Visiting Drug Rehab Is The Most Effective Way To Overcome Addiction

When someone has problem with drug, then he must have the solution right away. One of the best solution to overcome the drug addiction is by visiting drug rehab. Drug rehab is one of the most effective way to overcome one’s drug addiction. It must be remembered that person who has drug addiction problem to visit drug rehab as early as possible. It is because if that person who has addiction problem visit drug rehab as early as possible then, the bigger the chance is to cure the addiction.

Though there are many ways which can be used to overcome the addiction problem, the most effective way is still by visiting drug rehab. Therefore, visiting a drug rehab is a ‘must’ when one has problem with addiction. In drug rehab, that person will get the treatment from the expert who knows their field already. That’s why you will have nothing to worry any longer if you send that person to have the treatment in drug rehab.

In addition, the treatment in drug rehab is very much safe for that person. Therefore, you mustn’t have any complain about the treatment. Drug rehab also provides the best circumstances for the patients. This situation is very helpful in helping the patients to be cured sooner. Well, don’t you think it’s the best place to cure drug addiction, then?

The Rise and Fall of a Drug Addict – Part 4

What a mess I have gotten myself into, 25 years old, and hooked on crack. After I left my parents house five years ago, I went to stay with some guys I use to work with. Unfortunately, these guys did more drugs then I was doing in any given day. Of course as time went on and I was going from job to job, and not really doing anything with my life, it was just easy for me to take my drug use up to another level. I don’t even know how I got hooked on this stuff in the first place. I was getting high at some guys house with some other people I know, and one these guys passed me a pipe, and said this will definitely make you feel better. The high was like nothing I ever experienced before; it gave me this intense feeling, almost like total bliss. I remember the high not lasting very long, but my mind was screaming at me for more.

Drug addict suffering.

It went on like this for some time, throughout my mid twenties I became very unreliable as an employee, and could barely hold down a job. My parents were catching on to everything; yet, I don’t think they knew I was hooked on crack. I never imagined I would end up like this, I always thought things were under control. Right now I am working as a bartender at a local bar, it seems to support my habit, and I work at night. I don’t sleep much; I seem to be spending most of my day getting high. I live in a tiny one-bedroom apartment, its cheap and in a bad area, but I am left alone. I haven’t talked to my parents in months, and they have not tried to contact me. Some days I wish this never happened to me, and other days I can’t go on unless I am getting high. I remember one day specifically, it was actually one week before my 26^th birthday and when I got into work, I was given a message that my parents had called. Being that I did not own a phone, or any real means of keeping in contact with anyone, the bar was the only place anyone could reach me at. My parents found out I was working there through one of my old high school friends who came in one night. Anyways, the message said for me to call them, it was about my birthday. Part of me was very suspicious about why I was getting a call now, but another part of me was relieved I got the phone call. I would call them the next day after work.

I got to a pay phone outside my apartment and called my folks, my mom answered the phone. She was inviting me over for dinner to celebrate my birthday; she said it was going to be just the three of us there. I didn’t really hesitate, I said yes, and she told me what time to be there and offered to pick me up. I told her I would just have a friend drop me off; I did not want my parents to see where I lived. I made it to my parent’s house, and saw my mother standing outside waiting for me. She smiled and seemed happy to see me, and I did everything I could to hide my drug use; yet, I think she still knew. She brought me inside and walked me to the living room, and I saw my father, my brother, and one of my high school friends all sitting in the room. This strange guy came up to me and introduced himself as a intervention counsellor. I did not know what to think, I wasn’t high, so I knew this wasn’t a dream. He sat me down, and him and my family all started intervening. Of course, I denied everything, and blamed them for everything, got angry, threatened suicide, anything I could think of to get them to back off. The thought never crossed my mind to just take off and run, I guess because I was sober, there was a part of me that wanted to hear this. But, I was not convinced; they said they had a treatment centre picked out for me, and everything was going to be ok, they loved me and did not want to see me like this.

Long and short of it; I walked out. My parents gave me a bottom line and told me never to contact them unless I wanted help, and that they could not support me. My dad, just as he did five years ago, gave me a number to the treatment centre, and said nothing. I got back into my regular routine, but my drug use picked up to the point I was missing work again. Eventually I got fired, and I had no money saved.

Drug Addiction: Mental And Physical Signs

If you suspect a family member, friend, or loved one is abusing or addicted to drugs, there are specific signs and behaviors you might see them acting out. The signs of drug addiction vary considerably depending on the substance; this article will present an overall view of addictive behaviors as they relate to a personal mental and emotional state and their physical behavior. You will quickly learn what sort of signs to watch out for by reading this article.

When someone is dealing with an addicted substance, the body will suffer for it. This means there will be physical signs evident of this addiction. Some physical reactions you may observe related to drug-induced behavior include a huge increase in energy, often manifested by fast movements, talking, and insomnia. Conversely, a person may suffer from an abnormal reaction time, slow, slurred speech, masked in confusion and a disoriented state of mind. Another physical reaction from the use of certain drugs is a sudden change in weight, usually losing weight more so than gaining it.

For smoked substances, a nagging cough may be present. Users of substances injected with a needle might have a predisposition for wearing long sleeve shirts to hide track marks, wearing such items even when the weather is not appropriate for it. Speed can cause severe dental issues to develop over time. Another physical sign would be the actual presence of drug paraphernalia and related items, such as pipes, foil, lighters, rolling papers, and so on.

Drug abuse has no less effect on the mind than it does the body. Abusing drugs tends to lead to rapid changes in emotions and behavior and ones mental mindset. If someone changes inexplicably, has rapid mood changes, suffers from anxiety or paranoid delusions, it is possible drugs could be the cause of these changes. Note that under the influence of drugs a person can experience psychotic states of mind and behavior. These behaviors usually only last for the duration of the drugs effect on the body.

The signs and symptoms discussed in this article are of serious consequence. Observe the suspected users behavior and see if there are any similarities. Careful consideration must be given towards how to deal with the situation if there are signs of drug abuse, and this is more suitable to another article than to discuss here. Keep in mind that drug addiction may mandate the use of rehab and life long support groups to remain sober.

Prescription Drug Addiction Not Helped by Treatment Center Budget Cuts

All across the country, states are slashing health and human services budgets to compensate for dwindling revenues and rising expenses, primarily because of the economic situation that has seen millions of people lose their jobs, and tens of thousands lose their homes to foreclosures. And among the many budget casualties are treatment centers dedicated to helping people suffering from alcohol, street drug and prescription drug addiction.

Unfortunately, the apparent savings to any state budget by reducing support for treatment centers will be offset in the long run by any of various alternatives to state-supported treatment, which almost always cost taxpayers more in the long run.

A prime example is happening right now in Vermont, where Gov. Jim Douglas has announced budget cuts of 4 percent to nonprofit agencies that contract with the state to provide addiction treatment services. But Rep. Ann Pugh, chairwoman of Vermont's House Human Services Committee, said the plan will actually wind up costing taxpayers more overall.

"It's going to shift the cost from residential medical detox centers that have the full range of necessary treatment, to expensive hospital treatment," Pugh, D-South Burlington, said. "And it's all coming out of Medicaid. It's so stupid."

The executive director of one of the state's contract treatment centers told lawmakers that 296 people went through its medical detox program last year, where patients are assessed for underlying medical problems and stabilized for several days before transferring to longer-term residential drug rehab programs. He said because of the planned budget cuts, he will have turn away 100 patients, roughly 30 percent. Many will end up in hospitals, where costs can be five times as high. And because patients are on Medicaid, the state will have to foot the higher bill -- a significant net increase in the state's expenses.

Proponents of such budget cuts say that just because someone is turned away from a residential treatment center doesn't automatically mean they'll show up at a hospital emergency room. Although that may be difficult to prove or disprove, it is already apparent from reports in some cities that hospitals are indeed experiencing increases in patients with prescription drug addiction and other addiction problems.

But the increased costs to taxpayers will not only be from higher hospital costs. Hospitals often can be impersonal, and their detox treatments less effective, because hospital personnel are not experienced addiction experts and don't have solid connections with rehab centers to follow-up with.

The treatment center director described people who come to his center with both addiction and underlying medical problems. He described a 22-year-old patient addicted to the narcotic prescription painkiller OxyContin, and the anti-anxiety drug Xanax. The patient was struggling with depression, and was also an insulin-dependent diabetic with a history of diabetic coma. These kinds of patients with multiple diagnoses almost never receive the kind of specialized treatment they require from hospital emergency personnel.

For these reasons, and sometimes because of the fear of legal repercussions, many addicts are less than comfortable seeking hospital emergency room drug detox. Instead, they remain in the streets, supporting their habits through drug-related crime. And as we all know, drug crimes and the justice system always cost taxpayers more in the long run than drug detox and drug rehab, which transforms lives from tragic parasite to contributing citizen.

The volume of Medicaid-eligible patients is up all across the country due to the sagging economy, and the story is much the same in almost all other states as it is in Vermont. Treatment centers are feeling the pinch of budget cuts, yet the volume of people suffering from alcoholism and drug addiction -- especially prescription drug addiction which is basically now a national epidemic -- is actually rising.

The sensible economic solution, say those who have really studied the situation, is to increase support, or at least maintain existing support, for successful drug detox and rehab programs which, overall, cost society and taxpayers less than the alternatives.

The type of medical drug detox that is favored is a program tailored for each patient's unique DNA and metabolism, provides a thorough medical evaluation, 24/7 medical supervision, and cutting-edge detox protocols that reduce or eliminate the worst of the withdrawal symptoms. Such programs take less time, and more thoroughly prepare patients for drug rehab programs when these are indicated.

How to Quit Alcohol and Drug Addiction

Have you ever wondered why we have a lot of individuals checking out ways to quit alcohol and drug addiction without having success? I have found a lot of of them in forums. They tell you of their desire to quit. They know of the devastating effect their addiction is bringing on them and their loved ones. Many of them have even lost high paying jobs and are now broke. But despite the answers of a lot of individuals in such forums and articles online, there are still lots of individuals who are unable to win the fight. The problem with such individuals is that they fail to take the necessary steps required. These individuals simply read books, magazines, articles and answers on a lot of forums but they are not taking the steps needed. I want you to know that you can never overcome your addiction problem if you don't take action.

If you are short of cash and can't afford to check into an alcohol and drug addiction treatment center, there are some steps you can take to quit. One of the numerous steps you can take is to separate yourself from individuals that usually make you to take to drinks and substances. If you are really serious about throwing in the towel, you will dump all your alcohol and drug dependent friends. No matter what you used to overcome the problem, as long as these friends are still around, you will have problem throwing in the towel. So, separate from them. Furthermore, there is need for you to avoid all forms of gatherings that will make you fall. Politely turn down any request to attend late night parties where the temptation is often strong and hard to resist.

After avoiding individuals and gatherings that promote alcohol and drug addiction, it is really essential for you to replace them with individuals and gatherings that will sustain your new life. This is very essential because if you don't replace them with these new individuals and gatherings, your desire for a new life will be short-lived. Get involved in community projects or religious activities. These will consume your attention and time and you will not have time for drinks and substances again.

Drug Addiction - Three Stages of Recovery

When you think of recovery from drug addiction, a particular length of time has to be kept in mind. It is divided into three main stages, early recovery, middle recovery, and late recovery.

In every stage of recovery, certain lessons are needed to be learned and a number of tasks completed, before you move on to the next level. When we say that a person is an addict, we mean that the person has lost control over the use of drugs and alcohol. This has affected him in a negative way, mentally, physically, morally and disturbing all his relationships. Hence, when recovering from addiction, a person struggles to change these negative attitudes slowly, into positives, while admitting that there is a need to control the drug intake.

Three phases of drug addiction recovery are;

1. Early Recovery

The first task in the early recovery phase is to gain control over all drugs that alter the mood of the addict. Controlling drugs allow the brain to recover from the chemical changes that have permanently taken place, and help in going back to the normal state.

In this stage, a person should develop awareness about addiction, build a social support system, and work on a deterioration prevention plan. These activities will help the addict remain drug free. Recovery time depends from person to person. In some cases, the early recovery stage might last for up to two years.

2. Middle Recovery:

In the middle recovery stage, the person continues to sharpen his skills to stay away from drugs. Care and satisfaction of the person is a key in this stage. During the middle stage, lessons that a person may have forgotten or have never learned need to be discovered. Damages that were done previously are to be identified and repaired turning towards a balanced lifestyle.

In this stage, relationships that were negatively affected need to be recovered. If we need to test whether the person has learnt the lessons and achieved all the goals, we need to test for a balanced approach towards life and things around him. The middle recovery phase may last from six months to five years.

3. Late Stage Recovery:

Once the strength has been achieved, the last stage addresses some fundamental issues. These issues might be deep-rooted, perhaps going back to the childhood. They need to be analysed to find out what exactly caused the person to indulge in drugs. Normally, these issues include low self-esteem, desertion, and broken family. It is recommended to address all these issues once the person is fully recovered and make him accept the reality.

Progress in all the phases depends upon learning important lessons, rather than an accumulation of time of staying away from drugs. The last stage recovery is growth and maintenance phase that always goes on. It is highly recommended that constant education and awareness continues.

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Is Marijuana Addictive?

Marijuana is a drug made from the dried flowers, leaves and stems of the Cannabis sativa plant. The main active ingredient in marijuana is THC, a fat-soluble substance that remains in the lungs and in brain tissue for as long as three weeks. In recent decades the potency in terms of THC content has increased dramatically in marijuana.

There are hundreds of slang words for marijuana, but the most common are pot, grass, mary jane, chronic, herb, weed, loco weed, and ganja. Marijuana can be smoked by rolling in cigarette papers, smoked in a pipe or water bong, or eaten by being baked into such items as brownies and cookies.

Recent research indicates that regular marijuana use undermines your ability to learn and to remember information. When people are “stoned” they are less able to focus, sustain, and shift attention, which are essential components of learning and storing information. One study found that long-term marijuana use reduced the ability to organize and integrate complex information.

Heavy marijuana smokers tend to show short-term memory impairment as well as decreased motivation. One study showed that even small doses of marijuana impaired users ability to recall a list of words a mere 20 minutes later.

In men, long-term marijuana use can result in impotence issues and reduced fertility.

The most persistent myth about marijuana is that it is not addictive. Although it might not be as quickly addicting as alcohol or cocaine, animal and human studies show physical and psychological withdrawal symptoms from marijuana, including irritability, restlessness, insomnia, nausea and intense dreams. Tolerance to marijuana also builds up quickly. Heavy marijuana users need much higher doses of the drug to get the same effects as those who smoke only occasionally.

For some, marijuana can be highly addictive. Researchers estimate that approximately 10-14% of marijuana users develop serious dependency. Every year over 100,000 people in the United States seek treatment for their marijuana addiction. Because of long-standing cultural beliefs about the “harmlessness” of marijuana, many people with addiction do not recognize the impairment caused by the drug and delay or never seek treatment.

Treatment for Marijuana Addiction

Support groups and cognitive-behavioral therapy are effective in helping people who are struggling with marijuana dependency. One of the issues with addiction to marijuana is that many people who smoke tend to hang out with others who smoke, it being a “social” drug like alcohol. This can make it difficult for the user to abstain for any length of time unless they make a decision not to spend time with those still using the drug.

Medical Marijuana Abuse

In recent years, the medicinal value of marijuana has largely been scrutinized and contested. Proponents of the drug argue that cannabis provides help for individuals with life-threatening illnesses; opponents contend that there isn’t enough medical evidence to prove that marijuana has any positive effects on patients, and that the drug could actually cause further complications and ailments. As the debate over medical marijuana continues, a new cause for concern has developed—are individuals using this new prescription drug just to get high?

Marijuana, or cannabis, is the most widely abused illicit drug in the United States, and it is currently listed as a Schedule I drug under the Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Act of 1970. Marijuana comes from the hemp plant Cannabis sativa, and it is one of the oldest known psychoactive plants in the world—some approximate that it appeared as early as 2700 B.C. In the early years of its existence in the United States, the plant was cultivated and farmed, and its hemp was used in the production of rope and clothing.

During the 1800s, the drug was slowly introduced into the medical world and became a common ingredient in medicine. The early 1900s brought regulation of the drug, thus bringing an end to the legality of marijuana—until now. There are currently 14 states that have legalized marijuana for medicinal purposes and a handful of others are considering the proposition.

Although medical research is still up for debate, studies suggest marijuana is helpful in treating illnesses such as nausea, glaucoma, migraines, and asthma. It can also be useful in treating rheumatoid arthritis, epilepsy, Parkinson’s, and AIDS. If marijuana can bring pain relief to individuals in need, why does legalizing the drug still cause so much controversy? Well, as with any prescription drug, there runs the risk of individuals misusing it. Given how popular marijuana already is in America, abuse is likely.

When legalizing marijuana was first proposed, it was under the premise that the drug would be strongly regulated and it would be prescribed to patients with serious medical conditions. Fast-forward ten years and it has become apparent that patients are no longer using marijuana to relieve serious pain, but instead to get high. In California, where pot dispensaries or “potshops” are legal, it is quite common to see the waiting rooms filled with people with a variety of “painful” ailments who don’t appear to be sick at all. While under California law it is not illegal for a physician to prescribe marijuana, there is little discretion taken as to which patients are prescribed the drug versus those patients who really need it.

While supporters of legalizing marijuana argue the health benefits it has for patients, opponents are worried that by legalizing the drug, it opens the door for all narcotics to become legal. Legalization will also pose problems for law enforcement agencies that will be faced with the challenge of regulating the distribution and sale of marijuana. One final concern addressed by opponents is the social implications. Legalizing marijuana may lead teens to believe that marijuana is safe to use recreationally and the increased availability of the drug will make it easier to come by.

As more states weigh the options of legalizing marijuana for medical purposes, it is safe to say the debate will continue. Several states are already hard at work tightening their medical-marijuana bill to avoid abuse in the future.

Sullivan Returns to Washington, Opens Up About Alcohol Abuse

US Representative John Sullivan is returning to Congress after a month-long stay at the Betty Ford Clinic in California for alcohol addiction. He plans to seek another term in office.

The 44-year-old Oklahoma Republican told Tulsa World that his announcement in late May to seek treatment was not triggered by a single incident. He says he experienced “one of those moments of just clarity” that people struggling with addiction often have.

“I know people were thinking some shoe was going to drop — I got a DWI, did something awful,” said Sullivan, who now admits he is an alcoholic and a “periodic binge drinker.” “I had just a lot of negative feelings, guilt, shame, remorse about it, and I just want to be a better person, better man, better husband, better father,” he added.

He told Tulsa World that his drinking—which he sometimes abstained from for years at a time—was impacting his family. “I was snappy with my kids, yelling at them, arguing with my wife in front of them,” he said. “It just got worse. My kids saw it. I was setting a horrible example.” He called his battle with alcoholism the “most challenging time of my life.”

Sullivan checked himself in to the Betty Ford Center on May 28 and said his stay there was one of the best experiences of his life and that his time there strengthened him. He said his treatment changed his perspective on alcoholism, saying he used to think “an alcoholic was a guy under a bridge cooking a squirrel on a stick.”

He said he also learned that his body processes alcohol differently than others, which played a role his sporadic binge drinking. He added that he now knows that total abstinence is his only acceptable option with alcohol.

Sullivan wrote in a statement, “My time at the Betty Ford Center gave me the opportunity to reflect on my life and afforded me a clearer perspective on what is truly important: God, family, friends, and service to others. Although this was certainly not what I had planned for my life it has turned out to be something that has strengthened me. I am already back to work. All of you have stood by me in this difficult time and I will stand stronger than ever for you in the US Congress.”
Sullivan said serving in Congress was not a factor in his drinking and that he wants to run for re-election next year.

Methamphetamine Addiction Treatment

Methamphetamine is the second leading drug threat in the U.S., according to the U.S. National Drug Threat Assessment 2009, released by the National Drug Intelligence Center (NDIC). Cocaine, another stimulant, is number one. Over the past 10 years, methamphetamine has become one of the most widely abused street drugs. Treatment for meth addiction is complex and evolving. The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) is currently funding research to develop medications for treating stimulant addiction (cocaine and methamphetamine). But there is no one-size-fits-all treatment for meth addiction. And the treatment process requires a long-term commitment.

Primary Treatment

An individual addicted to methamphetamine has a chemical dependency that comes with a high risk of permanent brain damage and is potentially fatal. The best type of primary treatment for methamphetamine addiction, according to experts, is in an extended care residential treatment center. Primary treatment involves detoxification followed by a multi-disciplinary treatment process. A minimum of a 30-day primary treatment program is recommended, to be followed by comprehensive aftercare programs and services.

Meth Detoxification – The First Step

Before any meth treatment can begin, the individual first has to undergo detoxification from the drug. Detoxification from methamphetamine involves many physical and mental health issues, many of which relate to the drug’s biological effects on the brain. Meth withdrawal symptoms can last from 2 days to 2 weeks. Typical symptoms include anxiety, depression, drug craving, fatigue and severe cognitive impairment. Even after meth use has stopped, brain dysfunction can last for months. Other symptoms may include paranoia, hyper sexuality, irrationality, drug craving in response to conditioned cues and violence.

• Medications for Withdrawal – NIDA-funded research is working to develop medications that can help to suppress withdrawal symptoms during detoxification from methamphetamine addiction. There are currently no medications that can safely and effectively reduce life-threatening overdoses from meth, nor are there any medications that can reliably reduce episodes of paranoia and psychotic behavior.

• Medications for Treatment – Similarly, medications can be very useful to help the recovering meth addict to re-establish normal brain functions and to prevent relapse. Such medications can also help to diminish cravings that can occur throughout the treatment process.

• NIDA Meth Clinical Trials Group – NIDA has initiated the methamphetamine clinical trials group (MCTG), a network to provide new clinical research teams in areas with high meth substance problems. Current sites include Costa Mesa and San Diego, California, Honolulu, Hawaii, Des Moines, Iowa and Kansas City, Missouri. These addiction pharmacotherapy groups west of the Mississippi will be working to evaluate new medications for meth disorders and to ramp up the pace of development.

Matrix Model

First developed in the 1980s as a cocaine addiction treatment program under a NIDA grant, the Matrix Model is the only methamphetamine treatment program with demonstrated effectiveness. According to several sources, the Matrix Model is the primary protocol for meth treatment at several Southern California clinics.

The Matrix Model is a method of outpatient cognitive-behavioral therapy. It is backed by the Center for Substance Abuse Treatment (CSAT), a division of the U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration or SAMHSA.

• What’s Involved – The Matrix Model involves a 4- to 6-month process that consists of 3 group or individual therapy sessions per week. Patients are coached on their addictions, how to manage cravings, avoid risky situations, and helped through their recovery. Family therapy, urine testing, and 12-step activities are also part of the model. A shorter 2-month approach is in development.

Rehabilitation for Meth Addicts

Residential drug treatment programs for methamphetamine addiction typically involve a 28- to 30-day inpatient program. The patient, with guidance from trained professionals, learns to address the spiritual, emotional and behavioral aspects of their addiction. Daily activities include self-help groups, individual counseling, group psychotherapy, experiential therapies, recreational activities, educational discussions and techniques for relaxation.

Other Aspects of Meth Treatment

Each meth addict receives personalized treatment, often involving a multi-disciplinary approach. Some of the therapies that may be utilized include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioral therapy, and rational emotive therapy – all designed to help the patient overcome their addiction.

• Outpatient Services – Designed to encourage long-term abstinence, the range of techniques includes problem-solving groups, specialized therapies (CBT, insight-oriented psychotherapy, 12-step meetings, etc.), and other approaches. The patient can remain in the program for days or months, similar to other drug rehab programs.

• Long-term Aftercare Support – Following treatment for meth addiction, a continuing long-term support program is recommended. Structured day or evening outpatient programs, referral to a sober living environment, and participation in 12-step meetings in the community and treatment alumni aftercare groups may be part of this ongoing support.

• Ongoing Monitoring – To prevent relapse and/or get the patient back on the road to recovery, ongoing monitoring is generally included.

• Family Involvement – Programs, services or referrals to help family members understand addiction and the recovery process in order to support the recovering addict are critical to the patient’s long-term success. Family members learn how to distinguish between codependency and what’s appropriate in a display of love and support. Although they vary with treatment facility, family programs can range from a week-end stay to longer.

• Contingency Management -This is a rewards-based approach in which patients are given non-monetary awards for successful achievement of specific goals. This positive reinforcement for abstinence from drugs helps augment other treatment approaches.

Search For A Vaccine

Although still in the developmental stages, researchers are working on a potential vaccine that may prove effective in methamphetamine addiction. With the heightened risk meth poses in the U.S., and with the focus of NIDA and other governmental agencies on developing effective medications, there is hope that we will one day be closer to helping curb this drug problem.

Christian Counseling Services An Individualized Approach

I think the individualized approach to addiction treatment in Christian counseling services is the right way to go. My own situation may be similar to another persons addiction but never exactly the same. My reason for getting sober may be completely different than the woman sitting next to me. The thing I know for sure is that Christian counseling services are what work for me. I fell and needed God to help me up, with the help of my Christian counselor I found my way back to prayer and church. For many Christians A New Life at Lakeview Health in Jacksonville, Florida is the answer. I love having a custom tailored recovery plan just for me because my “story ‘ isn’t the same as everyone else. I need God’s grace, his spirit, to make me effective in my day and with the help of a Christian counselor who knew my faith in God I could do His will as I understood it. I was entirely ready to have God remove all my defects of character, step 6 of the 12 steps. I find that if I work these steps in my everyday life along with prayer and meditation my walk with God is so much easier.

Why Christian Drug Treatment?

Christian drug treatment like the one at A New Life at Lakeview Health in Jacksonville, Florida is the place to go for a Christian drug treatment program that will get you back into your faith and trust in God. When we are in our addiction we forget that our only peace and serenity is with God in our lives. When we are drugging, we are living and unnatural life physically and mentally. We are punishing our bodies by putting drugs into them. We don’t eat right, we don’t sleep, we loose our family, our friends and our jobs. This is not the way God intended us to live. We can enter the Christian drug treatment program and find our way back to God and His strength through prayer, church, bible study, pastoral counseling and the 12 step program through Christ and Celebrate Recovery support groups. A Christian drug treatment program such as A New Life will continue to support us after treatment with counseling and 12 step programs in our own community. Find peace and serenity through God’s strength and begin A New Life through a Christian drug treatment program.

Drug Abuse in the First World is Serious

How bad is Drug Abuse in the United States of America? How can we stop abuse of drugs with our young people? Why is the war on drugs a lost cause? Is legalization of drugs the right solution? What will we do in the future as all these folks in their teens or still young adults hit their middle thirties and need new Heart Valves? How can our already over taxed health care system handle it? All good questions indeed.

The answers are not so easy however, as drug abuse in the US is a huge problem and small businesses constantly complain about the drug problems and difficulty in hiring labor. The war on drugs seems to be a dead end game. If we stop the drugs from Mexico, we hurt legal trade with more barriers to entry and even if we do, most of the Meth is home grown in the cities and towns near where it is used anyway.

Legalization of drugs, which many have pondered seems like a solution but is it really? After all more druggies will not help the work force or health care costs in the future and although it might lower the costs and decrease petty crimes, it will still be a huge problem. Today we seem to have more problems and questions than answers. So, if you have a solution, well now is a good time to speak up. Consider this in 2006.

Oklahoma Drug Abuse

The use of illegal drugs has become a reality throughout modern America. The state of Oklahoma is no exception to this rule. Emotional insecurity, poverty and plain curiosity have caused many Americans to experiment and use substances in hopes of alleviating the pain of everyday life and to achieve a pleasurable ‘high’. Many people choose to view these types of individuals as outcasts, but at the law firm of Atkins & Markoff, we view these unfortunate individuals not as criminals, but as victims caught up in the uncaring impartial justice system. This outlook greatly influences the manner in which we treat our clients and gives us the opportunity to provide them with the best legal protection they deserve.

Drug use in Oklahoma consists of many types of drugs. Cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, marijuana, extacy, GHB, and prescription drug use. These are among some of the most common problems on the streets today. The clients who turn to the law firm of Atkins & Markoff will be nothing less than satisfied. We pride ourselves on a proven track record of defending victims charged with drug crimes and will use every aspect of the law to make sure your rights and freedom are protected.

Introduction To Cocaine Addiction

Coke, more commonly known as cocaine is a highly addictive stimulant which instantly affects the brain after introducing it to the body. The effects of this drug are extremely pleasurable and give a false sense of euphria. Like caffiene, coke makes the user feel awake, and energized. Cocaine addict's usually experience a sense of well being and feel 'powerful', combined with restlessness and anxiety. When the effects of cocaine wear off the user will 'crash', become depressed, and crave another 'hit' or 'wack'. Cocaine addiction is hard to beat, because of the great length's the user will go to get the drug. Some will even neglect their job, family and loved ones, in order to satisfy their craving for cocaine. This is one of the reasons why cocaine addiction is considered so harsh. It effects the user as well as everyone around him or her.
Signs of cocaine abuse include: change in mood, appitite and sleep cycles, depression, absence at work and home, running/ sniffly nose, new group of friends and a drop in school grades. Loss of interest in hobbys and other activities are also common signs of cocaine usage. Teenagers may also have a frequent need for money, without a good reason. Confronting the suspected user is the best solution. Cocaine addiction's should not go overlooked and should be treated ASAP. Long term effects of cocaine include: irritability, mood swings, restlessness, paranoya, possible auditory hallucinations and the number one long-term effect is addiction to the substance itself.
Many treatments have been found to be have great affects on treating cocaine addiction. It is important when selecting treatment methods, to match the treatment to the individual's needs. The main idea is to get the cocaine abuser to stop the use of the drug and help them maintain a positive outlook throughout the withdrawal. Rewards for positive behaviour and attitude are sometimes given and staying cocaine free becomes easier for the users in time. Residential programs focus on re-socialization, group therapy, and team work to assist an addict through withdrawal. It is very important, regardless of the treatment, is moral support from loved ones. Cocaine addiction is not easy to beat, but it's not impossible, with help and the proper treatment, cocaine addiction can be overcome.

Addiction to Clutter

Clutter is a big problem for many people. At a lecture that I gave, I asked for a show of hands regarding how many people had problems with clutter and disorganization. I was surprised to find that at least half the people raised their hands.
One of my clients told me that she was trying to help her sister get back on her feet after her sister had been laid up with an illness and lost her job. Her sister’s house had always been a mess, and had become so filled with clutter that there was no place to walk or sit. My client, Rebecca, offered to buy her sister a car if she would clean up her house. Rebecca even offered to help her sister clean up the house. Rebecca was shocked when her sister refused the offer, even though she desperately needed the car. He sister was unwilling to get rid of the clutter.
Why? Why was the “stuff” so important to her?
Underneath all addictions lies fear - of emptiness, helplessness, loneliness and aloneness. Addictions are a way to feel safe from feeling these difficult and painful feelings, and an addiction to clutter is no exception. It’s all about having a sense of control over feeling safe. Clutter, like all addictions, provides a momentary feeling of comfort. However, as with any addiction, the clutterer needs more and more clutter to maintain the illusion of safety and comfort.
When my mother died and my son was cleaning out her house, he discovered huge amounts of clutter. While my mother’s house always looked neat and clean, the cupboards and drawers were filled with clutter. My son told me he found 6 broken hair dryers in one cabinet. Why would my mother want to keep six broken hair dryers?
My mother grew up during the depression and always had a fear of not having enough. No matter how much she accumulated materially, she never felt that she had enough. The six hair dryers made her feel safe from her fear, even if they didn’t work.
Carrie has trouble throwing things away, especially magazines with “important’ information in them. She subscribes to many magazines but, being the mother of three small children, doesn’t often have the time to read them. So the magazines pile up and pile up. Carrie hopes at some point to have the time to read them, but that time never seems to come. When asked why she won’t throw them out, her answer is, “Because there might be something important in them and I don’t want to miss it.” Carrie fears missing out on some important piece of information – information that may give her the peace she is seeking. It makes her feel safer and in control to have all the magazines around her with their important information, even if she never gets to read them.
When we don’t feel safe on the inner level, then we try to make ourselves feel safe on the outer level, and clutter is one way of doing that. Whether it’s things, such as hair dryers, or information, such as in magazines and newspapers, clutterers do not trust that they will have what they need. In addition, clutterers may be resistant people who see messiness and clutter as a way of not being controlled by someone who wants them to be neat.
HEALING THE ADDICTION TO CLUTTER
Clutter is created and maintained by a wounded, frightened part of oneself, the wounded self – the part that operates from the illusion of having control over people, events, and outcomes. As long as this wounded self is in charge of the decisions, the clutterer will continue to accumulate clutter as a way to provide comfort and the illusion of control over feeling safe, or continue to be messy as a way to resist being controlled.
Healing occurs when the individual does the inner work necessary to develop a strong, loving adult self. A loving adult is the aspect of us that opens to and connects with a spiritual source of wisdom, strength, and love. A loving adult is capable of taking loving action in our own behalf. The loving adult operates from truth rather than from the false beliefs of the wounded self, and knows that the comfort and safety that clutter seems to provide is an illusion – that no matter how much clutter accumulates, the clutterer still feels afraid. The loving Adult knows that safety and integrity do not lie in resistance. Only a loving adult who is tuned in to the guidance provided by a spiritual source and capable of taking loving action in one’s own behalf can create a sense of inner safety.
Practicing the six steps of Inner Bonding that we teach develops this powerful loving adult.

Meth Addiction Help

Methamphetamine is commonly known as "speed" or "meth." It is a white and odourless crystalline powder that easily dissolves in water. The drug was developed early in this century from its parent drug, amphetamine, and was used originally in nasal decongestants, bronchial inhalers and other related products. Like amphetamine, it causes increased activity, decreased appetite, and a general sense of well-being. Meth is a highly addictive substance, and is widely abused among our youth. It has become Meth addiction is a serious problem and often has very serious consequences.
Treatments for meth addictions range from method to method. The primary treatment for methamphetamine addictions is an intensive outpatient program that is designed to treat the patient's dysphoira, paranoia, psychosis and agitation. Successful meth treatment requires the use of cognitive-behavioral therapy. This approach prepares the addict for life-long recovery. Although recovering from meth addiction is challenging, it is not impossible. With determination and support the addiction can be beat.
Treatment for meth overdoses require certain protocols in the emergency room. Becasue hyperthermia(overheating) and convulsions are common and often fatal, ER treatment focuses on the immediate physical symptoms. Overdose patients are cooled off in ice baths, and anticonvulsant drugs may also be administered.
Currently there are no pharmacutical treatments for addiction. How ever, often meth addiction is followed by depression, therefore the use of some anti-depressant medications can be helpful in users who recently have become abstinent. Shock therapy is a outdated form of addiction treatment, and was discontinued becasue it was found to have more negitive effects than positive.

Struggling With Addictions

What kind of bad habits do you struggle with? Most people think that when they come to Christ that their bad habits will magically disappear. And some church people act like if you have any bad habits in your life that you must not truly be saved, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Christians or not, we are all people, and people make mistakes. People have bad habits.
If you are anything like me, you have poured your heart out in counseling sessions with your church leaders, stood in prayer lines, repented and vowed to do better. And still found yourself giving into that temptation the next time it presented itself, leaving you asking, “What’s wrong with me?”
Nothing. There is nothing wrong with you. The very fact that you are concerned about it is a good sign. It’s the people who won’t admit they have a problem that should worry.
Everyone, at one time or another, struggles with some type of bad habit or addiction. Maybe it’s shopping too much, smoking, drinking alcohol, pornography, coffee, sweets, etc. People don’t want others to know about their problems, so they hide them in the closet, hoping that no one will ever find out about their secret. When a problem is hidden in the dark, it will continue to haunt you. But once it is brought into the light, that is when you will be able to overcome it.
A bad habit or addiction is anything that robs you of your time with God, that you feel that you must hide, that hurts your health or the health of others or is against the Word of God.
It is important that we guard what we are feeding the gates of our heart–our eyes, ears and mouth. Looking at pornographic magazines or watching R-rated movies causes those images to enter our eye gates, and once there, our minds store those images for safe keeping. Then at the most awkward moments, it will replay those images. Maybe in your dreams, when you are praising God at church or when you are kissing your girlfriend.
Perhaps you don’t watch anything objectionable. Instead your vice of choice is heavy-metal or rap music that talk about killing cops and degrading women. At first, you may just think the music has a nice beat, but after awhile, even though, you are not consciously listening to the lyrics, those words–the ones about murder, drugs and sex–will seep into your subconscious. You will find yourself getting into trouble because you have a shorter fuse than you used to. You will blur the line between right and wrong. You won’t remember why having sex without a marriage license is sinful, why stealing and lying are immoral. All because you didn’t guard what you let through your eye and ear gates.
How do you overcome the bad habits and addictions in your life?
1. Repent. I John 1:9 says, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” If we didn’t struggle with problems in life, there would be no reason to repent. However, we do, so we must ask God to forgive us for our wrongdoings. He is a gracious God who promises to forgive us when we repent. The mistake most of us make is in hiding our sin from God. Somehow we think that we can hide it from the One who sees all and knows all. Run to God when you slip in your recovery. Run to Him when you sin because He is on your side. He is not sitting up in Heaven, waiting to pounce on you anytime you make a mistake. That is not who He is. God is love not hate.
2. Ask God For Help. In II Corinthians 12:9, God tell us “My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness.” God’s strength is made perfect in our weakness. Think about that for a moment. In our times of weakness, we can count on God to be strong for us. If we team up with God, we can conquer anything. Romans 8:37 promises that “we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.”
Philippians 4:13 states that “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.”
Never be afraid to ask God for help because without Him, beating a bad habit is like digging yourself out of the bottom of the Grand Canyon. It’s an uphill battle.
3. Make A Decision. I will–when said together, those two words can be the strongest words in the English language. Why? Because they denote choice. Even in the Garden of Eden, we find humans making their own choices. Eve could have chose not to talk to the serpent. She could have decided not to eat the fruit. Adam could have refused the fruit when Eve offered it to him.
Every day we make choices. Will I have the soup or the salad? Will I cheat at golf? Will I give back the extra change the cashier gave me? Every day we make up our minds to do the right thing or to do the wrong thing. But when faced with a choice, humans usually choose the wrong thing because it is easier to give into temptations than to say “no.”
So, we must train ourselves to choose the right option. Whenever you have to choose between right and wrong, take a moment and determine which is the wrong option and which is the right. If you don’t know, ask yourself what would happen if you picked a certain option. If it would result in someone being hurt or in something that is contrary to God’s Word, it is the wrong choice.
4. Find Someone To Talk To. James 5:16 advises us to “Confess your faults one to another that ye may be healed...” As I said before, when we leave things in the dark, they continue to have a hold over us. In order to stop this cycle, we must find someone to confess our habits and addictions to. Once it is out in the open, then you will begin to heal in that area of your life. Make sure to find someone you can trust to talk to. You don’t want your sins to be broadcast all over your church, your neighborhood or your school. Instead go to your minister, youth pastor, parents, school counselor or a close friend.
Expose your bad habits and addictions to God’s light, and you will be amazed at how quickly they will crumble under the heat.

Signs That Rage Has Turned Into An Addiction

All addictions have symptoms, which allow us to recognize these problems as addictive diseases. The signs of addictive diseases are self-stimulation, compulsion, obsession, denial, withdrawal and craving syndrome, and unpredictable behavior. Like alcoholism or drug use, anger meets many of the criteria.
Self-Stimulation
For those who are rageaholics, expressing anger is self- stimulating. It triggers the compulsion for more anger. For example, let’s pretend that we are going to provide treatment for alcoholics. On the way to the treatment center we stop and buy a case of beer. When we get to the meeting, we tell the alcoholics in therapy that they just need to do a lot of drinking to get it out of their system once and for all. This is similar to when therapist tell men with rage problems, “You just need to express yourself and get it out of your system.” It is just as absurd. The more alcoholics drink, the more they want. The more ragers rage, the more they want to rage.
Compulsion
Anger addiction or “rageaholism” is the compulsive pursuit of a mood change by repeatedly engaging in episodes of rage despite adverse consequences. Rageaholics continue to rage compulsively without regard to the negative consequences. Compulsion or loss of control is the inability to stop expressing anger once we have begun. The inability to control angry words is a certain sign of rageaholism. Loss of control--that is addiction.
Obsession
Rageaholics are frequently preoccupied with resentment and fantasies of revenge. Those thoughts sometimes rise powerfully and allow no other thoughts to enter. The force of anger is sometimes irresistible and followed by action. Therefore, the preoccupation with the “wrongs” of others and revenge continually leads to rage. Progressively, these thoughts crowd out all others until our life becomes chronically revenge-oriented. At that point, anger controls our thoughts.
Denial
Denial keeps anger addicts trapped. It is the mental process by which we conclude that the addiction is not the problem; it’s “them.” Ignorance of addiction and the inability to examine ourselves, work together to keep rageaholics stuck. Knowing no other way to live, we deny that there is anything wrong with us. This system of denial ensures that the process of rage and righteous indignation will continue. Righteous indignation keeps our focus off of ourselves. This is why ragers seldom are able to say, “I am wrong.”
Withdrawal and Craving
As with any addiction, anger has a detoxification period. Craving is high during this time. Those who abstain from name-calling, profanity and yelling during this period report more depression than usual for the first three months. Typically, during the first 90 days of abstinence, ragers feel vulnerable and spend a lot of time thinking and hoping for a situation that will allow us to use violence for some heroic purpose. Afterward, however, if we have achieved complete abstinence and maintained it for 90 days, we find we no longer think in profane or disparaging terms. It may even become shocking when we hear others do it.
Unpredictable Behavior
Another definition of alcoholism is that when an alcoholic drinks, there is no way to predict his or her behavior. He may drink appropriately from time to time, just as the rageaholic may express anger appropriately from time to time. However, when the alcoholic starts to drink alcohol, all bets are off. No one knows what is going to happen. When rageaholics start to express anger, no one knows where it is going to go. The most likely think is that they will explode, rant and rave. Rageaholics would like to learn how to express our anger appropriately just like alcoholics would like to learn how to drink appropriately. While there are some exceptions, I encourage those with rage problems to abstain from the expression of anger for one year.
This plan is only for that small percent of the population who have rage or violence problems. The approach described here is not for everyone; but for those addicted to rage, it won’t work to express your anger