Category: Understanding Addiction

Early Sobriety - Testimonial - What I Wish I Had Known

Early Sobriety – What I Wish I had known

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

Looking back on my early days and weeks in sobriety, I often think of things I had known at the time. Early sobriety is an extremely confusing time. There are just a few facts which would have helped me sort through some of that confusion. We come into treatment dizzied and beaten, knowing just a few things would definitely help get through the first days. 

Upon finding myself in drug and alcohol rehab I was completely shocked to find that so many people I had counted as friends had disappeared as soon as I went into treatment. I thought surely some, if not all, of the people I had called friends would be there for me now that I had decided to get well. That was not to be the case. There were actually quite a few people for whom I had simply disappeared from the earth. I was shocked and hurt. I felt abandoned. The reality that I came to know was that not everyone in your drinking and drugging life is worth keeping around. This plunge into treatment had turned into a process of separating the wheat form the chafe and I am now grateful for it. Those people who saw me as nothing more than a party buddy are gone. The people I do have left in my life are precious to me.

One of the attitudes I took with me into the earliest days of sobriety was the firm belief that things can and will get worse. I think this is common for people who find themselves in need of drug and alcohol treatment. This attitude is really a hold-over from using. Drug and alcohol fuels the downward slide into the negative, and we become so accustomed to this that we mistake it for a reality. What I found is that life always gets better in recovery—always! I may hit stumbling blocks, and life still throws me difficulties. But life as a sober person is always a steady rise toward the positive. The days begin to seem normal, boring even, but over periods of weeks we all see noticeable and marked improvement in the quality of our lives.

This last piece of information leads to another fact that I was blind to in early sobriety. You will never regret being sober. It seems obvious now. But in early recovery I thought I would surely miss out on great times that centered on drinking. I would necessarily regret missing those times while I got with the business of being sober. This is just not true. What is true is that a life of being addled by alcohol always gave me regret. There has never been the slightest moment of life that I regret spending sober. The blunt truth is that could have done many things intoxicated that I did sober. But there was nothing about being sober that in any way diminished dong those things. This comes down to a simple wager. I will not lose anything by betting on being sober.

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Alcohol and Women in Australia

Alcohol and Women in Australia

Articles, Australia, Education, Understanding Addiction

It is currently estimated that one third of women in Australia are problem drinkers. This is to say that their alcohol consumption poses a risk to their health. Also, they are at risk for serious dependency issues. One study showed that women are catching up with men in Australia in alcohol consumption, and in some case they are exceeding them. All of this begs the questions, why are women in Australia particularly at risk for alcohol abuse and dependency.

One of the reasons women are increasingly becoming at risk for alcohol abuse is because recent years have opened the way for women to drink in ways which were historically accessible only to men. In short, it has become more acceptable for women to openly drink to excess than it has been in the past. As a result, more women are indulging in risky drinking behaviors.

There are other reasons for the increase in problem drinking for Australian women. These include the fact that women experience depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress at rates much higher than men. They turn to alcohol as a way of self-medicating for these problems. The fact that there are so many women who feel the need to self-medicate leads to another source of the increase in problem drinking among Australian women.

There is a perception among women in Australia that there is not as much access to help for things such as depression and anxiety. Women feel the stigma attached to these issues more than men and are looked down upon for seeking help. Thus women feel more isolated as they face these problems. Women are more likely to turn to alcohol (and other substances) for help in managing their lives.

Another reason for the isolation that many women feel is due to the patterns of their drinking habits. Many women begin in their 20’s (or earlier in some cases). They engage in high-risk behaviors such as binge drinking. Though dangerous, this in itself is not all that unusual. But as they transition into adulthood and begin families, many of these women believe their drinking will just naturally slow down. This turns out not to be the case in many instances. It is true that most women stop going to parties and clubs after they start families. But the indulgences of wine and cocktails persist. Due to the feelings of shame attached to these behaviors, they often hide their drinking. The isolation becomes worse and the drinking becomes worse.

There are bright spots in all of this. The news is not all bleak. Since these reports have come to light, there is an increase in awareness of the particular needs of women and substance abuse. More women are finding that there is a world of help available for them. There is a host of treatment options. Dara Rehab in Thailand is a relatively short distance away and offers a full range of treatment programs for women. There are many reasons to be hopeful, especially as more people become aware of the specific challenges women face in getting help for problem drinking.

CLICK HERE to get a Free Confidential Alcohol Rehabilitation Assessment.

Heroin Addiction in Melbourne

Heroin Addiction in Melbourne

Articles, Australia, Education, LGBTQ, Understanding Addiction
Heroin Addiction Is A Major Problem in Melbourne, Australia

Heroin addiction continues to ravage the people of Melbourne, Australia. Unless you lived in this beautiful locality, you would have no idea that in many places, dirty syringes and empty heroin baggies line the streets. Especially in places like Victoria St and North Richmond.

Heroin 101 – Information About This Deadly Drug

Heroin comes from the opium poppy plant, which is grown in tropical climates around the world. It can be smoked, snorted, or injected intravenously with a needle. Heroin creates a tranquilizing euphoric effect and is available in Melbourne for as cheap as $17 a hit. This is less expensive than a six-pack of beer or a pack of cigarettes. Heroin is wildly available in Melbourne, which is why so many new users are becoming addicted to the stuff and chronic users are able to stay high.

Medically Supervised Injection Rooms Have Been Recommended For Melbourne

Sadly, many people in Melbourne die openly on the streets shooting heroin. This has caused residents to ask government officials to create medically supervised injecting rooms that will allow heroin addicts to use their drugs safely.

These types of rooms are available in Sydney where heroin addicts can go to a medical facility and safely use heroin. There, they are monitored by hospital staff to avoid overdose or prevent heroin-related medical issues that could be dangerous.

Needle Programs Give Out Free Needles to Heroin Users In Melbourne

Heroin is illegal in Melbourne, but that doesn’t stop thousands of addicts from abusing this powerful opiate. This is largely because the city has a compassionate approach to heroin and use and does not promote incarceration of heroin addicts.

There are even needle programs in Melbourne that give out free needles to prevent users from using dirty needles and spreading diseases like HIV. One free needle program in Melbourne reports giving out 70,000 needles a month.

What Heroin Addiction Means For The People Of Melbourne

Because heroin addiction is so severe in Melbourne, the city is suffering. Here are a number of negative consequences that have resulted from heroin addiction in Melbourne: 

Quite frequently, innocent bystanders are seeing heroin addicts overdose on the streets. Forcing them to render medical assistance until emergency responder’s show up.

There are a lot of dirty syringes and bloody towels in the streets of Melbourne, left behind by people who are using heroin on the streets.

Believe it or not, it is not uncommon for the dead bodies of people who have overdosed to be left on the streets for hours until law enforcement officials can process the scene.

There has been increased crime in Melbourne because addicts are stealing to support their habits.

Families are being ripped apart because of heroin addiction.

Productivity is down because many people are using heroin and then going to work.

DARA Thailand Offers a Solution For Heroin Addiction in Melbourne

At DARA Thailand, we are equipped and ready to assist Aussies with a heroin addiction. If you are ready to stop using can get your life together, talk to one of our addiction experts.

CLICK HERE to get a Free Confidential Heroin Addiction Rehabilitation Assessment.

Dealing with Depression in Recovery

Dealing with Depression in Recovery

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

As you already know if you are considering recovery or have been in recovery for some time, it is often a lonely journey. Especially at first. Your whole life changes overnight and new challenges can arise daily. Even though the journey is well worth the effort it can be stressful. This stress often leads to depression.

Depression is more than just occasionally feeling down, it is a feeling of doom and gloom that hangs around at varying levels throughout your day and night. Some days you may be up, but others you may not feel like even opening your eyes. If you are suffering from depression you should first have a medical exam. Depression can be caused by a chemical imbalance or vitamin deficiency. If this is the case then medication can correct many of the issues. However, sometimes depression really is all in the mind and must be addressed in other ways.

If depression is plaguing your recovery then read on to find out how to better your mood and take control of your emotions.

You have made a huge step by entering recovery. While this is a great first step it does not mean that all things will automatically become great or even good. One challenge that many people face, even in recovery, is depression. Some people have depression and choose addiction as a treatment of sorts, while others develop depression due to addiction; either way the depression must be dealt with while in recovery. Depression can cause many issues in recovery including negative thinking, feelings, and behaviors. If allowed to continue unchecked, depression can quickly lead to a relapse.

The first step to dealing with depression and the associated negative thinking and feeling is to talk about it. Whether you talk to someone in your support group, a counselor, or some other professional, you need to share. Many times simply saying things out loud, sharing the problem, take the power out of the thought. This can also help you come up with a simple solution that may not have occurred to you when the thoughts and ideas were stuck in your head.

Additionally, you need to practice healthy self-care. It may seem like a small or unimportant thing but simply taking care of yourself each day can make a huge difference. In severe depression it can be difficult to even get out of bed. But if you can force yourself to get up, to shower, to fix a small meal, then life and the depression can get better. As you get in a self-care routine then you can add aspects such as taking a five minute walk or riding a bike in the yard. The little things can truly make a huge difference.

So if you are feeling depressed in recovery, take the first step and get a physical. If the cause is not physical in nature take further steps to help alleviate the depression though talk therapy and healthy self-care. Even if the cause is medical in nature medication is not the only answer. It can be controlled in time with lots of work. That choice is up to you. What will you do to help your depression?

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Drug abuse in teenagers

Signs Your Teen Is Abusing Drugs

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

It could be frightening and even unbelievable to imagine that your child, who you watched growing up might be using drugs or drinking. Drug abuse in teenagers is a very real problem. Drug and alcohol use among teenagers has become a major public health issue.

Child drug abuse statistics

Statistics from the US government and other independent surveys have reported over the past couple of years that by 8th grade, 15% of children have used marijuana. Around 64% of teenagers admitted to have used prescription painkillers they got from a friend or a family member. Some 28% of teenagers know at least one person who has tried ecstasy and 7.6% of teenagers use the prescription drug Adderall. 68.1% of high school seniors view smoking marijuana as normal. About 50% of high school seniors have abused a drug of some kind. Nearly 44% of high school students know a friend who sells drugs. Marijuana and alcohol are the most commonly abused drugs among teenagers.

The truth in these results are staggering! Drug use in teens can cause them health problems throughout the rest of their lives. Understanding the signs of drug abuse is vital as it could save your child’s life. If you’re worried that your child may be abusing drugs, here are some warning signs to look out for.

  1. Changes in normal habits

According to a publication in Innovations In Clinical Neuroscience, “one of the earliest warning signs that predicts teenage drug use is changes in behavior and mannerism.”

The first thing you’ll most probably notice is a change in your teen’s regular habits. This is easy to spot. Some of these changes include withdrawal from family and friends, sudden change of friends, lack of communication and isolation or disinterest in activities they were previously enthusiastic about. As easy as it is to spot these events, it may however be the easiest not to recognise because they could seem like isolated events. Sometimes, you may only be able to notice something is amiss when you see several of these deviation occurring simultaneously. Your child might also be involved in stealing money or other items from around the house. This is a likely sign that they need money to buy more drugs.

  1. Mood changes

Most teenagers who abuse drugs in some way may become more dramatic or irrational in their actions. Your child may become more irritable, verbally abusive, or even violent with you or other children in the household and neighborhood. Your child may also start to threaten to drop out of school, destroy property or run away from home. On the other hand, apathy, mood instability and depression shouldn’t be taken lightly because they are also signs of potential drug abuse. If your child begins to withdraw from others and starts spending more time alone. It could be a sign that the child is abusing a substance.

  1. Physical changes

The use of drugs causes some noticeable physical changes in the body. This is because drug use takes a physical toll on the body. Some of the physical signs of drug abuse include: Bloodshot eyes, widely dilated pupils, sudden weight loss (or weight gain), poor hygiene, frequent nosebleeds, shakes or tremors, red flushed cheeks, bruises or other drowsiness or fatigue, unexplained injuries, etc.

  1. Possession of drug paraphernalia 

This is the most definitive sign that your child is abusing drugs. If items such as weight scales, butane torches, bongs, smoking pipes, cigarette lighters, hypodermic needles, small porcelain bowls, balloons, and vials are found in their possession. It is a definitive sign of drug abuse.

Conclusion

Many of the behaviors associated with those substances (e.g. moodiness) may just be part of going through young adulthood. However, you need to study the child more closely in case it proves to be otherwise. As a parent or guardian, the future and safety of your child is in your hand because you may be the only person able to notice something amiss behind the scenes. Look for these signs, and help your child to be drug free.

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