Category: Understanding Addiction

Life without Alcohol

Is There Life Without Alcohol?

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

Let’s get the answer to this question straight out…. YOU BET THERE IS!

Those whose lives revolve around alcohol really are missing out on a whole variety of things that can be enjoyed and achieved without needing to be constantly topped up.

For starters:

Regular or excessive drinking of alcohol leaves its mark. The morning after “one too many” there are not too many things you really feel like doing (apart from lying in a darkened room hoping to find the remote control that will stop it from spinning!).

If these “morning after’s” become a regular occurrence then less and less will be done and an alcohol dependence could begin to be formed.

Get out into the fresh air:

No matter what time of year it is, you are generally able to get out and about. So, don appropriate clothing, grab a loved one or some good friends and go for a woodland walk. Even if the countryside is a mite too far, there must be a choice of parks in your locality that you can stroll around.

This will not only give you good exercise, it will clear the mind and allow you to have meaningful (or meaningless!) conversations without having to shout over the hubbub of the bar or club you generally frequent.

A great addition to that fresh air:

Agree with whoever is joining you that you will make a picnic. Leave it to the individuals concerned as to what they decide to make and contribute.

The laugh you will have as you spread the blanket and hesitantly open the hamper will be a source of fun conversation throughout this fun-filled al-fresco dining experience.

And do not worry if the weather is not up to your feast, simply take it back home and spread the blanket in the living room. Food fights are optional!

Look for an unusual activity:

Scour the local ads and websites for activities that are new but sound fun. Rock-wall climbing will suit some, ice skating others, maybe there is a traditional public bowling green and if not hunt out the nearest bowling alley.

Assuming your health is up to it, don’t dismiss such sports as badminton or squash. Both will quickly wear you down, but should certainly put some colour in your cheeks.

A theatre outing:

This does not have to be a major production. Check out the amateur dramatic societies that are within travelling distance. The plays they put on are entertaining and can have you doubled-up with laughter at the regular innuendos that are all part of an excellent few hours.

The other ‘feel-good’ factor about supporting such a production is that the proceeds usually go to a local school, college or charity, so you will be safe in the knowledge that your entrance fee is going to a worthy cause.

Talking of worthy causes:

Donate an evening or a few hours each week to helping a local charity of your choice. These organistions are always in need of extra hands.

There is no need to over commit initially, but if you get into it then the pleasure will be all yours. You will also feel far better than those “morning after’s” in the knowledge that you have done your small part for an extremely worthy cause.

Ritalin Abuse

What are the Long Term Effects of Ritalin Abuse?

Articles, Education, Understanding Addiction

Ritalin Abuse – Ritalin, also known by its scientific name of methylphenidate, is an amphetamine-type prescription drug which can have a stimulating effect on the body, just like speed. Anyone who uses this drug recreationally or in large doses through injection or snorting, is putting a massive amount of pressure on their brain and body.

If Ritalin is taken as prescribed then its effects can be beneficial to individuals.

So what are the long term effects of constant Ritalin abuse? And can one become addicted to such a drug?

Long Term Effects of Ritalin on the Body

Ritalin effects the whole body, especially when used over the long term. Here are some of the effects that people have experienced:

  • Muscle tightness
  • Numbness and tingling in the feet and hands
  • Verbal tics
  • Seizures
  • Uncontrollable movements in parts of the body
  • Weakness in the arms and legs

Long Term Effects of Ritalin on the Brain

Ritalin works the same as other stimulants by increasing levels of dopamine in the brain. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter which provides the feeling of pleasure, attention and movement. Stimulants provide a therapeutic effect by slowly and steadily increasing the effects of dopamine. This is similar to the way that the neurotransmitter is naturally produced in the brain and explains why medical practitioners will prescribe a low dose and increase steadily until the therapeutic effect is reached.

If taken in large doses, and by means other than those prescribed, Ritalin can cause dopamine levels to rise to rapidly which can disrupt the normal communications between brain cells. So to answer the earlier question – Can one become addicted to Ritalin; the answer is yes because it can produce euphoria which will increase the risk of a person becoming addicted.

Here are some the effects that prolonged use and high doses can have on the brain.

  • Possibility of strokes
  • Possibility of epilepsy
  • Fatigue
  • Dizziness
  • Permanent damage to blood vessels
  • Headaches
  • Speech problems

Other Reasons For Ritalin Abuse

Similar to amphetamines such as speed, Ritalin will supress the appetite, promote wakefulness and increase attention and focus. Because of this, Ritalin can often be abused to promote weight loss or to enhance performance. Studies have shown that while the drug helps improve concentration, irritability and restfulness in people with ADHD, it does not provide the same effect to people who do not suffer from the illness.

Another reason that people often abuse Ritalin is purely for recreational use. The drug can give a feeling of euphoria. This is most often provided when pills are crushed and then snorted, however, some people may even mix with water and then inject themselves.

Can Long Term Use Damage You Permanently?

There is no evidence available from trials that has given an answer on how long someone with ADHD can be treated on Ritalin. However, it is generally agreed that patients may need to be treated for extended periods and for as long as there is a genuine need.

The general rule is that the treatment can last for as long as the benefits outweigh the risks.

 

If you or someone you know is suffering from Ritalin abuse and you feel that they would benefit from rehab, please feel free to contact one of our professional adviser today via the contact form.

codeine abuse -dara

What Is Codeine Use And Abuse?

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

Codeine Abuse – Codeine is a very commonly used opiate drug, but what needs to be considered is: What is codeine use potentially leading to?

Who uses it?

Those who suffer from mild to moderate pain those who have pain which is not easing with the use of general painkillers.

Your doctor can prescribe it in a pure form, or it is available from a pharmacy in lower doses when combined with thing such as paracetamol, aspirin or ibuprofen.

If you are taking over the counter (OTC) medicines for coughs and colds there is a good chance that low concentrations of codeine will be contained in such formulas.

If you have any concerns relating to the make-up of any OTC medicine it is very important that you discuss these fully with your qualified pharmacist. They should clearly explain what is contained and what effects are possible. Women who are pregnant should be particularly cautious in this respect.

What is codeine beneficial for?

The obvious benefit is pain relief. Many people suffering from pain may have tried several different painkillers without receiving the required pain relief. Codeine can help to relieve such pain. It is also seen as effective for women who suffer heavy period pains.

How does codeine make you feel?

Many users claim it gives them a feeling of well-being, they feel far calmer and more relaxed and often sleepy. Those who are suffering from constant pain may well miss out on quality sleep time due to the distraction of such pain, so this relief will certainly be welcomed.

So, what is the problem?

Codeine Abuse – The real problem with codeine is that the body can quickly become tolerant of this drug. While the first stage of usage may be at relatively low doses, many users find that to gain the same effect over time that their body demands more.

As doses increase to get the same effect, the body continues to tolerate, but once again will eventually requires more.

What is codeine use potentially leading to?

Many users of codeine find that they are taking greater amounts to get the same feelings of ‘well-being’. This often leads down a dangerous path and tempts them to search for stronger, more effective, and very importantly, more addictive drugs such as hydrocodone or oxycodone.

Once a user takes this route it is a downward spiral to dependence and addiction. If you find yourself in this situation it is vitally important that you seek professional help.

While many make their doctor the first port of call it is important to understand that rehabilitation centres, or luxury rehab resorts as they are often called can offer most help. We will touch on such establishments later in the piece, but let us first consider:

What is codeine from a negative point of view?

Codeine Abuse – Users often complain of feeling nauseous, suffering from constipation, itchiness and bouts of sweating.

They also suffer mood swings that are far more pronounced than usual and many generally feel lazy. While such negative feelings can affect the mind and leave a user feeling low there are health problems which must be taken into account.

This drug can lower your blood pressure and make normal breathing more difficult. In extreme cases you may stop breathing altogether. This is known as “respiratory arrest”.

You must also be aware that by mixing too much of this drug with others that also work to suppress breathing is leaving you wide open to potentially serious problems.

Such a mix will greatly increase your risk of overdosing and in extreme cases can be fatal. Drugs to be avoided in such a mix include, but are certainly not limited to; other opiate drugs, valium and alcohol.

What is codeine from a physical dependence/addiction viewpoint?

Physical dependence on codeine is a common trait amongst regular users. Over time it is likely to produce cravings and leave the user with a strong desire to continue regular and increased doses of the drug.

Please do not believe anything you have heard from other users or unauthorized sources in terms of addiction. With Codeine abuse the facts are very clear. Codeine is an opiate and opiates are addictive.

Withdrawal symptoms:

Those who are physical dependent or addicted to codeine and try to come off it without long term rehab assistance are in for a rough ride. 

While feelings of nausea, goose-bumps, yawning, a runny nose, diarrhoea and a constant feeling of restlessness may not cause undue distress, there will also be anxiety, sleep disturbance, abdominal cramps, muscle spasms and nervous tremors to contend with.

The act of trying to withdraw from codeine on your own is a very admirable one, but as is the case with any serious drug problem you really do need specialist care, a full understanding of your problems and continued counselling to help you overcome what is codeine addiction.

Rehabilitation Services:

What has to be realized is that those dependent or addicted to codeine should not expect such problems to go away overnight. They need long term rehab care. While it is possible to go about this from an outpatient point of view and remain under the supervision of your doctor who you will only see during visits to the surgery, the inpatient rehab options open to you are felt to be far more effective.

By opting to go to a Rehabilitation Centre, or a Rehab Resort you are giving yourself an advantage from the get-go. Codeine Abuse is beatable.

These establishments are completely geared to offer the support, encouragement and professional help an addict requires, and while the term ‘rehab resort’ may sound prohibitively expensive, those with codeine addiction should look deeper into such options.

They will be pleasantly surprised to find that overseas operations are far cheaper than the same treatment in their own country. Asia Rehab resorts are an excellent point in case.

Two other huge advantages are that an addict will leave their own, often sterile environment and the distractions this brings for an exotic, relaxed setting in surroundings that are ideally suited when it comes to giving them the best chance of beating their addiction.

Just as importantly the waiting list for such Residential Rehabilitation Resorts is very often far more acceptable than establishments in your own country. If you have summoned up the resolve to do something about your problem you want to begin treatment quickly.

To be put on a ‘waiting list’ is a surefire way to dissolve that resolve and continue the unwanted quest of further understanding what is codeine use leading to.

Prescription Addicted Parent

Are You Living with A Prescription Addicted Parent?

Articles, Australia, International, Understanding Addiction

Prescription Addicted Parent? – Many people the world over put addiction to drugs firmly on the doorstep of the younger generation. They vilify the use of ‘heavy’ drugs such as heroin, cocaine and meth, yet place the overuse and dependence of prescribed medication in a different category.

The plain fact is that dependence is dependence and anyone who abuses drugs of any kind needs to seek professional rehabilitation assistance.

We will look at how children should approach parents regarding over-use of prescription medication at the end of the piece, but first here are a few pointers relating to prescription medication:

What is prescription medication:

This is controlled medication that can legally only be sanctioned for use by a certified medical professional. This drug or medicine should not be confused with OTC (over the counter) drugs which can be purchased by anyone over the legal age limit.

Prescription medication is recommended after a patient has seen their general health practitioner and been diagnosed as having a need for a stronger drug to help with their condition.

Helpful but moreish!

There is little doubt that this class of drug can help with a whole range of conditions from Anxiety to Weight-loss. There is even less doubt that if not taken as recommended the chances of becoming dependent upon them increase greatly.

Because they are so ‘moreish’ there is a strong temptation for a patient to ‘fib’ about their condition during subsequent doctor’s appointments in order to ensure a repeat prescription is issued.

Categories and some of the biggest ‘offenders’:

Prescription Addicted Parent – There are 3 major categories that the most widely abused prescription drugs fall into. These are:

Opioids: Often issued for either short term or chronic pain relief due to their highly effective pain killing abilities. This type of drug leaves the user feeling euphoric and at ease which is a state that can quickly become a constant need.

Central nervous system depressants: Many will know this category simply as tranquillizers or depressants. They include some of the most abused drugs available. Examples being barbiturates and benzodiazepines.

When used the result is a feeling of calm and relaxation. A user is at ease with themselves, but such feelings can very quickly become the ‘norm’ rather than the drug being used as prescribed.

Stimulants: This category of drug does what it says on the tin! It increases brain activity. This has the knock-on effect of increasing a user’s alertness and energy. While genuinely required by many, this class of drug is abused by even more.

Examples of the drugs you will come across:

Prescription Addicted Parent – There are a huge number of prescription drugs available. Here are just 5 of the most common and addictive:

Xanax: This benzodiazepine is used for the treatment of those with serious anxiety problems and panic disorder issues amongst other conditions.

It works by depressing the central nervous system and leaves a use feeling sedated, extremely relaxed, and at ease. So much so that it is claimed this is the most widely abused prescription drug available.

Valium: Along with its sister drug klonopin these are also benzodiazepines. As such they also provide very positive sedative effects. Many who abuse this drug do so for the highs received. It is stated these effects are similar to being under the influence of alcohol.

Users feel ‘pleasantly tipsy’, relaxed and talkative. The problem with these 2 drugs as well as others in the benzodiazepine group is just how quickly they become habit-forming. Excessive use and abuse is responsible for users suffering blackouts and accidental overdoses.

Many who use these drugs do so with other drugs. While this will increase the never ending search for ‘higher highs’ it also greatly increases the chances of dependence.

Oxycodone: Many will know this under its common ‘trade’ name of OxyContin, or through the combination of oxycodone and acetaminophen which is sold as Percocet.

This opiate is often likened to heroin and works by changing the way your brain and central nervous system respond to pain. When taken users achieve a combination of sedation and euphoria.

Amphetamines: With ‘Speed’ as its most common nickname this should tell you exactly what this type of drug does for a user.

Prescribed for those suffering with conditions such as ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) and Narcolepsy; a condition that causes people to fall asleep whenever in relaxed surroundings, amphetamine class drugs work by increasing wakefulness, alertness and focus.

It is common knowledge that these drugs are widely abused and apart from the huge quantities that are dispensed via prescription every year there are many more sold illegally on the streets.

Ritalin: Another very well-known stimulant. This drug works on the central nervous system by increasing brain levels of the hormone dopamine. Amongst other things this hormone greatly increases a user’s attention span.

Two major things that are no different with this drug and other stimulants:

There are massive amounts prescribed year on year and the fact that they can quickly become habit forming.

How to broach the subject with parents:

Prescription Addicted Parent – If you suspect one or both of your parent’s are relying on prescribed medication it is often not an easy thing to approach them about, but this should not be something to discourage you.

By educating yourself on what types of drug are most addictive, what the effects of constant use are, and then finding the appropriate time to raise your concerns with them; this could well be when they are in a relaxed and calm state!

An aggressive tone is a ‘No-No’ and by avoiding raised voices these discussions should go a long way to persuading them that they are relying on their medication for the wrong reasons.

This may well be to the extent of them having dependence issues, but whatever stage their over-reliance is they should be urged to seek professional help and perhaps counselling to help them overcome these issues with your full support along the way.

Children with a Prescription Addicted Parent can contact Dara Rehab for help on this issue.

An excellent article on how to recognize signs of your parents addiction.

prescription addiction dara

Ease Of Access – The Prescription Addiction Epidemic

Articles, Australia, International, Understanding Addiction

Prescription Addiction – Prescription medication helps countless people through illness and disease. It also takes a massive toll in terms of those who become dependent upon medicine that is supposedly under strict control.

Let’s take a look at this medication, how common abuse of it is, some frightening statistics and how so much of it is reaching the illegal dealers.

What is Prescription medication – The Cure?

Often called ‘prescription medicine’ or ‘prescription drug’ this type of medication is a pharmaceutical drug that by law requires a certified medical professional to authorise its use.

After seeing a patient and carrying out any necessary medical checks these professionals then recommend any medication required. Once accepted by the patient a prescription with signature is supplied. The patient then takes this to an approved pharmacist to receive the medicine.

These drugs are far stronger than Over The Counter (OTC) medicines that can be obtained without a prescription by anyone over the age of consent. To prevent misuse of prescription medication the above safeguards have been put in place.

This misuse includes abuse of the drug as well as preventing people from practicing medicine without a licence.

What is prescription medication addiction – The Cause?

Prescription Addiction – Also commonly called ‘prescription drug abuse’ this is the use of a controlled drug without a prescription, or the drug in question has been prescribed but is used in a way other than how it should be, or it is used purely for ‘pleasure’ due to the heightened feelings and experiences it offers.

Is this abuse common?

In many countries it is out of control. There are literally millions of people the world over abusing prescription medication and many of these are now dependent upon them.

It is also understood that alcohol and marijuana are the only substances abused by more people than prescription medication.

Startling statistics that really are very frightening:

To put the scale of prescription drug abuse clearly into context it is claimed this type of abuse has been the fastest growing drug problem in several countries for a good few years now.

For well over a decade opioid pain medication has played a role in more overdose deaths than heroin and cocaine combined.

Prescription addiction surveys carried out state that around one-third of first time recreational drug users choose to start their drug experimentation with some form of prescription medication.

If this really is the case then surely it points to this class of drug being a powerful ‘gateway drug’ that leads many onto other highly addictive substances such as methamphetamine, cocaine and heroin.

How do so many prescription drugs get onto the streets?

With an estimated yearly black market value of $25 billion in the United States alone it is little wonder there are a variety of ways that these drugs reach the hands of dealers.

Most of these avenues come under a term known as:

Diversion:

This is where prescription drugs are transferred from lawful to unlawful channels of distribution.

Pain management clinics are the major source dealers ‘use’ for obtaining painkillers and depressants.

Examples of the most in-demand opioids are Roxicodone and OxyContin, while Xanax is said to be the most popular benzodiazepine depressant.

Methods of Diversion:

Differing methods are used by dealers and they will often combine ways of securing these drugs to ensure a constant supply and re-stocking of their inventories. Some popular methods are:

Finding willing individuals to make appointments at clinics, surgeries and health facilities, and training them on what to say as well as supplying fraudulent MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) reports to give to the pain doctor. These individuals then go ‘Doctor Shopping’ and visit four or five pain clinics per month.

Dealers also use a process known as ‘sponsoring’ where they finance all of a willing participant’s expenses in exchange for 50-75% of the pills obtained per visit.

Some dealers prefer to purchase drugs from willing sellers that include Veterans, those on government health schemes, Crack/Heroin addicts and HIV patients.

They particularly target those receiving regular prescriptions via government subsidized schemes, and registered addicts who receive prescription medication but prefer their illegal drug of choice.

The reason these 2 groups are targeted is because they often have low levels of income and are more than willing to sell some, or all of their regular supply.

Another supply route is the use of a ‘Connect’. This term describes an employee at a healthcare facility who has access to a constant supply of medication and/or prescription pads.

Some of these ‘connects’ may also be in a position to take batches of sample drugs provided to the facility, falsify inventory claims as a shipment arrives or undercount dispensed medication.

A huge challenge to reduce this abuse:

It is very clear that authorities face a huge challenge if they are to reduce the number of people illegally using prescription medication. The success of current and future solutions remains to be seen.

If you are abusing these drugs, have issues with prescription addiction and are in need of professional assistance to help stop use, please do yourself a huge favour by contacting a well-established rehabilitation centre. They can offer confidential advice and support while explaining the options available to you in terms of treatment.