 Daily Mail |
Moat's violence could be linked to steroid abuse
Channel 4 News It has been reported that Mr Moat used, or is using, steroids as part of his bodybuilding regime. Since the 1980s there have been numerous medical and … Ex-girlfriend Samantha Stobbart begs gunman Raoul Moat to turn himself in |
Posts Tagged ‘Abuse’
Moat’s violence could be linked to steroid abuse – Channel 4 News
Monday, July 5th, 2010Drug Abuse And How To Escape From It
Saturday, March 13th, 2010Drugs are the biggest threat to the existence of mankind. Drug abuse ranks higher as a threat to us, even more than nuclear weapons. Drugs have wiped out civilisations in the past, and unless remedial measures are taken up seriously, we may also end up in the same situation. Fighting the drug menace is a double pronged strategy. Firstly, governments around the world try to destroy the drug manufacturing and supply business, while the civil society tries to educate its people about the pitfalls of drug abuse and also try to save those unfortunate ones caught in the quagmire of drug addiction. The process of helping people out of addiction is a long and hard one and only a drug abuse treatment centre can make meaningful contributions towards this. There are several reasons for the increase in drug abuse in our country. Drugs are easily available in many parts of the world. Increased purchasing power is another factor. But the most important factor is the human brain. Human brain is a very complex thing. Some people inherently suffer from inferiority complex, and it is such people who usually fall prey to drug abuse. Researches have shown that most addicts try to hide behind drugs to cover up their sense of alienation. Some are drawn into it by bad friends. Whatever the reasons be, the end result is the same – destruction. But is there light for such desolate people? Yes there is. There are many drug abuse treatment centers available to us. But the only problem here is how to find one. You need to have some level of knowledge about addiction treatment if you have to arrive at the right conclusion. Drug rehab is a two branched process. First, the intervention stage, which is also called detoxification stage, removes the dependability of the body on drugs for survival. The process can prove to be emotionally taxing to the addict. Some addicts get into a shell and become aloof, but some others may react violently when the daily dose is curtailed. A rehab centre set in peaceful atmosphere can make the addict calmer and increases chances of positive reaction. The expertise of the resort staff, especially its intervention expert, plays a great role in making a normal person out of a drug addict. A properly guided intervention expert can make this period joyful to the addict. The main aim here is to gain the love and respect of the addict. Detoxification stage contains drug free detox methods like swimming, exercises, acupuncture etc. Great emphasis is give to the physical treatment part because the body has to be well and vibrant in order to adjust to the rigours of outside world. The physical aspect is now taken care of and the next stage, the mental teaching stage starts. It involves interaction with fellow beings, and taking up responsibilities. Once self confidence returns, the addict is ready to amalgamate into the normal world. Periodic counselling for some time after discharge from the drug abuse treatment centre is also essential to make the addict keep away from bad influences in the future.
For more information about drug abuse and drug rehabilitation, please visit Drugrehabsunsetmalibu.com. Drugrehabsunsetmalibu is a California?s premiere drug abuse treatment center.
Drug Abuse Treatment Center
Saturday, March 13th, 2010Your experience in a drug abuse treatment centre determines how well you lead a life after graduation from drug addiction. This makes it all the more important – your choice of drug rehab centre. A wrong choice may make your life hell. Many of us remain addicts ever after recovery therapies because of ignorance. Ignorance about the treatment centres available, the treatment tactics and the atmosphere required etc. A drug addiction treatment centre should invariably have peaceful environs. A de-addiction centre set in an exotic site with rolling waves around it can itself prove to be a calming influence to the unpredictable mind of an addict. Personal care and private living conditions are very essential for recovering a lost addict. Remember, drug rehab means curing both the body and the mind in one go.
The attitude and quality of the staff of the resort is also very important here. Qualified medical practitioners and psychological experts are required in the healing process. The luxurious facilities provided at the centre can itself create a sense of confidence in the mind of the addict. The feeling of being cared and respected itself can bring out the best in him. The resolve of the patient to succeed and his willingness to cooperate to different therapies also play a big role in the recovery process. However, the prevailing atmosphere in the treatment centre can have a role in preparing the patient to walk the road to success. Escaping drug addiction on one’s own willpower is not possible. Outside help is imperative here. As drug addiction is a disease, it can be cured too. Drug abuse alters the brain map, thereby destroying the normal capabilities of the body. Metabolism levels drop to alarming levels, and thereafter the body can survive only with the help of drugs. Many addicts want to escape this quagmire, but cannot do it because they have to use drugs for survival, even if they want to throw the habit. This is why drug intervention is required. The supply of daily dose should be cut off and the addict’s body should be brought back on rails. This is a painful process and requires great understanding from the part of the intervention expert and supporting staff. They help the addict to sail through the stage without blemishes. The psychological reasons for addiction also need to be treated if a person should remain sober even after discharge. Drugs are often looked upon as an emotional prop, something that helps to bury one’s sorrows. Psychological enrichment tactics such as counselling, interaction etc help the victim to have a better perspective about himself as well the outside world, thereby compelling him to adopt a more positive attitude towards life. Drug addiction cannot be wished away. You have to take the bull by its horns, if you want to escape from it. A direct attack on the habit is essential in order to save yourself. A good drug rehab treatment centre with the qualities mentioned above can definitely set you back into normal life.
If you want to know more about drug intervention then feel free to visit Drugrehabsunsetmalibu.com. Drugrehabsunsetmalibu.com is a California?s premiere drug abuse treatment center and alcohol rehab and addiction treatment center.
Drug Abuse Treatment Center: A Life Line For Many
Saturday, March 13th, 2010Most people resort to drug abuse to get over suppressing feelings. These feelings may include sense of loss, like the loss of a loved one or failure to get through in an interview or examination. Some others become alcoholics and drug addicts to escape from pressures of life, while some others start the bad habit just as a means of entertainment. Drugs are actually like quick sand, which would draw anyone falling into it to its depths, no matter how valiantly the victim tries to escape. No one can escape from such tricky situations without out side help.Drug abuse treatment centers are providing just the helping hand. Drug detox is the first step in making a sober person out of an addict. These centres infuse a sense of belonging into the confused minds of the addict, thereby helping him develop a craving for life. A good drug rehabilitation centre acts as a beacon of light leading the directionless addict, who is groping in the dark, towards a shore where there is love and prosperity waiting for him. An addict cannot live for even a day without using drugs. If, for some reason, they are not able to procure the daily dose, they would either shrink into a shell, or become violent. These situations would arise at the initial stages of detox as the addict, who is controlled by the drugs, suddenly finds the daily dose cut off. The rehab center should have the requisite staff and psychologists who can address the problem adequately. No resort can function properly in the midst of chaos and confusion. Drug abuse treatment centre should work as a resort where luxury meets functionality. The speed of recovery is directly related to the setting of the resort, its facilities and its staff. Emphasis needs to be given to privacy in order to make the inmate comfortable and trusting. The role of detox in drug rehabilitation is second to none. It is not just an appendage, but is a very important link in the recovery process. It helps your body to cope with lack or drugs and removes all traces of toxic dregs left behind by drug abuse. It is a fact that these toxins are the real culprits in creating recurring craving for drugs. Unless detoxified properly, the addict would get back to substance abuse at the first opportunity. Detoxification makes the body function naturally and smoothly. A good rehab centre should be able to complete the detox process without much pain and distress. The process needs to be gentle and caring. Prolonged drug abuse leads to drug dependency. It becomes a disease which is incurable by medical solutions. Holistic treatment, which cures both the body and the mind, is the best solution for this malady. The process starts with your decision to seek help, and culminates when the addiction treatment centre feels that you are good enough to lead a normal life. One thing has to be made sure by every graduated addict – he should abstain from any intoxicating drugs permanently. Proper counselling for a period of time after discharge makes it sure.
If you are looking for the right drug detox program then feel free to visit cliffsidemalibu.com. Cliffside Malibu is a California?s premiere drug addiction treatment and drug rehab center.
Education Key to Tackling Youth Drug Abuse
Saturday, March 13th, 2010In these days, the number of the youth drug uses is increasing, which posed a very serious problem not only to the family but also to the whole society. It is suggested that the adding education and antidrug legislation efforts should be strengthened to call on young people to stay away from drugs. The most effective ways should be adopted to stem the tide of alcohol and drug use among their students.
Tackling the drug problem is tough and complex. The drug-related crimes already endanger the order of the society. Drug abuse becomes a national priority concern, so the society needs to respond quickly and effectively to prevent the problem from getting out of hand; otherwise, new problems will emerge, which is much harder to tackle combined with the drug.
Education is believed the most powerful weapon in tackling drug abuse, especially among the young people. Therefore, the educational means should be adopted and stepped up to gain round the danger of the drug abuse. Once they know well about the harm of the drug addiction, they will consciously stay away from the drug.
Fighting against to the drug crisis, local school districts are required to implement comprehensive substance abuse programs. Many councils have been set up to coordinate community and school prevention and educational efforts.
Drug abuse should not be limited to the young people; instead, the whole society should receive the educational programs on the drug abuse. The adult can set a good example to the young people. Living in the drug-free society, the youth are less likely to addict the drug.
In fact, drug abuse presents the most serious drug-related health and social concern in our country. Therefore, care should be taken to eliminate the drug abuse among the young people and create instead, meaningful, useful, socially productive roles for teenagers in our society.
Click to find more about Drug Addiction Relief Guide
Sufferings Caused by Drug Abuse
Saturday, March 13th, 2010The drug abuse among the teenagers arouses the public concern in these days. The teenagers nowadays are more likely to expose to the drug and alcohol, which may arouse the teenagers’ desire to use drug.
One of the consequences of drug abuse is addiction. Some teenagers may start using drug out of the curiosity. But once they start use drug, they will have a stronger desire to the drug. When they get trapped into the addiction, it is hard to get rid of it.
These people may suffer lots from this drug addiction. Drug abuse damages the ability to act as free and conscious beings. The drug users sometimes can not control over their actions. The drug addiction leads to the bad performance which may cause some undesirable consequences, such as loss of friendships, health problems, behavioral problems, alienation of family, and a loss of interest in sports, academics, and hobbies.
Drug abuse also causes brain damage by affecting the way the brain functions and alters its responses to the world. This damage is various depending on the drug. It is unpredictable that how drug abuse affects the behavior, actions, feelings and motivation. But the drug will destroy the natural way the brain functions, thus abusers expose themselves to risks they may not even have expected.
The right amounts of drugs do good to the health. The doctors usually use the drug when treating an illness to make the patient well. But overdose may cause sickness and death. So the drug should be taken following the doctors’ advice.
The teenagers are too young to control themselves. So the parents should exercise the proper supervision on young people to minimize the potential for drug abuses.
Click to find more about Drug Addiction Relief Guide
On Drug Abuse
Saturday, March 13th, 2010Most of drugs are highly addictive and can lead to unpredictable reactions. Once you get indulged into the drug addiction, it is very hard to quit it. There are some simple tips for you to stop drug abuse.
First of all, you should figure out why you start using drugs. These reasons are various among the different people. But I am sure that most people take drug in order to change the way they feel. These people want to get a different feeling. Does this reason apply to you?
You should write down all the reason you can remember. Do you use drug because of your desire to forget the painful memories? Do you turn to drug to relieve your stress?
It is true that people feel better about themselves under the influence of drugs. But the good feeling will not last long. When they are become sober, these painful memories are still here.
Drug is not a way to solve your problem. None problem can be solved by taking the drug. You just want to evade the reality by hocusing yourselves. No matter how far drugs may take you, it’s always around trip. After a while, people who miss drugs may feel worse about themselves, and then they may use more drugs.
When you help someone you know to get rid of the drug, you should choose the effective ways. The most important part you can play is to be there. You can let your friends know that you care.
The drug users often feel they are unloved and unwanted and there are no friends to talk to. The help and support may encourage the drug users to get rid of drug. Therefore, the public should not show the cold shoulder to the drug users when they need help. Instead, the joint effort should be made to fight against the drug abuse.
Click to find more about Drug Addiction Relief Guide
Why Do People Abuse Steroids?
Friday, March 12th, 2010Abuse of anabolic steroids typically starts in adolescence and is driven by the desire to improve performance and physical appearance. This is unlike abuse of other illicit substances such as heroin, cocaine and marijuana that are taken for the euphoric feelings that accompany them.
Anabolic steroids are mainly taken by professional bodybuilders in order to increase muscle mass and size and by other professional athletes who wish to enhance their athletic performance and reduce body fat. These physical and performance enhancing effects of steroid boost strength and confidence, leading abusers to ignore the potential long-term and often fatal damage that these substances can cause.
Teenagers typically start taking anabolic steroids in an attempt to emulate professional athletes whom they idolize. Persistent reports of professional athletes and the abuse of anabolic steroids inadvertently endorses its use and sends out a damaging message to the youth that bigger and faster is better and you do what it takes to become the best.
Abuse of anabolic steroids is also widespread among people who suffer from muscle dysmorphia, a behavioral syndrome that causes them to have a distorted image of their body. Typically, men with this condition think they look too weak and small and take steroids to increase the size of their muscles. Women who suffer from this condition mistakenly think they look flabby and fat and resort to taking steroids in an attempt to lose body fat.
Adverse effects of anabolic steroid abuse
While short term use of anabolic steroid has performance enhancing effects, inappropriate and long term use can cause a host of damaging effects, many of which are long lasting and irreversible. Some of the negative health consequences of anabolic steroid abuse include early heart attacks, kidney failure, strokes, serious physiatrist problems and liver tumors.
Another dangerous consequence of steroid abuse arises from the fact that steroids are typically injected into the body, increasing the risk of contracting HIV/AIDS or hepatitis B and C when needles are shared or non-sterile needles are used.
Effective treatment for anabolic steroid abuse
Effective treatment for abuse of anabolic steroid is largely based on providing supportive therapy and educating patients on the adverse effects of steroid abuse. Steroid abusers undergoing treatment are also educated on the severe withdrawal symptoms that can be expected and are routinely evaluated for suicidal thoughts. If symptoms are prolonged or severe, medications and sometimes hospitalization is needed.
Medications in steroid treatment largely deal with restoring the hormonal system that has been severely disrupted by steroid abuse and with treating specific withdrawal symptoms. Analgesics are given for relief from joint and muscle pain and headaches, and antidepressants may be prescribed to treat long-term and severe depression.
The Health Consequences Of Steroid Abuse
Friday, March 12th, 2010Young adolescents typically start taking anabolic steroids either in an attempt to improve their athletic performance or increase their muscle mass and decrease body fat. Though the initial effects of steroids helps boost their strength and confidence, long-term steroid abuse has the potential to cause serious long-term damage, some of which is irreversible.
Steroid abuse has been associated with a host of adverse physical and physiological side effects ranging from mild to severe and life-threatening. Steroid abuse affects the hormonal, cardiovascular and musculoskeletal systems as well as the liver and the skin. Steroid abuse also causes behavioral changes.
Cardiovascular system
Steroid abuse increase the risk of atherosclerosis, which can cause severe cardiovascular diseases including stroke and heart attack in athletes as young as thirty or even younger. Steroids also promote the formation of blood clots in the blood vessels, which disrupts the flow of blood and causes damage to the heart muscles.
Hormonal system
Steroid abuse disrupts normal hormone production, causing reversible as well as irreversible changes in the body in the body. Some of the reversible changes in men include testicular atrophy (shrinking of the testicles) and reduced production of sperm. Irreversible changes include gynecomastia (breast development) and male-pattern baldness. In women, anabolic steroids cause the onset of masculine features including decrease in body fat and breast size, deepening of the voice and excessive growth of body hair. With continuous use of steroids, some of these effects could become irreversible.
Musculoskeletal system
Use of steroids increases the levels of testosterone and other sex hormones in the body. Steroid abuse during puberty and adolescence results in artificially high sex hormone levels that cause the bones to stop growing prematurely.
Liver
Abuse of anabolic steroids can cause tumors and cysts in the liver, both of which could rupture and cause fatal internal bleeding.
Skin
Abuse of steroids could cause oily skin and hair as well as acne and cysts.
Behavior
High doses of anabolic steroids can increase aggression and irritability, often leading to violent behaviors.
Anabolic steroids are highly addictive and steroid abusers typically spend large amounts of time and money trying to obtain the drug despite negative physical and physiological effects. Steroid abusers can experience severe withdrawal symptoms that could persist for more than a year after the abuser has stopped taking the drug. Depression is one of the most dangerous of the withdrawal symptoms associated with steroid abuse and it often leads to suicide attempts. Other withdrawal symptoms include loss of appetite, mood swings, restlessness, fatigue, reduced sex drive, steroid cravings and insomnia.
Understanding Drug Abuse
Friday, March 12th, 2010Drug abuse and addiction occur when a person uses any form of drug for a purpose or way other than for which it was intended. Drug abuse is most commonly associated with the use of illegal street drugs. However, drug addiction often times takes place with over-the-counter (OTC) medications and prescription (Rx) drugs as well.
Illegal drugs such as cocaine, crack-cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, and marijuana are the most frequently thought of abused drugs; other drugs, such as alcohol, although legal, are also drugs that are frequently and severely abused. Illegal drugs and alcohol are no longer the overwhelming majority of drugs abused by teenagers, prescription and over-the-counter drugs are quickly becoming the high of choice.
In addition to street drugs many people frequently abuse over-the-counter medications. Teenagers many times use cough syrups as a cheap and legal high, however the dangers of such highs are often severely underestimated. Many people have found themselves innocently but uncontrollably addicted to antihistamines (OTC and Rx), for their drowsy sleep inducing effects. The common misconception with OTC drugs is that they are safe, and that overuse and abuse will not have any serious consequences.
There are also those people who abuse prescription drugs that are often meant to help people for particular medical conditions, drugs such as Oxycontin or Adderall. In this case, the drug addict does not actually need the drug for its intended purpose. Instead, the abuser chooses to use it in order to get high. Many times abusers will go through great lengths to obtain these drugs, resorting to theft and fraud, including theft of medications from family or friends, the writing of counterfeit prescriptions, or robbery of retail pharmacies. All of these actions have serious legal implications for those who are involved.
It’s important to remember that frequent and uncontrollable use of any drug, whether it ‘s an over-the-counter, prescription, or street drug, is an addiction. It is imperative that, upon identification of abuse and addiction, help is sought as soon as possible. By seeking help, as soon as possible, the damage to the individual, family, and friends, can be effectively limited. Through treatment those who suffer from addiction can return to a normal and healthy lifestyle.
Dave is a freelance writer and managing editor for DrugDependency.info and
related sites. For more information on prescription
drug addiction or alcohol
addiction please visit the web site www.drugdependency.info.
10 Things to Know About Pain Reliever Drugs Abuse
Friday, March 12th, 2010A disturbing fact sheet…
Pain relievers are medicines that reduce or relieve headaches, sore muscles, arthritis or related aches and pains. There are many different pain reliever drugs. While some of them are prescription drugs, yet many of these are available over-the-counter (OTC) e.g. aspirin, naproxen (Aleve) & ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) etc. Many such non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory drugs are available only at prescribed doses. Some of the most powerful pain relievers come under the category of narcotics.
In the United States, data generated by some recent surveys on drug abuse is quite disturbing. Data from the National Household Survey on Drug Abuse found that almost 3 million adolescents and about 7 million young adults from ages 18 to 25 had used prescription drugs for non-medical purposes at least once in their lives.
Today teenagers are not using as much cocaine, crack, LSD, and ecstasy as the teenagers of the 1960’s. Nowadays, kids have found other ways and means to get that high; painkillers & other prescription drugs are being abused at record levels as is aptly indicated in NSDUH data. This up coming generation of prescription drug abusers has been given the name “Generation Rx!”
Increase in prescription drug abuse is most prominent for pain relievers, but use of stimulants and tranquilizers is also rising as young people who abuse prescription drugs are also more likely to use illegal drugs, such as marijuana, cocaine, or hallucinogens. According to a 2005 study conducted by the National Center of Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University, the number of Americans who abuse or use prescription drugs illegally now exceeds the number of Americans who abuse cocaine, hallucinogens, inhalants, and heroin combined.
Abusers sometimes disrupt the time-release formula of the drug to speed up absorption, often chewing the tablets, crushing them and snorting the powder, or dissolving them in water and injecting the drug to get a fast high. This may cause adverse set of cross-reactions and may prove fatal as in the rural areas of the Eastern United States, especially in Virginia and West Virginia where several deaths have resulted due to mixing of Oxycontin with other painkillers, alcohol, and marijuana.
Pain reliever drugs can affect regions of the brain that mediate what we perceive as pleasure, resulting in the initial euphoria that many opioids produce. They can also produce drowsiness, constipation, and, depending upon the amount taken, depress breathing. Taking a large single dose could cause severe respiratory depression or death.
Some people mistakenly think that prescription drugs are more powerful because you need a prescription for them. However, it’s possible to abuse or become addicted to over-the-counter (OTC) pain killer medications too.
The dangers of prescription drug abuse can be made even worse if people take drugs in a way they aren’t supposed to. Ritalin may seem harmless because it’s prescribed even for little kids with ADHD but when a person snorts or injects Ritalin, it can be serious. Same holds true for most of the pain reliever drugs too.
Some points to prevent the abuse of prescription drugs:
•Always follow medication directions carefully.
•Don’t increase or decrease doses without talking with your doctor.
•Don’t stop taking medication on your own.
•Don’t crush or break pills.
•Be clear about the drug’s effects on driving and other daily tasks.
•Learn about the drug’s potential interactions with alcohol, other prescription medicines, and over-the-counter medicines.
•Inform your doctor about your past history of substance abuse.
This Article is written by Tarun Gupta, the author of TestCountry Health Information Resources, a longer version of this article is located at 10 Things to know about Pain Reliever Drugs Abuse, and resources from other home health and wellness testing sources are used such as TestCountry Drug FAQ.
Drug Abuse and Drug Addiction Facts
Friday, March 12th, 2010Drug abuse is a very serious problem in many places in the world, particularly the United States. What starts out as a simple curiosity or use that is considered social may result in a serious addiction.
Many individuals start using a particular drug and find that they have total control over their habit. However, after a certain period of time, these people may start to lose the control that they once had. Eventually, it will take more and more of the same type of drug for the individual to achieve the same state of euphoria as they experienced previously.
An individual who abuses drugs can develop an addiction that is psychological, physical, or emotional. By the time that the drug abuse reaches its peak, or an individual seeks assistance for their drug addiction, the addiction can be a combination of physical, emotional, and psychological conditions. This is due to the fact that the more that an individual is subjected to the drug that they are abusing, the chemistry of the body starts to change. These changes often result in the negative consequences of being unable to control the urges and impulses that are commonly associated with drug abuse.
It is common for a drug addiction to result in many biological changes to occur within the body of an abuser. This is why many people who abuse drugs seem to change so drastically. Many individuals experience weight loss or weight gain, a change in personality, changes in moods, memory impairment, loss in general gross motor skills, and many may even develop various types of chronic medical conditions. Whereas the normal person is often motivated by many factors in their life, those that engage in drug abuse have one motivating factor. That is, ultimately, to abuse the drug that they have been experimenting with.
Many people who abuse drugs seek treatment for their disease. However, not every person comes out of treatment successfully. Many people must receive treatment more than once to prove effective. It has been discovered that there are very few individuals that seek treatment for their condition based on self-motivation alone. Many individuals who enroll for therapy to alleviate the compulsive drug addiction that they have are forced to do so. The State may order the therapy, or a family member may prompt one to seek help. However, most of the time, many of these individuals successfully complete the treatment.
There are many drug abuse treatment programs available. Seeing that every person is different than another person, and some may be more receptive than others, not all treatment methods will prove to be effective for every single person with an addiction to drugs. It is important to not relinquish hope. If one form of treatment does not work for you, there is another form of treatment available that will work for you.
If you are looking into drug abuse treatment for yourself, or someone that you care about, you will discover that there are many different types of programs to select from. Many of these are short term, but there are quite a few that are for periods of time that are equal to three months or more. The reason that there are such a large number of long term programs is because these have proven to release the most successful recoveries of drug abuse.
It is vital that you understand that a treatment program sets the recovery in motion. There are many other factors that can have a great impact on the individual who is attempting to beat an addiction to drugs. This includes emotional support from friends and members of the family, supervision, the implementation of an accountability partner that they can contact any time day or night, and continued therapy.
Drug abuse is a common problem, but it is not a problem that cannot be solved. There are many ways that an individual who suffers from this devastating can get the assistance that they require in order to successfully resolve their problem. It is important for these individuals to understand that the loss of control that they have experienced as a result of the addiction is not a weakness, but a result of the biological changes that occur within the body. Providing resources for assistance and support for the drug abuser is the best contribution that can be given in order to achieve a successful recovery.
Learn the truth about drug addiction treatment. We offer facts and encouragement for those seeking help with drug and alcohol addiction treatment. We have a gallery of addiction treatment resources.
http://addictiontreatmentresources.com
Drug Abuse And Addiction Facts
Friday, March 12th, 2010Drug abuse is a very serious problem in many places in the world, particularly the United States. What starts out as a simple curiosity or use that is considered social may result in a serious addiction. Many individuals start using a particular drug and find that they have total control over their habit. However, after a certain period of time, these people may start to lose the control that they once had. Eventually, it will take more and more of the same type of drug for the individual to achieve the same state of euphoria as they experienced previously.
An individual who abuses drugs can develop an addiction that is psychological, physical, or emotional. By the time that the drug abuse reaches its peak, or an individual seeks assistance for their drug addiction, the addiction can be a combination of physical, emotional, and psychological conditions. This is due to the fact that the more that an individual is subjected to the drug that they are abusing, the chemistry of the body starts to change. These changes often result in the negative consequences of being unable to control the urges and impulses that are commonly associated with drug abuse.
It is common for a drug addiction to result in many biological changes to occur within the body of an abuser. This is why many people who abuse drugs seem to change so drastically. Many individuals experience weight loss or weight gain, a change in personality, changes in moods, memory impairment, loss in general gross motor skills, and many may even develop various types of chronic medical conditions. Whereas the normal person is often motivated by many factors in their life, those that engage in drug abuse have one motivating factor. That is, ultimately, to abuse the drug that they have been experimenting with.
Many people who abuse drugs seek treatment for their disease. However, not every person comes out of treatment successfully. Many people must receive treatment more than once to prove effective. It has been discovered that there are very few individuals that seek treatment for their condition based on self-motivation alone. Many individuals who enroll for therapy to alleviate the compulsive drug addiction that they have are forced to do so. The State may order the therapy, or a family member may prompt one to seek help. However, most of the time, many of these individuals successfully complete the treatment.
There are many drug abuse treatment programs available. Seeing that every person is different than another person, and some may be more receptive than others, not all treatment methods will prove to be effective for every single person with an addiction to drugs. It is important to not relinquish hope. If one form of treatment does not work for you, there is another form of treatment available that will work for you.
If you are looking into drug abuse treatment for yourself, or someone that you care about, you will discover that there are many different types of programs to select from. Many of these are short term, but there are quite a few that are for periods of time that are equal to three months or more. The reason that there are such a large number of long term programs is because these have proven to release the most successful recoveries of drug abuse.
It is vital that you understand that a treatment program sets the recovery in motion. There are many other factors that can have a great impact on the individual who is attempting to beat an addiction to drugs. This includes emotional support from friends and members of the family, supervision, the implementation of an accountability partner that they can contact any time day or night, and continued therapy.
Drug abuse is a common problem, but it is not a problem that cannot be solved. There are many ways that an individual who suffers from this devastating can get the assistance that they require in order to successfully resolve their problem. It is important for these individuals to understand that the loss of control that they have experienced as a result of the addiction is not a weakness, but a result of the biological changes that occur within the body. Providing resources for assistance and support for the drug abuser is the best contribution that can be given in order to achieve a successful recovery.
Start your life over with and start drug and alcohol addiction recovery.The author, Bill Urell MA.CAAP-II, is an addictions therapist at a leading drug addiction treatment center. He teaches healthy life styles and life skills. Tell your story! Visit: http://www.AddictionTreatmentResources.com
Liver Disorders: Induced by Drug Use & Abuse
Friday, March 12th, 2010Liver is a large reddish-brown glandular organ located in the upper right portion of the abdominal cavity behind the rib cage. It secretes bile and functions in metabolism of proteins, carbohydrates and fats. It is known to produce various factors involved in the clotting of the blood & synthesize vitamin A. Liver also breaks down worn-out erythrocytes (RBCs). As most of the chemical compounds, whether taken orally or injected intravenously, are taken to liver, the majority of small-molecule drug metabolism is carried out in the liver by cytochrome P450 which are membrane bound oxidative enzymes which metabolize various endogenous and exogenous molecules.
Action of drugs: Drugs can lead to liver disorders in several ways. Some drugs are directly deleterious to the liver while others are transformed or metabolized by liver into chemicals that can cause liver damage either directly or indirectly.
Dose-dependent toxicity: It occurs when any given drug is taken in excess, the increased concentration of that drug or its metabolite may lead to liver damage. Such drugs are usually harmless if taken within prescribed limits. For example, acetaminophen overdose is known to cause dose-dependent toxicity in liver.
Idiosyncratic toxicity: Drugs that cause idiosyncratic toxicity cause disease in only those few individuals who have inherited specific genes that are associated in some way to the chemical transformation of that particular drug.
Drug allergy: It occurs when a drug or its metabolite acts as an allergen which may initiate hypersensitivity reaction by the body’s immune system leading to local inflammation that may damage liver tissues.
Drug induced liver diseases: Various exogenous drugs and endogenous chemicals can cause a wide spectrum of liver injuries. These include, but are not limited to:
Hepatitis: Certain drugs can cause acute and chronic hepatitis (inflammation of liver cells) that can lead to necrosis i.e. cell death. Acute drug-induced hepatitis lasts less than 3 months, while chronic hepatitis lasts longer than 3 months. Some drugs that cause acute and chronic hepatitis include phenytoin, diclophenac, & nitrofurantoin.
Fulminant hepatitis: Rarely, drugs cause acute liver failure or fulminant (sudden & severe) hepatitis. These patients are extremely ill with the symptoms of acute hepatitis.
Cholestasis: It is a condition in which the secretion and/ or flow of bile is reduced. Example- erythromycin, chlorpromazine etc.
Mild elevations in blood liver enzyme levels: Many drugs cause mild elevations in blood levels of liver enzymes, often without any major symptoms. For example, statins & some antidepressants are known to increase levels of liver enzymes in blood.
Necrosis: Blood clotting in the liver veins may cause death of liver cells. For example, Pyrrolizidine alkaloids can cause blood clotting.
Cirrhosis: It is a chronic disease interfering with the normal functioning of the liver due to scarring. Drugs like amiodarone and methyldopa may lead to Cirrhosis.
Diagnosis: Diagnosis of liver disorders is based on a patient’s symptoms, which may vary from loss of appetite, nausea, fatigue, itching, dark urine, to jaundice, enlarged liver etc. Laboratory testing may also be used to detect blood liver enzymes levels, bilirubin levels which may suggest abnormal liver behavior. An unusually long blood clotting time may also be an indicative of a potential liver damage.
About the author:
This Article is written by Tarun Gupta, the author of TestCountry Health & Drug FAQ. More information on the subject is at Liver Disorders: Induced by Drug Use & Abuse, and resources from other home health and wellness testing sources are used such as TestCountry Health Information & Resources.
Reasons for the Growth of Prescription Drug Abuse
Thursday, March 11th, 2010In 2006, 16.2 million Americans age 12 and older had taken a prescription pain reliever, tranquilizer, stimulant, or sedative for non-medical purposes at least once in the year according to SAMHSA. The drug abuse of medications is clearly growing among the other drug abused substances. Lack of awareness and easy accessibility are the main reasons for the growth of the prescription drug abuse among the various sections of the community.Prescription medications such as pain relievers, tranquilizers, stimulants, and sedatives are very useful treatment tools, but sometimes people do not take them as directed and may become addicted. Lack of awareness and ignorance of the fact that they might get addicted or become vulnerable to side effects is the main cause of the abuse among the patients use prescribed medications.In many cases, self medication among the family members, relatives or friends of the patients leads to misuse of the medications by taking them without consulting a doctor for the treatment for their health problems.Elder people are more vulnerable for the prescription drug abuse because they are prescribed more medicines than their younger counterparts. For example, benzodiazepines are frequently prescribed to them. They are more likely to abuse when they forget the instructions given by the doctor about the usage and take them often whenever they feel they need medicines, which is a clear symptom of dependence on the abused drug.Similar to elder people, women are prescribed more medications rather than their male counterparts. They are much more likely than men to be prescribed drugs that can be abused. Prescription drug misuse/abuse among older women is a serious problem that has not received proper attention and often ignored by health professionals.When it comes to the younger people, lack of awareness about the danger involved in abusing the prescription drugs is the main reason of abuse before addiction. Many think that, as those are prescribed by the doctors, they are safe. Initially they steel prescription drugs from their family members or get through their friends or relatives.Easy accessibility is also one of the main reasons for the abuse. Younger people have many sources than any other section of people to get the desired prescription medications like vicodine, oxycotine, morphine and methadone. Friends, doctors, relatives, drug stores and online pharmacies are the most common sources for prescription drugs.Parents are less likely to talk to their children about the dangers of prescription drug abuse than they are about heroin, cocaine, crack, MDMA, marijuana, or alcohol abuse. Although the dangers of prescription drug abuse are generally understood by parents, relatively few of them discuss with their teenage children.It is clear that prescription drug abuse is becoming a serious problem for all the sections of the community. Therefore, serious steps should be taken to bring awareness about the hazards of prescription drug abuse and to stop it from spreading further.
Rapiddrugdetection.com is an online store offering drug tests and drug screening products in several formats including blood, urine and oral drug test kit. Rapiddrugdetection.com offers FDA-approved urine drug test as well as DOT-approved alcohol testing products. Some of the popular products are Marijuana Drug Testing, employee drug testing and athlete drug testing.