Category: Articles

There are far more articles about drugs, their effects, what damage addicts are doing to themselves, and treatment options available than there are about what it is like for those living with an addict.

Those going through the day to day uncertainty which is part and parcel of living with an addict need sympathy, support and knowledge.

Below we will look at this heartbreaking problem from various angles, see what steps can be taken to alleviate the stress, worry and angst for those affected, and why rehabilitation services must be used to help all concerned.

Unaware of how readily available illegal drugs are:

This point mainly relates to elderly parents and those parents who were not associated with drugs during their youth and into adulthood. Their lack of comprehension on drug availability today is completely understandable.

Drugs can be purchased with ease, there are street dealers, drug houses and venues such as clubs, concerts and festivals where drugs are a given part of the fabric.

Many without knowledge of the ease of access to illicit drugs assume it is inner-city areas that are rife with drug purchasing opportunities. While this is true they also need to understand that upmarket housing areas and wealthy suburbs are certainly not immune.

Drug gangs target those with means and money:

The ruthless drug gangs who operate multi-million dollar operations are not in the business for the fun of it. They understand exactly how addictive drugs are, and the more people they target, the bigger their profit.

Drugs are also relatively cheap to purchase; in the beginning. But once a person gets a ‘taste’ for their drug of choice the cost climbs exponentially.

This results in those with few funds turning to crime or prostitution in order to feed their habit, while those with money or living with a family that is relatively well off will dig into savings, or use whatever cash they can get from parents in order to continue their drug purchasing.

One partner becomes more partial:

It is not uncommon for couples living together to share the enjoyment of using drugs on an occasional basis, perhaps when celebrating events with friends of similar ages, hitting a club for a wild night out or attending an all-day music festival.

The problem here is when one partner becomes far more partial to drug use than the other. They will begin to increase drug use when not in the presence of the other, and individual dependence will grow.

This leads to taking drugs in secret, longer than normal absences from home while they are scoring and taking drugs, and money unaccounted for from joint income.

If this happens it is sure to lead to friction between the couple because the one who is using more heavily will be in constant denial, the other will become suspicious, angry and disillusioned with their partner’s attitude and the state of their relationship.

Common signs:

There are many signs that a person is slipping into deeper drug dependence. Mood swings are common. One minute they are up and happy, the next down, uncommunicative and unresponsive.

Regular meals take a back seat as many drugs suppress appetite and the last thing on an addict’s mind is a good, healthy meal. Glazed eyes, pupils that are overly large or look like pinpricks are common, and a deterioration in general appearance should be looked out for.

If money or valuables begin to disappear this is a sign that the addict is now in a desperate drug cycle. They need a fix, they need it now, and whatever they can use to fund a purchase will be taken.

Steps not to take:

The completely natural step to take if you suspect a loved one of heavy drugs use is to fly off the handle and scream angry threats. While this is totally understandable it is not the way to go.

This will only lead to the addict reinforcing their denial, retreating into their shell and increasing their drug use.

The truth is, deep down they know the damage they are causing but their dependence on drugs is currently far stronger that their will to stop using.

Steps that should be taken:

For those who have little knowledge of drugs the first step is to educate themselves on general facts about illicit substances. Understand how easy it is to become dependent because of the highly addictive effects drugs have on the mind and body.

Learn about common signs and actions of those using heavily, and very importantly understand what steps can be taken to help them.

If you are aware of a particular drug that is becoming all-consuming for your partner, then take in as much knowledge as possible as to why and what can be done to help.

Armed with facts and treatment options:

Once you are armed with facts it is then time to sit down with your loved one and calmly explain that you are aware of their drug problem. Do NOT take denial as an answer, tell them that they need professional help and that you will be with them every step of the way.

Initially they may well be reluctant to admit their dependence. Not because they want to defy you. It is down to fear. Many are petrified at the thought of how they will cope without their regular hit, they also fear some fairly painful withdrawal symptoms which are part and parcel of kicking a drug habit.

Perseverance and support:

You must persevere, point out the steps to be taken which will help them kick a habit that is destroying their lives and causing you untold, undeserved and unwanted anguish.

Phone or make an appointment with a professional rehab establishment, understand what services are offered and persuade your loved one that you will make an appointment on their behalf and take them to the appointment.

Recovery will not be an overnight event, but it is achievable. If after consultation an inpatient stay at a respectable rehab establishment is recommended, then support this all the way.

Your support will be a major influence on the recovery of someone you care for dearly, and once they are healed it is hoped the bonds between you will become even stronger.

There are countless ways for men and women to have an occasional flutter. Millions enjoy this pastime at sensible levels with associated stakes. However, these gambling galore opportunities have a darker side that leads many to become addicted.

Stereotype of a gambling addict:

There is not one! Gambling addicts can be male or female, although the majority are men. Age has no real say in it; those addicted come from all age groups, but more people develop this dependency during their 20’s and 30’s.

Gambling addiction is certainly not racist, it welcomes those of any nationality, colour or creed with betting slips waiting to be filled and different coloured chips of every amount waiting to be placed on the next ‘dead cert’.

Where does addiction begin?

Again, this is a very difficult thing to pinpoint because there are lots of different start points and triggers.

Some become addicted because their initial good fortune turns sour. They see this ‘temporary’ downturn in their luck as a mere blip and respond by gambling more heavily. This spiral into addiction quickly becomes a constant and futile attempt to turnaround their fortunes.

Some begin gambling because it is an effective distraction to personal or relationship difficulties, while many get deeper into dependency due to the constant and intense thrill they feel when placing that bet which is ‘sure’ to win them huge sums of money or generous prizes.

Gambling galore with very few restrictions:

Many governments across the world allow people to place a bet on whatever they wish, whenever they wish. If the bookmakers or casinos in that country will accept the bet then it is laid, but the laying of such bets is always at odds that are stacked in their favour.

The extensive range of gambling opportunities available, and the ever increasing rise in online gambling services is simply serving to increase the number of people who have and will fall foul to full-blown gambling addiction.

Unwanted consequences:

Financial ruin is an obvious, unwanted consequence for those addicted to gambling, but a whole raft of other potential issues are part and parcel of this problem.

Relationships with partners and family members will suffer, losing far more than you are winning puts a strain on your physical and mental health. Examples of this are the fact that anxiety, stress and depression are all part of a gambling addict’s make-up.

Performance at work can often take second place. This is because of the addict’s constant distractions relating to which of the day’s gambling galore opportunities will dig them out of the red financial hole they are currently sinking into.

Many become so desperate for money to ease their financial woes, and to maintain their habit that crime is often a vehicle used in an attempt to get them out of the mire. In this respect fraud or attempted fraud tops the list.

Does anyone care?

Non-gamblers have very little sympathy for those addicted. Bookmakers and casino operators will lose no sleep over the fact that their gain is your demise.

If your debts become insurmountable and family possessions or property have to be sold this quite naturally leaves a very bitter taste in everyone’s mouth.

While such sentiments are understandable, many without sympathy do not realise that those affected are actually suffering from a serious addictive disorder.

This medically classified condition displays many signs that are present in those with substance addictions.

It therefore follows that those who cannot resist the gambling galore opportunities which surround them must seek treatment as a matter of urgency.

What type of treatment is available?

Rehabilitation centers have been treating those with compulsive gambling tendencies for many years.

The majority base their treatment around in-depth counselling sessions that major on cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), step-based programs such as the 12-step model that has long been adopted by the voluntary fellowship support group Gamblers Anonymous, and motivational interviewing techniques.

These forms of treatments are employed to help the addict understand and accept the issues their gambling is causing, to find ways of counteracting such impulses, and also strongly promote relapse prevention.

A difficult disorder to overcome but it can be achieved:

The opportunities for gambling galore are on the increase, those who are suffering from what is currently an unstoppable urge to gamble must accept they have a very complex disorder to deal with.

Overcoming this addiction requires qualified, professional rehab assistance with an emphasis on spending inpatient time at a well-established rehabilitation establishment.

Gambling addicts should also take full advantage of their local voluntary organisations, and consider consulting ‘online peers’ who have been in the dark place compulsive gambling creates and have successfully overcome their obsession.

The road to a future which is free from the devastating effects compulsive gambling bring is certainly not an easy one, but it is one that must be taken if you are to get your life back on track.

Acceptance, determination and a desire to beat this ruinous addiction should go hand in hand with professional rehabilitation services that will eventually allow you to declare “All bets are now off”.

Meth mayhem comes in many forms. Let’s take a look at what the drug is, why you never really know exactly what your latest score contains and the trail of devastation you are potentially blazing.

What is it?

Meth is short for methamphetamine. Derived from its parent drug amphetamine it has a similar chemical structure, but offers far more pronounced effects. White in colour, it does not smell, has a bitter taste and dissolves easily in alcohol or water.

Who makes it?

You won’t find meth manufacturers advertising their wares in directories or with neon signs outside the premises. You will find basement labs and clandestine laboratories galore.

This is a cottage industry that follows no health and safety standards, while certain ingredients are common there is no set recipe, and quality control officers are not on the payroll.

If you knew what It contained would you continue use?

Those who do not care what they put into their body, or what personal physical and mental health problems they create probably do not care, but for those who do, please consider just 5 of the many ingredients that will fuel Meth mayhem:

Acetone: This is used in paint thinner and nail polish remover and is extremely flammable.

Acids: Think Hydrochloric and Sulfuric

Lithium: Used in the production of batteries. If lithium comes into contact with the skin serious burns are guaranteed.

Pseudoephedrine: A very common ingredient. It is a decongestant found in medicines for colds and flu.

Toluene: An essential component of brake fluid.

Effects and progression into rapid addiction:

Meth is an extremely addictive drug. To emphasise this, consider the fact that when taken it releases a supercharged surge of dopamine that is almost four times the level cocaine offers.

One Headlong Rush:

This is the first thing users experience when smoking or injecting meth. Common signs are a racing heartbeat, increased metabolism, increased blood pressure and a rapidly beating pulse.

These symptoms are only the beginning of meth mayhem and can continue for up to half an hour. Just to put this into perspective, that is around 10 times longer than the rush offered by taking crack cocaine.

An intense high:

Let’s be honest, this is the effect that tempts many to try and from this point of view it certainly does the trick.

Feelings of pleasure and a huge increase in confidence blend nicely with unbounded energy. Many feel superior to the company they are in; others content themselves by focussing intensely on something that in the normal scheme of things would be seen as extremely inconsequential.

This high varies tremendously between individuals, and the strength of the batch you have just scored is also a major factor. Users report highs lasting anywhere between 4 and 16 hours.

Very, Very Moreish, The binge:

Due to its highly addictive qualities, and the mistaken belief that taking more will maintain the original high many users commence a meth binge. This binge is brought on by uncontrollable urges to continue smoking or injecting the drug.

Meth Mayhem continues each time a blast is taken. Another rush is followed by another high, but both effects decrease in length and intensity as the binge continues until finally no rush or high is received. As can be imagined this continued use brings on physical and mental hyperactivity in the extreme.

While 3 to 5 days constitute a fairly common binge period it is reported that some bingers go for up to 15 days. You do not need telling that such prolonged use invites serious harm.

The end of a meth binge can also bring on:

Tweaking torment:

This is when a meth user is at their most dangerous. It comes about when taking the drug no longer provides a rush or a high. This results in severe cravings that are followed by immense feelings of emptiness. Paranoia sets in, visual and audible hallucinations are a given, and the user exists in a world which is theirs alone.

Add to this a whole host of devastating effects that include being unable to sleep for days on end, being completely convinced that (imagined) bugs are crawling under the skin, and that self-harm or harming others is common and it becomes very clear that this stage of meth mayhem is something to avoid at all costs.

Complete Crash:

The body is an incredible, complex ‘machine’, but has its limits. After such a dangerous binge it reacts by shutting down. It does so due to the vicious effects meth is causing. The user will sleep for up to 3 days solid, during which time their body appears almost lifeless.

Easy to start, extremely difficult to stop:

Meth use is very much like playing a high risk game of chance where the odds of avoiding addiction are stacked heavily against you.

As millions of men and women have already discovered and millions more will do, methamphetamine use is not a game, it is a highly addictive and destructive drug that can rapidly ruin your life.

Heroin; mythicized, idolised, demonised and downright destructive. Whatever your take on ‘Horse’ is, one thing is for sure: Once tried it will not let go easily.

Let’s take a look at the tools of the trade heroin users will leave around and the symptoms that tell others ‘Smack’ is currently walloping you.

Tools of the trade:

We will forget the substance itself for one moment, but consider some of the common paraphernalia heroin users will have hidden or lying around.

Containers often come in the form of small balloons, and dispensers in the form of cut-up straws. There will be strips of foil often marked by burns. If you find your cutlery draw light on spoons this is because they are an essential part of the heroin preparation process.

Most heroin users will take their own shoelaces before yours, but desperate times call for desperate measures, so perhaps slip-on’s are a safer option!

Shoelaces or rubber bands are used for the arms, the sinister, ever-present stack of needles speak for themselves and many hoard enough lighters (used, part-used and full) to provide a well-stocked tobacco store in merchandise.

Changes in a user, suspicious behaviour and ‘new’ friends:

If you have suspicions that a loved one or friend is using drugs this trio of alerts will serve to confirm your worst fears:

Physical changes in the user:

Take a look at those eyes, a Smack user will have pupils like pin-holes for up to 5 hours after shooting-up. Even though they are extremely familiar with their surroundings they will often appear disoriented, personal hygiene takes a back seat and if there is silence in the room you will often hear shallow breathing.

Weight loss is another common physical change with heroin users sporting a gaunt look, and while they will often wear long sleeve shirts and trousers, keep an eye out for track marks on their body. This last fact confirms without saying you have a heroin user in your midst.

Suspicious behaviour:

When heroin takes a hold the addict will often become paranoid and leave a trail of suspicion behind. Have you recently noticed a lock-box or drawer that is permanently closed in their room? If so this is where they keep their precious paraphernalia.

Are valuables or cash going missing, and is the user often seen skulking around which was never a previous trait?

New ‘Friends’

Beware of new faces on the scene, those with sleek new vehicles and sharp clothes could well be involved in the drug business, those with a pasty pallor and unkempt appearance are partners in crime in terms of heroin use.

Either way, such new friends need to be treated with caution. Do not leave valuables lying around and keep your eyes open.

Two sides to a sad story:

The Addict:

Those addicted to heroin often find their loved ones have not got the first clue as to how appealing and addictive the drug is, or how very, very pleasant that completely spaced out zone they have found is.

They also know for sure there will be no shouting from the rooftops, or even a quiet whisper that Smack has the better of them.

Denial is one weapon addicts use constantly. Initially this denial of drug use will be believed, but that will very quickly fade into disbelief due to a combination of the signs and symptoms we have mentioned above.

Those closest:

From a loved one’s perspective, they may never have tried any type of drug in their life, or at best had a fleeting fling with marijuana or popped the odd party pill.

Having to watch someone you love dearly deteriorate in front of your eyes to something you have no knowledge of is frustrating, annoying and ultimately heart-breaking.

Broaching the subject; Do’s and Don’ts

How easy it is for a non-user to fly off the handle at a loved one they suspect of drug abuse and how easy it is to give ultimatums in the heat of the moment.

While both of these and other extremely strong reactions are natural feelings, please resist the urge.

Spend time reading and researching addiction issues, understand that your situation is not unique and that millions of others face the same angst, but above all understand just how effective rehabilitation establishments can be.

When you have this information and knowledge you can then approach the user, keep calm, be firm and tell them they need help and you want to help them.

Explain there is no need for them to deny any longer, but there is a need for them to seek professional rehab assistance, and that you will be with them every step of the way.

Continue to badger and cajole, continue to gather information and seek out the best treatment.

Once decided upon support them through this tough period of their life with the burning hope that this treatment and counselling will be the beginning of the end for their relationship with the mighty big ‘H’.

For those with a normal, healthy sex life the mention of a sex addict conjures up lewd images of a man or woman with a libido that is out of control.

They will consider those addicted to sex as ready to give and receive sexual favours at the drop of a hat, and for them to function on a sexual diet that offers a banquet of pleasure on an unfeasibly regular basis.

The reality for those addicted to sex is very, very different. This diagnosed illness needs long term treatment and counselling of the highest order. Such treatment is a must if an addict is to come to terms with their issues and the effect it is having on their and others lives.

Definition of a sex addict:

No, it is not ‘Dick’ the barfly who will sleep with whoever shows the slightest interest. It is an extremely worrying and concerning addiction that is characterised by compulsive thoughts, need and desires that are never far from the surface.

If not treated this addiction will gradually deepen to the point where many sex addicts find it impossible to manage their sexual behaviour.

Sometimes referred to as sexual dependency or hyper-sexuality, the term nymphomania is a fairly well known moniker for females with this problem. What may not be so well known is the term for males with this condition; it is satyriasis.

Multiple partners, multiple ways of seeking ‘pleasure’:

It goes without saying that someone who is constantly having sexual thoughts will find as many sexual partners as they can fit in. It is all about quantity, not necessarily quality.

A percentage will also look to animals or children to help satisfy their needs, while the vast majority will use porn to the extreme and any objects at hand will assist while excessive masturbation is a given.

Inpatient treatment is strongly recommended:

Men and women with this addiction are in need of long term help and counselling. It is similar to alcohol or drug addiction in the sense that the addict is always chasing their ‘fix’, but it is very different in terms of the expected ‘healing’.

Those addicted to substances make a commitment to quit use for good, this approach is not feasible in relation to sex.

A normal, healthy sex life is an important part of a person’s being. What those with sex addiction issues need to be taught and treated for is to understand what is a healthy interest in sex as opposed to what is not.

Their constant sexual thoughts and deeds need to be addressed and reduced, and they will be taught how to control such impulses during the treatment process.

Due to such intense treatment it is felt that taking a sex addict out of their standard environment and into a well-respected inpatient rehab establishment is the most effective approach.

Two proven forms of treatment:

In-depth therapy sessions are a must. These will be on a one-to-one basis as well as group therapy sessions. Frank, open discussion is the order of the day and experienced sex therapy councillors will include such treatment methods as:

12-steps programs:

Using a 12-steps program follows the same recovery methodology as that employed by voluntary organisations such as Alcoholics Anonymous. There is actually a Sex Addicts Anonymous organisation which can also help those currently addicted to sex.

As was previously mentioned, the difference between alcoholics or drug addicts and those addicted to sex is that this form of treatment will major on the sex addict learning how to refrain from, rather than give up sex completely.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

Another popular and extremely effective form of treatment is CBT. This therapy will help a sex addict identify the multiple triggers which are causing these immensely powerful impulses.

Once these are established CBT then assists by teaching the addict what changes in behaviour are necessary to curb their sexual obsession. Such treatment is based around one-to-one sessions with a qualified therapist.

Sex is fun and enjoyable – Addiction to sex is not:

It cannot be stressed enough that just because a person has a healthy libido and enjoys regular and varied sex sessions how this is part and parcel of a normal, interesting and rewarding sex life.

But, if you have gone beyond this point and are obsessed with sex, increase your sexual partners as and when you can, and constantly need pornography as a backdrop to incessant masturbation then help is urgently required.

This problem will not go away on its own, indeed it will worsen as your addiction deepens.

It is felt by many sex therapists and councillors that the amount of people seeking help for this problem is simply the tip of the iceberg. Many, many more hide this addiction until their world comes tumbling down.

If you are one of these please seek urgent and much needed rehab assistance. It will do you and those closest to you the power of good.