Substance Abuse: The Reason for Medical Malpractice

May 12, 2011 By Leave a Comment

You’d think that years and years of studying in medical school would prepare the potential doctors of the next generation well enough to handle just about any case you can imagine in a doctor’s office or emergency room, right? Right. So then why would there be so many cases of medical malpractice?

Why would a California medical malpractice lawyer have to go after this or that doctor for an injury wrongfully caused upon a patient due to some error in the ER? The answer’s simple: it’s not a lack of education, or a lack of experience, rather instead a horrible addiction to an illegal substance or illegal substances!

Substance abuse: a horrifying problem for anyone, even the medical practitioner. Statistically, this field of work has that unfortunate mindset — the fact that drugs are so accessible. Moreover, think about how intensive the job is for a doctor or nurse. It’s a 24/7 profession. They deal with death; they deal with tears. They deal with everything that centers around stress.

Makes all those drugs look appealing, doesn’t it? Hopefully not.

The fact is if you’re a medical professional dealing with an addiction, the imperative to seek help is all the more important. Why? Because you’re not just hurting yourself. You’re not just hurting your own family either, although that’s harm enough. More importantly, involving your career — you’re hurting your whole establishment and all the patients involved. So do the right thing — get help, kick the habit. Drugs are not to be messed with.

 

Filed Under: Drug Addiction, Substance Abuse Tagged With: , ,

Questions to Ask Yourself Regarding if You Have a Drug or Alcohol Problem

March 28, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Many drug and alcohol users are in denial about their addiction. They often believe that because they have rationalized why they use drugs and alcohol has become normal and there is no problem. Because the drug and alcohol use or has rationalized why they use drugs and alcohol they often do not believe that they have a problem. If you use drugs and alcohol and are concerned that you might have a problem here is some questions that you might be able ask yourself which will help you decide if you have a problem with drugs or alcohol.

Are you forced to lie or hide your drug or alcohol use? If you feel that you are forced to hide your drug or alcohol use it could be a sign that there is a problem. If the behaviors considered normal there is no reason to hide your drug or alcohol use from others.

Are you getting into legal trouble or have you done anything illegally to get your drugs or alcohol? Your drug and alcohol use can be viewed as a problem we start to do things illegally in order to gain the drugs and alcohol that you need to use. If you notice that you’re getting into legal trouble or trouble with your family this could be a sign that the drug and alcohol use has turned into a problem.

Are you spending money that you don’t have or can’t afford to spend on drugs and alcohol? If you notice that you are using money that is normally reserved for bills and other expenses on drugs and alcohol it could be a sign that it has turned into a problem.

Filed Under: Addiction, Drug Addiction Tagged With: ,

Most Common Signs of Substance Abuse Problems

March 20, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Substance abuse just like any other disease or illness has a number of signs and symptoms that people can use to notice if they or a loved one might be suffering from an addiction. As with any type of illness or disease symptoms of substance abuse can vary from person to person, so what one person has another person might not exhibit. Here’s a look at some of the signs and symptoms that there could be substance abuse going on.

Neglecting Responsibilities. One of the biggest signs and symptoms of a substance abuse problem is if the person is neglecting the regular responsibilities that they would normally not be neglecting. This could be neglecting their workload, school work, household chores and even their parenting responsibilities. These people are neglecting their responsibilities in favor of using drugs or alcohol.

Dangerous Conditions. Drug and alcohol users will normally start to use their substance under dangerous conditions and have no regard for the conditions of their in. Many users will start putting themselves in dangerous positions such as using dirty needles, taking drugs they have no idea of, drinking alcohol and driving and even having dangerous sexual encounters. These dangerous conditions are usually a result of the substance abuser not being able to properly assess the situation due to being under the influence of the drug or alcohol.

Legal Trouble. Getting into legal trouble is a very common sign that there could be substance abuse going on. Constant legal trouble ranging from driving under the influence, stealing, disorderly conduct and other types of legal issues can often be assigned that there is a serious problem with substance abuse.

Problems with Relationships. Another common sign that there could be a problem with substance abuse is a developing problem with relationships. These people will normally have had good relationships with these people but due to the drugs or alcohol the relationships are strained. This could range from having a strained relationship with their friends or family, coworkers and boss, and even neighbors.

Filed Under: Drug Addiction, Substance Abuse Tagged With: , ,

A Look at Interventions

March 16, 2011 By Leave a Comment

With the success of TV shows that center around interventions in confronting people with substance abuse problems many people have started to consider running their own intervention. While interventions can sometimes be successful, if intervention is done in the wrong way it could potentially be a disaster. If you are considering running in intervention here are some things to consider.

Seek The Help of Professional. Many drug and alcohol treatment centers have professional interventionist who can help run the intervention so that it is done properly. Many people might want to consider using one of these professionals as these professionals can help guide you through the process and make sure that you have the best chance for success.

Try to Confront When Not Intoxicated. This might be hard but it is recommended whether you run intervention with a professional or not that you try to confront the individual when they are not intoxicated. This allows you the best chance to reason and discuss the problem with the person with the problem.

Don’t Place Blame. Interventions are designed to tell the substance abuser exactly what they are putting each individual and their family through. However, the individuals in the family needs to make sure that they are not placing the blame on the person with the substance abuse but merely outlining facts. There is a fine line between placing blame and stating facts. The substance abuser will automatically feel as if they are being blamed the matter how things are being worded so the important part is to make sure that you choose your words carefully. Many people will often write out letters or practice what they’re going to say before they actually run the intervention.

Filed Under: Addiction, Drug Addiction Tagged With: , ,

Physical Signs of a Substance Abuse Problem

March 7, 2011 By Leave a Comment

While your friends and family may notice that you have a drug or alcohol problem just from the way that you are acting there are actually many types of physical warning signs that there is a drug abuse or alcohol abuse problem going on. These physical warning signs can show up anywhere from a few hours after using the drug or alcohol, to a few days after using the drugs or alcohol. Here’s a look at some of the physical signs that there could be a drug or alcohol abuse problem going on.

The Eyes. Those that have a drug or alcohol abuse problem will generally exhibit signs of having bloodshot eyes or the pupils will appear larger or smaller than normal.

Sleep Or Appetite Changes. Those that have a drug or alcohol abuse problem will show signs of changes in their appetite or sleep cycle. People who generally had a large appetite will usually start to eat less, while those that had a small appetite will generally start overeat. The sleep cycle will often be changed and people who sleep for hours will usually stay out all night and can often go days without sleep, while others who could do without sleep will generally need to sleep for hours.

Physical Appearance. Changes in a person’s physical appearance can also be assigned a drug or alcohol abuse problems. Those that abuse drugs or alcohol will not usually take the time to groom themselves, bathe regularly or take care of their physical appearance.

Other Physical Signs. Depending upon whether the person abuses drugs or alcohol there other physical signs that there could be a drug or alcohol problem. These signs can include slurred speech, impaired coordination, tremors and even having physical track marks due to drug use.

Filed Under: Drug Addiction, Substance Abuse Tagged With: , ,

Behavioral Signs of a Drug or Alcohol Problem

February 16, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Drug and alcohol abuse can often see show itself by having the abuser exhibit behavioral changes. These behavioral changes will usually come along with the physical and psychological changes of drug and alcohol abuse. Here’s a look at some of the behavioral changes that many drug and alcohol abusers will exhibit.

A Sudden Change In Work or School. Drug and alcohol abusers will exhibit setting changes in their work or school schedule. This can be a change in the attitude that they take toward school or work or by changing the amount of time that they spend on school or work.

A Sudden Need For Money. Everyone needs money in order to survive. However, those with drug or alcohol problems will usually exhibit a unusual need for money when they generally do not need that amount money before.

Financial Problems. Sudden financial problems can also be also be a sign that there is a drug or alcohol problem. This is because the money will tend to be going towards drugs or alcohol.

Secretive Behavior. Many drug and alcohol abusers will start to exhibit secretive or suspicious behavior. This can include going out at night, unexplained absences, or being in places they generally would not be. When asked about this the person will generally give a random excuse or have a hard time explaining why they were there.

Frequent Trouble. Frequently getting into trouble both legally and personally can be a sign that there is a drug or alcohol problem. Drug or alcohol use can usually lead to many legal problems as well as problems with personal relationships and friends and family. If a person who generally do not get in trouble with the law suddenly starts exhibiting problems with the law it could be a sign that there is a drug or alcohol problem.

Filed Under: Addiction, Drug Addiction Tagged With: , ,

How to Tell if Your Teenager Has a Drug or Alcohol Problem Part 2

February 8, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Being a parent is never easy. Being a parent of a teenager is even harder. One of the most difficult task parent faces is the ability to notice if their child is showing signs of a drug or alcohol problem. This is often difficult for many parents because some of the same exact sign that are used to distinguish drugs and alcohol problems are signs of your teenager growing up. Here’s a look at some more signs that many teenagers exhibit when there could be a drug or alcohol problem in existence.

Sudden Change in Friends. Many teenagers who have drug or alcohol problems will experience a sudden change in friends. Older friends will no longer want to hang out with them and your friends will start to show up unexpectedly. This can be distinguished as many teenagers will experience a change in a large group of friends.

New Interests. If your teenager is exhibiting signs of a complete change in clothing, music and other items this could be a sign of drug and alcohol problems. While changing is a part of becoming a teenager studying extreme changes can often be a sign that there is something more going on.

Changes in Behavior. Teenagers who have drug and alcohol problems will often skip school or have decreased motivation for school work. These are generally teenagers who enjoy going to school or at least did well in school.

Use of Perfume. If you notice that your teenagers walking in with extreme air fresheners or perfume it could be a sign that they’re trying to mask the owners of drugs and alcohol.

Filed Under: Addiction, Drug Addiction Tagged With: , ,

How to Tell if Your Teen May Have a Drug or Alcohol Problem Part 1

February 3, 2011 By Leave a Comment

When a teenager is using drugs or alcohol is up to the parent to discover the problem and help get them the help that they need. The problem is that many signs of drug and alcohol use can often be mistaken for normal teenage behavior. Here is a look at some of the things that parents should be aware of which can help them narrow down if their child may be experiencing a drug or alcohol problem.

Secretive. Many teenagers will often become secretive about who they are hanging around with and about their possessions. To an extent this is normal teenage behavior. However, if it they become extremely agitated when asked it could be a sign that there is more going on.

Privacy. Teenagers often need their privacy. However, avoiding family members, having doors locked when there is no need to have the door locked and other secretive behavior can often be assigned there is drug and alcohol use going on.

Missing Items. Many family members will notice missing items throughout the house. This is often because the teenagers unable to afford the drug or alcohol habit and often steal items such as money and valuables in order to fund the drug habit.

Increased Use of Eyedrops. Many teenagers who use drugs or alcohol will often start to use eyedrops as a way to mask their bloodshot eyes. If there is no logical reason for your child to be using eyedrops constantly it could be a sign that there is drug or alcohol use going on.

Filed Under: Addiction, Drug Addiction Tagged With: , ,

How to Tell if You Might Have a Drug Problem Part 1

February 1, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Many people who have a substance abuse problem know they have a problem. The problem is that after time these people will generally start to consider their habits and behaviors normal and will slowly start to slip into denial. Denial is a perfectly normal part of substance abuse problems as it is a way for the substance abuser to rationalize their behavior and give reason to why they are doing it. If you think you may have a substance abuse problem here is some questions you can ask yourself to help you decide if you’re drinking or drug use might be a problem.

Do you often feel as if you are unable to stop the drugs and alcohol at any time? Many drug users believe that they can stop at any time but internally they know that they cannot stop their drug or alcohol use.

Are you overcome with feelings of guilt about your drug or alcohol use? Many drugs and alcohol users have extreme feelings of guilt about their use for drugs and alcohol. This is because they know that the use is wrong but still rationalize that it is okay.

Are drugs and alcohol being used as a relaxant or way to make you feel better? Drug and alcohol use can usually turn into a problem when it is being used as a way to relax the body or to cover up serious problems.

Are people complaining about your use of drugs or alcohol? Those that have a drug and alcohol problem often have others such as their boss, friends, or family members that complain about the use and bring up that it is causing problems.

Filed Under: Addiction, Drug Addiction Tagged With: , ,

Health Risks Associated With Substance Abuse

December 6, 2010 By Leave a Comment

There are various health risks that are associated with the substance abuse. The person who is involved in this addiction to various drugs and other unhealthy products may suffer from certain side effects. These effects can even be life threatening at times. Various systems of the body are affected by the use of these spurious substances.

One of the most common substance abuse is the use of tobacco. Tobacco is used either while smoking cigarettes or when the person is chewing tobacco. The nicotine that is present in the tobacco can cause the person who is using it to suffer from various health problems including lung cancer. Other than cancer, the respiratory system of the person can also be affected because of the fact that the nicotine causes damage to the lungs.

The use of excessive alcohol can lead to various problems in the liver. Though other systems in the body may also be affected because of excessive consumption of alcohol, one of the systems that is severely affected is the liver. There are many people who have been substance abusers and have suffered from liver problems like liver cirrhosis, where there is uncontrolled bleeding in the liver. Death of certain parts of the liver, cancer of the liver and other diseases of the liver are very common in people who are alcoholics.

Drug addiction is the other common problem that can lead to various health risks. Many people who are chronic drug addicts may even die because of a fatal overdose of the drug. All the drugs can lead to various systems of the body being affected. Since many of the drug abusers share the same needle to inject themselves, they are at a high risk of being affected by AIDS. This is one of the common problems seen in substance abusers.

Filed Under: Addiction, Drug Addiction Tagged With: , ,
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