Are Stress and Drug Abuse Related

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), there was a surge in the rate of sale of street drugs in the wake of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. This national tragedy was the cause of an enormous increase in the overall levels of stress for an overwhelming majority of the United States population, and the resultant rise in drug sales indicates that there may be a demonstrable relationship between stress and drug abuse. Indeed, the idea that such a relationship exists is widely accepted as being true, and many people can relate to the experience of reaching for a drink or using drugs as a way to relieve their stress or to escape from pressure. The link between stress and drug use has been repeatedly acknowledged by clinicians and addiction recovery specialists.

For example, stressful experiences are cited as being among the most powerful triggers for a relapse in a recovering addict, even in cases where he or she has been sober for a relatively long period of time. The stress will often drive the individual to seek refuge in drugs or alcohol. In addition to observations such as this, extensive research has been performed to provide scientific evidence of the connection. This topic was the subject of a report issued by NIDA shortly following 9/11, “Stress and Substance Abuse: A Special Report After the 9/11 Terrorist Attacks.”


Specifically, the research which is cited by NIDA has to do with corticotropin releasing factor (CRF), a type of biochemical which is released into the brains of humans and many animals in the presence of stress. Once the CRF is present in the brain, it serves as the catalyst for a cascading series of other biological processes which are associated with both chemical substance abuse and post-traumatic stress disorder. The substance CRF is so strongly linked with stress that when it is administered artificially to a test subject, the subject will normally begin exhibiting behaviors which are indicative of stress. People who are subjected to chronic stress will often lose the proper regulation of the hormonal responses which follow the release of CRF, with the result that they may have difficulty feeling normal or experiencing a sense of general well-being.

As a result, many of them turn to drugs or alcohol as a way to self-medicate. These chemical substances do not repair the damage that has been done or restore the natural chemical balances, but they do have the effect of providing the user with relief and in some cases euphoria or elation. It can further be supposed that the interplay of stress and substance abuse would bring about a descending spiral, since the already disturbed brain chemistry of the stressed person would be further disrupted by drugs or drinking, causing an even less stable state, with the result of more stress and increased motivation to get drunk or high.

Avoid Drugs and Alcohol in the Face of Stress

The observations made by NIDA in the wake of 9/11 are especially important now. While there has not been a repeat terrorist attack on such a massive scale as the World Trade Center attack, today’s world is if anything even more stressful than it was more than a decade ago. Now, Americans face a seemingly endless line of alarming news reports concerning mass shootings, grisly murders, the looming threat of international war, and all of this against the backdrop of an uncertain economic climate. To make matters worse, we have now seen the first major terrorist attack on American soil in many years with the Boston marathon bombing.

If all of these stressful factors or other life situations are driving you or someone you love to seek comfort or escape in the form of drugs or alcohol, you should take heed of the warning provided by NIDA. While you may experience some type of momentary relief, there is simply too great a chance that you will become physiologically and emotionally dependent on your substance abuse, and you could be setting yourself up for a life with far more stress than anything you experience now.

How Long Does Drug Rehabilitation Take

Every year over 2.5 million people enroll in some type of drug rehabilitation program. Some have found their lives to be unmanageable and found help for themselves. Others had friends or family members who guided them into treatment. And, others may have had a legal push or health impact that required professional help for a drug problem. Whatever way an individual found help is usually less important than the fact that they are in a program or facility designed to help them get their lives back.

Because there are so many different types of treatment the time someone is enrolled is entirely dependent on the specific program as well as the type of treatment that he or she chooses for recovery. With that said the National Institute on Drug Abuse does report in its Principles of Effective Treatment that residential treatment programs lasting for 6 months or more can have the best result when someone is trying to overcome a substance abuse issue.  

Different Types Of Treatment

Here are the different types of treatment and the length of each type of program:

Traditional 12 Step – This type of treatment takes 28 days on average and usually consists of group meetings and sometimes individual counseling. In addition to this clients work the ’12 Steps’ of recovery which include admitting you’re powerless, making amends and even belief in a higher power.

Medical Detox – Medical detoxification is considered a short term type of rehab, although there is usually

not an actual ‘treatment’ component. Medical detox exists to take a person safely off of drugs that have life threatening side effects. For example an individual who is addicted to a prescription drug like Xanax can have a risk of seizures. Under a doctor’s supervision they are weaned off the medication and watched for medical complications.

Outpatient – Considered treatment one can do from home while still working, etc. outpatient is when someone goes to treatment for a few hours every day. It can last a few weeks and even longer depending on the individual needs of the drug user.

Long-term Residential Treatment – Looked at as one of the most effective types of rehab available, residential treatment can be anywhere from 90 days to 6 months. Some programs will even last up to one year. Clients can do a variety of different things in residential treatment. Some programs use a holistic method, others use bio-physical and there are also programs that utilize art or equestrian therapy.

The length of the rehabilitation program often depends on the individual needs of the substance abuser. A more severe addiction may require a long time in treatment but each case should be assessed individually.

What A Good Program Has

The components of a good program include:

• A safe withdrawal with the goal being a 100% drug free approach.
• A physical component to curbing physical drug cravings.
• Mental and emotional (life skills) help to handle underlying issues that lead to addiction.
• A guide to living a sober, productive and happy life.
• Aftercare to help with long-term sobriety.

The treatment environment should also be safe and serene so one can effectively focus on recovery.

Source: http://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/treatment-approaches-drug-addiction

How Long Does Drug Rehabilitation Take

Given the pressure to take drugs that can be exerted on people from a whole variety of things—popular depictions of drug use, drug pushers and dealers, parents who have drug problems, and even having peer predisposition to substance abuse—it can be very hard to say “no” and indeed many people fail to do so over and over again.  According to the Household Survey on Drug Abuse conducted by the Federal Government, there are 23.5 million drug users in the US, and a little over 2.5 million that enroll in treatment every year.

And while some say that saying no to drugs can be a virtual biologic and psychological impossibility for an addict, any user still has the chance to make a decision and refuse drugs, or get professional help for the problem.

Given the slippery slope nature of drug abuse and addiction, finding out the answers to questions like, “what can others do to help someone with a substance abuse or addiction problem?” and “what can users do to help themselves?” is a solid step in preventing or curing drug abuse and addiction but it not the main piece to the puzzle.

In fact, once you realize that you [or someone you love] has a problem, what are the first steps to take? And what are the most common or frequently asked questions about drug rehab?

Questions Most Frequently Asked

There are many things one can do to stop using drugs. Many involve building up enough self-confidence and hope for yourself that offers of drugs appeal to you less than the life you imagine you can build for yourself without drugs and all the bad effects they can have on your life: things like prison, destitution, family and marital problems, a whole host of health problems and even death. People who are tempted can take the time to strengthen family ties and develop positive relationships. Some people may find it helpful to make a list of goals for themselves and then keep track of achievements as they come on a short and long-term basis.

However there comes a point when drug rehab is necessary because, despite the above, a person is unable to ‘just say no.’ The time has come to find a center and enroll for help. And while doing this you want to find a program that is successful and will handle the problem. Because of this there are certain questions essential to finding the right program.

Here are the most frequently asked questions about drug rehab:

1. How long does the rehab last?
2. What is the relapse rate after treatment? Or what is the rate of recovery upon completion?
3. What type of treatment is used at the specific facility?

This could include things like substitute drug therapy, drug free treatment, long term, residential, 12 step or holistic. Note: Drug free, long term treatment has the best success or recovery rate.

4. What certifications does the drug rehab have?
   
5. What is the daily schedule entail?
6. What type of food is served?
7. Does the program do individual or group counseling?
8. How much is the cost of the program?
9. Does the center take private or government insurance?
10. What is the safety and location of the center like?

All of the above are important and key questions to ask. On average programs lasting 3 months that are drug-free are best. It is also beneficial to get the addicted person out of the drug using environment so that they can focus on treatment.

Aftercare

           

Aftercare is another important component of treatment. Some programs say that relapse is a part of recovery but, with successful treatment it doesn’t have to be. So, if you find yourself unable to stay off of drug after treatment you may need a more aggressive or longer term program to help get and keep you on the road to sobriety.

The goal of rehab is to give the drug user long term and lasting sobriety from drugs and to improve their overall life.

Sources:

http://www.wikihow.com/Say-No-to-Drugs-and-Alcohol

Druglibrary.org/schaffer/library/basicfax2.htm

What Is Drug Rehab

Unless you have a long history of experience with addiction (personally or through a loved one who has struggled), you may or may not have a thorough understanding of what drug treatment really is.

What is drug rehab? Although philosophies and methods of treatment can vary greatly, drug and alcohol rehab is a place for substance abusers to take time for themselves to undergo individualized programs and therapies geared towards sober living. 

The goal of treatment is to improve the overall living situation of the person who is under the influence of drugs and alcohol. This includes not only abstinence from drugs but the ability to stay free from crime and have employment. To help a person to become a productive member of society who is contributing to it, instead of someone who may be trying to take away from it.

Strategies Can Vary

In the United States alone, there are hundreds of different types of rehab programs and strategies. To find the one which is best for you (or your loved one), it’s probably best to understand what isn’t going to work for an addict and then determine what is. Drug rehab should be as individual as the addiction itself.

Short-Term Drug Rehab vs. Long Term Treatment

Longer-termed programs (usually 4-6 months or so) generally are able to deliver more effective results by the sheer virtue of how much time is afforded to the participant. It can be extremely difficult to undo months or years of bad decisions in a matter of a few weeks.

Group and Individualized Programs

Some programs deliver group-based therapies (where counseling is done in a group setting), while others employ the method of one-on-one sessions or individualized programs. While this is largely an issue of preference, individualized programs which give the addict personal attention to his/her issues has proven out to be more effective, statistically speaking.

Outpatient Facilities and Residential Settings

Drug rehab can be performed both in an outpatient setting, during which time the addict goes home after his/her treatment sessions or exercises. Residential drug treatment is a live-in situation wherein the addict lives at the treatment facility in private housing or dormitory-style rooms.

Many treatment experts agree that the benefits of residential drug rehab far outweigh those of an outpatient program, but again, this is a matter of personal preference and what is feasible for the addict and his/her family at the time of admission.

Family Involvement

In learning what drug rehab is and what it has to offer, remember that family involvement is valued highly by addiction specialists. By offering support and positive encouragement, families of substance abusers can make the treatment process much smoother.

A few suggestions for family involvement during drug rehab are:

• Periodic visits
• Correspondence (messages or phone calls)
• Care packages
• Coordination with counselors regarding progress
• Acceptance of amends
• Gestures of support

In addition to this most effective programs will also work out remedying and bettering relationships with family members, friends and other supporters of a sober life.

Drug Rehab Purposes and Objectives

Answering the question, “What is drug rehab?” requires personal research. Although there are too many treatment philosophies to list in one short article, remember that the purpose of drug rehab is to return an individual to a happy and drug free life. Further, and as stated, a drug rehab program effectively executed will restore a former drug abuser to a functioning and contributing member of society.

This should be kept in mind when choosing a facility for yourself or a loved one. The ultimate goal is longstanding and even permanent improvement in the overall quality of living for the former drug user.

The Rise Of Fake Prescription Drugs

The prescription drug abuse epidemic we currently face in the United States may be, to some, old news. By misusing or taking more the prescribed dose of opiate and other pills, individuals place themselves at risk of a laundry list of physical and mental adverse reactions.

The rise of fake prescription drugs, however, is “new” news and presents risks which, in many ways, are more dangerous than the original prescriptions which they mimic.

What Are “Fake Prescription Drugs”?

The issue of counterfeit pharmaceuticals is accordingly much more prevalent in undeveloped countries but has recently presented itself in the United States, putting prescription consumers and abusers alike at tremendous risk.

Reports indicate US pill consumers have reason to question whether the prescriptions in their possession are “fake.” FDA-issued warnings about illegal and dangerous prescription counterfeits have been distributed in light of incidents related to foreign imports of subpar pills.

Allergic Reactions

In the case of counterfeit prescriptions like the Turkish-imported fake Avastin (a drug designed to attack tumor growth), allergic reactions have manifested due to unusual ingredients. In 2008, a chemically tainted blood thinner from China was found to contain US-banned ingredients and caused nearly 150 deaths.

Dangerous Ingredients

The FDA has placed a good deal of resources on cracking down on the illegal importation of fake prescriptions via online pharmacies. In 2009, over 800 packages of fake prescriptions for Viagra, Vicodin (opiate painkiller) and antihistamines were found to contain chemical fillers such as drywall, yellow paint (the kind used on highway lines) and antifreeze.

Dangerous Dosage Levels

Fake prescriptions rarely have the appropriate or indicated dosage levels. In FDA counterfeit pill seizures, some pills have been found to contain none of the active ingredient (instead, 100% filler chemicals) while others were found to contain triple the indicated amount.

Counterfeit Drug Dangers

The most obvious threats of fake prescriptions lie in the fact that their ingredients are generally unknown and unpredictable. While it is estimated that a mere 1-2% of US prescriptions are counterfeit, this still translates to millions of potentially hazardous fake pharmaceuticals delivered to unsuspecting consumers and addicts. In fact, over 4 billion prescriptions are filled every year in the United States. It is estimated that roughly 4 million of those pharmaceutical drugs contain dangerous chemical fillers, double or triple the indicated drug amount or completely useless ingredients altogether.

For the millions of Americans currently addicted to prescription drugs, fake pharmaceuticals can mean death. An individual who already takes too much of a drug, then ingests a pill which has 3x the indicated amount, can easily overdose.

Even for non-addicted prescription drug consumers, this presents blatant risks—how can we be sure these pills are safe?

Signs Your Prescription May Be Fake

American prescription regulations on distribution of drugs are generally tight, but obviously not stringent enough.

Fake prescriptions are truly impossible to sniff out without lab testing. As a consumer, however, you can use your sensibility and go with your gut if you suspect your prescription may be suspect.

Avoid coming into contact with these dangerous fake drug duplicates by obtaining your necessary prescriptions from legitimate, qualified sources only. Further, watch out for some of the following suspicious signs:

• Strange packaging or labels. Fake pharmaceutical packaging also may appear to have already been opened. 
• Oddly shaped or colored pills with any sort of chips, cracks or malformations.
• Unusual drug taste or texture than you are used to.
• Abnormal side effects or drug reactions.

If you are certain your prescription is an illegal counterfeit, contact your healthcare provider and report it to the FDA right away.

What Is The Difference Between Psychoactive And Psychedelic Drugs

 Psychoactive drugs and psychedelic drugs have been talked about by researchers and have been used by teens for a very long time. However, many people don't truly understand what they are or what the difference is. According to researchers, psychoactive drugs are a more broad classification of drugs, which includes an entire range of different drugs.

In fact, any drug that affects the central nervous system is considered to be a psychoactive drug, which means that a large group is included. Psychedelic drugs are simply one of the classifications within the wider classification. Therefore, a psychedelic drug is one of the smaller classifications within the broader classification of psychoactive drugs.

Psychoactive Drugs

These types of drugs, as mentioned above, affect the central nervous system. They typically affect behavior and cognition in subjects that use them. There are several different sub classifications of these drugs however, which affect the body and behavior slightly differently. Though each of these classifications will affect arousal, thought, mood, and perception, they can do so differently. For example, some of these types of drugs will improve the mood of the user while others will cause negative outcomes.

The classifications, which are used, are sedatives and hypnotics, stimulants, opiates and hallucinogens and psychedelics. As mentioned they each cause different outcomes. A sedative or hypnotic, for example, tends to cause lowered brain activity and sleep. As the name suggests, these types of drugs make the individual more relaxed and calm or sedated. On the other hand stimulants tend to cause arousal and increase activity in the user. Opiates tend to give a feeling of euphoria or an intense happy feeling as they slow down the brain and entire system.

There are many different types of drugs, which fall into each of these categories, and teens have been known to abuse many of them. Some drugs within each classification have medicinal uses and are considered to be safe when used as directed. These can include medications such as Xanax, Demerol, caffeine or Valium. Others are considered illegal in all doses and have no medicinal use. These would be drugs such as cocaine or opium. All of these drugs can also cause very dangerous side effects up to and including death of the user when used in large amounts or used incorrectly.

Psychedelic Drugs

The final category of psychoactive drugs is psychedelic drugs. These are drugs that produce hallucinations of some type. There are many different types of drugs, which are used for this from peyote to ecstasy and LSD. These types of drugs are slightly different from other forms of psychoactive drugs. The main reason for this difference is that, the vast majority of psychedelic drugs are actually not lethal. This means that, even when taken in very large doses they do not kill the user; however they can cause permanent mental and physical damage.

The only real use for these drugs is to produce these hallucinations, which, depending on the drug, can be done by different processes. For example, some psychedelic drugs alter norepinephrine transmissions while others alter serotonin.

There are, however, some types of these drugs that are more harmful. These are called cholinergic psychedelics and they have the ability to cause many of the same problems that other forms of drugs can cause. Since all psychoactive drugs affect the central nervous system this could cause trouble with mood, behavior and brain activity which could result in slower decision making, bad decision making and of course a variety of health problems.

Source: http://www.biologyreference.com/Po-Re/Psychoactive-Drugs.html

Why Marijuana Is A Problem Amongst The Youth

 The use of marijuana by teens has often been seen as something to be unconcerned about. Many of those who are now among the adult population remember their own days of using these drugs and some may still use them to this day. They assume that if their own children use then it will be “no big deal” and they will simply “outgrow” it.

Even if they don't, the promotion of marijuana legalization of it can many assume that the drug cannot harm them excessively. However, marijuana use is proving, to researchers, to be a very big problem with today's youth and seems to be far worse than it was in their parents' generation.

           

The levels of THC that are continually rising have not helped this. Or the fact that some will mix the drug with other substances like heroin, cocaine and methamphetamine.

           

What Studies Show

           

There are many different conclusions being drawn from the data that's been discovered. For one thing it's apparent that youth as young as 15 and possibly even younger are beginning to use drugs such as marijuana. The ages at which teen's first try this drug seems to be falling and the number that use seems to be rising. It's been found however, that rates are higher amongst boys than girls though both rates are very high.

           

Marijuana is available in different 'levels' and in some areas of Canada it's available at some of the highest levels recorded. Teens have also reported to using marijuana up to five times per day though most claim only to use occasionally at recreational times. Of course the majority of users fall into a middle-ground where they use somewhat more frequently than at recreational times yet less frequently than the five times per day of heavy users.

           

Another problem that researchers have found is that less than 50% (41.7%) of eighth grade students believe that using drugs such as marijuana only occasionally is harmful and only 66.9% see regular use as harmful. These numbers get even lower as the age of students surveyed goes up. In fact, only 20.6% of 12th graders think it could be potentially harmful to use marijuana regularly.

What Teens Believe

Many teens that use marijuana do not believe it to be harmful to them or believe that the benefits outweigh the risks. For example, many teens believe that smoking marijuana makes them cool, helps them focus, or makes them feel better talking away unwanted feelings or sensations.

Others believe that this is what keeps them “going throughout the day.” These teens are experiencing the side effects that can come along with the use such as feeling more open, relaxed or calm. This drug has also been compared to sleeping pills and ADHD medications such as Ritalin and many believe it to be helpful to them in some way even if it is done harm.

What Parents Should Do

It’s important for parents to talk with their teens about drug use. It's also important to get other people involved such as health care professionals or counselors or even teachers. All of these people together can play an important role in helping teens to overcome addictions or even to head them off before they start.

Being open discussing how teens use, why they use and to what extent is, according to researchers, crucial to helping them overcome their addictions and the destructive behaviors that come along with it.

Source: http://thechart.blogs.cnn.com/2012/12/19/marijuana-use-holds-steady-among-u-s-teens/