Loving an Addict into Treatment

June 6, 2011 By Leave a Comment
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Suffering from an addiction can be a very painful experience; life can seem hopeless. The sufferer can feel worthless and ashamed. Sometimes it can be extremely difficult to convince an addict that there are solutions to their addiction and that life can become better.

As the path to addiction didn’t happen in a day, the cure isn’t going to be a quick fix, either. Many addicts can become overwhelmed with the idea of a long process that will seemingly have no end.

If you have a loved one that is suffering from addiction, whether it be alcohol or drugs, it is in their best interest for you to do all you can to help them get into treatment.

Sometimes one might have a tendency to think that an addict can’t be helped until they’ve reached rock bottom, but this is not necessarily true. As a friend or relative of an addict you have a responsibility to help them understand that there is help out there, as well as hope.

Realize that although most addicts start on the path of addiction voluntarily, once there is sufficient substance abuse, the addict is no longer in a place of reason.  Prolonged drug abuse alters the brain and makes it impossible for a user to overcome a serious addiction by themselves.

Your job is to help them seek help as quickly as possible. Your job is also to do this without exhibiting any judgment or disgust. One of the factors that can lead an addict to seeking help, is to for them feel the unconditional love of family and friends.

It can save their life.

 

Filed Under: Addiction, Rehab Tagged With: , ,

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: , ,

A Look at Health Insurance Providers Covering Treatment Centers

March 24, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Many substance abusers are unable to seek treatment due to the high cost of drug and alcohol treatment. It is estimated that drug and alcohol treatment centers can cost anywhere from $5000 all the way up to $23,000 a month. Most people do not have this type of money and cannot afford to pay for their treatment. This is why many substance abusers will try to see if their health insurance will cover the substance abuse treatment center.

Many health insurance providers offer very limited coverage for drug and alcohol treatment centers. There are strict rules and guidelines that outline how the health insurance provider will cover the drug and alcohol treatment centers. Here’s a look at some of the examples of how health insurance providers have covered drug and alcohol treatment centers.

Medical Costs Only. Some health insurance providers will only cover any related medical costs that might be incurred during the day at the drug and alcohol treatment center. This means that all drugs and possibly alternative medicine therapies are cover. The detox process is also covered as it is considered a medical necessity. However, the actual stay at the treatment center as well as the therapy sessions is not covered.

Limited Time Treatment. Some health insurance providers will offer full coverage or percentage off of specific drug and alcohol treatment centers. However, this day must be at a health insurance providers recommended drug and alcohol treatment center, for a specified amount of time, doctor ordered and not within a certain time frame. Generally health-insurance providers will cover a 30 day stay at a drug and alcohol treatment center one every 3 to 5 years.

Every health-insurance provider has their own rules and regulations regarding what type of drug and alcohol treatment centers they will provide for. Some health insurance providers will not cover drug and alcohol treatment centers at all, will others offer limited time coverage for those that are suffering from substance abuse problem. Check with your health insurance provider to see what coverage they may offer.

Filed Under: Recovering, Rehab 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: , ,

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.

Filed Under: 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 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.

Filed Under: Addiction, Substance Abuse 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: , ,
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