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.
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Phone: 800.971.1586
Fax: 800.401.8464
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Tel. (800) 396-9389 (7 days 24 hours)
e-mail: info@24houraddictionhelp.com
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Resisting Peer Pressure

When people hear the term ‘peer pressure’ most of them will automatically think you are talking about teens. That is not necessarily so. It does affect teens more than any other age group, but there are a large number of adults who are just as easily pressured by their peers. It most definitely occurs with college age kids. It also happens to several people at their jobs and during their socializing events. There is almost always a drink pusher at parties. You know the kind I’m talking about. They are drinking to excess and think everyone else should too. Some of those parties include drugs. If you’re there, they want you to participate. If you decline, your peers start pressuring you. Peer pressure is a problem that follows some people through a good part of their lives.

Some teens, young adults as well as older adults would never have tried drugs that first time if they hadn’t been pressured into it by someone. Not all peer influence is bad. In fact peers have a profoundly positive influence on each other and play important roles in each others lives. Positive peer pressure includes friendship, the setting of positive examples, encouragement, new experiences, feed back and advice.

Negative peer pressure might have you considering, or worse, doing something that is illegal or immoral. The person who pressures is usually an aggressive person who doesn’t like to take no for an answer. They have 6 reasons for you to do something, to your every 1 reason not to. It actually takes a strong person to resist negative peer pressure. Teens are still going through a maturing stage so it is harder for them to resist. Adults should have already reached the point where this is not much of a problem. Adults, who still can be pressured negatively, were probably pressured as teens and just never overcame it.

There are some things you can do to bolster your courage and overcome this problem. Listen to your gut. Maybe this person is not really your friend. Plan for possible pressure situations and avoid them if you can, like parties where you are pretty sure there will be drugs. Learn to say ‘no’ comfortably. You should never have to offer a real friend any reason or apology for the way you feel. It’s not easy to resist, but it is a learned process. If you or a loved one suffers from an addiction, A Better Tomorrow is waiting to hear from you.

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/

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Overcoming Shyness Without Drugs

Being shy isn’t necessarily a problem. It’s perfectly acceptable to take time to get to know someone and feel comfortable in their surroundings. But for some people, shyness is a debilitating fact of life. It blocks them from being as comfortable and/or sociable as they want to be. These people seriously want to overcome their shyness and some of them will turn to drugs to do it. There are better and safer ways to achieve the same end without putting yourself at risk.

A good place to start would be your own physician. He may be able to help or at least recommend a therapist for you. It may only take a few sessions for a good therapist to help you work through the reason for your shyness. Aside from professional help there are other things you can do to help yourself. Start practicing social behaviors with people that you know. Be sure to make good eye contact thinking about confident body language as you talk. Ask them questions and let them ask you questions. Practice making introductions and have sessions of small talk about different subjects.

Conversation starters are just that, something said to start a conversation. It doesn’t always have to be off of the top of your head. You can actually think of them ahead of time and practice, practice, practice. Sometimes it’s enough if you just introduce yourself. Try giving someone a compliment, that’s a sure way to draw them into a friendly conversation. You can rehearse what to say, by yourself in front of a mirror or with a friend or family member. Don’t try to memorize it; it will be close enough without that. No one is perfect, even those people who seem confident.

Find a group activity where you can be with people who enjoy the same interests as you. If you know your subject, conversation comes easier and with easier conversation comes confidence. Don’t be afraid to develop your assertiveness. Most shy people don’t like to rock the boat because they are overly concerned with other people’s reaction. Being assertive merely means speaking up for yourself when necessary, asking for what you need or want, or letting other people know they are bothering you in some way. A Better Tomorrow is a good place to go if you are suffering from an addiction, no matter how or why you got to that point.

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/

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Fighting Depression

Depression is a state of unhappiness with feelings of hopelessness. It is considered major depression when a person has five or more of the following symptoms for at least two weeks: agitation, restlessness and irritability; extreme difficulty concentrating; feelings of hopelessness and helplessness; inactivity and/or withdrawal from usual activities; trouble sleeping or excessive sleeping; thoughts of death or suicide; feelings of worthlessness, self hate and inappropriate guilt; fatigue and lack of energy; dramatic change in appetite, often with a noticeable weight loss or gain. Depression can present as discouragement or even anger. With very severe cases it is not uncommon to see hallucinations and delusions focused on themes of guilt, inadequacy or disease.

Depression does not go away on its own. If you suffer from depression you need to get help from a doctor or therapist. After you have done that, there are other things you can do to make yourself feel better. Exercise is at the top of the list, especially if it is done outdoors. A 15 to 30 minute walk or bike ride every day will start to make a difference in your mood. There are some yoga poses that help relieve feelings of depression. Check yoga websites for the ‘downward facing dog’ or ‘legs up the wall’ poses. Deep breathing exercises and meditation can also help you feel better.

Good nutrition is a must since it provides energy and influences mood. Depression can affect the appetite, sometimes causing overeating or skipping meals. Keep a journal of any problems that you can identify that may have contributed to your depression, but don’t dwell on them. This is good especially if you don’t want to share your feelings with another person, for whatever reason. Writing problems down is a way to release the feelings that you have pent up inside.

Try something creative like painting, drawing, sewing, dancing, or even just doodling. This exercises your imagination and allows positive emotions to move in. Find something to laugh about, whether it’s a movie, a book or a trip to see a friend. Depressed individuals usually notice only the negative. Make a sincere effort to look on the positive side, it will grow on you. If you or someone you know or love has an addiction, please know that help is as close as your phone. Call A Better Tomorrow for the help you need today.

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/

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Diazepam as Chlordiazepoxide and Valium

Diazepam is a benzodiazepine derivative drug. Chlordiazepoxide was the predecessor to the improved version, Valium. Improved meant stronger, 2 ½ times stronger. It is commonly used to treat anxiety, seizures, restless legs syndrome, insomnia muscle spasms, alcohol withdrawal, benzodiazepine withdrawal, and Meniere’s disease. It can be used as a premedication for inducing sedation or amnesia before certain medical procedures such as an endoscopy. Valium has been one of the most frequently prescribed medications in the world over the past forty years. It was the incredible popularity of Valium that helped Roche to become a pharmaceutical giant. From 1969 to 1982, Diazepam was the top selling drug in the U.S. with peak sales of 2.3 billion tablets in 1978.

Diazepam is available in over 500 brands throughout the world. For oral use it comes in tablets, time release capsules and liquid form. It also comes in a solution for IV or muscular injection.

Its common side effects can include drowsiness, suppression of REM sleep, impaired motor function, impaired coordination, impaired balance, dizziness with nausea, depression, impaired learning, cognitive deficits, and reflex tachycardia. Less common inconsistent side effects can include nervousness, insomnia muscle cramps, irritability, and in some cases, rage and violence. In some people, self-harming behaviors are possible and in extreme cases, the drug may provoke suicidal tendencies. Side effects are worsened by drinking alcohol because both act as central nervous system depressants.

Anyone consuming too much diazepam will usually display one of more of the following symptoms for about 4 hours following a suspected overdose: drowsiness; mental confusion; abnormally low blood pressure; impaired motor function which could include impaired reflexes and coordination , balance and dizziness; coma. Diazepam is a drug that can be psychologically addictive. There should be a gradual tapering off the drug. Withdrawals can be life threatening especially when excessive doses have been taken for a long period of time. If you or someone you know is caught up in the hell of diazepam, A Better Tomorrow is only a phone call away.

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/

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Males vs Females with Alcohol

It’s a known fact that a male’s metabolism is different than a female’s. That is one reason why the male will lose more, on the same diet, than the female will. Proportion sizes of food for males are larger and the allowable daily calorie intake is larger. Of course, their bodies are mostly larger than the females too. But it is not all because of size. Alcohol metabolizes differently between the sexes too.
Females can consume less in a shorter space of time and experience the same effect as males who ingest more over a longer length of time. This occurs because the female body has more fatty tissue and less water than the male. Females, even though drinking less, experience more severe hangovers than males. Alcohol even affects their brains differently. Females are less sedated from alcohol consumption but their cognitive function and judgment are more impaired. Females become alcoholics at a faster pace than males, even though they may be drinking less. At the same time, there are more male alcoholics than female.

Besides brain damage, women tend to develop eating disorders, depression, cirrhosis, stroke and cardiovascular damage from alcohol quicker than the males do. The damage to the male’s organs is more severe but takes longer to occur.

When alcohol is consumed by adolescents there are some added concerns. The human brain continues to develop until age twenty one. Alcohol damages the female brain, liver and other body parts quicker than the males. Even with shorter histories of drinking, females may have more memory loss and more trouble solving puzzles, reading maps, understanding complex lectures or following a set of instructions. With younger females, alcohol can affect puberty and interfere with menstrual cycles.
All alcoholics will eventually lose brain cells and functions. The loss is more profound in the female. If alcohol is causing a problem for you or someone you know, there is help available. Call A Better Tomorrow today and begin the road to recovery.


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/

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Serious Risks with Energy Drinks

Ninety nine drug abuse and addiction experts have signed a letter, authored by Roland Griffiths, Ph.D., to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Griffiths is a professor of behavioral science and neuroscience at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine. It asked for mandatory warning labels, and restrictions on the manner in which the product is marketed.

Their hope is to make it a little harder for American teens to party like a ‘Rockstar.’ This comes after a study by Johns Hopkins University, questioning the safety of caffeine rich energy drinks. The study was published on the ScienceDirect website and in the September 2008 edition of the journal Drug and Alcohol Dependence.

Caffeine content in soft drinks is regulated by the FDA and is limited to no more than 71 milligrams of caffeine in a 12 ounce serving. A 12 ounce can of Coke contains 34.5 milligrams; Pepsi contains 38 milligrams per 12 ounce can; Mountain Dew has 54 ounces in a 12 ounce serving. Most energy drinks contain considerably more caffeine than the average soda. Red Bull has 80 milligrams of caffeine per 8.3 ounce serving; Tab Energy has 95 per 10.5 ounce serving; Monster and Rockstar have 160 milligrams in a 16 ounce serving; No Fear has 174 milligrams per 16 ounce serving; Wired X505 has a whopping 505 milligrams of caffeine per 24 ounce serving.

Depending on the user’s body weight and tolerance, ingesting 300 milligrams or more of caffeine can produce symptoms that are similar to overdoses of other stimulants. Caffeine intoxication can include insomnia, irritability, restlessness, excitement and increased urination. If the dose is significantly larger it can cause mania, depression, delusions and disorientation. In severe cases, an overdose of caffeine can cause death. Rob Stein, a writer for the Washington Post, noted that poison control centers reported at least 41 cases of caffeine intoxication from energy drinks between 2002 and 2004.

Manufacturers don’t come right out and suggest you mix an energy drink with alcohol but some of their slogans endorse an extreme lifestyle and encourage reckless behaviors. If you or a loved one has a problem with addiction, call A Better Tomorrow, and get on the road to recovery.