Category: Malaysia

What is Addiction?

Before you can determine if you or a loved one has an addiction or drug abuse problem, you must understand what an addiction or drug abuse problem actually is according to the professionals. An addiction is a complex condition, a brain disease, that is manifested through compulsive substance use in spite of the harmful consequences. People who suffer from addiction tend to have an intense focus on getting and using specific drugs.

Addiction is no respecter of persons. Anyone can develop a drug abuse problem. Regardless of social class, age, ability, race, or gender. It can be difficult to identify a drug abuse problem, especially for those who have continued to work and live a relatively normal life. Having a drug problem is no reason to be ashamed. Unless you are refusing to seek help. Take a chance on yourself and get help for yourself or your loved one if necessary. Life will improve if you take that chance.

Identifying a Drug Abuse Problem

Drug abuse, now called substance use disorder, is more common than most might think. If you are concerned you or a loved one has an issue then there are two main areas to look at for signs. These are physical and behavioral. Since drug abuse does not depend on age, the addiction may have started through prescription or street drugs and developed from there.

Physical Symptoms

Physical symptoms of addiction start with tolerance and dependence. Tolerance is usually the first stage in which the person will need more or a higher dose of the medication or drug to achieve the same effect. This means they have built up a tolerance. The next step is dependence which is when the person cannot stop using, even for a little while, without feeling withdrawal symptoms. Dependence and addiction are not the same, but dependence does often lead to addiction if the person does not receive help. Both tolerance and dependence can happen with illegal drugs and prescription medications. Other physical symptoms can include:

• Bloodshot or glazed eyes
• Dilated or constricted pupils
• Abrupt weight changes (increase or decrease)
• Sleep pattern changes (insomnia or sleeping too much)
• Looking unkempt (poor hygiene)
• Unusual body odors
• Poor physical condition

These may not be present for all addicts and some may come and go or change from one extreme to the other over time. However, if several are present along with behavioral symptoms then an addiction is probably present.

Behavioral Symptoms

Behavioral symptoms will vary greatly from person to person, even those using the same drug as people can react differently to what they take. The effects may also come and go based on the amount of usage. Behavioral symptoms include:

• Increased aggression
• Increased irritability
• Lethargy
• Depression (or worsened depression)
• A change in the type of posts on social media
• Involvement in criminal activity

Again, not everything will occur with all people and some people may experience only a few of these symptoms, but it is important to watch out for these changes over time. Addiction can very easily lead a perfectly law abiding person into criminal activity to obtain more drugs if the addiction is severe enough.

Effects on Family and Friends

Addiction is a horrible thing on its own. Unfortunately, addiction does not just affect the user, but all those around him or her and in different ways. Addiction can ruin the user’s life in a short amount of time or over many years. However, the addiction also touches family, friends, and society as a whole. Allow this to be explained. Friends and family members may suspect someone is using, but not say anything for a while. This allows resentment to build up over time and a fight may occur and damage the relationship. Furthermore, friends and family may have to bail an addict out of bad situations, loan them money, or provide shelter when things get their worst. This can get old.

In the worst case scenario, addicts may lie to family and friends or even steal from them to support an addiction. If the addict turns to crime then society is also affected as they must deal with the person going to jail and going through the court system. These negative effects can build until the user has no support which may make the addiction worse or could be the wake up call that is needed.

Getting Help

As with any issue, especially those related to addiction, admitting there is a problem is the first step. Once you or a family member is ready to admit a problem exists, then help is available. Pushing someone into rehab before they are ready is rarely successful, though some who have been court ordered have successfully stayed in recovery long term.

DARA rehab seeks to use a program that is both affordable and effective. With locations in many countries around the world, DARA has taken converted luxury resorts and created an oasis of sorts for those ready to overcome their addictions. By focusing not only on the actual addiction, but also the mind-body connection, DARA is successful in this approach. Clients are kept on a busy schedule that forces them out of the comfort zone of hiding and into life. A typical day may include an early morning, short water workout in the pool while enjoying stunning views. Proceed to a nutritious, bountiful breakfast and then therapy, both group and individual for the day.

The therapy process focuses on education about addiction as well as cognitive behavioral therapy that helps the user learn that thoughts, actions, and behaviors are related and can be altered if you change any single aspect. Each patient will meet and workout with a personal trainer to both improve the body and build self-esteem. There are also sports, meditation, and on occasion movies and games. This keeps the patient busy while also creating chances for interactions and personal growth. Before leaving DARA, you will gain the tools necessary to move back into your every day life. This allows you to reenter your life with what is necessary to stay drug free.

Are You Ready?

If you are ready to get help for a drug abuse problem, give DARA a call. Someone is available 24/7 to help you get started in your first steps to recovery.

CLICK HERE to get a Free Confidential Addiction Rehabilitation Assessment. Alternatively, you can click on the live chat icon to chat with someone right now.

Losing Trust with Addiction

Addiction changes lives, and it’s not just the lives of those who are addicted. Family members, friends, and acquaintances are often damaged in the wake of addiction. It is not uncommon for an addict to lie, cheat, steal, and much more in order to feed the addiction. One of the things lost on both sides of addiction is trust. An addict may lose trust in family and friends because they tried to force rehab or lied about discussing the addiction and loved ones may lose trust in the addict because of all the behaviors over time. However, rebuilding trust is possible. 

Rebuilding Trust

It may seem odd that family members may need to rebuild trust with the addict during recovery, but the truth is addiction steals trust for many reasons and in many ways. Even after the addict gets help and is in recovery, the memories of how they were treated can leave relationships strained. This is usually because there was a difference in opinion over getting help and someone was too tough or too lenient and conflict ensues. It will take time to rebuild this trust.

On the other hand, it will also take time for others to trust the addict once again. Addiction brings about many behaviors that break trust. Addicts may steal, lie, cheat, disappear, and break promises in order to further the addiction and this ruins trust. The good news is it is possible to rebuild that trust.

Basic Steps to Rebuilding Trust

The basic steps to rebuilding trust are time, boundaries, consistency and honesty. This is not as easy as it sounds, but it is necessary to rebuild trust on both sides of addiction. For the addict and those that are hurt it will take time before trust is given. This may mean weeks, months, or even years before people can once again trust each other. During this time both parties must be consistent and honest with one another, even when it is difficult. This is what is hardest for most people as it is difficult to be honest when the truth is not great. However, if you are consistently honest, even when it does not benefit you in any way or is even embarrassing, then trust will grow as people understand it is hard to share.

Another area that is difficult but necessary is to set boundaries. Addiction ruins boundaries, so when in recovery boundaries are necessary. Make sure both sides know and keep these boundaries. If they are broken then there should be basic consequences. These boundaries will create healthy relationships.

Consistency is Key

Finally, consistency is key. Addiction tends to make someone inconsistent in everything but the addiction. Addicts likely missed big family events, made plans that they bailed on, or just broke numerous promises and this breaks trust. Once in recovery it is best to be consistent and do as you say you are going to do in life. Even small promises and agreements should be kept and this consistency will help build trust. The same is true of the loved ones of the addict. If they agree to something then the promise should be kept. Remember, it is ok to say no to activities, but if you say yes then do what you said. This simple act goes a long way to building trust.

Help

If you or a loved one is in active addiction then seek help. DARA can help you not only overcome addiction, but help to start rebuilding trust and relationships through family counseling and individual counseling while at a DARA facility. Addiction steals so much, but much of it can be regained in time and with work. Call to book a room and get the help you need today.

CLICK HERE to get a Free Confidential Addiction Rehabilitation Assessment. Alternatively, you can click on the live chat icon to chat with someone right now.

Opioid Effects on Chronic Pain: What are Opioids

Before truly discussing the opioid effects on pain and risk for addiction, we must understand what an opioid is in general. Opioids are prescription drugs that resemble opium as far as addictive properties and physiological effects. These drugs are most often given for pain from surgery or serious injury. In some cases they are part of a treatment plan for chronic pain sufferers. Opioids do serve a purpose and function, but because of their addictive properties they are highly dangerous.

Opioid Effects

The irony in opioids is that though they are prescription, they are highly addictive. Despite being prescribed for pain, they often make it worse long term for various reasons. This will be explained a bit further below.

Over time, these types of painkillers cause the pain you feel to actually increase. While opioids are effective short term, a few days after surgery, It is quite the opposite when it comes to long term. For those who take them long term, like four or more weeks, they make you more sensitive to pain which makes your pain worse. This is because opioids block the pain receptors. This is good at first, but to accommodate the body increases the number of receptors so you will feel the pain and ‘fix’ it. If you continue to take the med’s the body will continue to build receptors. It is a self-defeating cycle.

Opioids Mask Emotional Trauma and Pain

Another concern is the ability of opioids to mask emotional trauma and pain. Pain is typically a combination of physical and emotional and it can be hard for the brain to separate them. Each area needs a different type of help. However, opioids can mask the trauma and emotional stuff. This can be made worse if opioids are stopped. Unfortunately it cannot be treated if they are continued.

Painkillers do not build resilience which is what is needed with chronic pain. Resilience is the ability to endure a difficult experience and adapt. Opioids do not force the person to adapt as the pain is blocked. However if the pain is dealt with and a low dose of something else used short term, the body will learn to adapt to current pain levels. This is related to another issue opioids often cause which is effect good sleep. The person who uses opioids long term may be unable to sleep well. Use of the medication wears off and restorative, healing sleep is not attained making problems worse.

Finally, motion is really the best treatment for chronic pain. Unfortunately, opioid use tends to make the person less likely to be up and moving around, especially if an addiction occurs. Instead of strong medications, physical therapy, weight loss, and staying mobile may be best.

Help for Addiction

If you or a loved one have developed an opioid addiction then seeking help at a facility is important. DARA offers an in-patient facility that helps the whole person heal so any emotional or physical issues on top of addiction will be dealt with in an appropriate way so that the patient can be reintegrated back into their daily lives. You are worth so much more than a phone call, but that is a good place to start. Call DARA today.

CLICK HERE to get a Free Confidential Addiction Rehabilitation Assessment. Alternatively, you can click on the live chat icon to chat with someone right now.

Dangerous Drugs: The Top Eight

There is no lack of ways to get high, stoned, messed up, or whatever terminology you choose to use. There are both prescription and illegal drugs as well as combinations of drugs that can create an escape from reality. However, there are also some drugs that are so dangerous that they can rot your flesh, turn you into a zombie, and destroy your vital organs. This list will share and describe the concerns with the top eight most dangerous illegal drugs in the world.

Heroin

Ranking in at number 8, heroin is one of the world’s oldest drugs and was originally prescribed as a pain killer. It was commonly misused and was made illegal in 1971. Even since that time it has become one of the most destructive substances in the world. Side effects of heroin include a weakened immune system, damaged blood vessels, cold sweats, inflammation of the gums, and insomnia. If the damage is left untreated it can lead to gangrene and loss of limbs over time.

Crack Cocaine

Just above heroin is crack cocaine which first came about in 1980. Once one of the most expensive drugs to use due to how difficult it was to make, it is now readily available to the masses. Cocaine is highly addictive and can damage the liver, kidney, and lungs. It will also cause permanent damage to the blood vessels. This will lead to heart attacks, strokes, and death. With the number of cocaine can be ingested it becomes even more dangerous.

Crystal Meth

Crystal meth is one of the most destructive drugs in the world and was originally used in WWII to help soldiers stay awake. After the war it was given as a diet aid and was actually legal until 1970. Mexican gangs selling it has caused the gain in popularity around the world. When using crystal meth the person becomes sleep deprived and anxious. Over time the flesh begins to stink and brain damage and blood vessel damage are prominent. Crystal meth slowly kills the body over time.

AH-7921

Possibly not as well known, but dangerous, is AH-7921. This is a synthetic opioid that was legally purchased online until 2015. It was thought to have about 80% of the potency of morphine and became the legal heroin of sorts. Use of this drug can lead to respiratory arrest and gangrene though it is still prescribed as a Class A medication.

Flakka

Flakka is relatively new in popularity, but highly dangerous. It is a stimulant with a chemical make-up similar to amphetamine, such as in bath salts. It was originally marketed as a legal option to ecstasy, but the effects are much different. Flakka users will experience elevated heart rate, strong hallucinations, and enhanced emotional responses. It can cause permanent psychological damage because of the effects on regulating neurons in the brain that keep dopamine in check. It can also lead to heart failure.

Bath Salts

Bath Salts sound harmless, but they are highly dangerous. Originally sold online and disguised as harmless additions to the bath water, the side effects include psychosis, psychiatric behavior, panic attacks, and violent outbursts. The user can also experience higher body temperature and a heart attack with use.

Whoonga

Coming in at number two, whoonga is a combination of antiretroviral drugs used to treat HIV and cutting agents like poison or detergents. Most popular in South Africa, it is easy to get and affordable when compared to basic antiretroviral medications. The highly addictive combination creates major health issues like stomach ulcers, internal bleeding, and ultimately death.

Krokodil

Krokodil comes in at number one for good reason. Though most popular in Russian, Krokodil is found in most countries and enjoyed for its relatively low price when compared to heroin. This often-homemade concoction includes painkillers, iodine, lighter fluid, and industrial cleaners which is deadly as it causes the flesh to rot and die, killing the user.

Conclusion

If you or a loved one is addicted to these top eight dangerous drugs or have an addiction of any type, seek help. While the physical damage may not be reversible, you can get the help you need to get back to a drug free life. DARA offers affordable in-patient facilities with highly trained staff and doctors to help you beat any addiction you may have in life. When you are ready seek help, your life may depend on it.

CLICK HERE to get a Free Confidential Addiction Rehabilitation Assessment.