Articles Archives - Page 71 of 138

Oct042017Apr252025

USA Drug Use 2017

Articles, Education, Treatment, United States

The worrying and rising trend of USA drug use 2017 shows no signs of slackening. While it is true that some sections of the population are cutting back on one substance or the other there is evidence that far more are either maintaining or increasing their use of substances.

One major area that deserves close attention is that which may surprise many due to its legality:

Prescription medication:

The amount of people in the USA addicted to prescription medication has reached crisis point in the country. Estimates given by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention claim that the total economic burden of this type of misuse alone is running at $78.5 billion each year. This includes costs for:

Healthcare
Lost productivity
Addiction treatment
Criminal justice involvement

Commonly abused classes of prescription drugs:

These can be broken down into:

Opioids – For pain
(CNS) Central nervous system Depressants – For anxiety and sleep disorders
Stimulants – For ADHD and narcolepsy

The opioids that cause most addiction problems are seen as: Fentanyl, Hydrocodone, Oxycodone and Oxymorphone, the CNS category includes Pentobarbital sodium, Diazepam and Alprazolam while the Stimulants most abused are Dextroamphetamine, Methylphenidate and Amphetamines. All of the above medications have common registered trade names and while there has been a crack-down on the number of prescriptions issued legally, it is also known that such medication is widely available through ‘street dealers’.

Inherent dangers of abusing prescription medication:

We are all aware that prescription medication should be used “as prescribed and as stated”. With some prescribed medication, there is leeway to overdo things, but this is certainly not the case with the prescribed drug which is causing huge problems and contributing to death by overdose according to the USA Drug Use 2017 statistics. This frightening drug is:

Fentanyl:

Anyone using or considering the use of fentanyl must understand that this opiate is one of the most powerful painkilling drugs currently available. It certainly has its uses for those recovering from surgery or those in need of temporarily easing “breakthrough pain” when using other painkillers.

Fentanyl is a short-duration medication that must be administered with great care. It’s strength alone offers a fine line between a dose which eases pain and one that can be fatal. Sadly, many illegal users have learned to their cost through such a misjudgment.

When fentanyl is prescribed it must be done so under supervision and administered over short periods. The reason for this is that the drug creates a rapid increase in tolerance for higher doses.

A stark example is that a dose giving the required feelings taken over a period of 5 or 6 days of continuous use will not register those feelings the following week. The obvious answer for many is to take more, thus rapidly increasing the chances of addiction.

What is being done about the USA Drug Use 2017 crisis?

In response to the opioid crisis the HHS and the NIH are focusing their efforts in 5 major areas. These are:

Improvement of access to treatment and recovery services
Promoting the use of overdose-reversing drugs
Strengthening understanding of the crisis through more effective public health surveillance
Offering and providing support for cutting-edge research related to pain and addiction
Progressing and advancing better practices for pain management

Let’s hope these initiatives and continued education as to the problems of drug abuse can help turn this crisis around.

Oct032017Apr252025

Effects Of Compulsive Gambling

Articles, Australia, International, Malaysia, Treatment, Understanding Addiction, United Kingdom, United States

Gambling Addiction – Ask a general question between friends during a social meet-up relating to what causes addiction and the sure answers will be either a commonly abused drug or alcohol.

The odds that gambling will be mentioned as a major source of addiction are slim.

The Hidden Addiction:

Professional addiction specialists refer to gambling addiction as being the “Hidden Addiction”.

Gambling shows none of the outward signs that are displayed by those addicted to drugs or alcohol. There is no unsteady stature, no glazed eyes, no slurred talk or behaviour that generally indicates someone is under the influence of a substance. This makes it far more difficult for loved ones or those closest to the person to realise exactly how deep this problem is.

What is going on inside the head of an addict?

Just what is going on inside the head of someone who is addicted to gambling? Turmoil, angst, stress and anxiety. Their need to place a bet in whatever form is their preferred choice is overwhelming.

It will nag at them until they are able to gamble and as their addiction grows so will their determination to ‘play’.

Effects of a gambling addiction:

By its nature gambling has direct effects on the person concerned. Here are 3 common issues that gambling addicts will accept and deal with in their own way:

It’s my secret: In general gamblers are secretive, this is understandable, why shout from the rooftops if you have a dead-cert, or have devised a system that guarantees success? But the reality for compulsive gamblers is that as well as keeping any winning schemes to themselves, they are also determined to remain secretive about the extent of their gambling.
Lack of control: Most compulsive gamblers will maintain control of their thoughts, actions and emotions while in normal situations, but at the back of their mind they will be plotting their next gambling session. When it does begin, control goes out of the window They are in their zone and will often continue to gamble win, lose or draw. The two things guaranteed to stop a gambling session are exhaustion of funds or exhaustion of themselves.
Funds will be found: The need to fund a gambling habit means that wages will be spent, savings accounts exhausted, credit cards used to the limit, borrowings requested, items of value sold and in extreme circumstances theft or fraud committed.

Treatment for gambling addiction:

Anyone who feels that their gambling habits are becoming all-consuming, or those who have tried to leave gambling alone but failed needs to understand that treatment is available.

This treatment can be taken in 3 recognised forms and combinations of such treatment should be encouraged.

Therapy:

Behaviour therapy or CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) is a key treatment for those with a gambling addiction. The strategy behind this therapy in terms of gambling is to reduce the strong urges to gamble by systematically exposing an individual to their actual behaviour and changing the way an individual feels and thinks about gambling.

Medications:

Once assessed by medical and addiction specialists it may be found that those suffering with a gambling addiction need medication to help reduce symptoms and associated illnesses that can appear with such an addiction. Medication given includes mood stabilizers and anti-depressants.

Alternative medication also includes Narcotic antagonists; this type of drug is also used to help those with drug addiction.

Self-help groups:

This type of ‘treatment’ will not suit all, but benefits many. There are voluntary organisations and online self-help groups that can be highly effective for those struggling with gambling addiction. If an addict can open themselves up to this type of help they will be surprised at the openness, frankness and real-life advice available.

Oct022017Apr252025

Preparing Yourself For An Inpatient Rehab Stay

Articles, Australia, International, Malaysia, Treatment, United Kingdom, United States

Once a person has taken the huge step of committing to an inpatient rehab stay the realities of a lengthy time away from their home environment will kick-in.

It is important to take a calm approach to this impending confinement. This means the first thing to do is from a mental perspective:

Stressful feelings and thoughts:

It is completely natural for anyone preparing for inpatient rehab to have stressful feelings and thoughts. There are many things that will need to be put on hold for a while, but by taking a measured approach and giving yourself ample time for consideration is the most positive way to proceed.

The hardest, but eminently most sensible decision has been made, so bear that in mind any time those stress levels begin to rise.

Do not be afraid or hesitant to lean on a loved one or a close friend who is aware of your situation. They should be only too happy to help you prepare and can lend a sympathetic but positive ear to any concerns you have.

Such concerns should be voiced as soon as possible. Keeping things bottled up will do no good whatsoever and will only serve to increase those stressful thoughts and feelings.

Alert your employer:

You may be hesitant to mention your extended absence to your employer, but this should be done far sooner than later. Any employer who appreciates you as a valued employee will want to see you get better and will understand that this treatment is targetted to do so.

Under employment laws of most western country’s there are clauses that allow you extended medical leave without affecting your employment situation.

During discussions, you should stress just how much the treatment will benefit you and that your strong desire is to return to work with renewed energy and enthusiasm.

Take care of your loved ones:

Make arrangements to ensure your loved ones will be cared and catered for during your absence. If children or the elderly are involved lean on other family members or close friends to look after them or give regular support to your partner.

Take care of your financial obligations:

Check for any bills that will need to be paid while you are in rehab. Most services and utilities now accept automated payment, so sign up for those that are relevant.

If electronic commerce is not your thing then rely on a loved one, family member or close, trusted friend to settle these bills. You should list out clearly the bills expected with approximate amounts against each.

Leave this with the person concerned and take a copy with you. While you will be confined to the inpatient rehab establishment during your stay you will still be permitted to make phone calls, so by referring to your list you can always check-in with the person responsible to make sure the relevant bill has been settled on time.

Determine to get the most from your experience:

From the moment you have a start date for inpatient treatment to the moment you arrive at the establishment it is important to maintain positivity. Determine and remind yourself that your aim is to derive maximum benefit from the treatment and therapy being offered.

Remember, this stay can be the springboard to a new, far brighter period of your life and full advantage should be taken.

CLICK HERE to get a Free confidential assessment or call.

Sep292017Apr252025

Just What Is Addiction – Part 2

Articles, Australia, Education, International, Malaysia, Treatment, Understanding Addiction, United Kingdom, United States

This is the concluding article of 2 on what substance addiction is. This complex condition affects individuals in many different ways, so let’s start with:

Why do some suffer addiction and others do not?

The exact reasons why some fall quickly into addiction while others using similar substances or amounts do not, but a family history of addiction is known to have an effect.

This means if a blood-relative such as a parent or grandparent suffered with substance addiction then the chances are increased that you will.

There is also the environment in which you are living to take into account. If this is one where drugs or alcohol are freely available and openly used, then the chances are that a person will begin substance use at an earlier age than those living in environments where substance use is not so prevalent.

The earlier a person begins using drugs or alcohol the greater the chance of them becoming addicted to a substance later in life.

Mental disorders:

Mental disorders such as depression, anxiety and stress are also common factors when it comes to determining whether a person will fall foul of addiction.

The problem with such disorders is that we all feel these conditions during some periods of our lives, but those suffering more than most with these mental problems often do not realise that their condition is serious enough to warrant medical attention.

It is known that those who have a diagnosable mental disorder are far more likely to develop more than one addiction. Dealing with one addiction is difficult enough, to have to cope with multiple addictions can be devastating.

Those with more than one substance addiction are termed as having co-occurring disorders and it is crucial that once this is identified that specialised treatment is given to that person to ensure each condition is treated separately.

One thing is certain:

The more regularly a person dabbles with substances the more they will want. This is because the body builds a tolerance to that substance. As tolerance builds it means that more of the same is required to achieve the same effects as previously experienced.

Continued tolerance will eventually lead to dependence because the body and brain cannot do without your substance(s) of choice. These substances alter the way your brain works and this makes it extremely difficult to resist the strong urges to continue substance abuse.

Don’t let things slide:

It is far easier to continue using substances and ignore the growing need for them than to do anything about it. Many put their use down to ‘enjoyment’ and convince themselves they can stop use whenever the wish, but ‘now’ is just not that time.

The importance of recognising your substance abuse is getting out of hand is crucial and there should be no shame in admitting this.

You are not alone:

If you have tried, but failed to stop your substance use it is important to understand that embarrassment should not come into the equation in terms of seeking assistance. Quite the opposite, by seeking professional help you are making a brave statement about your character and desire to quit.

It is also important to understand that countless people before you have been in your position and countless more in future will be, but with professional help you can leave addiction where it belongs; in the dim and distant past.

Sep272017Apr252025

Just What Is Addiction? – Part 1

Articles, Australia, Education, International, Malaysia, Understanding Addiction, United Kingdom, United States

It is far too easy for those who do not fully understand addiction to dismiss this illness as one that affects only those who are weak-willed, easily lead or should know better. They also cannot understand why an addict does not simply cease use of the substance(s) concerned immediately.

If Only:

Such thoughts are obviously formed without an understanding of exactly how complex addiction is, why some people are more prone to becoming addicted than others and the reason it drives many to an early grave.

No control:

Those men and women who are addicted do not have control over their actions.

Where drugs are concerned an addict does not know exactly what different chemicals they are putting into their body. The ‘main’ substance responsible for their devastating dependence will obviously be the major ingredient, but they are also pumping their bodies full of a wide range of chemicals and mixing agents that can also do substantial harm.

Addiction is not just drug-related:

Again, it is easy for those who are unaware of exactly what addiction is to assume that illegal substances or the abuse of prescription medication is the only cause of dependence.

Yes, addictions are caused by the physical things a person consumes, so alcohol and drugs certainly top the list, but addiction can strike in many ways. Gambling is a valid and worrying example but there are many others.

When considering, it is important to understand that this can either be a substance or a behavioural addiction.

Addiction wears 2 hats:

History shows us that a person classified as an addict was one who was dependent upon psychoactive substances which affected them by crossing the blood-brain barrier and temporarily altered the brain’s chemical balance.

Major psychoactive substances are alcohol, certain categories of drugs; the opioid family are a powerful example, and tobacco.

Over time this single reason causing addiction had been challenged. It is now accepted by medical and addiction professionals that a second strand of dependency exists. This is psychological addiction. Gambling has already been mentioned in this category, but sex, exercise, work and internet addiction are also placed in this category.

Different reasons – similar negative feelings:

Whether your dependence has been caused due to physical or psychological issues there are common feelings of negativity to contend with. Examples are:

Enhanced feelings of guilt
A deeper and more pronounced feeling of shame that will generally be very well disguised
A sense of helplessness at their situation which only serves to fuel addiction
Deep despair where an addict often feels they have nowhere to turn
Self-failure will be a regular visitor to their thoughts as will how they have failed others
Rejection will deepen. An addict will reject anyone close to them in various ways while those affected can eventually reject the addict due to unreasonable and erratic behaviour.
Anxiety is a common companion. This is increased if there are extended periods without an addict’s substance of choice.
Humiliation is also something that has significant effects on an addict’s self-respect.

We will continue to look at exactly what addiction is in the 2^nd article, but anyone who relates to things mentioned above really would benefit from seeking urgent professional assistance.

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