Articles Archives - Page 133 of 138

Mar272015Jan272016

Crack in Brazil a National Epidemic

Crack-in-Brazil-a-National-Epidemic Not that long ago, the United States was noted as the world’s Number One consumer of crack cocaine, but crack in Brazil has become an even bigger problem, with a whopping one-million Brazilian users. The spread of cocaine use is being referred to as an “epidemic” by Brazil’s government officials and by the global press.

There’s no mystery as to why crack is a problem in Brazil. The country shares borders with the three largest cocaine-producing countries – Peru, Columbia and Bolivia. And it’s been experiencing strong economic growth, with plenty of disposable income available for everything from luxury cars to expensive drugs. The real question is whether the country’s current approach to the epidemic will help Brazil hold back the tide of addiction and ride the wave of real economic prosperity.

Dozens of approaches have been tried by the Brazilian government, but the country’s capital, Sao Paulo, is taking a particularly pro-active stand. The city’s mayor, Fernando Haddad, has embraced a harm reduction approach, with a focus not on stopping drug addiction but on reducing the harm caused by drug users – harm to themselves and to their communities. The city took over a collection of flophouses around an area of the city known as Crackland – a slum-infested hub of users within the city — and set 400 addicts up in long-term accommodations. The program is called “Open Arms” and offers addicts primary health care, three meals a day, showers, and a city job.

Critics of Open Arms say it’s not evidence-based and won’t solve the problem of crack in Brazil. But housing addicts and employing them in city jobs costs less than a quarter of what it costs to hospitalize them. The program boasts numbers of addicts who are now housed, employed and motivated to leave the streets of Crackland. Mayor Haddad says his program is helping “recover the heart of the city” and hopes it will be a model for his country.

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Mar112015Oct032019

What is dopesick and how can it can be managed?

Articles

The term dopesick, also referred to as dopesickness, is commonly used to describe the painful physical and mental symptoms that accompany heroin withdrawal. When an addict decides to quit heroin, or greatly reduce their daily intake, withdrawal symptoms can begin to appear in as little as 6-8 hours.

In order to avoid these painful symptoms, many addicts continue to seek out the drug by any means necessary, regardless of the consequences they may face. Over time, an addict’s body becomes accustomed to the drug and they will often continue to use in a desperate attempt to feel normal, even though the initial high they once felt is no longer obtainable.

What is dopesick and why does it occur?

The human body naturally produces its own painkillers, thanks to opiate receptors that reside in both the brain and within the digestive system. When a person becomes addicted to opiate-based drugs, such as heroin, Percocet or OxyContin, the body naturally adapts by reducing its production of “feel good” chemicals, which include endorphins and dopamine.

When an addict chooses to quit opiates, the production of these natural chemicals remains low for a short period of time, resulting in painful withdrawal symptoms as the body works hard to re-balance itself. In medical terms, this process is commonly referred to as homeostasis.

What are the symptoms of dopesickness?

Many symptoms may occur when an addict tries to quit heroin or other opiate-based drugs. These painful symptoms often cause an addict to continue their drug use even though they may sincerely want to quit. Family members and loved ones often ask “What is dopesick?” as it can be hard to understand opiate withdrawal if they have never experienced opiate withdrawal themselves. When an addict is dopesick, a wide range of symptoms can suddenly occur which include:

Irritability
Hot and cold sweats
Restless Legs
Insomnia
Heightened awareness of pain
Depression
Anxiety
Diarrhea
Stomach Cramps
Intense cravings for opiates

Because of these uncomfortable symptoms, it may seem impossible for a heroin addict to quit the drug on their own after multiple failed attempts. Fortunately, a professional treatment center has the knowledge and expertise needed to treat the symptoms of heroin withdrawal properly so that an addict can finally regain control over his or her life.

How can a drug treatment center manage dopesickness?

When a heroin addict enters a drug detox facility, they may feel nervous or afraid, often because of their previous failed attempts to quit the drug. Thankfully, at a drug treatment center, medical professionals will evaluate and treat a heroin addict’s withdrawal symptoms every step of the way to ensure that the process is as comfortable as possible. After the initial drug detox, addicts will then receive the professional counseling they desperately need to help them change their addictive behaviors in order to reduce their chances of relapse.

A wide variety of medications may be used during heroin detox in order to reduce the painful symptoms of opiate withdrawal. Medications such as Suboxone, benzodiazepines, Clonidine and other treatment options, will make the entire withdrawal process much more manageable for the patient. By choosing to enter a professional drug treatment center, an addict can greatly increase their likelihood of successfully quitting heroin or other opiate-based drugs once and for all.

Choosing To Enter a Treatment Center for Heroin Withdrawal

Drug treatment centers can mean the difference between life and death for a person when it comes to heroin addiction. Fortunately, heroin addiction can be treated and with the proper medications, counseling and other helpful treatment options, addicts can finally overcome their addiction.

Mar032015Apr282025

Perfectionism Hinders Recovery Process

Articles, Education

One common thread among alcoholics, addicts and their loved ones is the presence of perfectionism. Those who are addicted to alcohol or drugs often seek to be perfect – or at least look perfect on the outside – in order to cover up the inadequacy they feel inside. They may present themselves with an attitude of bravado or self-importance, particularly in the early stages of their addiction when they may have periods of seeming to manage their alcohol or drugs. Meanwhile, their family members and loved ones try to appear perfect in order to cover up the problem. If they look good on the outside, then perhaps no one will notice their lives are falling apart. They also may strive for perfectionism in a vain attempt to hold themselves up as a beacon for the addict or alcoholic. No matter what the motive, perfection is impossible. It can create havoc with recovery.

Expectations Open Door To Resentment

Expectations are an aspect of perfectionism – expectations of oneself and of others. If an alcoholic or addict expects perfect performance at work, perfect relationships and perfect social connections, it opens the door to resentment. Setting excessively high standards by some internal measuring stick sets the stage for consolation in alcohol or drugs when the standards are not met. Expectations also create a critical attitude. When people are caught up in the behavior of others, it becomes easy to place blame and to avoid looking at one’s own patterns of drinking and drug use. It also can provide an excuse for relapse.

Treatment Offers Realistic Feedback

Addiction treatment can provide a solution for stepping out of the cycle of perfectionism and substance use. With the help of therapy and recovery groups, alcoholics, addicts and their families begin to develop a more realistic way to deal with life. They learn to let go of perfectionism.

Feb242015Apr252025

Managing Anxiety in Recovery

Articles, Education, Understanding Addiction

Many people in substance recovery arrive with another condition such as anxiety. There is plenty of evidence from treating substance abusers who also have a mental disorder and the attitude is that both of these will be treated successfully. Research shows that “combining treatment medications with behavioral therapy is the best way to ensure success for most patients. Treatment approaches must be tailored to each patient’s drug and drug-related medical, psychiatric, and social problems.” Don’t think you are the only one to have another condition. It is very common.

The medications prescribed to treat your anxiety have a relaxing effect on your physiology. and Research says that the most common reasons for relapse are stress and being around illegal drugs or alcohol. The medications you will be prescribed in recovery are designed to interfere with your cravings. And you will need to be alert to avoid returning to places where drugs may be present. Changing the people and places from your using days is usually suggested. Counseling and learning new life skills to handle stress will help you recover from your anxiety.

Withdrawal from certain illegal drugs can cause anxiety, this is treatable and temporary. Certain prescriptions are intended to reduce the anxiety, making it more comfortable to stop the addiction and focus on recovery. The disruptive effects on your brain can often be reversed and you will return to a productive and useful life.

Because addiction can affect so many aspects of a person’s life, treatment must address the needs of the whole person to be successful. The top recovery programs use a blend of 12-steps, medical specialists, and counselors for the psychological needs of their clients. Even The Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous says seeking outside help is not only suggested but often necessary. A.A. offers fellowship who shares the same disease but members are not medical professionals. Listen to your doctors for advice designed to complement your substance addiction recovery. We wish you healing for your mind, body, and spirit.

Feb192015Apr252025

How the 12 Steps Help Manage Stress

Articles, Education, Understanding Addiction

Research shows that people often use alcohol and drugs for stress management. But most researchers also agree that these substances may actually induce stress rather than relieve it. So it’s important that individuals who have made the decision to stop drinking replace alcohol and drugs with more effective ways to manage stress. The 12 Steps, though not specifically designed as a stress management tool, use many of the techniques suggested by experts to deal with stress. For instance:

Numerous scientific studies have shown the positive effects of prayer and meditation on stress; as a result, health care practitioners often suggest prayer and meditation as a stress management strategy. The 12 Steps suggest the use of prayer and meditation as a means to sobriety. Though the writers of the 12 Steps weren’t aware of any science behind prayer and meditation at the time, they knew enough to include them at the heart of recovery.
Social support networks are known to relieve stress and promote mental health. While the 12 Steps do not explicitly mention group support as a way to stop drinking, they are written from a group perspective, using “we” and “our” in language, and they are recited at 12-Step meetings to provide common purpose, mutual understanding and a sense of community. The feeling of security that comes from group support can help manage the stress of being alone in the challenges of recovery.
Most individuals come to the 12 Steps with wreckage like financial debt, destroyed relationships and broken promises. The Steps help relieve the stress of a traumatic history by suggesting a complete inventory of one’s misbehavior, and amends to offended parties. By dealing with a troubled past, hope begins to take the place of stress, and individuals can start anew.