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.

 

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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.

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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.

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Psychological Signs of Drug or Alcohol Abuse

February 23, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Drug and alcohol abuse problems can exhibit itself in three different ways. A person can have physical signs, behavioral signs and psychological signs. These signs and symptoms can help friends and family members know if there is an actual drug or alcohol problem going on. Here’s a look at some of the psychological problems and signs that many drug and alcohol abusers show.

Changes in Personality. There is often an extreme change in personality or attitude of the person who is using drugs or alcohol. Sometimes these changes can be explained such as a death in the family or stress at work. However, the use of drugs and alcohol will often cause the abuser or addict to have extreme changes in behavior or attitude.

Mood Swings. Due to the chemical imbalance that drugs and alcohol causes the abuser of drugs and alcohol can often have extreme mood swings, sudden angry outburst and irritability that really have no explanation at all.

Hyperactivity. Extreme periods of hyperactivity, giddiness and agitation are often a sign that there is a psychological problem that could be a result of the drugs and alcohol.

Decrease in Motivation. There is often an extreme decrease in motivation for work, personal life or schoolwork. The drug and alcohol user will often appear lethargic or, since if they are on a different plane as if they are spaced out. This is often a result of the effect of the drug has on the person.

Paranoia. Drug users and alcohol users often have periods of prayer:, paranoia and anxiousness without having logical reasons for feeling this way. This is because internally they know that what they are doing is wrong and are often fearful of being caught or called out on their drug or alcohol problem.

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How to Decide Which Treatment Center is Right for You

February 10, 2011 By Leave a Comment

The hardest part about having a substance abuse problem is the ability to admit that you have a problem. Once you have committed your problem you will generally start looking for treatment center to help you deal with your addiction. The problem is that once you start looking into treatment centers can often be overwhelming as there are hundreds of different treatment centers out there for substance abuse. Luckily, with a little thought you can successfully narrowed down whatever treatment centers you’re looking for and help you make the decision of which treatment center might be right for you.

Here’s a look at some of the characteristics of a treatment center that you should consider. These characteristics will help you narrow down which treatment centers are right for you.

Inpatient versus outpatient. Inpatient versus outpatient is the biggest decision that you have to make regarding treatment centers. Inpatient treatment centers include all therapy being done in one location and are generally for solid block of time such as 30 to 90 days. Outpatient therapy is usually done first set block of time a couple times a week. Generally, inpatient therapy is more intense than outpatient therapy.

Treatment Style. Each treatment center will have their own way of treating the substance abuse problem. Some treatment centers will focus upon the conventional medication way of treating the substance abuse problem. This can include using prescription medications and other types of conventional medicine to treat the addiction. Other treatment centers will focus solely upon the alternative treatment style and focus upon relaxation, meditation, acupuncture and massage therapy. A third option is the combination of conventional medicine and alternative medicine. Deciding what type treatment you wish to receive will help you narrow down whatever treatment centers are right for you.

Therapy Sessions. Therapy is a major part of the substance abuse treatment center. You’ll want to make sure that you are receiving the therapy that you want while in your treatment. Check to see what type of therapy is the treatment center offers. Most will offer individual and group therapy. Some will even offer family therapy.

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Coping with Substance Abuse

October 31, 2010 By Leave a Comment
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It may be hard to live with a family member that is abusing or addicted to alcohol. There can be a fine line between abuse and addiction, but one thing is for sure – you need to get them the help they need before it becomes too late.

If someone in your family is abusing and addicted to alcohol, they may experience blackouts, loss of control, job problems and major concern from family members that notice their behavior changes.

First, you want to contact someone that may be able to help you and your family member get the correct assistance they need. You may want to talk to a counselor, or even a doctor for references on where you could go for help. Once you have contacted someone that can help, they may give the addict an evaluation to determine the degree of severity of their problem.

If you are afraid of confronting a family member that you think has an alcohol abuse problem, just be honest with them. Talk with them face-to-face and let them know your concerns. If you try to beat around the bush, they will sense your uneasiness about it and will most likely deny they have a problem. If you are firm with them and let them know your honest thoughts, then they may sit down and listen to you.

You also want to make sure that you don’t make it easier for them to abuse alcohol. Don’t hide their bottles from them, they will always go out and get more. Don’t call in sick for them at work, because that is just excusing their behavior. You don’t want to be an enabler for them, you want them to get the help they need.

Alcohol abuse is a very serious problem that needs attention immediately before it becomes too late. A drunk driver can kill themselves as well as other innocent people.

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Health Issues Arise as Baby Boomers Continue to Use Drugs

October 20, 2010 By Leave a Comment
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Pot smoking hippies from the 1960’s have grown into middle-aged Americans across our country, and unfortunately older people between 50 and 59 are continuing to use drugs in the 2000’s.

A survey conducted by Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services determined that 8 percent of people between the ages of 50 and 59 used an illicit drug of some sort. The survey said most of them used marijuana, but many use prescription drugs, pain medications, ant-anxiety pills, and sleeping pills. Between 2002 and 2008, the percentage of potheads and pill users in their 50’s grew by over 50 percent.

Rightfully so, researchers are very worried that lifetime drug use by baby boomers (born between 1946 and 1964) is on the rise, and will complicate the lives and health of many aging Americans. Peter Delaney, Director of the Office of Applied Studies, mentioned that there are so many people in the 50 to 59 age bracket needing substance abuse help that the number of treatment facilities needs to double in the near future.

Delaney said the problem with older users is that drugs cause greater impairment, as people get older. As physiology slows down with age, it takes a lot longer to process drugs through the body. In other words, drugs like marijuana stay in the body’s system for longer periods of time. Also, a mix of marijuana and prescribed pills that lower blood pressure can produce lethal side effects. Unknowing drug users in their 50’s can easily land themselves and extended stay in the hospital for mixing marijuana and pain pills.

The substance abuse administration also queried over 20,000 adults over 50 and found that 5.2 percent of adults in the 50 to 59 age group used marijuana between 2006 and 2008. In addition, 2.9 percent of them took prescription drugs illegally. Lastly, 7.9 percent of these adults said they had taken some type of illicit drug as well.

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The Negative Effects of Methamphetamine

October 12, 2010 By Leave a Comment
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Methamphetamine is a man-made chemical with properties that are very similar to adrenaline. Methamphetamine (commonly referred to as meth) affects the nervous system with a highly addictive stimulant. The common street names for meth are crank, crystal, speed, ice, and glass. For over three decades, meth has been the mostly widely produced controlled substance in the U.S. Unfortunately, many young people in the U.S. are meth users, and the numbers continue to rise. Meth can be manufactured secretly in meth labs throughout the country. Many of these so-called meth labs are found in people’s homes. The fact that it can be made so easily means that it is also easily sold and distributed. Aside from heroin and cocaine, meth is the most dangerous and lethal drug available in our society.

Meth is a powerful stimulant, and it can keep awake for hours at a time. It also decreases the user’s appetite, and increases his/her activity. The effects of meth are much the same as methadrine (or speed), a popular drug of the 1960’s. Younger adults took speed so that they could stay up all night studying for exams in college. Users say that meth gives you a brief, intense sensation when snorted or injected.

When a user does meth, a neurotransmitter called dopamine is released to the pleasure areas of the brain, and he/she experiences an immediate adrenaline rush or feeling of euphoria, as users typically describe it. People who take the drug also say they feel a sense of well being. Just like any other drug, the user needs to take larger doses of it in order to obtain the same high as before. Increased doses and prolonged use of meth produces feelings of irritability, depression, anger, and paranoia. Users also experience delusional thinking and visual impairment. Some even have visual or auditory hallucinations.

Most meth users go without food or sleep for days, injecting meth into their systems every two or three hours in order to stay high. This type of binging occurs until the user runs out of meth, overdoes, or becomes too delirious to continue taking the drug.

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Warning Signs For Teenage Substance Abuse

October 7, 2010 By Leave a Comment
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Being a teenager in today’s society is a lot more stressful than days past. Expectations are very high for adolescents. They’re expected to have excellent grades and keep up with the other kids in sports, school clubs, and other social events. Sometimes the stress becomes unbearable, and teenagers turn to drugs to help deal with it. If you’re concerned that your teen might be using drugs, there are several warning signs to look for in your adolescent’s behavior that could be indicators.

The following are some of the warning signs or indications of substance abuse:

Evidence of drugs or paraphernalia. Teens often feel you’re invading their privacy when you search through their personal belongings, but it never hurts to look for blatant physical signs of drugs or paraphernalia around the house. For example, marijuana smoke has a very strong and distinct odor. It doesn’t smell anything like cigarette smoke at all. If your teen comes home wreaking of marijuana smoke, don’t be afraid to confront him/her with some questions about what they’ve been doing that evening.

Behavioral problems. If your teen suddenly seems disinterested in school and other activities like sports and social events, ask them about it. A major deterrent from drug use of any kind is simple, honest communication with your teen. We’re not recommending that you become nosey or intrusive, but it’s always a good idea to take a genuine interest in your teen’s welfare. Let him/her know that you care about their well-being. A simple question like, “How is school going,” is always a good opening to a good conversation with your son or daughter.

Emotional distance, depression, or fatigue. Young teenagers should be full of vitality and energy. They really shouldn’t act listless or apathetic in any way. After all, they’re young, and have a whole life ahead of them. If your teenage suddenly seems disinterested or depressed, ask them about it. Again, you don’t want to appear nosey, but a little bit of care and interest will go a long way. Sometimes teens just need a little push to get them going in the right direction.

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Teenage Substance Abuse

October 4, 2010 By Leave a Comment
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Teenagers in today’s society are faced with challenges, stress, and confusion. As a result, many teens fall prey to substance abuse in hopes to deal with everyday problems and challenges, only to discover bigger problems by turning to drugs as solution. As a teen, it’s difficult to predict problems that can occur down the road. Younger people are more impetuous, and seek and immediate solution to problems. A small circle of friends at school may use drugs, and those kids say that there’s no harm involved. A vulnerable teenager sees his friends, taking drugs and decides to give it a try. After all, what is there to lose? Well, in the long run, there’s plenty to lose, but no one realizes the true facts of drug abuse until it’s much too late.

Today’s adolescents don’t perceive the problems associated with drug use. To them, it’s a harmless way to alleviate stress and escape from reality. At first, taking drugs is just another way to relax and have fun. They don’t realize the risks and consequences involved. Even though adolescent drug abuse doesn’t necessarily lead to problems later on, drug use at any stage in life has negative consequences. Although drug use at any early age doesn’t necessarily lead to addiction later on, it’s like a game of Russian roulette, no different than holding a gun to your head and pulling the trigger, hoping that the chamber is empty.

For most teens, drug use has consequences, including poor academic performance, deteriorating relationships with loved ones, and a general lack of interest in everything life has to offer. Substance abuse changes behavior in teens. A newly discovered obsession with drugs overshadows all other activities. A teen who was previously involved in sports and other productive activities suddenly becomes apathetic. The captain of the swim team stops showing up to practice due to his/her preoccupation with drugs. Everything valuable and important takes a second seat to drug users. Unfortunately, drugs will eventually take precedence over a teenager’s life.

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