Supporting A Family Member Through Rehab

Your family member has finally agreed to go to rehab, whether you guys held an intervention or they decided it on their own they are finally going to get help. Now it is up to them to work hard to get better but you can also help them get sober by supporting them and here are some easy ways to do so:

Don’t Enable Them

Accept the fact that your family member is dealing with a serious problem but don’t enable them. Stop making excuses and covering for them, giving them mone, a place to live etc. Living in denial will only contribute to the problem and prevent them from getting better. It does not do anyone any good to turn a blind eye to a drug problem.

Insist that the enroll in treatment and get help.

Reassure Them Once Treatment Starts

Your family member will probably be scared or nervous about going to rehab and it isn’t uncommon of someone who checks into rehab to want to or try to check right back out and if they’re over eighteen, they can do that without someone permission.  That all being said, reassure them, let them know that you’re here for them.

Let them know how proud you are of them for seeking help in the first place. Inform them about how the program works and answer any questions they may have.

Support After Completion

When your family member graduates from the rehab program it is a very exciting time. It’s also a very delicate period in which old triggers and cravings could threaten their sobriety. Talk to them, or if they don’t feel comfortable talking to you have them talk to one of their counselors from the rehab or someone they feel comfortable talking to them.

You should also speak to the counselors about the plans after treatment and do what you can to support your loved one with these. For example if they have a goal of getting a job after treatment, you could take them for interviews.

Be Realistic With The Situation

Understand that our addicted family member might have a bad day every now again. Addiction is a problem that can be completely solved but something may cause him or her stress that could lead to some mis-emotion. Keep supporting them and try to get them out of any areas that could potentially cause a slip up.   

This could mean moving, get them out of the area. Now I know this isn’t always financially possible but if it’s an option it’d be smart to do it. This could take away some of their old triggers and they wouldn’t have their old dealers or junky friends nearby. Sure they could get a new dealer wherever they go but changing their environment lowers their triggers and that lowers the chances of them wanting to get a new dealer anyway.

A family member who is addicted needs love and support from family and friends to do well after treatment no matter what type of program they’ve enrolled in. Make sure that your loved one is doing okay and watch for possible indicators that there could be a problem.

Is It Ever Too Late for Rehab

There are currently twenty-three and one-half million people addicted to drugs today.  Living with someone with an addiction to drugs and/or alcohol can almost be as painful as the person who is addicted.  What can start out as an experiment, a social habit or a prescribed drug for a medical condition can escalate into something that is so huge and out-of-control that one cannot even see that there is a problem, let alone make the decision to get help.

It is hard to believe that one person could become so dependent on something that would cause their every thought to be on how they were going to get their next drink or drug.  When one person continues a pattern of regular drug and alcohol use, it’s a slow and downward spiral.  Along the way, loving family members can only feel angry, hurt, confused, disillusioned and most of all, desperate to find a way to help their loved ones.  Friends become few as they begin to recognize a problem in the person and do not know how to help.

Extended un-treated addiction causes financial hardships, reliability issues and broken trust.

When Is It Too Late

The truth is that it is never too late to get help for a drug or alcohol addiction.  The real challenge is to be able to convince the person addicted that they need help.  Out of control behavior, inability to hold a job, lack of accountability or a show of visible harm or damage to ones’ self are all signs that a person is not in control of their life and must seek help.  It is unfortunate that in today’s society anyone 18 or older cannot be forced to go to a rehabilitation program, even in this instance.  Only if they have become involved in a legal situation, can they be court ordered.

If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, you should never give up on them.  Even if it means taking everything away from them, like money, a cell phone, a car, and even a place to live.  By providing someone with an addiction any of the above means only makes it easier to get the drugs they need.  This is a big mistake and not helping the person.

If researched, you will see there are specific programs for specific drug use that provide solutions to help you or a loved one.  If you would ever speak to someone who has lost someone to drugs or alcohol addiction, their heart is full of regrets.  No one ever thinks or imagines that untreated drug or alcohol addiction could lead to someone’s’ death.  Only someone who has lost a son or daughter, niece or nephew, spouse or parent will tell you to recognize the signs and do everything you can to prevent another death.

Taking the necessary steps to get someone help can never be the wrong decision. It will bring overall improvement to the individual as well as the family.

Source: http://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/understanding-drug-abuse-addiction

Narconon Reviews The Negative Effects Of Smoking On The Body

A drug used since ancient times, marijuana started out as a substance used for Chinese medicine. By 500 A.D. it reached places like Africa and India and eventually made its way into the United States in the early late 1500s or early 1600s. Marijuana is considered a crop; grown with tobacco and used as a source of fiber. Soon cotton took over in the US as the crop of choice but medicinal marijuana stuck around for some time and was used for things like nausea, conditions like rheumatism and labor pains.  

Around 1920 the drug started to become a substance that was widely abused. Songs were written about it and it even showed up in clubs and was common with musicians.  At first the drug was not considered to be a major problem.

By 1930 marijuana addiction started to become more and more of a problem was labeled a gateway drug and many who used it were considered “hippies” or “rebels.”  In 1970 the drug was made illegal and was classified as a Schedule I substance.

Through the years smoking marijuana has become problem for many being the number one most abused drug in history and the substances that sends the highest numbers of people to rehab programs every year. And over the last few years, despite this fact, and the fact that the THC levels in the drug have only grown stronger, guidelines as far as legal use of the drug have become more and more lax.

This started with the medical marijuana legalization in some states where one could purchase the drug through dispensaries. And even though the dispensaries became more and more dangerous, and a source or crime [even causing ones in Los Angeles to close down] some states continued to approve of its use.

This culminated when just recently some states legalized the drug for recreational use even with reports on the effects of marijuana on the brain as well as the fact that 9% of people who try the drug get hooked and 25 million are currently addicted

The Effects Of Smoking On The Body

Anyone who has read the latest government reports on smoking marijuana can see that the drug is not only addictive but dangerous. Mental effects of smoking marijuana include lowered IQ, suppressed potential, depression, anxiety and mood swings.

But Narconon reviews on the effects of smoking on the body [through government studies] indicate much more. According to the latest information from NIDA [the National Institute on Drug Abuse] marijuana use, especially when used early in life can cause permanent physical damage. Some of the effects of this include:

• An elevated risk of certain cancers, especially those of the lung and throat.
• A weakened immune system that gives one an inability to fight off disease.
• Burning and stinging of the mouth and throat
• Heavy and chronic coughing.
• Rapid Blood Pressure (or high blood pressure).
• Increased heart rate.

While these are just a few of the problems caused by the drug, studies show that the younger a person uses marijuana and the amount of the drug used can only complicate and make these issues worse. And the most damaging fact about this is that many don’t know just how dangerous and addictive smoking marijuana actually is.

If you are a parent, know the facts on this drug. Educate your kids. Help those addicted to marijuana and spread a positive message about abstinence from drugs.

Sources:

http://www.narconon.org/drug-information/marijuana-history.html

http://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/marijuana

http://www.drugabuse.gov/related-topics/trends-statistics

How To Explain To Your Children That You Have A Drug Problem

According to statistics from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health more than 8 million children live with at least one parent who was addicted to alcohol or drugs. Addiction in the home by parents causes many problems including neglect, abuse, and even emotional and developmental problems amongst children.

Often the main goal of parents who abuse drugs is to continue to get and use these substances, leaving the kids with a negative impact that lasts a lifetime.

When a drug addiction is going on in the home children are likely to know there is something wrong. And as they get older and older they can pinpoint drug addiction and strange behavior by parents because of it. If a parent is addicted the best solution is for them to get into treatment; but how do you tell your children that you have a drug problem?

Honesty Is The Best Policy

As stated above children usually know when there is an issue with a parent. Being honest about the dangers of drugs, how a person can fall into an addiction and allow your child to ask questions. Don’t get into any details not suitable for children but be honest on the negative consequences of addiction and how much you want to resolve it.

Provide Solutions

When you admit that you are having a drug problem it is key to tell your child that you are getting help and reassure then that the problem can be resolved. Thinking that there is no stability in the home or that things “won’t ever be ok” is not a good feeling for any child. Make sure you reassure your son or daughter that you will do everything to get through this issue and come out on the other side, a better parent.

Telling them the truth about your addiction may answer some unanswered questions but make sure your son or daughter knows that there is a real solution to the problem.

Let Them Know They Will Be Taken Care Of

If you are letting your child know that you are enrolling in treatment and have an addiction problem make sure that they know that they will be taken care of. Make sure arrangements are made for them to stay with a family member or trusted friend and that the person they are staying with knows their routine, likes and dislikes so that their life doesn’t have to be modified any more than it has to be.

During the treatment process stay in good communication with your children so that they know you are committied to gaining sobriety and being a better parent.

Offer Love

Above all letting your children know you are addicted can be traumatic. But it can be worse when the drug problem is ongoing. Tell your children how much you love them and make sure that they don’t blame themselves for your issues. Give them an idea of how important they are to you and how much you want to resolve the issue and improve.

As sad, embarrassing, and upsetting it can be to tell your child the bad news about substance abuse it can be a step in the right direction if that direction is leading you to treatment. And during treatment the focus should be on resolving the issues that lead to addiction and learning skills that prevent relapse and give a parent life-long sobriety. Teaching of parenting skills may also be beneficial and after treatment actions should be taken to improve one’s condition with their children and to provide love and stability in the home permanently.

Source: https://www.childwelfare.gov/pubs/usermanuals/substanceuse/chapterthree.cfm

What To Do If Your Spouse Is An Alcoholic

According to government statistics, over half the United States populations are regular drinkers and over 80% of those drinkers use alcohol often. With this being the case it is no surprise that more than 16 million people are addicted to this substance.

Alcoholism is a problem that affects all aspects of life. There are the legal problems that stem from driving under the influence, domestic disputes or other crimes committed while intoxicated. There are also the social costs of the problem that also include crime but cover lost production, accidents, health issues and preventable deaths.

But where alcohol hits most is close to home.

Growing up in a small town for most of my life I saw first-hand how often alcohol was used. Whether it was during a holiday, family get-togethers or reunions or just a Friday night many adults that I knew drank. I also had a close friend whose father was an alcoholic. We became friends at 5 years old and were inseparable for the next 13 years. During this time I saw first-hand where alcohol does the most damage and - within the family, with children and between spouses.

Why Alcohol Abuse Is Let Go

With the above said why is alcohol abuse let go? There are many children, adolescents and young adults that grow up with alcoholism in the family. It may be that one parent has a drinking problems or it may even be both. It is the responsibility of adults to provide a stable and happy life for their children. I can tell you that when addiction is within the family that is a nearly impossible task.

Spouses often let alcohol abuse go for a variety of reasons. Some feel that because it’s legal it is not a problem. Others are scared that their spouse might leave and don’t want to break up the family. Others fear the actions and reactions of the alcoholic as excessive use of alcohol can cause a variety of problems like violence, unpredictable behavior, mood swings and even black outs.

Letting the problem go for many stems directly from being able to face it and then feeling like it cannot be handled. The truth is that alcohol addiction is a completely treatable problem and the treatment can most often be originated from a family member or spouse.

If you have a spouse that is an alcoholic the following is what to do:

1.  Don’t deny that there is a problem. Read about the signs of alcohol addiction; if you see excessive drinking, issues where your husband or wife starts drinking or cannot stop or frequent intoxication talk to them right away and get them to get help.

2.  Insist on treatment. When someone is addicted they will find every reason why help can wait. It can be anything from not wanting to leave the home, to not being ready and thinking that they ‘just don’t need it.’ Don’t buy these excuses; alcoholism can be resolved through treatment and this is where the abuser has to go.

3. Be caring but strong. Caring about your spouse and helping them is different from enabling them. Don’t give them alcohol or money to buy it. Don’t pay their bills or allow them to not work and continue to drink. The most important thing is to express your care for them and get them into a program.

Above all else don’t be afraid to reach out and get professional help. Make sure your spouse talks to a counselor and use professional services to make sure that they enroll in a program and get help.

Source:

http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/fastats/alcohol.htm

Narconon Reviews The Rise Of Drug Use And How We Can Combat It

Every month nearly 9% of the American population engages in illicit drug use. Nearly 3% mis-use prescriptions and 16 million are categorized as alcohol abusers or alcoholics. Reports indicate that drug use is rising at alarming rates with those as young as 8 years old.

The main culprits include marijuana, prescriptions and new synthetic drugs that mimic the effects of illicit substances like methamphetamine and pot. And costing our country $468 billion a year the main question we ask is how we can combat this growing problem?

Ways To Combat Drug Use

Narconon reviews on the subject of drug use point to a few little-known facts which are:

• Drug abuse begins as a problem in which a person does not have a solution for. They become a temporary solution alleviating unwanted feelings.
• Because of the nature of these substances, users get “hooked” and are both mentally and physically unable to stop.
• Drugs store in the body causing physical cravings years after use further complicating the issue of quitting and being the reason for up-trending relapse rates in the country. 
• With professional, long term and drug free treatment a person can fully and completely recover from addiction.

 So how do we start with combatting use?

One of the first ways to do this is through prevention efforts. Studies have shown that parents who talk to their kids about the dangers of drugs minimize the possibility of use by 40%. This paired with drug education lectures in schools, through community groups and extra-curricular activities can be even more effective at stopping use before it starts.

The next step in battling drug use is through early detection and handling. Parents should be educated on the signs and symptoms of drug abuse, the types of substances most abused by teens and how to know when someone is ‘under the influence.’ If they see the symptoms of use with a loved one, they should not pass this off as “growing pains” or “experimentation” but help stop it through getting treatment for their loved one.

The earlier the treatment is gotten the easier the problem can be remedied and the better success the individual will have with long term and permanent sobriety.

Another key component of stopping the rise of abuse is getting addicts rehabilitation. Of the 23.5 million people addicted to illicit drugs in the United States only 3% enroll in treatment every year. That leaves a lot of people that suffer from the negative consequences of the problem like health issues, overdoses, crime and lost production in the workplace; not no mention the devastation it puts on families.

Friends and family members of those addicted have to see to it that the drug user gets help. The best type of help is a program lasting 3 months or longer, residential and that does not use drugs to get someone off drugs or subscribe to replacement drug therapy approaches. Drug court rehab programs are also another avenue of treatment for those who have found themselves in the position of having criminal charges resultant from their addiction.

Most importantly, when it comes to stopping addiction it is key to confront the issue head-on with workable solutions.  

Source:

http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/fastats/druguse.htmTop of Form

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Narconon Reviews The Effects Of Cocaine On The Brain

A drug used by nearly 5 million Americans every year, cocaine is one of the oldest substances of abuse known to mankind. The drug was used in ancient times as a numbing agent and derives from the leaves of the coca plant. During the 1900’s cocaine was popular in dental procedures until it became illegal years later because of the risks associated with the drug and the levels of continued abuse.

Use of the drug continued, although declining until the 1980s when cocaine saw resurgence. This was primarily due to the use of a cocaine derivative called crack. A rock form of the drug made from cooking down powder cocaine using a specific process, crack is now used by 1 million U.S. citizens yearly.

Cocaine’s Effect On The Brain

While all illegal drugs cause damage to both the body and the brain cocaine has been studied and reports of the effects of cocaine on the brain are severe.  Part of the reason for this is because once a user is addicted to cocaine it is nearly impossible to stop without professional treatment. And even with some programs, if they are not long enough or do not resolve the physical cravings that cocaine causes after use an individual can relapse for years, unable to quit.

And according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse when a user continues to snort, smoke or inject cocaine it greatly modifies the natural reward system in the brain. This changes the “natural reward” system chemicals produced from the brain called serotonin, dopamine and endorphins. Even after someone stops using these chemicals are not made at normal rates throwing off the brain balance and causing mental withdrawal symptoms such as:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Anger
• Paranoia
• Panic Attacks
• Periods of excessive grief.
• Full blown psychosis
• Suicidal thoughts and actions.

The fact that the more the individual uses the more cocaine they need just complicates things. This ‘cocaine tolerance’ can increase and increase until one could be using thousands of dollars of cocaine every week without blinking an eye.

According to Narconon reviews, the effects of cocaine on the brain can be lasting and sometimes even permanent. However, there are ways to erase these effects and it is through long term treatment that is completely drug free.

Although withdrawal from cocaine can be uncomfortable and mentally anguishing it is usually not medically dangerous. Individuals will go through a few days of symptoms and then can begin a rehabilitation program that lasts 3 months or more. This gives both the body and brain time to ‘heal’ and the natural reward system of the body to begin to produce normal levels of serotonin, dopamine and endorphins again.

To resolve the physical craving side, programs like the Narconon sauna or New Life Detoxification program are effective for removing cocaine drug residues from the body and drastically reducing cravings.

The more time one is drug free and living a healthy lifestyle with exercise, a nutritious diet, vitamin and mineral supplements and a basic good sleeping schedule the more they will be able to recover from the effects of cocaine on the brain.

Sources:

http://www.drugabuse.gov/drugs-abuse/cocaine

http://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/research-reports/cocaine-abuse-addiction/what-are-long-term-effects-cocaine-use

Narconon Reviews The Long Term Effects Of Drugs On The Body

As soon as a drug is taken it begins its attack on the human body. Not only do drugs cause confused thoughts and actions but the damage to the human organs can be irreparable. And fact is that this is true with all drugs including those that are promoted as less harmful.

Let’s take one drug for instance; marijuana. This is a substance that is promoted more than any other as “safe,” “natural,” and “non-addictive.” It is the most widely abused illicit drug in the United States, with more than 16 million people in the country using it at least once in the past month according to the National Survey on Drug Abuse and Health. It has been illegal throughout the nation for decades, though increasing numbers of states are legalizing it for medicinal uses, and Washington and Colorado recently voted to decriminalize it for personal use and possession. There is an ongoing debate over how dangerous cannabis is as compared to nicotine, alcohol and various other illicit and pharmaceutical drugs, but there are several known health risks associated with marijuana, facts which should be enough to give pause to anyone considering smoking pot or using cannabis in any other way.

Smoking Pot Is Still Smoking

Americans have for many years now been fully aware of the grave health risks associated with smoking cigarettes, but tobacco is not the only type of leaf that is harmful to smoke. The mix of dried flowers, stems, seeds, and leaves which we know as marijuana can be, when smoked, just as damaging to the health of the user as tobacco, or even more so. In fact cannabis smoke contains up to a 70 percent greater concentration of cancer causing substances than tobacco smoke does.

To make matters worse, someone who is smoking a joint, a blunt or using a pipe to smoke marijuana will typically take a much deeper inhalation and hold the smoke in the lungs longer in pursuit of a high, thereby causing a greater exposure to the carcinogens. Even if a pot smoker doesn't develop cancer, he or she will be more likely to suffer from a chronic, phlegmy cough as the body attempts to combat the effects of the smoke, as well as being more at risk of developing infections in the lungs, leading to more frequent illness and more days missed at work.  

      

Marijuana Increases Risk of Heart Attack

One of the effects that marijuana has on the body is to increase the user's heart rate by anywhere from 20% to 100%, and this elevated level can persist for as long as three hours at a time. Not only does it cause palpitations, but also arrhythmia, a condition of irregular or abnormal heart rhythm.

This has the potential to cause significantly greater problems than the discomfort of a rapid heartbeat. The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) reports a study which found that those who use marijuana have a nearly 500% increased risk of suffering a heart attack within an hour of using the drug.

Mental Health Risks

High doses of cannabis have been demonstrated to lead to acute psychosis in some cases. Even when used in smaller quantities but over an extended period of time, there is still a risk of developing major mental health conditions including anxiety, depression and schizophrenia. This is so widely recognized that there is even a stereotype of the "paranoid pot smoker."

Not everyone who uses marijuana will experience these effects, but many do. On top of the fact that the active ingredient in cannabis, THC, can cause mental health problems, there is also the risk posed by the possibility that the  marijuana has been laced with another psychoactive drug such as ecstasy or LSD, which dramatically increases the likelihood of a psychotic break.

And Addiction

According to estimates reported by NIDA, approximately 9 percent of those who use marijuana will become addicted, with even greater numbers—17 percent—among those who start at a young age or up to 50 percent among people who use the drug on a daily basis. Marijuana affects the user by traveling through the bloodstream to the brain, where it acts upon cannabinoid receptors. These parts of the brain, many of which influence functions such as thinking and memory, pleasure, concentration and sensory perception, are liable to become dependent upon the effect of the drug.

Many of the above problems and health risks with marijuana also occur with other drugs. In fact many more occur with other drugs. Things that are most common are liver and kidney problems, certain cancers, increased risk of STD’s [sexually transmitted diseases] and many, many more.

The only way to not have these issues is to stay drug free. Protect your body and health by keeping yourself away from substances that destroy it and cause long term and permanent effects.

Sources: http://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/marijuana

20 Inspirational Quotes To Help With Addiction

An inspirational quote or message about overcoming addiction can be something very helpful for those who are trying to overcome the problem. Here are some of the best quotes that are applicable in life for anyone in recovery, recovered from the problem or seeking help:

1. Yesterday is Gone Make Tomorrow New – When using drugs sometimes it’s necessary to leave the past in the past. Don’t beat yourself up for past mistakes; create a new future.

2.  Don’t Disparage Yourself Or Your Abilities – Drug use can cause one to start to think badly about himself and even put himself down. Addiction is a problem that can be overcome; get help and stop putting yourself down.

3.  Honesty Is the Best Policy – Even if the truth is tough to face when dealing with addiction; be honest. You will make the most progress in your recovery by doing so.

4. Help others and You Will Improve – Lending a hand or an ear or doing anything to help another person is beneficial to the recovery process.

5. What You Confront You Can Handle – The more one does not face problems, the bigger and more complex they become. Fully facing or confronting your life, addiction, and past is a tool to put you back in the driver’s seat.

6. Do The Right Thing Good Things Will Happen – Turning one’s life around requires that you look at the greatest good in your decision making and actions in life and do the right thing.

7. Man Is Basically Good – Even with all the actions that one can commit while on drugs or addicted underneath it all man is basically good.

8. Your Happiness Is In Your Hands – Being happy is a basic problem of living; everyone wants the key to it. The key to happiness is creating your own and deciding to be happy in your life.

9.  I Am A Work In Progress – While everyone has goals we are all ‘works in progress’ and need to continue to achieve and work toward the things that are most important to us. Knowing this we can look at where we are and where we want to be.

10. You Are NOT A Victim – Even if we have had negative things that have happened to us we must remember that we are not victims and must find the strength to go on.

11. Only You Can Hurt You – You have the energy to control and change your life. Don’t let others hurt you and don’t hurt yourself. Figure out how to handle your addiction problem; ask for help and move on with life.

12. Life Is A Learning Experience – Though no one is born and decides to be an addict, use this experience to learn from your mistakes.

13.  Drugs Don’t Fix The Problem You Do – Most people use drugs as a solution to a problem or unwanted feeling. The drugs become a much bigger problem. Not only do they not fix anything but they make things much worse. Only you can fix it.

14. What Doesn’t Kill You Makes You Stronger – While drugs do take the lives of many there are also those who have been lucky to still be alive after addiction. Use the strength you still have to take the steps to overcome the problem.

15.  Don’t Require That Others Like, Approve of or Admire You – Drug friends are those who make like or admire you while using. If these individuals do not want to change their lives, it is on them. Don’t desire their approval; work to improve your own life.

16. Choose The Right Friends – Who you surround yourself with during addiction is often vastly different than who you are around during and after recovery.  Choose those who have your best interests in mind and leave those who don’t. Your life will improve vastly.

17. Find Strength In A Higher Power – No matter your belief system, having something to improve your life after addiction is key. Many believe in a higher power.

18. When Nothing Else Works Pray – A prayer, request, thought or postulate is basically putting an idea, want or need out that you are hoping gets answered. There is nothing wrong with asking for help; in whatever way you want to do it.

19. Don’t Be Afraid To Move On – If you are changing your life, if you are handling your addiction keep doing it. Move on from the negativity and problems and the abuse. Don’t be afraid to embrace your new life.

20. It’s Ok To Have  A Bad Day – Life is full of ups and downs. With addiction the ups and downs are even more so. Don’t be afraid of these; a person is not going to be cheerful or enthusiastic every moment of the day. Live life, embrace the changes, experience moments.