Category: Malaysia

Knowing When it’s Time for Drug and Alcohol Rehab.

Signs of a Problem

Drug and alcohol addiction can be a sensitive subject. Unfortunately, it can also be a subjective judgment call when it comes to time for drug and alcohol rehab. While some people feel having a single drink nightly signifies addiction, others may feel that drinking all weekend, every weekend is perfectly normal. The truth is that these can both be signs of addiction and typical behavior. So how do you know when it is time to seek outside help? Read on to learn the answers.

When deciding whether a substance abuse problem actually exists there are some criteria you may choose to look at and compare to your own life. These are similar criteria a professional would use to determine a problem.

Behavioral

The first area is behavioral problems. This is related to a person’s relationships with the outside world and others. Some of these signs include obsessive thoughts and actions, disregard of harm to others, loss of control, and denial or hiding of an addiction or use. Read on to understand these a bit better.

Obsessive thoughts and actions is a bit self explanatory. If you or the person you suspect is using becomes obsessed with their next score, rushing through or avoiding other activities to get the next drink or hit, then a problem could exist. Acquiring and using becomes a priority and other areas of life will suffer. This may happen gradually, but for an addict, it will happen.

Disregarding any harm that is caused is related to the first behavioral sign. The use of drugs and alcohol may be causing physical and mental distress to the user and loved one’s, but they will not acknowledge this fact. It may start out simple, like missing family dinners or getting drunk and ruining a party, but the harm will grow and the addict will not care because addiction has taken over.

Loss of Control

Loss of control is a big red flag. The user may wish to stop or even cut down, but is unable to do so. This typically leads to using more with the mindset of if I am going to use, I might as well use as much as I want. The addict may feel trapped, scared, and unable to ask for help.

Finally, and also a big red flag, is the denial of drug use even in the light of obvious evidence. A person may totally deny an addiction, state they have it under control, or lie about the amount of use. Some addicts may be lying to themselves as well about the amount they use. This can mean they are not ready to admit a problem, but it does not mean help is not available. This is a good time to seek drug and alcohol rehab.

Physical

There are also physical signs that may occur for users. The word may is used because not all addicts will display the same physical signs and symptoms. The most common physical signs of addiction are enlarged or small pupils, bloodshot eyes, insomnia, sudden weight gain or loss, and slurred speech. Some may additionally display unusual body odor, poor physical coordination, and an unkempt look. While for some this may be a medical issue, these are also signs of addiction. One step is to get medically cleared to make sure a physical ailment is not causing issues.

Getting Help: Time for Drug and Alcohol Rehab

If these signs sound like you or a loved one, help is available. Don’t leave it too late when you feel like it’s time for drug and alcohol rehab. Whether you have been using consistently or are just starting, but know you need help, pick up the phone and make a call that could change your life for the better. Addiction does not happen in a vacuum and healing cannot be accomplished alone. Call DARA to start getting the help you need right away,.

CLICK HERE to get a Free Confidential Addiction Rehabilitation Assessment.

Links Between Social Media Abuse and Substance Abuse.

Touching Lives

Substance abuse in some form has touched nearly every family in the world. Whether a loved one is addicted or a friend’s loved one has a problem, addiction has touched most lives. There is no single cause for addiction, though there are warning signs. Those warning signs may not be exactly what many think. One of the newer concerns comes from social media abuse.

Social Media Abuse

Social media has offered the ability for people to easily connect to others whether in the same room or across the world. The downside is that you can be who you want on social media. This means that the person posting pictures may or may not be being honest. Additionally, people can be bold and say whatever is on their mind to or about someone. Social Media can give you the feeling that there is no consequences. Since the words are on a screen, they do not give a visual reaction of how they make the person on the receiving end feels. This all leads directly to social media abuse. 

Another problem is that undesirable behaviors can be made to seem commonplace and safe on social media. When a teenager is inundated with images of people having fun drinking or using drugs, it can make the behaviors seem safer or more desirable. This makes monitoring teen behavior online that much more important. 

Social Media Use

As of 2015, most teens were online ‘almost constantly’ and at least ¾ used more than one social networking site. Social media use has already been associated with mental health problems such as depression, eating disorders, and even sleep problems. This is because social media tends to show only a snapshot. Although teens use that snapshot as a form of comparison.

Due to a lack of laws, teens are allowed to share nearly anything they desire on social media. This leaves them and the recipients vulnerable and exposed. This is not only true for information sharing, but glamorizing drug and alcohol use. This glamorization by celebrities is unchecked on social media. There have been some reports of hashtags being used to connect underage users. They have been linked with people who will provide cigarettes and alcohol. Even illegal drugs have been found.

Previous studies have found that teens who use social media are more likely to see photos of others passed out or under the influence of substances. This in turn makes them more likely to try age inappropriate or illegal substances when compared to peers who do not use social media.

What Does this Mean

If you are a parent of a teen then this data may be troublesome. However, it can be impossible to keep teenagers off of social media when it has become such a part of everyday life. So how do you deal with the inundation of social media into their lives? The answers are pretty simple. Talk to your teenagers about social media, about drugs and alcohol, and monitor accounts.

If your teenager is online, you should know what they are doing. If your teen is not posting or surfing inappropriate sites, then this should not be problematic. Be open and honest with your teen about the safety issues surrounding online behavior and the use of drugs and alcohol.

If you find your teen has already formed a drug or alcohol addiction or is taking part in risky behaviors, seek help. One on one counseling for mild cases or inpatient treatment at centers such as DARA can help get your teen back on track and living an addiction free life.

CLICK HERE to get a Free Confidential Addiction Rehabilitation Assessment.

Smartphone Addiction: Are You Addicted?

A Daily Need

Twenty years ago it would have been shocking to see people refusing to interact in person because the phone was more important. However, today Smartphones have become an extension of the human body for many. It is rare to meet someone without access to a Smartphone in most developed countries. Smartphones literally put a world of information, good, bad, and pointless at your fingertips. Additionally, Smartphones allow users to communicate instantly, play games, listen to music, and connect with those thousands of miles away. Smartphones definitely have their place and usefulness in the world. But when the Smartphone becomes a necessary part of your daily life, or feeling like you are lost without it, then a problem exists.

Are You Addicted?

Smartphone addiction, just as other addictions means you have a need to engage with the item, or substance, at all times. Consider it this way, have you ever left home without your Smartphone and began to panic? Have you ever avoided interacting with those you know and love to spend time using your phone in some manner? Perhaps you have attended a social gathering, and instead of talking to someone in person, used your phone to connect? This could point to a Smartphone addiction for many.

Some people cannot go any length of time without using their Smartphone. It can make them feel anxious, disconnected, alone, and possibly lost. They may feel disconnected from family, friends, and an online identity if unable to connect for even a few hours. This signifies a possible addiction. Remember, addiction is defined as a need to interact or use a substance, thing, or engage in an activity regardless of the negative consequences. Continually using a Smartphone in spite of the lack of real social interaction or avoiding work, school, or other activities to spend time on your phone is a significant indicator of addiction.

Breaking Free

While a Smartphone, tablet, or computer can be a highly productive and useful tool, compulsive use can interfere with school, relationships, and even work over time. With increased use addictions and compulsions with virtual relationships, information overload, cybersex, and other online compulsion can also become problematic. This is true for the same reasons drugs and alcohol can become addictive. This means that you may need treatment to break the Smartphone addiction.

Humans are meant to be social and taking part in face to face interaction can help control a need to interact online. You will need to build healthy coping skills instead of retreating to the online world. It’s important to recognize Smartphone use as a compulsive behavior that is completed without real thought. You may need to create a step by step plan to meet these goals.

Seek Help

To break free of your Smartphone addiction you may need to seek professional help. Your Smartphone is literally within reach at all times. This means you may disregard things that need to be completed to spend more time with your phone. A professional can help you recognize your triggers when it comes to Smartphone use. If you reach for your phone when you are lonely, bored, depressed, stress, and angry then these conditions need to find another outlet. You will also need to understand the difference in interacting in person and online.

Start by setting goals for your phone use. Such as fifteen minutes of phone time after all work is completed. Learn to turn off your phone certain times of the day, while at work or during dinner with the family is a great start. Replace phone use with healthier activities and limit the number of times you check it throughout the day. These paired with other professional suggestions can help you break the habit and get back to real life.

CLICK HERE to get a Free Confidential Addiction Rehabilitation Assessment.

Internet Gaming Addiction.

Addiction Defined

Almost everyone in existence today has been touched by addiction in some manner. Addition is defined as the fact or condition of being addicted to a particular substance, thing, or activity in the dictionary. Technically, this means that anything you become addicted or obsessed with to the point that it negatively affects other aspects of your life can be deemed an addiction.

Because the term addiction has become so common place it is somewhat overused. While you can become addicted to anything, only certain addictions are recognized as actual addictions by the psychological community. That being said, psychology is ever evolving as the Internet and Internet gaming did not exist 50 years ago, so there was no need to consider it an addiction.

Through technological advancements the majority of the world now has access to such things as the Internet and online gaming, making an addiction to such possible. This means that the psychological community has started researching and is considering including Internet gaming as a form of treatable addiction. 

Internet Gaming Addiction

Currently Internet gaming is not yet a recognized addiction, although it is only a matter of time. Research suggests that between 6 and 15 percent of gamers show signs that would qualify as addiction. The disorder itself can be difficult to recognize. There are a few symptoms that may help you identify someone with a gaming addiction. With two main types of video games, single player standard games and multiplayer online games, the focus for this article will be on multiplayer online games.

Multiplayer online games require interaction from others to play the game. These type of games are played online with others, and have no real ending. This is what makes them highly addictive. Gamers interested in this type of game typically enjoy becoming a character they have created for the online community. These gamers often build online relationships with fellow gamers and feel highly accepted in that community. Even though in many cases they have rarely met outside of the game.

Cause

There are a number of factors that could play into a video game addiction. Addiction is partially created because this is what the games are created to accomplish. Game creators are in the creation business to make a profit. The more people that play and the longer they play; the more likely a profit is earned. The games are difficult enough to be challenging and engaging. Yet easy enough to continue moving forward in the game. Success always feels just out of reach, but with small victories that can be made. Much like those with a gambling addiction.

Symptoms

Symptoms of a gaming disorder or addiction can vary. They fall into both physical and emotional areas of life. Emotional symptoms include restlessness or irritability when not able to play. Lying to others about time spent playing. Preoccupation with thoughts about gaming, and isolation from others to play games. The physical symptoms can also be obvious. They can include fatigue, migraines from eyestrain and screen time, carpal tunnel syndrome, and even poor hygiene. It’s easily ignored to play the game.

These effects combine both short and long term and can have negative consequences. Often basic things such as sleep and eating proper meals are avoided to game. This leads to health problems and isolation from others over time. Depression may also come about over time, as it’s easy to become totally isolated and focused on a single aspect of life, gaming.

Seeking Help

If you or someone you know is falling into gaming addiction or is already fully addicted, then some treatment options are available. For the most part, gaming addiction can be treated as other addictions with programs, behavioral counseling, and the limiting or avoidance of gaming. If you find yourself unable to deal with the issue alone, seek professional help to regain control of your life and break the gaming addiction for good.

CLICK HERE to get a Free Confidential Addiction Rehabilitation Assessment.

World Health Organization Recognizes Gaming Disorder as an Addiction.

What is Gaming Addiction

Addiction does not discriminate when it comes to most things. Gaming addiction tends to hit mostly children and teens between the ages of 10 and 18. Gaming addiction is a growing problem among young men and boys. Especially as video games allow for time in a fantasy environment that is often competitive and violent. This allows for gamers to take out aggression and unwind. While interacting digitally with others with a common interest.

Now a Recognized Addiction

Though parents have been concerned about their children’s growing gaming habit for the last decade, gaming addiction was not necessarily a legitimate diagnosis when it came to addiction. However, in June 2018, the World Health Organization (WHO) began recognizing ‘gaming disorder’ as a diagnosable condition. There are some concerns with the decision to include it in the newest edition by psychiatric experts. Due to the fact that the research is limited. According to the American Psychological Association (APA) about 160 million American adults play video games. Although the percentage of those who would qualify for the disorder is small. Regardless, WHO has provided a list of signs and symptoms that point to gaming disorder.

Signs and Symptoms

The World Health Organization, currently the only organization recognizing gaming disorder includes the following as signs and symptoms of gaming disorder: A pattern of behavior in which gaming is out of control for at least a 12 month period with a ‘continuation or escalation of gaming despite negative consequences’. Additionally, the pattern of behavior must show that there is an increased priority given to time spent gaming So much so that daily interests and activities are ignored to game. Meaning the person’s choice of gaming affects education, relationships, or occupation. This is aligned with other addiction types where gamers would try to stop playing but could not. In spite of negative consequences and other aspects of life being negatively affected.

Though not currently recognized by the American Psychological Association, there are additional aspects of gaming disorder that have been proposed in conjunction with the WHO’s list. These include a heavy focus on Internet gaming. Withdrawal symptoms when not able to play (anxiety, irritability, and sadness). Tolerance builds up from gaming time, unsuccessful attempts to stop playing, lying about time spent playing, and use of the Internet to relieve negative moods. If these combined with the WHO’s definition are met in at least five areas, then a gaming disorder is likely.

Treatment for Gaming Disorder

Those currently seeking treatment for gaming disorder may hit road blocks. However, with recognition from the World Health Organization this could change. As gaming disorder was not previously recognized, any treatment was likely not covered by insurance. With the addition by WHO, insurances may begin covering treatment. This means mental health professionals will begin preparing to treat the disorder.

As of right now, few professionals know how to treat a disorder that has just been recognized. But as with any addiction type disorder, the treatment will likely be behavioral in treatment form. Treatment will also likely include a limiting and avoidance of video games over time. If you are concerned about a gaming disorder in yourself or your teen, seek help to curb the behavior.

CLICK HERE to get a Free Confidential Addiction Rehabilitation Assessment.