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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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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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Seeking Help for Teenage Substance Abusers

October 8, 2010 By Leave a Comment
Source: A Public Health Approach to Drug Contr...
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If you feel that your teenager may be involved with drugs, there are few behavioral changes to look for.

1. Friendship changes.
2. Increased hostility, irritability, defensiveness, and evasiveness.
3. Changes in appearance.
4. Skipping school and avoiding school activities.

If your loved one shows any of the above behaviors, chances are he/she has a substance abuse problem. You shouldn’t be alarmed, but keep in mind that early detection is the key to helping your teen with substance abuse problems. It’s important for you to get help as soon as you can.

Since drugs provide an alternative way to assimilate with the rest of the crowd, teens aren’t necessarily motivated to stop using them. It may sound trite or oversimplified, but once teens start using drugs, it’s very hard for them to stop. Teens don’t feel that drugs pose a problem because they feel invincible, especially when they ingest drugs into their system.

In order to get help for your teen, it’s essential that you get involved and encouraging them to get help as soon as possible. Without support, it is unlikely that teens will do it on their own.

Seeking Help

There are many drug treatment programs for adolescents in your community. The following are a few options to consider:

Teens who need safe and supervised relief from withdrawal systems can enter Detoxification centers anywhere in the country. These centers are available for teens and others who need abstain from drugs and receive medical attention.

Rehabilitation is also available within the teen’s residence or home. This type of treatment helps teens that need constant supervision (24-hours-a-day, seven-days-a-week). The types of teens seeking constant supervision simply cannot quit independently. They continue to use drugs and don’t care about the risks involved. These individuals may have attempted to stop using before, but have failed in those attempts.

All of the above programs offer therapy, twelve-step programs, relapse prevention, and more.

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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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