacco, spitting it out after the flavor is gone in a long stream of brown juice. This form of tobacco use is more prevalent in the Southern part of the United States, where spittoons can be found for users to deposit their spit.

A popular form of tobacco use with teens is the Indian bidi, which are rolled by hand and come in many flavors. The bidis have even more nicotine than regular cigarettes. Teens are also experimenting with the hookah — think about the caterpillar from Alice in Wonderland. The hookah is usually passed around in a group and again, teens like it because it has many flavors and is a social activity. Don’t be fooled though, this water pipe smoking is just as addictive as smoking cigarettes.

Fortunately, education is doing its work. Smoking had continued to decline and is currently at an all-time low for middle and high schoolers.

You can quit smoking, although it won’t be easy. The first word of advice is to get help because those who try on their own usually relapse within a week.

Many forms of treatment are available, including behavioral and medical. The first form of treatment, behavioral, teaches smokers coping mechanisms other than tobacco use. These programs advice smokers on their behavior patterns and show them how to change their behaviors, how to substitute healthier behaviors for smoking.

Counselors are usually available, either over the phone or in person, to help. Some programs suggest using simple medications that can be purchased over-the-counter. These include the much-touted nicotine patch, as well as gum and even lozenges. Research maintains that these substances minimize the withdrawal symptoms of quitting nicotine by replacing the toxic ingredient.

These medicines are safe to use because they have low nicotine levels that are not addictive because they do not induce the pleasure of the drug. They also do not have the other toxins present in cigarettes and the like, such as tar, which can cause lung cancer and other fatal diseases.

You can also ask for a prescription, including varenicline tartrate (Chantix). Research shows that the most effective way to quit smoking is to use both medications and behavioral treatment programs. Using both behavioral treatment and prescription medications is the most effective way to quit.

An individual’s health improves immediately, even as soon as 24 hours without a cigarette or pipe, when smoking is stopped. Health benefits include decreased blood pressure, as well as increased lung capacity.

In the long term, quitting reduces the chance a person will contract various cancers, heart disease, stroke and lung conditions, such as emphysema. So what are you waiting for — set an example and get started today to see immediate health improvements. You’ll live longer!

One term being increasingly used is science=validated. If a recovery or prevention program is labeled as scientifically valid then it means it is a cutting-edge program based on the science of addiction.

Using the latest research into addiction, these types of programs have been tested as any scientific hypothesis or new drug would be tested and have proven results. Researchers have designed programs that help prevent drug abuse by reducing the number of young people who try smoking cigarettes, drinking alcohol or taking an illegal drug.

Usually, these programs, designed by the federal government, deliver a two-pronged approach by decreasing the factors that put youth at risk of using drugs and amping up those that protect teens from trying drugs. Different programs address different age groups. Some address groups, while others are designed to work for individuals, either at home or at school.

Programs such as Red Ribbon Week in California teach elementary school kids about the consequences of using drugs, such as getting sick, damaging the lungs, and isolation from friends and families. Local high schools get in on the act by performing skits illustrating how alcohol and drugs can make you act. The cheerleaders who pretend to have drunk alcohol are unable to perform their cheers and can’t even dress themselves right. Kids are also given red plastic bracelets to wear.

Other programs are geared toward kids and teens who are at risk of using drugs, and still others are for those young people who are unfortunately on their way to addiction.

Studies have shown that if kids understand that drugs are dangerous, the use of drugs goes down.

The withdrawal phase can start in as little as thirty minutes after the last drink of alcohol or last episode of drug use. As soon as the levels of the alcohol or drug in the blood and other body fluids, such as urine, start to drop, the brain receptors that have been affected by the addiction will start sending signals that another drink or another “fix” is needed.

As time progresses without a drug or alcohol being taken, the signals become stronger.  These cause the urges or cravings to increase. In addition, physical changes start occurring. The first physical signs of withdrawal can be extreme nervousness/anxiety and excessive sweating. As the withdrawal phase continues, muscle cramps can occur, especially in the abdominal muscles. This can cause vomiting and loss of bladder and bowel control.

As more and more time passes, and the person continues to abstain from drinking or drug use, muscle tremors in the form of uncontrollable shaking or twitching start. Further, as the brain receptors continue to repeatedly send signals, as well as start their own reaction to the withdrawal, hallucinations can occur and extreme paranoia can set in.

Withdrawal can be physically dangerous; therefore, it is often best if a person is in a medical facility or at least in a position where medical help can be quickly obtained if necessary. If breathing difficulties, uncontrollable vomiting or other loss of body fluids, or other physical symptoms worsen, time is of the essence to avoid possible irreversible damage or even loss of life.

While the good news is that smoking continues to decline in America, there are still upwards of 3 million teens from 12 to 17 who are trying tobacco. Statistics report that approximately 60 percent of new tobacco users were teens when they first lit up — they tried their first tobacco when they were younger than 18 years of age.

In a sobering statistic, research indicates that approximately 6 million smokers who are under the age of 18 will die early from smoking. And diseases caused by smoking are particularly horrible, as those ads to prevent smoking testify.

Teens start to smoke for a variety of reasons. Most parents are award that there may be peer pressure to smoke, but may not be aware that scientists have discovered that biological sources are also at play. Research on animals indicated that teens are more vulnerable than adults to the nicotine in cigarettes and other tobacco products, increasing their likelihood of becoming addicted even if the teen smokes only occasionally. Young rats proved to ingest more nicotine than adult rats, and were more vulnerable to nicotine’s pleasurable effects on the brain.

In addition, researchers found that the acetaldehyde in cigarettes increased the addictive power of nicotine when smoked by teens. This chemical does not act the same way in adults, probably because the teen brain is still developing.

Studies are under way that propose a genetic component to teen addiction to smoking. The studies report that individuals with certain genes may be at a higher risk of becoming addicted if they start smoking as teens.

Specific prevention and treatment programs are being studies that are specifically geared to teens. The best treatment, of course, is prevention. One of the best ways to prevent smoking by teens is by hammering home the danger of the substance.

You may know by now that drugs release a copious amount of dopamine to the brain, a chemical that makes the brain transmit a feeling of pleasure. But what you may not understand is that the brain will start to make less dopamine or will reduce the amount of receptors that can get signals, because of the increased levels of dopamine introduced by the drug.

Because of this, when the user stops taking the drug, dopamine can become unusually low, and the brain’s ability to record pleasure is stunted. Then the user will often become depressed and will not get pleasure from those things that used to be enjoyable.

Then the user needs to take the drug so that the dopamine in the brain will be at a normal level. Then tolerance develops, as the user needs to have increasingly larger doses of the drug to get that rush — or the high they experienced when first taking the drug.

Scientific studies reveal that continued drug use makes significant changes in the neurons of the brain and can cause permanent damage. For instance, when the level of a neurotransmitter called glutamate is changed because of a drug, users do not learn as well. Glutamate is involved in the brain’s ability to learn.

Drug abuse can also cause long-term damage to memory as well. In addition, as many may know, drug abuse loosens inhibitions. An addict often will engage in very risky behaviors because drugs affect self-control and impair the user’s ability to make safe decisions.

Who hasn’t seen colleagues who have had a few too many drinks at the office party embarrass themselves and others with behavior they regret later? For an addict, this loss of control becomes a way of life — and when in the throes of physical addiction, the need for the drug takes over, and even regret flies out the window.

The qualities that make a good leader are debated by many. Some are listed below, so take a look to see if you or a family member might qualify to be the next president of the United States.

Most leaders need to have a vision of where they want to go — the future they want to create for their organization or country, if we are sticking to the president analogy. A good leader will know that crafting and communicating a vision is key to getting buy in from clients, partners and employees.

A good leader should be able to inspire people to carry out the vision. You need to be passionate about what you do and what you want others to do. Otherwise, everything will fall flat. There are many ways to inspire others, including public speaking and leading by example. Ronald Reagan was a great example of an inspirational leader.

Good leaders are generally very focused on achieving their goals. They often think in a linear fashion and set out to finish one task before starting on another. Good leaders know what their priorities are and don’t lose focus.

In addition, leaders are often results oriented. In their minds, it is not the process that counts, but the results. Just get it done is their motto!

Good leaders know how to persuade people and how to encourage people to see things their way. One thing that often trips up individuals hoping to be leaders is that they don’t realize that it is more effective to lead by persuading than to force people through intimidation. That is a strategy that often backfires when people eventually rebel.

Other qualities in a good leader include charm — an ability to appeal to all types of people and be liked. Think of a Bill Clinton — his affability made him likable.

Reatment for addiction can be complicated when a person who is seeking treatment for drug abuse also suffers from a mental illness.  Unfortunately, individuals who have a drug or alcohol addiction are twice as likely to have some form of mental illness.  According to the National Institute of Mental Health, individuals with addictions often have a mood disorder, anxiety disorder or some type of personality disorder.

Research through the National Institute on Drug Abuse indicates that there are several factors contributing to the link between addiction and mental illness.  It may be a form of self-medication; many people who are depressed or anxious will try to alleviate their discomfort by using alcohol or drugs.

There are some indications that drug abuse can trigger mental illness, perhaps because the same area of the brain that causes mental illness is adversely affected by frequent drug use. Dr. Nora Volkow of NIDA has said that early drug use can damage development of areas of the brain linked to depression.

There are others ways that substance abuse and mental illness overlap.  The triggers for substance abuse and mental illness are often the same.  These include trauma such as a death in the family, a job loss, or divorce as well as any increased stress.  Abuse, whether sexual, physical, or verbal, is a trigger that often results in both mental illness and some form of addiction.

The clear link between addiction and mental illness makes it difficult to treat either illness when both are present.  If a person is seeking treatment for substance abuse but is not properly diagnosed and treated for an accompanying mental illness, the chance of successful treatment plummets.

To improve success rates, everyone being treated for addiction should be screened for mental disorders as well.  An integrated approach for both abuse and mental illness needs to be used, and patients and families need to be educated about the importance of treating both problems.

Reatment for addiction can be complicated when a person who is seeking treatment for drug abuse also suffers from a mental illness.  Unfortunately, individuals who have a drug or alcohol addiction are twice as likely to have some form of mental illness.  According to the National Institute of Mental Health, individuals with addictions often have a mood disorder, anxiety disorder or some type of personality disorder.

Research through the National Institute on Drug Abuse indicates that there are several factors contributing to the link between addiction and mental illness.  It may be a form of self-medication; many people who are depressed or anxious will try to alleviate their discomfort by using alcohol or drugs.

There are some indications that drug abuse can trigger mental illness, perhaps because the same area of the brain that causes mental illness is adversely affected by frequent drug use. Dr. Nora Volkow of NIDA has said that early drug use can damage development of areas of the brain linked to depression.

There are others ways that substance abuse and mental illness overlap.  The triggers for substance abuse and mental illness are often the same.  These include trauma such as a death in the family, a job loss, or divorce as well as any increased stress.  Abuse, whether sexual, physical, or verbal, is a trigger that often results in both mental illness and some form of addiction.

The clear link between addiction and mental illness makes it difficult to treat either illness when both are present.  If a person is seeking treatment for substance abuse but is not properly diagnosed and treated for an accompanying mental illness, the chance of successful treatment plummets.

To improve success rates, everyone being treated for addiction should be screened for mental disorders as well.  An integrated approach for both abuse and mental illness needs to be used, and patients and families need to be educated about the importance of treating both problems.

Addiction is rarely the result of the proper use of prescription pain or anxiety medicine. Doctors are increasingly aware of the need to strictly control how much medicine patients take for everything from anxiety to acute pain. Most physicians prescribe only as much medicine as they feel is necessary to help patients cope with pain, insomnia or anxiety and are usually hesitant to refill prescriptions for potentially addictive medications.

Prescription medications that can lead to substance abuse and addiction include benzodiazepines such as Xanax and Valium and opiates such as Percodan, Tylox, Darvocet and Darvan. Using these for longer than prescribed or taking more than is necessary can lead to addiction.

There are steps that can be taken to minimize the chance of addiction to prescription medicine:

• Take any prescriptions only as directed.
• Use the medication only when needed, using the smallest suggested dose for relief.
• Be careful not to combine prescription medications with other drugs, including over the counter pain relievers or alcohol.
• Don’t increase or decrease the amount of medication you are taken quickly. Slowly tapering off pain relievers is best.
• Never take someone else’s prescription medicine. The prescription is written for a specific person and takes into account their size, weight and medical history.
Despite careful regulation by doctors and pharmacists, some patients will still develop an addiction to prescription drugs. This is more likely to happen if the patient has psychological problems or a past history of drug abuse. For this reason, full disclosure of medical history is always important.

In a recent National Survey on Drug Use and Health, over 2 million Americans admitted to substance abuse related to prescription medicine. While this is an alarming statistic, most of those people admitted they were not getting their medication from their original doctor. According to the Department of Health and Human Services, over half of all prescription drug abuse is the result of individuals obtaining the medicine from friends or family members, not their doctor. One in five bought prescription medications from a stranger.

Addiction is rarely the result of the proper use of prescription pain or anxiety medicine. Doctors are increasingly aware of the need to strictly control how much medicine patients take for everything from anxiety to acute pain. Most physicians prescribe only as much medicine as they feel is necessary to help patients cope with pain, insomnia or anxiety and are usually hesitant to refill prescriptions for potentially addictive medications.

Prescription medications that can lead to substance abuse and addiction include benzodiazepines such as Xanax and Valium and opiates such as Percodan, Tylox, Darvocet and Darvan. Using these for longer than prescribed or taking more than is necessary can lead to addiction.

There are steps that can be taken to minimize the chance of addiction to prescription medicine:

• Take any prescriptions only as directed. • Use the medication only when needed, using the smallest suggested dose for relief.• Be careful not to combine prescription medications with other drugs, including over the counter pain relievers or alcohol.• Don’t increase or decrease the amount of medication you are taken quickly. Slowly tapering off pain relievers is best.• Never take someone else’s prescription medicine. The prescription is written for a specific person and takes into account their size, weight and medical history.

Despite careful regulation by doctors and pharmacists, some patients will still develop an addiction to prescription drugs. This is more likely to happen if the patient has psychological problems or a past history of drug abuse. For this reason, full disclosure of medical history is always important.

Prescription Drugs and Teen Addiction

Unfortunately, many teens are turning to prescription drugs as an alternative to illegal drugs. They perceive prescription medications as safer because they are prescribed by a doctor.  Teens can also easily get these drugs by raiding their parents’ medicine cabinet or getting them from friends.  Most teens don’t realize that prescription pain killers and other prescribed drugs are just as addictive as street drugs.  By the time they realize this, many teens are caught in a cycle of addiction that is difficult to break.

Alcohol Addiction Hits Younger Teens

Alcohol abuse continues to be a major problem with teens because liquor is easy to get.  Many teens use fake identification to buy their own alcohol while others get it from their friends and families.  According to the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, many teens have begun drinking alcohol on a regular basis by the age of twelve.

The statistics on alcohol and drug use are alarming. Amphetamines have been used more than once by 15% of high school students. Over half of high school students drink alcohol regularly, with 40% having their first drink by the eighth grade.  Students who use drugs or drink alcohol before graduating high school are more than twice as likely to develop a substance abuse problem later in life.

Talking to teens regularly about the dangers of substance abuse greatly reduces the likelihood that they will develop a dependency.

Substance abuse in teenagers has been a significant health care problem for decades, but in recent years there has been a shift in what types of drugs teens are using.  Since 2000, teen use of illicit drugs such as cocaine and heroin has declined as young people have become aware of the dangers of using illegal street drugs.  Fewer teens are willing to purchase street drugs from strangers and they are aware of the dangers of getting poorly processed or contaminated drugs.  The one exception is marijuana, which teens continue to use at younger ages.

Prescription Drugs and Teen Addiction

Unfortunately, many teens are turning to prescription drugs as an alternative to illegal drugs. They perceive prescription medications as safer because they are prescribed by a doctor.  Teens can also easily get these drugs by raiding their parents’ medicine cabinet or getting them from friends.  Most teens don’t realize that prescription pain killers and other prescribed drugs are just as addictive as street drugs.  By the time they realize this, many teens are caught in a cycle of addiction that is difficult to break.

Alcohol Addiction Hits Younger Teens

Alcohol abuse continues to be a major problem with teens because liquor is easy to get.  Many teens use fake identification to buy their own alcohol while others get it from their friends and families.  According to the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, many teens have begun drinking alcohol on a regular basis by the age of twelve.

The statistics on alcohol and drug use are alarming. Amphetamines have been used more than once by 15% of high school students. Over half of high school students drink alcohol regularly, with 40% having their first drink by the eighth grade.  Students who use drugs or drink alcohol before graduating high school are more than twice as likely to develop a substance abuse problem later in life.

Talking to teens regularly about the dangers of substance abuse greatly reduces the likelihood that they will develop a dependency.

As opposed to the traditional way of making meth, in a quasi-lab, this method only involves a container as small as a soda bottle that can be carried around in a backpack. In this method, the container is filled with the ingredients then turned upside down or shaken to create the chemical reaction that forms methamphetamine.

The result is a large build up of toxic gasses in the container that needs to be released from time to time in order to prevent the container from exploding. The explosion can spray toxic chemicals everywhere, causing serious chemical burns on any one close by. And since the mixture is also highly flammable, it can ignite easily, burning anything it touches.

The increased mobility of manufacturing this drug also makes it more dangerous. Meth can be brewed not just in a drug house far removed from your safe neighborhood, but in the backpack of the guy sitting next to you on the bus, or the car rolling down your street.

Although this method results in only a small amount of the drug, it is appealing to some drug users because they can make it themselves and not have to go to a dealer, and is, thus, growing in popularity. It can be identified by its muddy, brown appearance and is usually found in a used soda bottle or sealable glass container. If you suspect you’ve seen a bottle of it, don’t touch it. Contact your local law enforcement immediately.

The use of methamphetamine is one of the fastest-growing and most dangerous trends in American drug use. Not only is the drug itself addictive and dangerous, but creating the drug involves a number of highly-toxic, flammable chemicals mixed in a controlled environment. However, some users and meth manufacturers are turning to an easier way to make the drug called “shake and bake” meth or “one-pot” meth. But these new ways of manufacturing the drug are not any safer. In fact they may even be more dangerous, due to the increased mobility that meth manufacturers have with this method.  As opposed to the traditional way of making meth, in a quasi-lab, this method only involves a container as small as a soda bottle that can be carried around in a backpack. In this method, the container is filled with the ingredients then turned upside down or shaken to create the chemical reaction that forms methamphetamine.   The result is a large build up of toxic gasses in the container that needs to be released from time to time in order to prevent the container from exploding. The explosion can spray toxic chemicals everywhere, causing serious chemical burns on any one close by. And since the mixture is also highly flammable, it can ignite easily, burning anything it touches.   The increased mobility of manufacturing this drug also makes it more dangerous. Meth can be brewed not just in a drug house far removed from your safe neighborhood, but in the backpack of the guy sitting next to you on the bus, or the car rolling down your street.  Although this method results in only a small amount of the drug, it is appealing to some drug users because they can make it themselves and not have to go to a dealer, and is, thus, growing in popularity. It can be identified by its muddy, brown appearance and is usually found in a used soda bottle or sealable glass container. If you suspect you’ve seen a bottle of it, don’t touch it. Contact your local law enforcement immediately.

According to the latest data tracked by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, alcohol and drug counseling is available to over 40% of inmates in the US, in federal, state, and local incarceration facilities. And that number is a result of the estimated 70-85% of inmates with current and former drug and alcohol abuse problems. However, only about 11% of inmates receive any type of help or have access to these programs.

The problem of inmate drug treatment is, then, not an issue that is removed from our cities and neighborhoods. It is a societal problem and we fund it every day through our tax dollars. Recent figures indicate that the US spends about $3,000 on every inmate in a drug treatment program. That number is on top of the already $20,000-24,000 it takes to house an individual inmate each year.

There is no doubt that inmate treatment programs help some inmates to get off addictive substances and rehabilitate back into society. For example, estimates say that of the approximately $3,000 spent to rehabilitate an inmate, more than $9,000 are saved in society from drug crimes. That is an almost three-fold investment by the state. In addition, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration found that of those who received substance abuse treatment in prison, only a little over 3% were arrested again within 6 months, compared to approximately 12% of those inmates who did not receive treatment. Further, only 20.5% of those who received treatment were likely to use drugs again in the first 6 months after being released, but almost 38% of those who did not receive treatment were likely to reuse in the same period.

Despite these successes, tax dollars can only go so far, and 60-75% of inmates who need substance abuse counseling are still not receiving it. But instead of finding new ways to fund recovery, perhaps there are better ways the money can be spent on prevention programs. If many of these inmates were not introduced to drugs in the first place, they may never have been inmates at all.

According to the latest data tracked by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, alcohol and drug counseling is available to over 40% of inmates in the US, in federal, state, and local incarceration facilities. And that number is a result of the estimated 70-85% of inmates with current and former drug and alcohol abuse problems. However, only about 11% of inmates receive any type of help or have access to these programs.  The problem of inmate drug treatment is, then, not an issue that is removed from our cities and neighborhoods. It is a societal problem and we fund it every day through our tax dollars. Recent figures indicate that the US spends about $3,000 on every inmate in a drug treatment program. That number is on top of the already $20,000-24,000 it takes to house an individual inmate each year.  There is no doubt that inmate treatment programs help some inmates to get off addictive substances and rehabilitate back into society. For example, estimates say that of the approximately $3,000 spent to rehabilitate an inmate, more than $9,000 are saved in society from drug crimes. That is an almost three-fold investment by the state. In addition, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration found that of those who received substance abuse treatment in prison, only a little over 3% were arrested again within 6 months, compared to approximately 12% of those inmates who did not receive treatment. Further, only 20.5% of those who received treatment were likely to use drugs again in the first 6 months after being released, but almost 38% of those who did not receive treatment were likely to reuse in the same period.  Despite these successes, tax dollars can only go so far, and 60-75% of inmates who need substance abuse counseling are still not receiving it. But instead of finding new ways to fund recovery, perhaps there are better ways the money can be spent on prevention programs. If many of these inmates were not introduced to drugs in the first place, they may never have been inmates at all.

One of the first things you will notice about a person with a heroin addiction is their mental or emotional state. Teen heroin users will often experience a drop in grades or performance in school, just as adults will experience a loss of performance or interest in work. Many times a person addicted to heroin will vacillate between a sleepy and a wakeful state, coming in and out of consciousness.  More than just being tired, this will appear as if the user has no control over these functions, not being able to pay attention to conversations or things going on around them.

As well, heroin addicts will appear to be physically “heavy.” Their shoulders may always look droopy and heavy and they may walk slowly and have slurred speech. In addition to a general lack of interest or apathy toward activities they used to find interesting, often times users will have a sloppy appearance with a complete lack of personal hygiene and unkempt clothing and hair.

In addition, one of the greatest signs on heroin addiction is needle marks. Marks are often found on the inner arm, but can be located on any part of the body. Because of their lack of hygiene, heroin users will often let these needle marks get swollen and infected.

If you know someone who may have these symptoms, seek help online or through a local substance abuse clinic.

Heroin is an especially dangerous drug, not only because it is extremely addictive but because it can put users at risk for other diseases, like HIV, when injected through shared needles. Although heroin is a drug associated with many rock stars and artists, the real effects of the drug are not sexy at all and users can experience extreme addiction, depression associated with the effects of the drug, sores on the body, malnutrition and more. If you are worried that a friend or family member—maybe even your son or daughter—is using heroin, there are some signs that accompany its abuse, that you can look out for.  One of the first things you will notice about a person with a heroin addiction is their mental or emotional state. Teen heroin users will often experience a drop in grades or performance in school, just as adults will experience a loss of performance or interest in work. Many times a person addicted to heroin will vacillate between a sleepy and a wakeful state, coming in and out of consciousness.  More than just being tired, this will appear as if the user has no control over these functions, not being able to pay attention to conversations or things going on around them.  As well, heroin addicts will appear to be physically “heavy.” Their shoulders may always look droopy and heavy and they may walk slowly and have slurred speech. In addition to a general lack of interest or apathy toward activities they used to find interesting, often times users will have a sloppy appearance with a complete lack of personal hygiene and unkempt clothing and hair.   In addition, one of the greatest signs on heroin addiction is needle marks. Marks are often found on the inner arm, but can be located on any part of the body. Because of their lack of hygiene, heroin users will often let these needle marks get swollen and infected.  If you know someone who may have these symptoms, seek help online or through a local substance abuse clinic.

Another choice is to get a payday loan. These are small loans, and you don’t need a credit check for them. You can use it to pay your bill and pay the loan back later. Then, you can stop worrying about that bill and concentrate on getting better, so you can get back into work and the rest of your life. Before you pay that medical bill, however you decide to do that, make sure that you look at it carefully. If the charges aren’t accurate or they don’t look like items you actually understand, ask about them.

Your doctor or hospital should be willing to tell you what the charges were for. If they can’t explain them or they’re for things you don’t remember having done, you should definitely challenge them. Billing departments can and do make mistakes, so don’t automatically assume that everything is correct just because the bill was sent to you. If you don’t act as your own health care advocate, who will? Even if the charges are correct, it’s always better to question them if you’re unsure. That way you’ll know what you’re paying for – and you might be able to work out a payment plan while you’re there.

The use of illicit, harmful, and addictive drugs has been a major concern for citizens and politicians over the last 40 years. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration estimates that over 23 million Americans need drug treatment services each year, but only about 2.5 million citizens seek it out or have access to it. That’s a huge gap, but those who receive treatment are in good hands. According to a large amount of research done on drug addition and substance recovery, scientists have found that there is a way out of addiction, and that addicts can reform their lives and live drug free. But that success depends on getting the right treatment for the right addiction and following through with prescribed programs.

The objective of drug treatment is not only to detoxify the individual from the harmful drugs they have been using, but also to help the individual live drug-free in the future, returning to family life or job and building positive relationships with those around them. Principally, drug treatment focuses on two areas of therapy: medication and behavioral treatment.

Since the first objective of substance abuse it to detoxify the body, doctors and substance abuse councilors use medications for a number of different purposes. First, medications are used to lessen the effects of withdrawal and return the body to normal functioning. These drugs not only help patients deal with symptoms of withdrawal but can help them reduce their cravings. In some instances, these drugs can help patients feel disgusted or sick to their stomach when they think about or try and use drugs again.

After helping patents to detoxify their bodies from the drugs, individual and group counseling sessions are designed to help patients correct (or re-learn) behaviors that help them build positive relationships and steer them away from future drug use. These therapies can include both inpatient and outpatient therapy.

Overall, drug treatment is most successful when patients have positive support groups around them to help them stay on the right track and avoid behaviors that led to their drug use in the first place.

The use of illicit, harmful, and addictive drugs has been a major concern for citizens and politicians over the last 40 years. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration estimates that over 23 million Americans need drug treatment services each year, but only about 2.5 million citizens seek it out or have access to it. That’s a huge gap, but those who receive treatment are in good hands. According to a large amount of research done on drug addition and substance recovery, scientists have found that there is a way out of addiction, and that addicts can reform their lives and live drug free. But that success depends on getting the right treatment for the right addiction and following through with prescribed programs.  The objective of drug treatment is not only to detoxify the individual from the harmful drugs they have been using, but also to help the individual live drug-free in the future, returning to family life or job and building positive relationships with those around them. Principally, drug treatment focuses on two areas of therapy: medication and behavioral treatment.  Since the first objective of substance abuse it to detoxify the body, doctors and substance abuse councilors use medications for a number of different purposes. First, medications are used to lessen the effects of withdrawal and return the body to normal functioning. These drugs not only help patients deal with symptoms of withdrawal but can help them reduce their cravings. In some instances, these drugs can help patients feel disgusted or sick to their stomach when they think about or try and use drugs again.  After helping patents to detoxify their bodies from the drugs, individual and group counseling sessions are designed to help patients correct (or re-learn) behaviors that help them build positive relationships and steer them away from future drug use. These therapies can include both inpatient and outpatient therapy.  Overall, drug treatment is most successful when patients have positive support groups around them to help them stay on the right track and avoid behaviors that led to their drug use in the first place.

There is a famous quote that goes along the lines of you have never truly failed until you stop trying. That is the same with attempting to overcome your addiction and not let it control you any longer. As long as you continue to try and quit, you haven’t failed, even if you have a relapse.

Think about this: How many times in your lifetime have you tripped and fallen down. As you learned to walk, you likely fell down hundreds of times. Since then, your average per day has likely decreased, but I’m sure you have fallen down hundreds of times more. And how many times have you gotten back up? One more time than you’ve fallen, and that’s all it takes to be successful — to just get up one more time than you’ve fallen.

When it comes to quitting your addiction, never give up. Every time you fall down and have a relapse, write down your list of reasons for quitting. Look hard at that list and ask yourself, “Are these reasons worth quitting?” Once you’ve resolved that they are, then make a decision to try again and to never give up. Those in your life who love you and support you will be there to help you along the road to recovery. All that will matter is that you are trying your best — and they’ll keep helping you till you’ve made it.

It will be worth it in the end when you have finally succeeded and you’re able to say that you’ve been sober one month, two months, six months, 1 year, 2 years, 5 years, and so on.

First of all offer your support and sympathy for your loved one. Although you may feel hurt by them, if you let them know that you are there to help them, they will be better able to complete recovery successfully. One of the things you don’t want to do is freak out, yell at, or degrade the person in recovery. There are more productive ways to deal with your emotions than taking them out on someone who is already in a fragile state.

With that in mind, one of the best things to do for yourself is to seek out counseling or support groups. These organizations can help you work through feelings of anger, abandonment, guilt, and other harmful emotions so you can heal from the wound that has been dealt you through your loved one’s substance abuse.

Although you don’t want to take out your anger out on the person in recovery, it is healthy to acknowledge your concerns and emotions in a productive way. Many times, family therapy sessions are a good setting to express these emotions. In these settings you can express your feelings, and they can express theirs under the direction of a physician or councilor, so you can begin the healing process correctly.

Some of the things you don’t want to do are set unrealistic goals for your loved one or pressure them to move faster than they are comfortable. As well, help in their therapy and recovery by listening to your loved one and to the advice of the treating councilor or physician.

If you’re considering quitting smoking marijuana, here is some information about the effects of marijuana on your body that may help give you motivation to quit.

Effects of Marijuana on the Brain

When you smoke marijuana, the effects cause you to feel relaxed and mellow. Colors and other senses may be more enhanced, but it’s possible for those effects to leave and for feelings of paranoia and panic to replace them.

You’ll also find that chemicals in marijuana interfere with cannaboid receptors in the hippocampus that cause problems with short-term memory. Other effects include slowed reflexes, having a hard time concentrating, trouble remembering things, feeling sleepy or anxious, and feeling paranoid. There is also a decreased blood flow to the brain. All this can lead to acute toxic psychosis, delusions, hallucinations, depression, panic attacks, and schizophrenia in the long term. Short term, marijuana use causes impaired judgment, which means you are less likely to make responsible decisions. You can also suffer from memory defects up to six weeks after your last joint

Affects of Marijuana on the Body

The main chemical in marijuana is THC (short for delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol). This is what causes the high that users of marijuana experience. Smoking is usually the preferred way to ingest marijuana because of the way it’s absorbed through the lungs. Physical side effects of smoking marijuana include tremors, headaches, increased appetite, breathing problems, and nausea. Long-term physical effects include cancer. In fact, it’s been found that smoking just 5 joints a week will give you the same chances of developing cancer as someone who smokes one pack of cigarettes a day.

It’s also been found that smoking marijuana regularly can lead to damage of the cells in the bronchial passages. This can lead to chronic bronchitis among other things. These protect the body from microorganisms, which decreases the body’s ability to fight off bacteria, fungi, and tumor cells. It also weakens the user’s immune system making it more susceptible to infection, etc.

With all of these effects on your body, you have to wonder if it’s worth the “high” you receive from smoking marijuana.

1. Significant Physical Changes to Appearance
Has your friend or family member gained a significant amount of weight since the last time that you saw them?  Or have they lost so much weight that they’re almost unrecognizable?  Even if it’s over a long period of time – a year or more – thirty or forty pounds lost or gained may be the result of a serious addiction problem.  Further, if they don’t bring it up – especially in the case of weight loss – you might find that as a sign that they are ignoring the problem.

2. Performance and Attitude
Note your friend’s energy level and performance.  Were they an energetic person before?  Do you find that they are barely able to keep up with the conversation now?  If so, it may be the result of an addiction problem.  Many people battling with substance abuse have decreased levels of energy.  An alcoholic may find them it difficult to walk without serious fatigue.  In many cases, the addict may have trouble focusing on the conversation and may be prone to tangents.  They may be incoherent and mumble to themselves.  All in all, a serious change in attitude and energy may be the result of substance abuse.

3. Avoidance
Was it hard to get a hold of this person?  Did you call and often have to leave many voicemails?  This kind of behavior is typical of those with substance abuse problems.  As their focus has decreased, so have their priorities changed.  A person who once found it important to be social and see friends may now be a loner and not call people back, especially if there’s no drug-related motivation.  Anti-social behavior, like all these things, are reasonable in moderation but a drastic change in personality may also point to substance abuse.

What happens when those moments, few and far between, start showing signs that something might not be right?  Substance abuse takes a physical toll on someone.  Take into account these signs the next time that you see an old friend who may be a victim of substance abuse:

1. Significant Physical Changes to AppearanceHas your friend or family member gained a significant amount of weight since the last time that you saw them?  Or have they lost so much weight that they’re almost unrecognizable?  Even if it’s over a long period of time – a year or more – thirty or forty pounds lost or gained may be the result of a serious addiction problem.  Further, if they don’t bring it up – especially in the case of weight loss – you might find that as a sign that they are ignoring the problem.

2. Performance and AttitudeNote your friend’s energy level and performance.  Were they an energetic person before?  Do you find that they are barely able to keep up with the conversation now?  If so, it may be the result of an addiction problem.  Many people battling with substance abuse have decreased levels of energy.  An alcoholic may find them it difficult to walk without serious fatigue.  In many cases, the addict may have trouble focusing on the conversation and may be prone to tangents.  They may be incoherent and mumble to themselves.  All in all, a serious change in attitude and energy may be the result of substance abuse.

3. AvoidanceWas it hard to get a hold of this person?  Did you call and often have to leave many voicemails?  This kind of behavior is typical of those with substance abuse problems.  As their focus has decreased, so have their priorities changed.  A person who once found it important to be social and see friends may now be a loner and not call people back, especially if there’s no drug-related motivation.  Anti-social behavior, like all these things, are reasonable in moderation but a drastic change in personality may also point to substance abuse.

We’ve all heard of the negative effects that methamphetamine (often has called meth) on our society, but why is addiction to meth so common and prevalent and why is it so hard to break that addiction. The reasons are actually quite easily understood and make a lot of sense. For those looking for a high, meth makes you feel invincible, like Superman, and the high from meth can last for hours or even days. Meth makes you feel so good that it doesn’t matter if your life is crumbling to pieces right before you. On top of that, it’s cheap, so those who don’t have a lot of money can buy the product easily. Still, there are some addicts who have spent $30,000 or more in one year to pay for their addiction.

The Higher They Are, the Harder They Fall

When you partake of an addictive substance, especially one that causes a high, your brain is altered by it. The more you use it, the more your brain is altered. The drug causes the brain to produce dopamine which makes you feel good. When the high is over, though, the brain produces less dopamine naturally because it’s relying on the drug to produce it. So when you come down from a high, you aren’t just going back to normal with no high, you’re going below normal and you feel worse than you did before you got high. The higher the high, the lower the low. Because meth takes users so high, the crash is far worse than with other drugs. Users want to feel good again, or even normal, so they use meth again and become extremely addicted.

Soon, users need to be high all the time just to feel like their typical self. This leads to loss of money to pay for the drug, loss of job because they can’t work effectively being high all the time, and possibly increased use of the drug to get a higher high. There are treatments available for addicts of meth, but it’s a hard road that takes a lot of work.

A typical sign that a person is addicted to drugs is when they express a false disposition that they are impervious to any affects that drugs may have on their body. Many abusers convince themselves that they have a higher tolerance, permitting them to consume large doses. Such thinking is certainly not true.

The introduction of chemicals and exotic substances will always have some detrimental affect on the body. Initially, most drugs will produce an ecstatic feeling within the user, only to leave them feeling sick as the drug wears off. Abusers begin the road to addiction by trying to chase that first high. However, after continued use the body becomes dependent on the drug as it replaces the body’s natural chemicals, forcing the user to have it in their system just to feel normal or have to suffer the symptoms of withdrawal.

Under addiction the chemical makeup of the body changes and it starts to expect and dangerously rely on the drug. When it is absent, the body releases alerts for it, causing a negative reaction which will make a person feel extremely ill. This is why withdrawal is such a painful process as an addict’s cells are sure something is wrong and the body may be near death without the drug.

Along with malignantly rearranging the chemical functions of cells in the body, the abuse of drugs will deprive them of much needed oxygen affecting their health. As the body becomes infected with harmful toxins from the drugs, major organs like the heart, lungs, kidneys and liver will work overtime to dispose of them. This causes them to perform improperly and will also result in the bloodstream from rejuvenating.

And if the blood does not have proper amounts of oxygen, then neither will the brain which garners its supply of oxygen from the blood. The lack of oxygen will destroy the brain cells; a destruction that is irreparable. While some substance abusers can appear normal on the outside by hiding their addiction, they eventually will not be able to hide the havoc happening inside their bodies.

Did you know that a recent study found that 20 percent of all deaths due to heart disease were caused by cigarette smoking? When you smoke, your risk for heart attack increases with each and every cigarette you light up. The longer you smoke, the more likely you’ll have a heart attack. It was found that those who smoke one pack of cigarettes each day are twice as likely as those who do not smoke to have a heart attack. For women who take oral contraceptives, that risk is increased several times as well as risks for stroke and peripheral vascular disease.

How Smoking Can Cause Heart Disease

Smoking cigarettes can increase chances of developing heart disease for several reasons: The nicotine found in cigarettes decreases the oxygen that makes it to the heart. It also increases blood pressure and heart rate. Nicotine has also been found to damage cells that line the coronary arteries as well as increasing blood clotting.

Health Problems from Heart Disease

Heart attacks are one manifestation of heart disease and can be life threatening. Symptoms of a heart attack include a discomfort in your chest and possibly radiating to your back, jaw, throat or arm; pressure or heaviness on your chest, arm or below the breastbone; a choking feeling or indigestion that may feel like you’re having heartburn; sweating, nausea, or vomiting; dizziness; irregular heartbeats.

But heart attacks aren’t the only thing that can be caused by heart disease. Other conditions include arrhythmias, atrial fibrillation, and coronary artery disease. Obviously, our hearts are important to our health and keeping them healthy will increase your chances of a healthy full life.

Improve Your Health by Quitting

Ending your habit of smoking is one of the best ways to increase your level of health. Heart disease isn’t the only health problem caused by smoking and if one condition doesn’t get you, another will including lung cancer, emphysema, mouth and throat cancer, and more. There are many methods for smoking. Research to find one that’s right for you and then make a plan that includes attainable goals.

The first step to any addiction is acknowledging that you have a problem and you need help. There are many ways to deal with an addiction; for severe addictions, especially ones that you’ve tried to overcome on multiple occasions, the best solution may be to enter a drug rehabilitation center that will be able to help you through withdrawal symptoms and then give you help through counseling, medication, and other therapies. It’s important to do your research before choosing the right place for you. Here are some tips for deciding on a treatment center:

Combination treatments for mental illness. Many who deal with a mental illness suffer from drug abuse and alcohol addictions as they try to self medicate. If you have a mental illness in addition to your addiction, choose a rehabilitation center that can help you with both problems since one may exacerbate the other.

Affordability. It’s very important that you be able to pay for the treatment in the rehabilitation center, so keep that in mind as you choose. Be sure however to not let expenses prevent you from getting help. In the long run, it will be worth the investment.

Proper licensing. Any rehabilitation center you choose should have the proper licensing through the government and national agencies. All counselors and doctors should have individual licensing as well. Be sure to check up on the credentials of the center before deciding on it for your rehabilitation.

Medical detox procedures. Inquire as to how the detox process will be handled to be sure that it will be handled in the best way possible.

Individualized approach to treatment. Treatment is not cookie cutter. You can’t use the same treatment for each person. It’s best if an evaluation is completed and an individual plan is developed that takes into account the cause for the addiction (environmental triggers, etc.), the form of the addiction, and how to help you break the chains of addiction and get back to living.

Deciding to go to rehab is a big step. Make sure you make the right one by choosing the right rehabilitation center.

If you have chosen to take the route of a residential treatment center, get the answers for the following:

• Methodology. Addiction results from many factors. What kind of method does the facility use to address the addiction?
• Services Provided. This is for everyone involved in recovery, not just the patient. For example, do they provide intervention support services and how far will the staff go to make sure the patient is provided the help they need.
• Staff. Is the staff experienced in treating addiction? Do they have the proper credentials and are they qualified?
• Facility Success Rate. Get opinions from past clients and their families in addition to the numerical success rate.
• Location. Security of the facility is important. Can the patient come and go at will or will the patient need to stay in the program to find success?
• Follow up. This is particularly important. Patients need to have a strong support system after leaving the facility in order to maintain sobriety.
• Program Length. Most programs are approximately 28 days, but a longer program may be needed. How flexible is the program? This flexibility is important in determining success.
• Cost. Find out all services provided, and then ask yourself how important the sobriety is of yourself or your loved one; what is that worth?

In addition to talking to your kids about drugs and saying no when offered, there are other things you can do to help keep your kids away from drugs during their pre-teen and teen years.

Friends

One of the most important decisions your child will make is choosing good friends. They’ll have a huge impact on his or her life when your influence decreases and his or her friends become a teenager’s whole world. When your kids are younger, talk to them about what makes a good friend, about how important it is that their friends share the same values and respect how they feel. Talk to them about how if that person will drop them as a friend just because they don’t want to smoke, drink, or do drugs, that he or she isn’t really their friend.

Activities

As the saying goes, “the devil finds work for idle hands to do.” When kids don’t have anything productive to do, they’re more likely to get into trouble. Putting them in constructive activities such as sports, scouting, plays, musical training, etc. can help take up their time. It will teach them about hard work and discipline which will strengthen their character, and it will help them to find others who are like-minded, making it easier to have friends that have the same values.

Build Self-Esteem

Along those same lines, being a part of activities can help raise your child’s self-esteem, which decreases the chances that they’ll use drugs to fit in. Other things you can do to raise their self-esteem include offering lots of praise for doing a good job. When you need to talk about a mistake they’ve made, focus on the action, not them. Give chores to your kids for them to do and then praise them when they do them. Spend time with your children one-on-one talking about what matters most to them and not letting other things interrupt this time. Say that you love them and show them that you love them (by doing things for them, giving affection, and spending time with them).

If you haven’t heard of electronic cigarettes, the gist is they’re smokeless cigarettes that use a battery to power them instead of a flame. You purchase cartridges of liquid nicotine, which is heated up and becomes a vapor that you breathe in. You can get regular cigarette flavored cartridges (menthol or non-menthol) as well as flavored cartridges (such as vanilla, strawberry, coffee, etc.). Those supporting the use of electronic cigarettes, also called e-cigarettes, claim that there are many benefits of these cigarettes as opposed to traditional cigarettes:

• They have much less carcinogens and the carcinogens included are within safe levels.
• Because the nicotine is inhaled through a vapor, it won’t harm those around you so should be allowed in public places.
• You can choose how much nicotine is included in the cartridges.

The biggest one of those, though, if you want to quit is last one: adjusting how much nicotine you inhale. According to studies on people trying to quit smoking, it’s nearly impossible to quit smoking cold turkey. Many find more success by reducing the number of cigarettes smoked daily. Another reason it’s difficult to quit is the habit that is lost when you quit smoking. Some use substitutes like holding a pencil or a pen instead, but they’re not great substitutes.

By being able to slowly taper off how much nicotine you inhale with each cigarette, you can wean yourself off of the addicting nicotine. This will decrease the effects of withdrawal and help you reduce your reliance on cigarettes. Additionally, you can get cartridges that have no nicotine whatsoever. This way you can keep up your habit without having the addiction to nicotine and the harmful affects from that substance. If what they say about the carcinogens in electronic cigarettes is true, you will also not have the same health problems from smoking an e-cigarette that you do with regular cigarettes.

Time will tell whether these claims are true and whether e-cigarettes can be used to safely stop smoking, but right now it is a hope for those who are bound by the chains of addiction.

Educating Yourself Towards Good Health

There are many educational programs available that will show a person how to achieve good health. These programs vary according to a person’s needs, but they will basically show an individual how to go from one lifestyle extreme to another one that’s full of enjoyment. By using resources, a person can adopt a healthy lifestyle.

Weight loss programs, programs to help you stop smoking, and 12 step recovery programs are all ideal plans for people who want to stop damaging and unpleasant behavior in their lives. Their recovery may consist of body detoxing, counseling, behavior modification, and in extreme cases, hospitalization.

Good Health Begins with Good Habits

The integral part in pursuing good health is in establishing good habits that people can incorporate into their lives on a daily basis. Whether that’s a small task like drinking more water or a more engaging task like taking another route to work to avoid temptations, the idea is to get people to participate fully in their own recovery efforts while giving them the tools and resources they need in order to be successful.

Diet and sleep are also important for successful recovery, and the individual should approach this with honest intentions. The body is going to depend on its internal resources for support, and if it’s at a disadvantage, results will reflect so.

When people are just starting out on their road to better health, they should always seek the advice of professionals before embarking on their lifestyle change and journey. Doing so will not only clear them for beginning the process, but it will also give the doctor an opportunity to offer advice to the patients based on their medical history, their family’s medical history, and the goals that they’re pursuing. This will instill confidence, which is very important for their success, and give them an action plan to use.

A large percentage of those who spoke wish they didn’t. Many have tried to quit but eventually have started again for various reasons. Here are some tips that will help you quit smoking.

Write Down Your Reasons

You should know clearly in your head all of the reasons why you want to quit. When your resolve starts to waiver, knowing clearly in your mind why you’re quitting will help you to strengthen your resolve and try again, even if you relapse.

Nicotine Cessation

The first thing that you’ll want to do is decrease how much nicotine you take in each day. It’s very difficult to stop cold turkey and you’ll more likely relapse. So keep track of how many cigarettes you consume in a day and slowly decrease that number, spreading out the cigarettes throughout the day (which means if you usually have six before lunch, six before dinner and four after dinner, make sure you lower it to five, five and three, not six, six, and one because that may make it too difficult).

Replace the Nicotine

The cravings can be overwhelming. Try replacing the nicotine with gum, lozenges, or patches to increase your chances of being successful.

Get Medication

Talk to your doctor about what medications are out there that can help you quit. These include medications that help ease withdrawal symptoms and reduce cravings. They can also make smoking less satisfying by decreasing how much pleasure they bring to the brain.

Use Rewards

Smoking is an expensive habit. One of the greatest rewards you can give yourself is the money that you saved from not smoking. At the end of the month, you should have a good chunk of money left over that would have typically gone to cigarettes. Use it to buy something fun that you’ve been wanting that you can now afford because you’ve kicked the habit. Or head on over to the mall and look around; pick out something you would have never bought before as a reward. It will be a great motivation to see the money piling up knowing you’re healthier and wealthier.

When people think of drug abuse, many think of illegal drugs such as marijuana, cocaine, or heroin, or maybe cigarettes and alcohol. But have you ever thought of the possibility of abusing drugs that can be purchased at the corner drug store or from health and beauty department at the neighborhood grocery store?

Sleep Medications

One common drug that is abused that can be purchased in many stores is sleep medication. These can really help people sleep who are having problems falling asleep or staying asleep at night, but at the same time, many use them too often. Soon the body is not able to sleep without a drug helping it to, which can cause a lot of problems for the person taking the medication, especially if it becomes less effective over time causing the person to take more than the recommended dosage. For this reason, avoid taking sleeping pills unless there is a good reason. If you’re problem is serious, go to your doctor and talk to him or her about a prescription medication such as Ambien or Lunesta which have been found to be less habit forming than other sleep aids.

Cough and Cold Medication

When these medications, which can be found in any pharmacy, are taken within the recommended guidelines, they are not harmful and can help relieve cold symptoms. However, when they’re taken in large doses, they can cause a sense of euphoria, or a “high,” which can be addicting. Unwanted side effects include nausea and vomiting, increased blood pressure, and brain damage (which are caused by the decongestants found in this type of medication).

Pseudoephedrine

This is the ingredient found in some decongestants including Sudafed. Recently regulations have been put on this over-the-counter medication because it’s been used as an ingredient for producing methamphetamine (called “meth” for short). The regulations were put into place in the hopes of reducing the amount of this drug purchased to create meth.

Because there are many products, such as these, that can be abused, be sure to keep an eye out for abuse within your family including too many empty medication bottles.

You never knew when Cloward would come flying out of her office in a rage over something like a misspelled word by one of the copywriters or a wrong color by one of the designers. The woman was a walking time bomb. And she was inconsistent. Days went by and she didn’t even bother to show up, projects came in and went out, and she never knew anything about them. Then one day, she’d show up and ask to see something, spend a few hours pouring over it with a fine-toothed comb, and then she’d call the whole creative team in and give them a good reaming.

Effects of Alcohol on Teens

One of the most harmful effects of underage drinking is alcoholism. When teens start drinking by the age of 15, they are four times more likely to have alcoholism and deal with an alcohol dependency the rest of their lives. It’s postulated that when teens drink alcohol, they’re brains are still growing and developing and because of the this, alcohol as a negative effect on the brains that will likely continue throughout their lifetime, including permanent brain damage.

It’s also been found that drinking during puberty can affect the development of the body including vital organ development and can cause disruption in the balance of hormones which can affect the development of muscles and organs.

Drinking alcohol while a teenager can also affect how well they do in school. It’s been found that those who don’t drink alcohol do better on vocabulary tests, memory tests, and visual-spacial tests. It’s also been found that those who drink do worse in school overall. According to a study in 2000, teens who drink remember 10 percent less of what they learn.

Underage drinking can also lead to deaths because of alcohol-related car accidents by those who drink and then drive or who ride with those who have drank too much alcohol.

Prevention

Prevention is the best way to help teens with alcohol. Talk to your kids about why it’s important not to drink and know where your kids are going and who they are with.

Prepare your child for the all-important SAT with an online SAT prep course. Your budding genius can take an online course anywhere, anytime. He can take a math refresher course while lounging in pajamas and eating breakfast before heading out to surf the waves. Or she can sip some hot cocoa during a rainstorm and study those analogies and vocabulary. What about studying by the pool? The possibilities are endless.

Taking a course online also reduces the carbon footprint. You won’t be driving to sit in a classroom and you won’t need to use reams of paper. Look for a course that combines real-time video instruction with independent study. It’s a plus if there is a team of instructors, rather than just one teacher, and if you can contact people who have already taken the course to ask questions. Also, find out if the course provides practice SATs and if the classes are available 24 hours, seven days a week. That way, if a class is missed, your child can catch up easily when time allows.

Some courses provide quizzes that can be taken before class starts and cover concepts contained in the course. Make sure that the class covers all three sections of the SAT — math, critical reading and writing. Your child can re-take the SAT after attending the online session to see how their score improves!  Studies have shown that a SAT preparation course can improve your child’s score by more than 100 points — a significant number in the competitive college admission world. So what are you waiting for — prepare your student to ace that SAT!

While appearing, she seemed very tearful and penitent claiming she had done all she could to juggle her career and the court-ordered classes, but it seems that it came down to the fact that her career was more important and she feels she is above the law, as many rich and/or famous people do. The judge was not swayed by her arguments and sentenced Lohan to 90 days in jail for breaking her probation. She is to surrender herself on July 20, 2010 to the police and will be taken to a women’s facility in downtown Los Angeles where she’ll be given a private cell away from the rest of the inmates. This is reportedly for the safety of Lohan and all involved. It’s the same location where Paris Hilton was jailed.

In addition to the jail time, the judge ordered Lohan to attend a residential rehab program for 3 months. Although Dina Lohan, Lindsay’s mother, is not happy about Lohan’s jail time and feels that it won’t help her at all, her father Michael Lohan is quite pleased that Lindsay has been ordered to go to rehab and feels that it’s just what she needs.

On Lohan’s twitter account, she claims that the jail time is inhumane and that “No one shall be subjected to torture or to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment,” which was taken from the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Just more drama from the ultimate drama queen. Hopefully the jail time and rehab program will do Lohan some good and will help change her attitude towards her alcohol use and partying lifestyle. Only time will tell.

Prescription medicines incorporate a great number of medications for an entire spectrum of diseases and ailments. They have a requirement different than many medications that are available “over the counter.” They have to be prescribed by a physician. The reason for this is that they are a licensed medicine regulated by legislation and rules. The Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act is one piece of legislation that defines the particulars of a prescription. A professional has to have special licensing in order to write a script for a prescription medicine. The professionals are veterinarians, dentists, optometrists, and medical practitioners.

The Food and Drug Administration has the responsibility to implement the laws and legislation that is passed regarding medicines prescribed by physicians. The federal Prescription Drug Marketing Act of 1987 protects the safety and effectiveness of the medicines. FDA mandates the use of a legend so that random sales do not happen and something is not sold without a prescription. The legend can be simple and usually only says, “Rx only.”

Rx-only drugs or legend drugs are also names used to distinguish between prescription and non-prescription medicines. Today, there are alternative methods of getting prescription medicines such as ordering them from some other country than the United States. The individual who chooses to order via the Internet will encounter companies that are not regulated by the FDA or do not come from U.S. licensed pharmacies. So this presents a new set of issues which one must be mindful of.

Prescription medicines are generally used to treat problematic systems which an individual has. They alleviate symptoms first and then it may eliminate the disease or sickness. Today with the easy access of information on the Internet, laypeople have the responsibility to question the doctor and make sure he or she is making the best decision for the physical ailment.

- Your teen has a new set of friends.
- His grades begin to decline and he is missing classes and is not turning in homework.
- She has become secretive about where she’s going or what her plans are.
- Suddenly he is using incense or spray deoderizers in his room.
- Her friends talk in code whenever you’re around so you don’t know what they’re talking about.
- He has started asking for more money than before or you frequently find money missing from your purse or wallet.
- You find drug paraphernalia in her room.
- He uses breath mints or mouthwash to cover up the small of alcohol.
- You find prescription drugs such as narcotics or mood stabilizers missing from your medicine cabinet.
- She is acting withdrawn or isolated and does not want to participate in family activities or other activities that she used to enjoy such as sports, music, or other extra curricular activities.

If you are seeing some of these signs, it could indicate that your child has a drug problem. You can help your teen. One thing that you have to remember is that although your teen might not like you for awhile because he feels like you’re invading his privacy or being too hard on him, it’s essential that you do what is needed so your child doesn’t fall down a dangerous road. He’ll thank you for it later in life. One thing you can do is set rules with consequences. Talk to your teen about the rules and be clear about what will happen if she breaks them. Give praise and rewards when the rules are followed and enforce consequences when they’re broken.

Addiction to drugs or alcohol destroys lives. It can tear families apart, cause financial ruin, result in job loss, land a person in jail, and even end in the death of the addict or someone else because of the addict’s poor choices. For that reason, drug and alcohol treatment is crucial in helping a person overcome an addiction.

One type of drug and alcohol treatment is an inpatient center. This type of recovery center provides support, monitoring, and therapy by addiction specialists and professionals. Because the beginning part of recovery is frequently the hardest, inpatient centers are helpful for a number of reasons, including:

• Clean environment. Inpatient drug and alcohol treatment centers provide an environment free from temptation. When trying to recover on their own, addicts frequently face offers of drugs and alcohol from friends, dealers, and so forth. At an inpatient center, that access is removed.

• Professional help through the detox. The beginning phase of recovery is the detox period, which is physically and emotionally draining and taxing. Many people who attempt to recover on their own don’t get past this initial phase. With an inpatient center, trained professionals and doctors oversee the process, so it is gradual and occurs in a healthy manner.

• Monitoring. Assistance and monitoring through the recovery process is available to residents of inpatient centers at all hours of the day. This can range from doctors to therapists.

• Coping techniques. At inpatient facilities, addicts learn how to cope with and deal with their addictions so they know how to handle temptation should they face it once they are released. They essentially get a new outlook on life in a program that promotes healing and is free from distractions. They learn about healthy ways to deal with stress. Instead of turning to a substance for comfort or escape, they will have new techniques for dealing with their anger or frustration.

One of the most popular myths is that if you just try hard enough and want it enough, you can just stop using the drugs that you’re addicted to. This is not true. When you take certain drugs, it literally alters your brain, physically, so it becomes wired differently. This wiring causes your brain to have extremely intoxicating cravings that make it difficult for you to just stop using that drug. It becomes easy to fall into those cravings and use again. That’s why it’s sometimes necessary to enter a drug rehabilitation program that will help you through the detox process.

Another popular myth is that because addiction is a disease and because there’s no “cure” (i.e. a pill that can be taken to cure the disease), and there is nothing that you can do to get better. Just because there isn’t a perfect cure doesn’t mean you can’t overcome the addiction. There are many therapies out there to help you deal with the addiction including counseling, treatments, exercise and more. These treatments must be individualized to your situation for it to be affective.

One myth relating to drug addiction is that if someone doesn’t want to get better than they can’t be forced into it. This is not always the case. Sometimes drug addicts are pressured into getting help from friends, family members, or bosses, or they can be forced by courts. Either way, statistically it’s been shown that these addicts are just as likely to benefit from the treatments as those who enter in voluntarily. Why? Because they will be forced to go through a detox program causing their brain to not be clouded by drugs so they can think more clearly. This increases chances of being able to overcome their addiction.

By recognizing the truth about addiction, you’ll be able to avoid pitfalls that come with overcoming addiction.

Alcoholism is a disease. When the urge to drink alcohol is no longer a choice, it’s time to find help. Here are some questions you can ask yourself that can help you decide if joining Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is the right choice for you.

Have you found it hard to stop drinking, even for week?

You might have made promises to loved ones that you would not drink for a week and you were unable to keep that promise. In fact, you may have many broken promises about drinking. Maybe your spouse asked you not to arrive drunk at your daughter’s birthday party but you did or you missed your son’s soccer game, which you promised to be at, because you were drinking.

In the past year, have you had any problems connected to drinking?

This could mean receiving a DUI, hurting other people because you were drunk, and other similar problems.

Have you lost relationships with people you were close to because of drinking?

This could be a spouse who divorced you, a sweetheart who dumped you, friends who no longer want to hang out with you, or family members who have disowned you.

Have you missed days of work or school because of drinking?

You might call it a sick day, but would you truthfully categorize it as a “too wasted to get out of bed and work” day? It’s especially not good if this has caused you to lose your job or flunk out of your classes.

The next one is the biggest question that you can ask yourself: Has the thought ever entered your mind that your life would be better if you weren’t drinking alcohol?

If you answered yes to the above questions then AA is right for you. Unfortunately, the cure for alcoholism doesn’t come is a pill bottle or prescription from your doctor. Getting over your disease will take hard work and a strong desire to not have the chains of alcoholism make decisions for you. With the support of your AA group and Alcohol treatment center, you’ll be able to get over your addiction and find happiness.

Twelve Steps

1. Because of my addiction to [fill in the blank], my life has become unmanageable. I am powerless to my addiction.
2. There is a Power greater than myself out there who can help me to restore my sanity.
3. However I understand God to be, I turn my will over to Him.
4. I will make a moral inventory of my life that is honest and complete.
5. I will admit my wrongs to God, myself, and to one other person.
6. I am completely ready for God to remove these defects in my character.
7. I ask God humbly to remove my shortcomings.
8. I have made a list of all the people that I have harmed, and I am willing to make amends to all of those who are on that list.
9. If it’s possible, I will make those amends to the person directly. If it may cause injury to that person or to others, then I will not make amends directly.
10. I will continue to take a personal inventory and when I am wrong, I will admit it quickly.
11. Depending on how I understand God, I will pray or meditate so I can be closer to Him, and I will pray to know what His will is for me and I will pray for the courage and ability to carry out His will.
12. I will tell all those who suffer from an addiction to [fill in the blank] about how much better I am because of these steps and I will practice these steps daily.

This is just a summary of the twelve steps as outlined by the Alcoholics Anonymous program. Over 200 organizations use these steps and addictions can be drug or alcohol related or behavior related (including sexual addiction, gambling, and overeating). Support groups surround these addictions giving participants support to break free.

A lot of people are struggling with their finances today, because the economy is floundering in many parts of the world. One of the biggest problems that these people face is not being able to pay their credit cards and other obligations. As they get further behind in their bills, they start owing more interest and late charges. Even if they start making more money, they’re often so far behind that they’re just not able to catch up again. When they see that they can’t find a way out and things aren’t getting any better, one of the ways they can get some assistance is to go to credit counseling.

A credit counselor will help them figure out just how much debt they have and how they can start paying it off. These kinds of services usually call a person’s creditors and work with them in order to negotiate payments and get interest rates lowered. When they do that, they’re able to help someone who’s in a credit crunch pay less each month and still pay off debt. If you use a credit counseling service you’ll usually pay the service one set payment each month, and the service will use that money to pay your creditors. Many services charge a fee, so be sure to ask if there is a fee and how much it is. You don’t want any surprises.

Using a counseling service will show up on your credit, but it’s not as bad for your score as having a lot of late payments or a bankruptcy on there. It’s also better than having collection agencies calling you and struggling to pay your bills each month. Ideally, people shouldn’t end up with so much debt that they can’t pay it, but this is not a perfect world. Things happen, and when they do a credit counselor can help.

When someone is out partying every night, drinking alcohol and possibly doing drugs, how do you know when it’s to the point where that person has become reliant on his or her drug of choice? Let’s say your friend’s name is Phil. Here are some signs that Phil is abusing drugs:

Phil is neglecting his responsibilities. These responsibilities could include school, work, or family. If Phil is ignoring his wife and children or flunking classes so that he can party all night drinking and getting high, this is a problem. Another sign is Phil is showing some dangerous behavior. This could include driving while intoxicated or having unprotected sex, which could lead to STDs or an unwanted pregnancy.

Phil has legal problems as a result of his addiction. This may include things like receiving a DUI, becoming violent while under the influence, or stealing so he can get money to buy drugs.

Some addictions aren’t as strong as the example of Phil above. So let’s turn to Cathy who isn’t abusing drugs, but does have an addiction to drugs. Here is a list of common symptoms of a drug addiction:

Cathy has built up a tolerance to her drug of choice. This means that she has to increase how much she uses to get the same high that she used to get.

Cathy takes drugs to avoid withdrawal symptoms. For example, if Cathy’s drug of choice is alcohol, when she wakes up with a hangover, she drinks a beer to lessen the symptoms. Cathy’s life revolves around using drugs. She thinks about, she aches for the next time she’ll get high, and she spends a lot of time recovering from the effects of the drugs.

Cathy no longer does her favorite activities. Cathy used to love to dance. In fact, she only started cocaine to decrease her appetite; now she has stopped dancing because too often she is in a drug-induced haze.

If you have seen these signs in your friends, than your friend is not just “having fun,” but he or she has a real problem with drugs.

There are options to the smelly and toxic cigarettes that have controlled you for too long. The alternatives are electronic cigarettes that look like average cigarettes, but actually differ greatly in their makeup and consequences. These smokeless cigarettes simulate the process of smoking without emitting any smoke so they may be used anywhere. In a world where smoking has been banned in almost every city park, restaurant or bad, these “e-cigs” are tolerable anywhere because the nicotine contained within them is breathed in through vapor instead of smoke.

Safe from causing fires and healthier because they contain fewer carcinogens, these cigarettes are a powerful tool in transitioning to a smoke-free lifestyle. While they are not endorsed as effective quitting aids, they do represent the first step in engaging in alternative and less harmful smoking behavior. Available in different designs and flavors, electronic cigarettes may be just what you need to release yourself from the power that nicotine addiction has over you.

So here are some tips to help you reduce the chances of hangovers:

Watch how much you drink. Many believe that only those who binge drink will get a hangover, but you could feel the effects after only a few drinks. It all depends on your body composition and how much water is in your system. Women are more likely to feel the effects of alcohol with the same amount of drinks since they typically weigh less and therefore have less water in their systems, which can dilute the alcohol. If you drink other drinks in between alcoholic drinks, such as juice or water, you’ll consume less alcohol and less likely get a hangover.

Drink beer or clear liquors. Wine is more likely to trigger hangovers and malt liquors will increase your chances of severe hangovers. Bee and clear liquors, such as vodka or gin, will reduce your chances of a hangover.

It’s the amount of alcohol that matters. Some think that if you drink liquor first and a beer second, you’ll be okay or if you drink diet cocktails, you’ll less likely have a hangover, but these are just myths. It has been found that drinking beverages with sugar (such as fruit juice) will decrease hangover intensity, though.

Eat fatty foods before drinking alcohol. Having food in your stomach helps reduce the body’s absorption of alcohol, especially food with fat, but it only helps if you eat before you drink.

Avoid caffeine. Many think a coffee will help you with a hangover, but actually anything with caffeine can make it worse and can cause dehydration (which you may already be experiencing because of the alcohol).

Genetics

One of the major factors when it comes to addiction is whether you’ve had a parent with addictive tendencies such as alcoholism. If your parent does, you are four times more likely to become addicted as well.

Mental Illness

It is common for those with a mental illness to also have problems with addiction including anxiety disorders, depression, ADHD, or bipolar disorder.

Age of First Use

There are reasons why the government puts limits on what age you can drink alcohol or use tobacco. It not only affects our growth while we’re young, but it can also increase chances of becoming addicted to substances—you’re more likely to become addicted and the addiction may be more severe so that it may be harder to quit later. Statistics show that 40 percent of those who start drinking alcohol before the age of 15 will become alcoholics.

Social Environment

Those who live, work, and play around others who use drugs are more likely to try drugs and abuse them.

Childhood Trauma

The environment affects how a child’s brain develops. If a child is abused, neglected, exposed to traumatic events, etc., then his or her brain can be shaped in a way that makes him or her more susceptible to addictions.

In many instances, people use drugs to escape from stress. When you drink some scotch or light up a marijuana roll, you forget about your worries and everything seems better. Therefore, it’s important for addicts to learn techniques for dealing with stress instead of doing it with their addictions. If you want to help reduce the chances of your children using, be sure to give them skills for dealing with stress and be a good example by dealing with stress constructively.

How a Brain Becomes Addicted

When you become addicted to a substance, it has to do with how your brain reacts to that substance. Basically the story of your brain’s addiction goes something like this:

You use the substance, which activates circuits inside your brain that are linked to basic needs such as eating, etc. The drug causes the body to release a chemical called dopamine. This chemical causes pleasure and the brain wants more. Soon, that substance (alcohol, drugs, etc.) becomes part of the “basic needs” along with food, air, sleep, etc. The brain wants it every day, and it will eventually take priority over other things (such as food, despite food actually being needed to survive). The brain has come to believe that without that substance, it won’t survive. Soon the brain is giving you signals saying that you have to do whatever it takes to get that substance again or you will die (or so the brain thinks and you believe it too). This all leads to an inability to will yourself away from using that substance because the desire to have it is too great.

Affect of False Dopamine “Highs”

What’s also important to realize is that the brain releases dopamine naturally, which is what we feel when we’re happy and when we laugh and enjoy food and enjoy others’ company. Drugs cause a huge explosion of dopamine at once, which is what the brain is enjoying. After this “high,” the brain produces less dopamine than it normally would. This can lead to an addict never feeling good and never feeling pleasure without drugs, making it difficult to stop using.

Depending on the lender you select, you can have your funds as quickly as the next business day if you meet certain criteria. Requirements vary from lender to lender, but often you will need to be able to show a monthly income of at least one thousand dollars per month as well as a bank account. You should also be at least 18 years of age. You do not have to have perfect credit to be approved for such a loan, which means that most people will be eligible to receive an emergency cash loan.

One note of caution should be mentioned. There are high interest rates associated with such loans. So the best thing to do is plan your finances wisely to avoid having to get an emergency cash loan if at all possible; instead, work on boosting your savings account, sell something of value, or borrow money from someone you know who trusts you to repay the loan. However, you may not have time to come up with an alternate method of securing cash or may not have enough, especially in a true emergency. A fast cash loan may be necessary at some point. It may be worthwhile to you to take this route if an emergency comes up and you are in a financial bind.

Say Something

The first thing you need to do is say something to the person about what you see going on. How do his actions make you feel? Tell her what your concerns are. And finally, offer your support if he wants to get help so he can hopefully overcome the addiction. Make sure she knows you love her and only want what’s best.

Buoy the Person Up—Don’t Be Dragged Down

If the drug user agrees to accept your help, it could be a big responsibility. Where possible, get help so you’re not doing it alone. Make sure you have people you can talk to for support so that you can stay strong when helping the loved one with a drug problem. Most of all, be sure that you are not putting yourself in a dangerous situation because of your loved one.

Don’t Protect the Drug User from Natural Consequences

It’s natural for friends and family of drug users to want to protect them. You might want to give an excuse to their boss for why they missed work or try and convince a judge that they don’t need to go to jail, but sometimes it’s these consequences that will help them get away from their addiction. If using drugs is easy and there are no negative consequences, there is little reason for that person to quit, but if they start losing their job, house, and car, maybe they will think about whether the drugs are worth the consequences.

Don’t Blame Yourself

When it comes down to it, you cannot control other people. We can love them, encourage them, and help others where possible, but you can’t force another person to make the right choice, so be sure not to blame yourself if that person continues using drugs.

Talk to Your Insurance Company

Most people are on PPOs now. This means the doctor that you choose could end up costing you more money if he’s out of network. It’s best to ask your insurance company what hospitals are in your preferred network.  In this way you can look for a doctor that is pre-approved.

Talk to Friends

It’s hard knowing what doctor to trust.  However, if you have a friend who is already comfortable with their doctor, it may well be worth looking into.  There is nothing that will put you at ease more quickly than a doctor that comes highly recommended by someone you trust.

Think About Travel

The amount of time it will take to get to and from your doctors office should be factored in. Get someone who is within a fifteen minute drive.  Otherwise, you may not go to the doctor when you need them, simply because you don’t want to travel that far.

Be Patient

There is no need to rush into getting yourself a doctor. Unless you have a serious health condition, you have the time to be picky.  Think about what’s best for you and your health in the long run.

If you have a loved one, whether a friend or family member, who is dealing with an addiction, you may be considering planning an intervention. Here are some tips for planning a successful intervention that can help this loved one decide that he or she needs help.

Plan Ahead

The first thing you need to do is plan ahead. Interventions should never be spur of the moment or planned the day of. It takes time to get everything together so it goes smoothly. If you are rushed in planning an intervention, it will not likely go well. The first thing you’ll want to do is research your loved one’s addiction to understand what that person is going through and find successful ways of overcoming the addiction. Next, you’ll want to make a plan on how the addiction should be overcome, whether it’s through going to a rehabilitation center, counseling, etc.

Choose Who Will Come

The next step is deciding who is going to be at the intervention. You should pick four to six people who mean the most to the person and who he or she respects or admires the most.

Practice Makes Perfect

After you have contacted those who you feel will have the most impact and they all agree to be a part of the intervention, you’ll want to have a “dress rehearsal” where each person will go through what they’re going to say to the person and in what order each person will say it.

Typically, each person writes a letter to the person with the addiction that states what destructive behaviors they’ve see, how it’s impacted each of them, and what that person will do if the treatment is not accepted. One person needs to state what the treatment is that the group feels the addict should follow. Make sure that no one is angry or hostile. Interventions are about love. Also try to anticipate any objections given by the addict such as not having time to go to counseling or a way to get there.

Planning ahead will increase your chances of a successful intervention!