There is no good reason to take drugs illegally but there are reasons that make people think it might be an alternative for them. The world can be a scary place sometimes. The fast pace of life in general, the pressures we deal with on a daily basis and perceived dangers of everyday life are enough to put the most stalwart person on edge. Add medical issues and/or emotional issues as well as social economical status adds to the mix.
It’s no surprise some people seek illegal drugs to help escape. In earlier times, about the only escape available was found in a bottle of alcohol. Today’s desire for instant escape has drug manufacturers scrambling to come up with better and faster acting chemical cures for anxiety and insomnia. There are dozens of new drugs to tranquilize us, making our problems appear trivial, at least for a while. These drugs on the market are the new illegal drugs on the street. Sold without prescription is no different than buying weed on the street and are just as dangerous and addictive as if you were purchasing crack on the streets. Still, prescription drugs have become the new escape drug for many.
You hear about the War on Drugs and how the government is trying to end the drug supplies coming into the States, but how do they curtail the abuse of prescription drugs? Where does prescription drugs fit in, if at all in the War on Drugs when the drugs are legally manufactured here or brought into the States legally? Anyone can get prescription drugs, any one can abuse them, and anyone can get addicted to them just as badly as if one was addicted to heroin. Like the saying.. when one door closes another one opens.. problem being one door hasn't even closed and a new door has opened. Illegal drugs being brought into the States has never stopped, and now legal drugs being used illegally is making a huge hit on the drug scene and unfortunately becoming a very profitable illegal business.
If you need help, are struggling with an addiction, or know of someone who is, please contact A Better Tomorrow Treatment Center today. We are here to help.
http://www.abttc.net/
Phone: 800.971.1586
Fax: 800.401.8464
24 Hour Addiction HelpLine
Tel. (800) 396-9389 (7 days 24 hours)
e-mail: info@24houraddictionhelp.com
http://www.24houraddictionhelp.org/
Feel free to follow us on Facebook and Twitter too!
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ABTomorrow
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/ABTomorrow
Showing posts with label drug addiction. Show all posts
Showing posts with label drug addiction. Show all posts
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Lesser of Two Evils? Is there such a thing?
The majority of drug users have someone who cares about what they are doing to themselves. Should you be more concerned about one drug as opposed to another? Is it a case of the lesser of two evils? That would be a difficult question to answer because addiction is based on a complicated mix of biological, social and psychological factors. One person may get hooked on marijuana after using it a few times because it helps them to relax. Another person may have no interest in the high that marijuana produces, preferring the effects of methamphetamine.When determining the addictiveness of a drug, there are specific things that may have an impact. Look at the degree of intoxication produced by using the drug. Will the drug induce users to take it repeatedly? Will the amount of the drug fix have to increase for the user to achieve the same results? How hard will it be to quit using the drug, and stay away from it? What withdrawal symptoms will be encountered by stopping the use of the drug and how severe will they be?
The level of dependence is the common denominator for determining the addictiveness of a drug. Nicotine is probably the highest in dependence. Ask any smoker who has tried to quit. Heroin and Cocaine are pretty much neck and neck in the race. The body builds up a tolerance for both of these drugs, requiring ever increasing amounts the get the high it is seeking although Cocaine would have the highest reinforcement value for the feelings the drug causes. Alcohol would be the highest in intoxication and for an alcoholic the withdrawal symptoms are more severe than the rest of the drugs discussed. Caffeine ranks pretty high in more than one area. Certainly dependence would be an issue. Consider how many people don’t want to face a day before they’ve had at least one cup of coffee or a soda. It is something that is used over and over again. There are some withdrawal effects when you quit using it. Some days you crave more than others, depending on the stress of the situation. Marijuana, still a drug, probably ranks lowest in most areas.
If we had control over those we love, we would opt for no drug use at all. Unfortunately, not many people have that kind of control or influence over another. If someone you love has a drug or alcohol problem, there is help available. A Better Tomorrow can give your loved one back the life they enjoyed before the addiction began. They’re waiting for the call.
If you need help, are struggling with an addiction, or know of someone who is, please contact A Better Tomorrow Treatment Center today. We are here to help.
http://www.abttc.net/
Phone: 800.971.1586
Fax: 800.401.8464
24 Hour Addiction HelpLine
Tel. (800) 396-9389 (7 days 24 hours)
e-mail: info@24houraddictionhelp.com
http://www.24houraddictionhelp.org/
Feel free to follow us on Facebook and Twitter too!
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ABTomorrow
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/ABTomorrow
Monday, March 29, 2010
Risk Factors for Drug Addiction and Alcoholism
Every year more than 100,000 Americans die due to alcoholism and drug addiction related causes. These deaths could be avoided if the early warning signs and risk factors where heeded and proper help was obtained. Genetics, environment, and personality all contribute to the risks factors of alcoholism and drug addiction and warning signs can be as small as complaints from friends and family about the behavior being exhibited by the addict.
By understanding the risk factors for alcoholism and drug abuse, proper steps can be taken reducing the number of lives lost needlessly. There is no one risk factor that can determine if a person is going to become a drug addict or alcoholic but rather a combination of risk factors in one’s life along with a persons biological makeup including genetics and their exposure to drugs/alcohol.
Risk Factors include:
Genetics: It has been shown that alcoholism and drug addiction can be inherited meaning if you have a family member with addiction issues, your risks increases.
Age: The younger the age of use, the higher the risk. Adolescents have a higher tendency toward reckless behavior and the ideology that nothing can “hurt” them.
Social Group: If the people one hangs around with frequently use drugs and alcohol, the risk rises. Friends are highly influential in ones behavior and even more so the younger the person.
Stress: Stress can be a killer on its own but for some a reason to use drugs or alcohol to take the edge off. This can become a deadly cycle in its own if the person all ready has predispositions for addiction.
Mental Disorders: People suffering from depression or anxiety disorders in particular are more likely to abuse alcohol and drugs.
Drug of Choice: The way the drug is introduced into the body can increase the risk of addiction. Drugs that are smoked or injected into a vein are more likely to cause addiction because they produce a quick, powerful effect — they reach the brain sooner than drugs that are taken by mouth. This rapid "high" also fades faster, causing the person to need more and more of the substance to regain the pleasurable feeling.
If you need help, are struggling with an addiction, or know of someone who is, please contact A Better Tomorrow Treatment Center today. We are here to help.
http://www.abttc.net/
Phone: 800.971.1586
Fax: 800.401.8464
24 Hour Addiction HelpLine
Tel. (800) 396-9389 (7 days 24 hours)
e-mail: info@24houraddictionhelp.com
http://www.24houraddictionhelp.org/
Feel free to follow us on Facebook and Twitter too!
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ABTomorrow
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/ABTomorrow
By understanding the risk factors for alcoholism and drug abuse, proper steps can be taken reducing the number of lives lost needlessly. There is no one risk factor that can determine if a person is going to become a drug addict or alcoholic but rather a combination of risk factors in one’s life along with a persons biological makeup including genetics and their exposure to drugs/alcohol.
Risk Factors include:
Genetics: It has been shown that alcoholism and drug addiction can be inherited meaning if you have a family member with addiction issues, your risks increases.
Age: The younger the age of use, the higher the risk. Adolescents have a higher tendency toward reckless behavior and the ideology that nothing can “hurt” them.
Social Group: If the people one hangs around with frequently use drugs and alcohol, the risk rises. Friends are highly influential in ones behavior and even more so the younger the person.
Stress: Stress can be a killer on its own but for some a reason to use drugs or alcohol to take the edge off. This can become a deadly cycle in its own if the person all ready has predispositions for addiction.
Mental Disorders: People suffering from depression or anxiety disorders in particular are more likely to abuse alcohol and drugs.
Drug of Choice: The way the drug is introduced into the body can increase the risk of addiction. Drugs that are smoked or injected into a vein are more likely to cause addiction because they produce a quick, powerful effect — they reach the brain sooner than drugs that are taken by mouth. This rapid "high" also fades faster, causing the person to need more and more of the substance to regain the pleasurable feeling.
If you need help, are struggling with an addiction, or know of someone who is, please contact A Better Tomorrow Treatment Center today. We are here to help.
http://www.abttc.net/
Phone: 800.971.1586
Fax: 800.401.8464
24 Hour Addiction HelpLine
Tel. (800) 396-9389 (7 days 24 hours)
e-mail: info@24houraddictionhelp.com
http://www.24houraddictionhelp.org/
Feel free to follow us on Facebook and Twitter too!
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ABTomorrow
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/ABTomorrow
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Marijuana and its Paraphernalia
Would you be able to recognize marijuana and/or marijuana paraphernalia is you saw it? If you have a roommate or partner who smokes marijuana and gets caught, a search of your residence will most likely be done. If you are smoking too, that’s a risk you take. You may be charged as well, because marijuana is still illegal. If you do not use marijuana, and suspect someone in your residence is, then this article is for you. You may be a parent of a teen and as such you need to know.
Marijuana is usually sold dried and sometimes is compressed for easier carrying. Better quality marijuana will often appear to be covered in tiny crystals. Hashish, or hash, is a more concentrated form of marijuana. It is the collected resins off of the marijuana leaves. The THC content of hashish is usually much higher by weight that the THC content of green marijuana. It may be dry and crumbly or even oily, depending on how it was produced.
Cigarette rolling papers are used to roll joints. Blunts are cigar wrappers that have the tobacco removed and are re-stuffed with marijuana. A small pipe can be filled and used to smoke marijuana, but the smoke from a regular pipe can be very hot and irritating. A water bong is another type of pipe that channels hot smoke through a layer of water to cool and hydrate the smoke, making it less irritating to the throat and lungs, which allows deeper inhalation. Two hot knives heated on the stove can be used to press on a crumb of hashish to burn it for smoke, blackening the tips in the process. A small blowtorch, often a cooking torch can be used as a higher octane substitute for a lighter.
The marijuana in use today is not the same as it was even 10 years ago. The potency has risen almost 10 fold and so has the risk of addiction. Marijuana detox and withdrawal is not dangerous but it can be very uncomfortable. It can be difficult to overcome the cravings to use and abuse. Many people can smoke marijuana recreationally without developing issues of dependency, but many more hundreds of thousands cannot.
Withdrawal symptoms may include a loss of appetite, an inability to sleep, headache, nausea, anxiety, paranoia, irritability and even aggression. These sensations will be intense for several days before easing off. It’s during this period that the urge to use is the strongest and the risk of relapse is the greatest. You do not have to live with an addiction. A Better Tomorrow can help you; all you have to do is make the call.
If you need help, are struggling with an addiction, or know of someone who is, please contact A Better Tomorrow Treatment Center today. We are here to help.
http://www.abttc.net/
Phone: 800.971.1586
Fax: 800.401.8464
24 Hour Addiction HelpLine
Tel. (800) 396-9389 (7 days 24 hours)
e-mail: info@24houraddictionhelp.com
http://www.24houraddictionhelp.org/
Feel free to follow us on Facebook and Twitter too!
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ABTomorrow
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/ABTomorrow
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Concern for Loved Ones
The majority of drug users have someone who cares about what they are doing to themselves. Should you be more concerned about one drug as opposed to another? Is it a case of the lesser of two evils? That would be a difficult question to answer because addiction is based on a complicated mix of biological, social and psychological factors. One person may get hooked on marijuana after using it a few times because it helps them to relax. Another person may have no interest in the high that marijuana produces, preferring the effects of methamphetamine.
When determining the addictiveness of a drug, there are specific things that may have an impact. Look at the degree of intoxication produced by using the drug. Will the drug induce users to take it repeatedly? Will the amount of the drug fix have to increase for the user to achieve the same results? How hard will it be to quit using the drug, and stay away from it? What withdrawal symptoms will be encountered by stopping the use of the drug and how severe will they be?
The level of dependence is the common denominator for determining the addictiveness of a drug. Nicotine is probably the highest in dependence. Ask any smoker who has tried to quit. Heroin and Cocaine are pretty much neck and neck in the race. The body builds up a tolerance for both of these drugs, requiring ever increasing amounts the get the high it is seeking although Cocaine would have the highest reinforcement value for the feelings the drug causes. Alcohol would be the highest in intoxication and for an alcoholic the withdrawal symptoms are more severe than the rest of the drugs discussed. Caffeine ranks pretty high in more than one area. Certainly dependence would be an issue. Consider how many people don’t want to face a day before they’ve had at least one cup of coffee or a soda. It is something that is used over and over again. There are some withdrawal effects when you quit using it. Some days you crave more than others, depending on the stress of the situation. Marijuana, still a drug, probably ranks lowest in most areas.
If we had control over those we love, we would opt for no drug use at all. Unfortunately, not many people have that kind of control or influence over another. If someone you love has a drug or alcohol problem, there is help available. A Better Tomorrow can give your loved one back the life they enjoyed before the addiction began. They’re waiting for the call.
If you need help, are struggling with an addiction, or know of someone who is, please contact A Better Tomorrow today. We are here to help.
http://www.abttc.net/
Phone: 800.971.1586
Fax: 800.401.8464
24 Hour Addiction HelpLine
Tel. (800) 396-9389 (7 days 24 hours)
e-mail: info@24houraddictionhelp.com
http://www.24houraddictionhelp.org/
Feel free to follow us on Facebook and Twitter too!
Facebook: facebook.com/ABTomorrow
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/ABTomorrow
Thursday, October 15, 2009
They're not called Downers for Nothing
The term, ‘downers’, refers to the entire class of drugs known as depressants. They are chemicals which depress, or slow, the functioning of the brain and central nervous system. There are numerous downers available today with more in the designing stage. All downers fall into one of the two main categories which are tranquilizers and sedative-hypnotics.
Tranquilizers reduce physical and emotional tension. Sedative-hypnotics go a step further and induce sleep. In fact they are commonly referred to as sleeping pills. Most short term effects for all downers include increased muscular relaxation and decreased anxiety. They also decrease inhibitions, slow reflexes and impair coordination. They tend to dull thinking, reduce judgment and interfere with memory. All of these effects are serious liabilities on the road, at work or in other situations where clear thinking and fast reactions are necessary.
Barbiturates were widely available 50 years ago but since then have proved to be not only unpredictable but downright dangerous, even at prescribed doses. After the sheer addictiveness of the drugs, tolerance was perhaps the worst problem. The body adjusts to their effects quickly so increasingly larger doses were needed to achieve results.
The drugs act on all areas of the central nervous system including those that regulate respiration, raising the risk of fatal overdose. The side effects disrupt normal REM sleep and leaves the user feeling hung over, irritable and anxious.
Downers produce intense physical and psychological dependence, making withdrawal very unpleasant. Because of the serious risks involved, including seizures and hallucinations, detoxification should be attempted only under a doctor’s supervision in a medical facility.
A Better Tomorrow is just this type of facility. We are available to see that you or your loved one receives the best possible care. Make the call now, it might just save a life.
A Better Tomorrow
http://www.abttc.net/
Phone: 800.971.1586
Fax: 800.401.8464
24 Hour Addiction HelpLine
Tel. (800) 396-9389 (7 days 24 hours)
e-mail: info@24houraddictionhelp.com
http://www.24houraddictionhelp.org/
Feel free to follow us on Facebook and Twitter too!
Facebook: facebook.com/ABTomorrow
Twitter: http://twitter.com/ABTomorrow
Tranquilizers reduce physical and emotional tension. Sedative-hypnotics go a step further and induce sleep. In fact they are commonly referred to as sleeping pills. Most short term effects for all downers include increased muscular relaxation and decreased anxiety. They also decrease inhibitions, slow reflexes and impair coordination. They tend to dull thinking, reduce judgment and interfere with memory. All of these effects are serious liabilities on the road, at work or in other situations where clear thinking and fast reactions are necessary.
Barbiturates were widely available 50 years ago but since then have proved to be not only unpredictable but downright dangerous, even at prescribed doses. After the sheer addictiveness of the drugs, tolerance was perhaps the worst problem. The body adjusts to their effects quickly so increasingly larger doses were needed to achieve results.
The drugs act on all areas of the central nervous system including those that regulate respiration, raising the risk of fatal overdose. The side effects disrupt normal REM sleep and leaves the user feeling hung over, irritable and anxious.
Downers produce intense physical and psychological dependence, making withdrawal very unpleasant. Because of the serious risks involved, including seizures and hallucinations, detoxification should be attempted only under a doctor’s supervision in a medical facility.
A Better Tomorrow is just this type of facility. We are available to see that you or your loved one receives the best possible care. Make the call now, it might just save a life.
A Better Tomorrow
http://www.abttc.net/
Phone: 800.971.1586
Fax: 800.401.8464
24 Hour Addiction HelpLine
Tel. (800) 396-9389 (7 days 24 hours)
e-mail: info@24houraddictionhelp.com
http://www.24houraddictionhelp.org/
Feel free to follow us on Facebook and Twitter too!
Facebook: facebook.com/ABTomorrow
Twitter: http://twitter.com/ABTomorrow
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Does Legal Make It Safe?
A drug that is legal is not necessarily safe. Legal doesn’t ensure that it’s non-addictive. Just because a drug if freely available doesn’t mean it’s okay to partake. Look at alcohol and nicotine. They are among the drugs most often abused.
Sedatives, tranquilizers, anti-anxiety drugs, painkillers, anti-depressants and stimulants are all available by prescription and for medical purposes, they are considered safe. On the flip side of that coin, they are all highly addictive, even at prescribed dosages. Some of the more popular drugs that fall into these categories and are currently being prescribed include Xanax, OxyContin, Percocet, Valium, Ritalin and Adderall.
If you are taking more than one drug of those types listed, your chances of becoming addicted are much higher. If you are currently taking any of these types of medication, have you ever read the warning statement that by law must be given to you by the pharmacy that fills the prescription? Most people discard it without giving it a second thought, let alone taking the time to read it and consider the content. The warnings of possible addiction are there.
There may also be danger with over the counter pills that are misused. Even non-drugs such as herbal or natural supplements could be a problem for some. There can be drug interactions as well as dangerous side effects especially when combined with prescribed medication. Just because a drug is advertised on TV doesn’t mean it’s safe or even that it’s the norm, which is how it is portrayed. Be wary of doctors who prescribe a new medication for every symptom. Be sure your doctor knows exactly what you are taking and who prescribed it for you; include any over the counter meds you are taking. Review your medication list with your doctor and ask if there are any that you can quit taking.
There is a vast majority of drug addicts are not criminals. They are people just like you, who started taking a drug prescribed by their doctor for a legitimate reason, and became addicted. If you are having trouble with an addiction to a prescription drug there is help available. A Better Tomorrow understands how you got into the predicament, and we know the way to bring you back. Don’t wait, make the call now.
If you need help, are struggling with an addiction, or know of someone who is, please contact A Better Tomorrow today. We are here to help.
http://www.abttc.net/
Phone: 800.971.1586
Fax: 800.401.8464
24 Hour Addiction HelpLine
Tel. (800) 396-9389 (7 days 24 hours)
e-mail: info@24houraddictionhelp.com
http://www.24houraddictionhelp.org/
Feel free to follow us on Facebook and Twitter too!
Facebook: facebook.com/ABTomorrow
Twitter: http://twitter.com/ABTomorrow
Sedatives, tranquilizers, anti-anxiety drugs, painkillers, anti-depressants and stimulants are all available by prescription and for medical purposes, they are considered safe. On the flip side of that coin, they are all highly addictive, even at prescribed dosages. Some of the more popular drugs that fall into these categories and are currently being prescribed include Xanax, OxyContin, Percocet, Valium, Ritalin and Adderall.
If you are taking more than one drug of those types listed, your chances of becoming addicted are much higher. If you are currently taking any of these types of medication, have you ever read the warning statement that by law must be given to you by the pharmacy that fills the prescription? Most people discard it without giving it a second thought, let alone taking the time to read it and consider the content. The warnings of possible addiction are there.
There may also be danger with over the counter pills that are misused. Even non-drugs such as herbal or natural supplements could be a problem for some. There can be drug interactions as well as dangerous side effects especially when combined with prescribed medication. Just because a drug is advertised on TV doesn’t mean it’s safe or even that it’s the norm, which is how it is portrayed. Be wary of doctors who prescribe a new medication for every symptom. Be sure your doctor knows exactly what you are taking and who prescribed it for you; include any over the counter meds you are taking. Review your medication list with your doctor and ask if there are any that you can quit taking.
There is a vast majority of drug addicts are not criminals. They are people just like you, who started taking a drug prescribed by their doctor for a legitimate reason, and became addicted. If you are having trouble with an addiction to a prescription drug there is help available. A Better Tomorrow understands how you got into the predicament, and we know the way to bring you back. Don’t wait, make the call now.
If you need help, are struggling with an addiction, or know of someone who is, please contact A Better Tomorrow today. We are here to help.
http://www.abttc.net/
Phone: 800.971.1586
Fax: 800.401.8464
24 Hour Addiction HelpLine
Tel. (800) 396-9389 (7 days 24 hours)
e-mail: info@24houraddictionhelp.com
http://www.24houraddictionhelp.org/
Feel free to follow us on Facebook and Twitter too!
Facebook: facebook.com/ABTomorrow
Twitter: http://twitter.com/ABTomorrow
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
