OxyContin Use on the Rise

The U.S. Department of Health National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) recently reported that the recreational use of OxyContin has become a significant problem in recent years. The abuse of this drug affects people of all ages, including adolescents. OxyContin is an opioid, and as such is a powerful and highly addictive pain reliever.

OxyContin is the brand name of a time released formula of oxycodone and it is produced by Purdue Pharma, a privately held pharmaceutical company.
Recreational use often means the drug is injected or inhaled in powder form to intensify its euphoric effect. At the same time, the danger to the user also increases. Not only is this drug powerful, it is highly addictive. Those users who ingest medium to high doses may experience euphoria, nausea, depressed respiration and sleepiness. Higher doses can also cause seizures, dizziness, weakness, loss of consciousness, coma, confusion, cardiac arrest and clammy skin. If the dose is high enough it can depress respiration to a fatal level, especially if it is combined with alcohol or another depressant.

Addiction is both physical and psychological and the withdrawal is intense. Symptoms of withdrawal may include cold sweats, insomnia, severe diarrhea, clinical depression, abnormal body temps, immobility, abnormal heart beat and suicidal ideation.

OxyContin is synthesized from the opium derivative thebaine. Thebaine is similar to codeine in some respects but it is more powerful and potentially addictive. These drugs were intended to be taken orally and be time released which dilutes the effect of the drug to a safe level. Crushing the tablets and snorting it is one method an addict will use. They can also mix it with water and inject it. ‘Mainlining’ the crushed drug negates the time release feature while intensifing the high. This also increases the potential health risks associated with this type of use.

If you, or someone you know, are addicted to OxyContin, there is help available. Make the call today, to A Better Tomorrow.

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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Inhalant Use

Inhalant abuse is the deliberate inhalation or sniffing of common products found in homes and communities for the purpose of getting high. There are a number of illegal drugs that are inhaled but those drugs do not fall under this terminology. The term inhalant refers to products that are not illegal, in and of themselves, but through improper use, can produce similar effects to illegal drugs. The most commonly used products include nail polish remover, spray paint, hair spray, rubber cement, paint thinner and gasoline.

Inhalants can be used in a variety of ways, but the three most common are sniffing, huffing and bagging. Sniffing is the most common, because it is the easiest. Fumes from the product are sniffed directly from the product. Huffing is done by soaking a piece of cloth with the product and holding it over the mouth and nose or by stuffing it into the mouth. Bagging occurs when the product is sprayed or put into a paper or plastic bag and the fumes are inhaled from the bag.

Regardless of the product and method used, inhalants are dangerous. They can cause blackouts, seizures, lung damage and even death. Inhalants are especially dangerous for young children. Most products used as inhalants are found in most every home. Children as young as 5, have used inhalants to get high. Three percent of all children will have tried it at least once before they reach the fourth grade. One of the gravest dangers of inhalant use is called Sudden Sniffing Death Syndrome (SSDS). This occurs when the inhalant causes the heart to beat erratically and quickly and simultaneously the fumes keep the body from being able to produce enough oxygen. The deadly result is suffocation. It can occur with the first use or the fiftieth, or not at all. Even if death does not occur there can be damage to the brain and central nervous system.

Children are not the only ones who use inhalants. Those who do may appear to be disoriented, dizzy or uncoordinated. They may also have a red or runny nose, unusual breath, slurred speech or sores around the mouth. Inhalants are often a gateway to illicit drugs and/or alcohol. If you or someone you know has a problem with drugs, call A Better Tomorrow Treatment Center, to get the help they need.

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
24 Hour Addiction HelpLine
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e-mail: info@24houraddictionhelp.com
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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.
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Phone: 800.971.1586
Fax: 800.401.8464
24 Hour Addiction HelpLine
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SUBOXONE Basics

Suboxone, (sub-OX-own) is a prescription name of (buprenorphine HCI/naloxone HCI dehydrate, sublingual tablet). Sublingual merely indicates that the pill is put under the tongue and allowed to melt. Suboxone is actually a combination of 2 medicines. The first is buprenorphine (BYOO-pruh-NOR-feen) which is a painkiller. It relieves pain similar to morphine, heroin and methadone but without the ‘intense high’. The second medication is naloxone (nal-OX-own). Naloxone is added to keep people from injecting Suboxone. If the tablet is put under the tongue to melt and be absorbed into the system, the naloxone does not affect the buprenorphine. If the pill is crushed and mixed with a liquid to be injected, the Naloxone blocks the effects of the buprenorphine. If this medication is injected it will likely cause severe withdrawal symptoms. If mixed with a tranquilizer and injected it can cause death.

Suboxone is prescribed to treat narcotic (opioid) dependence. Buprenorphine is actually a type narcotic itself and as such it prevents withdrawal symptoms. It is intended to be used as part of a complete narcotic dependence treatment plan. Periodic blood tests, including liver function, should be done to monitor your progress and to check for side effects.

Do not take this drug unless it was prescribed by your doctor. Do not take it if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant or nursing. Possible side effects include feeling faint, dizzy, confused, slow breathing or any other unusual symptom. The medication can cause liver problems. It can cause a drop in blood pressure causing you to feel dizzy if you stand up too fast. It can also cause allergic reactions making it difficult to breathe, hives, swelling of your face, asthma type wheezing of shock. If you have any of these side effects notify your doctor immediately. Some more common lesser side effects are headache, pain, sleep problems, nausea, sweating, stomach pain and constipation.

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.
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Phone: 800.971.1586
Fax: 800.401.8464
24 Hour Addiction HelpLine
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Drugs and Pregnancy

As a rule, no drugs should be used during pregnancy, unless they are absolutely necessary. More than 90% of pregnant women take some type of unnecessary drug during their pregnancy. It may be a prescription drug, an over the counter drug, tobacco, alcohol or an illicit drug. Many drugs, no matter what category they fall into, may harm the fetus. Two to three percent of all birth defects are the result of some type of drug use other than alcohol. If you are pregnant, do not take any type of drug unless you have talked to your doctor and he has given you the go ahead.

When a pregnant woman takes drugs, the drugs cross the placenta and are absorbed by the fetus. The drug takes the same route as oxygen and nutrients which are needed for growth and development. Drugs can act directly on the fetus, causing damage or abnormal development. This can lead to possible birth defects and/or death. Drugs can alter the function of the placenta. Constricting blood vessels can reduce the flow of oxygen and nutrients and the result could be an underweight or underdeveloped baby. Drugs can cause the muscles of the uterus to contract hard enough to reduce the blood flow and thus harm the baby. It can also start preterm labor and delivery.

The development stage of the fetus and the strength of the dose of drugs will determine the affect. Certain drugs taken within 20 days of conception may kill the fetus in some and not affect it at all in others. Birth defects at this early stage are rare. Between the 3rd and 8th week organs are developing and drugs at this stage can cause a miscarriage, an obvious birth defect, a subtle defect that is not noticed until later in life, or it may have no effect. Drugs taken after the development of the organs may not cause birth defects, but they can alter the growth and function of normally formed organs and tissues.

The use of illicit drugs can cause complications and serious problems in the developing fetus. Injecting drugs increases the risk of transferring hepatitis and STD’s, including AIDS. The fetus is more likely to be smaller and premature births are more common. If the mother is addicted, the baby most likely will be also. Withdrawal symptoms in a newborn can occur 6 hours to 8 days after delivery.

If you are using drugs, protect yourself against pregnancy. If you use drugs and you are planning to get pregnant, get help with the drugs first. After you are healthy, your baby stands a much better chance of being born healthy. If you are using drugs and find out you are pregnant, get help immediately. Give your baby every chance to make it into this world healthy. A Better Tomorrow Treatment Center can make this happen for you and for your unborn child. You both deserve a fighting chance.

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.
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Phone: 800.971.1586
Fax: 800.401.8464
24 Hour Addiction HelpLine
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Barbiturates

Barbiturates act as central nervous system depressants, and because of this, they produce a numerous effects, from mild sedation to total anesthesia. They also work as anticonvulsants (to treat seizures), anti-anxiety and hypnotics. They are potentially addictive physically as well as psychologically. Barbiturates are derivatives of barbituric acid which is an odorless powder that dissolves in hot water and is not pharmacologically active by itself. In routine medical practice barbiturates have largely been replaced by benzodiazepines because they are significantly less dangerous in overdose. Barbiturates are, however, still used in general anesthesia and in the treatment of epileptic seizures.

Barbiturates in high doses are commonly used for physician assisted suicides. They are also combined with a muscle relaxant for euthanasia and lethal injections for capital punishment. Sodium Pentothal is an ultra short acting barbiturate that is sometimes used as a ‘truth serum’. It can be swallowed or used in an intravenous injection when dissolved in water. The drug does not actually force people to tell the truth. It decreases inhibitions that make people more likely to be caught off guard when they are being questioned.

Barbiturates are intoxicating and produce similar effects. Symptoms include respiratory depression, lowered blood pressure, fatigue, fever, irritability, dizziness, poor concentration, confusion, impaired coordination and judgment, unusual excitement, sedation and respiratory arrest which can lead to death.

The biggest risk of acute barbiturate abuse is respiratory depression. Physical and psychological dependence can develop with repeated use. Other effects of barbiturate intoxication include drowsiness, slurred speech, decreased anxiety, loss of inhibitions, lateral and vertical involuntary eye movement and a gross lack of coordination of muscle movements. A Better Tomorrow can help break the barbiturate habit, but you have to make the contact. Do it now, for yourself, or for someone who loves you.

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/

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Ways to Beat Public Speaking Nerves without Drugs or Alcohol

Speaking in public in front of groups of people you don’t know or even know can be more than nerve racking – it can be downright scary. For some the thought of having to do it is enough to make them self medicate to calm their nerves. Some people self medicate by what is thought of as liquid courage- alcohol. Others use a variety of drugs, some legal, some not. Both ways of alleviating the stress of public speaking can lead to abuse and later addiction.

If you stress out about speaking in front of groups, you are not alone. Most public speakers, even the experienced ones, are nervous on some level about making a mistake and/or being laughed at. Nervousness before a performance is your body’s way of making sure you do well. Adrenaline can actually help you focus.

Some people experience more severe worry and stress. They may feel cold or sweaty, get butterflies in their stomachs and feel like they can’t think straight. Rather than taking something to calm you down, whether it is a prescribed tranquilizer or something illegal, try some of the following techniques.

Be prepared. If you practice enough and know your material, you’ll do much better. If you can, practice in front of another person, if not, use a mirror. Think positive. Look yourself in the eye and say, “I can do this”, and believe it. Make sure you get plenty of sleep the night before and eat healthy. Feeling better physically, will help you psychologically.

Learn some relaxation techniques. Some people rely on yoga and deep breathing exercises. Some compile a list of soft listening music that puts them at ease. Some people need to be active to relax. If that sounds like you, take a nice long walk or a run, followed by a warm shower. Find out what works best for you and then use it.
Check on tips from the experts. There are DVD’s, CD’s, books and on-line information about how they deal with pre-performance jitters. Believe me, stage fright is not new and it is something that most speakers deal with constantly. Whether you are giving a talk in school in front of other students, at work in front of a group of your peers, or in a room full of strangers, you can do it. Not only can you do it, but you can do it without drugs.

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/

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