Drug addiction is classified as a physical or psychological dependence on a drug. It can be both. Addiction can occur with drugs as common as aspirin or as insidious as amphetamines, cocaine or heroin. Some people are genetically wired for addiction, while others need several exposures to a substance to become addicted. Very few substances are considered non-addictive, because psychological dependency can occur at any time. For some people, drug addiction is a way of life that will never stop. For others, they have the potential of quitting at any time.
Psychological dependency occurs when the user becomes emotionally attached to the substance. Without it, they may feel strong "comfort cravings", which do not alleviate any pains and provide little, if any physical pleasure.
Physical dependency, on the other hand, happens when the body itself becomes dependent on the drug. After habitual use, body systems become dependent on the drug being in the person's system in order to function correctly. The brain changes its' chemical balance to the point that an abrupt stop of the drug use can cause severe discomfort or even death.
Narcotics are among the most widely abused drug today, bringing with their use both physical and psychological dependencies. Used to create extra endorphins, narcotic drug addiction creates an effect of dependence because, after habitual use, the body no longer produces enough dopamine to satisfy the user's comfort. Whereas “clean” people would be perfectly content without the narcotic, the drug user can plummet into a deep depression when deprived of the drug.
Stimulants such as amphetamines can be equally addictive, although some people say stimulants are the lesser of two evils. The withdrawal symptoms are quite similar, with the exception of the moods produced by each drug. Instead of sinking into deep depression, some people may go into a violent rage.
In any case of drug addiction, treatment is needed. The methods of “kicking the habit” vary widely, as do people's opinions and professional advice on how it should be done. Going "cold turkey" is the immediate cessation of drug use, without being “weaned” off the substance. This is not always the best choice, because without a replacement substance to help the body adjust, body systems can shut down. Most professionals agree that rehabilitation and detoxification programs stand the best chance of success in cases of drug addiction.
Detoxification programs aim to flush the body systems of the drug in a gradual schedule of “drying out”. The drug addiction patient is prescribed drugs which mimic the addictive substance, without the physical and psychological dependency factors.
Rehabilitation programs are more focused on emotional causes of drug addiction, attempting to reveal the emotional sources of the drug addiction, falling more into the classification of therapy versus physical dependence.
Drug addiction is rampant in today's society, for a variety of reasons. If you or someone you know needs help, it's there for the asking.
Friday, May 2, 2008
Drug Addiction Treatment
How is life treating you these days? Are you completely jovial and content with your life overall? Okay, stop right there. The truth of the matter is that most of us are not completely ecstatic about every single aspect of our lives. Sure, a few things can be improved. Whether it's losing that spare tire around your waist, or making some extra income, most of us want more. This is normal in our world. However, when it comes to your life as a whole, you should be fairly satisfied. I know that I am. If you aren't, then I suggest making some changes. Now, don't get me wrong; I'm not referring to illegal changes, such as drugs or criminal activity, but rather to social and/or employment alterations. The last thing you want to do is take up a drug habit in order to achieve some bogus euphoric state of bliss. If you do go this route, you'd better count on future drug addiction treatment or death. That's just reality.
Have you ever acquired or known someone who received drug addiction treatment? This is a sad reality in our sometimes harsh world. So many individuals turn to drugs when things aren't going their way. Get a life, people! Or at least get some will power. The last thing on your mind should be illegal substances. With all that we know regarding drugs these days, you'd basically have to be an ignorant idiot to even try them. This is what I tell my kids so that they never end up needing drug addiction treatment. I sat down with my teenager and wrote out the pros and cons to doing drugs. She was amazed at how many cons there are. And in reality there plain and simply aren't any pros. Therefore, what would anyone want drugs for? It's a no-win situation that only leads to death and destruction of self. Trust me; I've seen others take the drug route. One guy I knew in college was a former cocaine addict. These days he complains of the damage done to his mind. He apparently has reoccurring nightmares about demons trying to get him. Yikes!
Are you in need of drug addiction treatment? Well, if you are, then I would suggest that you get help as soon as possible. The earlier you seek drug addiction treatment and squelch the affliction, the better off you are. Get online and check out all the treatment centers near you. After all, do you really want to be seeing demons for the rest of your life?
Have you ever acquired or known someone who received drug addiction treatment? This is a sad reality in our sometimes harsh world. So many individuals turn to drugs when things aren't going their way. Get a life, people! Or at least get some will power. The last thing on your mind should be illegal substances. With all that we know regarding drugs these days, you'd basically have to be an ignorant idiot to even try them. This is what I tell my kids so that they never end up needing drug addiction treatment. I sat down with my teenager and wrote out the pros and cons to doing drugs. She was amazed at how many cons there are. And in reality there plain and simply aren't any pros. Therefore, what would anyone want drugs for? It's a no-win situation that only leads to death and destruction of self. Trust me; I've seen others take the drug route. One guy I knew in college was a former cocaine addict. These days he complains of the damage done to his mind. He apparently has reoccurring nightmares about demons trying to get him. Yikes!
Are you in need of drug addiction treatment? Well, if you are, then I would suggest that you get help as soon as possible. The earlier you seek drug addiction treatment and squelch the affliction, the better off you are. Get online and check out all the treatment centers near you. After all, do you really want to be seeing demons for the rest of your life?
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Paths To Correction - Drug Treatment Centers
Drug treatment program is a relatively new field. It only started sometime within the last 50 years. It must be understood that many of the areas of studies in drug treatment are yet to be perfected. However, there are institutions that are gaining much progress at fast rates.
But the reason for this rise is basically attributed to the dramatic rise of the addicted sections of the society. Add to this the presence of the funding institutions that may provide for the payments incurred during treatment. Most of these are private health insurance companies, which made the inclusion for such causes in most of their health insurance plans.
Prior to the development of the drug treatment centers, drug patients are only treated through psychotherapy. But there were already established drug treatment centers even before the existence of a science that would provide sound clinical technologies. This technology is devised precisely to handle drug addiction on a progressive, gradual way. These early attempts had created the bad reputation drug treatment centers held for quite a time.
Drug treatment centers such are these are generally basing their procedures on the 12 steps of Alcoholics Anonymous. This method was rather successful for alcoholics but didn't exactly produce desirable results for drug addicted individuals. This affair went on for some twenty years and seemed not to matter at all since such drug treatment centers are roosting clients and money.
Simply put, drug treatment centers are institutions that offer safe places for drug addicted individuals to recover from a seemingly despairing state of existence. Once a person is faced with the dilemma of drug addiction, the best option for him is to seek treatment from a credible drug treatment center. In some parts of the world, drug treatment centers and drug rehabilitation centers have adverse conditions. Luckily in the United States, we are equipped with centers that are using advance technologies and equipments in treating and eventually curing the patients.
Most drug treatment centers in the country have scientifically based chemical dependency programs that don't only focus on the "disease" itself but also the personal responsibility of each patient to address all aspects of the condition. These aspects may include psychological, physical, physiological, family, social and spiritual factors.
Treatments often cover
* Education both for the patient and the family since drug addiction is considered as a family disease. Research points out that most marital conflicts and devastation root from drug addiction and other forms of addiction by a partner. Chemical dependence also leads to divorce along with abuse of loved ones and neglect.
* Individual counseling to further focus the treatment on the patient.
* Group therapy and multi-family groups
* Required 12-step programs (e.g. Cocaine Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous and Alcoholics Anonymous)
Drug treatment centers usually address addiction problems such as the following:
* heroin addiction
* cocaine addiction
* crack addiction
* methane addiction
* oxycontin addiction
* hydrocodone addiction
* lortab addiction
* alcohol addiction
* codeine addiction
* demerol addiction
* dilaudid addiction
* opium addiction
* opiate addiction
* percocet addiction
* ultram addiction
* morphine addiction
* and other prescription medication addiction
Drug treatment centers that use several forms of drug addiction programs either employed separately or combined. Others specialize on the use of a specific method. There are basically four major treatment methods.
* Rehab programs that use the 12-step recovery model
* Behavioral modification
* Bio-physical method
* Methadone clinics
* Detox rehabilitation
Drug addiction is never permanent. It is curable and can be mastered out. Patient and their families only need to work towards that same common goal. Treatment centers are only instruments to achieving that.
But the reason for this rise is basically attributed to the dramatic rise of the addicted sections of the society. Add to this the presence of the funding institutions that may provide for the payments incurred during treatment. Most of these are private health insurance companies, which made the inclusion for such causes in most of their health insurance plans.
Prior to the development of the drug treatment centers, drug patients are only treated through psychotherapy. But there were already established drug treatment centers even before the existence of a science that would provide sound clinical technologies. This technology is devised precisely to handle drug addiction on a progressive, gradual way. These early attempts had created the bad reputation drug treatment centers held for quite a time.
Drug treatment centers such are these are generally basing their procedures on the 12 steps of Alcoholics Anonymous. This method was rather successful for alcoholics but didn't exactly produce desirable results for drug addicted individuals. This affair went on for some twenty years and seemed not to matter at all since such drug treatment centers are roosting clients and money.
Simply put, drug treatment centers are institutions that offer safe places for drug addicted individuals to recover from a seemingly despairing state of existence. Once a person is faced with the dilemma of drug addiction, the best option for him is to seek treatment from a credible drug treatment center. In some parts of the world, drug treatment centers and drug rehabilitation centers have adverse conditions. Luckily in the United States, we are equipped with centers that are using advance technologies and equipments in treating and eventually curing the patients.
Most drug treatment centers in the country have scientifically based chemical dependency programs that don't only focus on the "disease" itself but also the personal responsibility of each patient to address all aspects of the condition. These aspects may include psychological, physical, physiological, family, social and spiritual factors.
Treatments often cover
* Education both for the patient and the family since drug addiction is considered as a family disease. Research points out that most marital conflicts and devastation root from drug addiction and other forms of addiction by a partner. Chemical dependence also leads to divorce along with abuse of loved ones and neglect.
* Individual counseling to further focus the treatment on the patient.
* Group therapy and multi-family groups
* Required 12-step programs (e.g. Cocaine Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous and Alcoholics Anonymous)
Drug treatment centers usually address addiction problems such as the following:
* heroin addiction
* cocaine addiction
* crack addiction
* methane addiction
* oxycontin addiction
* hydrocodone addiction
* lortab addiction
* alcohol addiction
* codeine addiction
* demerol addiction
* dilaudid addiction
* opium addiction
* opiate addiction
* percocet addiction
* ultram addiction
* morphine addiction
* and other prescription medication addiction
Drug treatment centers that use several forms of drug addiction programs either employed separately or combined. Others specialize on the use of a specific method. There are basically four major treatment methods.
* Rehab programs that use the 12-step recovery model
* Behavioral modification
* Bio-physical method
* Methadone clinics
* Detox rehabilitation
Drug addiction is never permanent. It is curable and can be mastered out. Patient and their families only need to work towards that same common goal. Treatment centers are only instruments to achieving that.
Canada Drug Treatment Centers
National Native Alcohol and Drug Abuse Program (NNADAP) - an initiative of Health Canada (a federal department responsible for the health care system in Canada) - supports the largest number of residential drug treatment centers in the country. There are approximately 54 treatment centers, with 700 in-patient treatment beds. These centers aim to reduce the level of drug use among the on-reserve population.
More than 1,000 addiction treatment centers are available in the country. These include outpatient treatment centers, solvent abuse treatment centers, inpatient treatment centers, family treatment centers, and drug treatment centers serving the youth. These centers offer treatments on a day-patient, out-patient and in-patient basis. Both short-term and long-term residential care services are offered.
The services offered by the treatment centers are targeted in three key areas - prevention, intervention, and aftercare. As part of prevention, the treatment centers conduct public awareness campaigns, meetings, cultural, and spiritual events. School-based drug rehabilitation programs are also organized. Intervention activities are excellent tools to deal with the existing drug abuse problems in the society. These include recreation activities for the youth, native cultural and social programs, and discussion groups.
Aftercare is very essential for relapse prevention. For this, the drug treatment centers in Canada provide counseling, case management, and crisis intervention. They also provide treatment referrals, detox referrals, social service referrals, and medical referrals. Outreach visits are also conducted.
Alberta Alcohol and Drug Abuse Commission (AADAC) - an agency of the government of Alberta - offers prevention and treatment services to help drug addicts and their families. The AADAC Business and Industry Clinic is committed to provide residential treatment programs for employees at the workplace. It provides 24 hour detoxification services, family programs, and follow-up programs.
Aventa is the only agency in Western Canada providing addiction treatment for women. Located in Calgary, it provides treatment on both outpatient and residential basis. Other popular Canadian drug treatment centers are Harvest House, Homewood Health Centre, Edgewood, Clear Haven Substance Abuse Treatment Center, and Lake Simcoe Manor.
More than 1,000 addiction treatment centers are available in the country. These include outpatient treatment centers, solvent abuse treatment centers, inpatient treatment centers, family treatment centers, and drug treatment centers serving the youth. These centers offer treatments on a day-patient, out-patient and in-patient basis. Both short-term and long-term residential care services are offered.
The services offered by the treatment centers are targeted in three key areas - prevention, intervention, and aftercare. As part of prevention, the treatment centers conduct public awareness campaigns, meetings, cultural, and spiritual events. School-based drug rehabilitation programs are also organized. Intervention activities are excellent tools to deal with the existing drug abuse problems in the society. These include recreation activities for the youth, native cultural and social programs, and discussion groups.
Aftercare is very essential for relapse prevention. For this, the drug treatment centers in Canada provide counseling, case management, and crisis intervention. They also provide treatment referrals, detox referrals, social service referrals, and medical referrals. Outreach visits are also conducted.
Alberta Alcohol and Drug Abuse Commission (AADAC) - an agency of the government of Alberta - offers prevention and treatment services to help drug addicts and their families. The AADAC Business and Industry Clinic is committed to provide residential treatment programs for employees at the workplace. It provides 24 hour detoxification services, family programs, and follow-up programs.
Aventa is the only agency in Western Canada providing addiction treatment for women. Located in Calgary, it provides treatment on both outpatient and residential basis. Other popular Canadian drug treatment centers are Harvest House, Homewood Health Centre, Edgewood, Clear Haven Substance Abuse Treatment Center, and Lake Simcoe Manor.
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Drug Rehabilitation Statistics On Health
Drug abuse is defined as the compulsive and habitual misuse of any drug for various purposes, such as achieving calming or euphoric effects, an escape from reality, dulling anxiety, and fighting depression. Drug abuse victims need a support system to help them overcome this negative habit. The rehabilitation of such drug abuse victims is conducted through special drug rehab programs that are designed to make the victim independent from the drug. Drug rehab statistics are an indication of the number of drug abuse victims and the common drug abuse methods.
According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, it is estimated that almost 22.8 million Americans need treatment for either alcohol or drug addiction. Out of these 22.8 million people, only a small percentage received help from rehabilitation, and the rest were not exposed to any rehab programs. Around 1.2 million drug abusers who did not receive any treatment admitted to having felt the need for treatment at some point in time. A small percentage of these people disclosed that they made attempts to get some kind of help, but were unable to contact any rehab support group.
The percentage of teenagers reported to be victims of drug abuse is alarming. There were 2.3 million youth between the ages of 12 to 17 who were found to need treatment for alcohol or any other illicit drug abuse. Only 8.2 percent of these youths received any rehab help. An increased use of illegal substances such as cocaine, heroin, and other drugs among the youth is also observed.
It is possible to curb this menace if drug abuse is detected in its early stages. Behavioral change is the most reliable indicator of drug abuse in an individual. Drug rehab can help such people to overcome their addiction.
According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, it is estimated that almost 22.8 million Americans need treatment for either alcohol or drug addiction. Out of these 22.8 million people, only a small percentage received help from rehabilitation, and the rest were not exposed to any rehab programs. Around 1.2 million drug abusers who did not receive any treatment admitted to having felt the need for treatment at some point in time. A small percentage of these people disclosed that they made attempts to get some kind of help, but were unable to contact any rehab support group.
The percentage of teenagers reported to be victims of drug abuse is alarming. There were 2.3 million youth between the ages of 12 to 17 who were found to need treatment for alcohol or any other illicit drug abuse. Only 8.2 percent of these youths received any rehab help. An increased use of illegal substances such as cocaine, heroin, and other drugs among the youth is also observed.
It is possible to curb this menace if drug abuse is detected in its early stages. Behavioral change is the most reliable indicator of drug abuse in an individual. Drug rehab can help such people to overcome their addiction.
Drug Addiction Rehabilitation And Process
Rehabilitation from drug addiction is a complex process. It involves commitment from the individual addict to abstain from further drug use. The physical dependence on the drug needs to be overcome through medical intervention. Medical supervision is essential to safely detoxify an addicted individual. Safety is an issue since sudden withdrawal of a drug will lead to very profound physiological changes that can be very uncomfortable and can sometimes be life threatening. The range of drugs abused is wide but general principles apply to drug and alcohol rehabilitation.
After the medical detoxification process, which is often in an inpatient setting, a program to continue the rehab process as an outpatient is essential. Sometimes replacement drugs are needed such as methadone maintenance programs where patients are given methadone to replace the heroin that is abused. The methadone helps prevent the euphoria and at the same time decreases the craving that is central to addiction. A typical dose that may work is 30-60 milligrams of methadone daily but this is variable and depends on the intensity of addiction among other factors. Alcohol rehab often involves an acute hospital based detoxification where a thorough medical assessment is done and then drugs belonging to the class called benzodiazepines are given to prevent withdrawal. Medical issues are often the main reason an addict enters a treatment entry point.
After this acute phase an outpatient 12 step program such as Alcoholics Anonymous is critical to maintain abstinence. Many patients who are addicted to drugs have co-morbid psychiatric conditions like depression that need to be addressed. Others have HIV/AIDS, which also need to be managed if a lasting solution is needed. Many rehab programs are covered by insurance and charity. They also have social workers who will help with the practical aspects of getting back to a productive life.
Above all, the commitment of the individuals working in the program helps sustain and develop faith and trust in the system since addicts are often marginalized members of society.
After the medical detoxification process, which is often in an inpatient setting, a program to continue the rehab process as an outpatient is essential. Sometimes replacement drugs are needed such as methadone maintenance programs where patients are given methadone to replace the heroin that is abused. The methadone helps prevent the euphoria and at the same time decreases the craving that is central to addiction. A typical dose that may work is 30-60 milligrams of methadone daily but this is variable and depends on the intensity of addiction among other factors. Alcohol rehab often involves an acute hospital based detoxification where a thorough medical assessment is done and then drugs belonging to the class called benzodiazepines are given to prevent withdrawal. Medical issues are often the main reason an addict enters a treatment entry point.
After this acute phase an outpatient 12 step program such as Alcoholics Anonymous is critical to maintain abstinence. Many patients who are addicted to drugs have co-morbid psychiatric conditions like depression that need to be addressed. Others have HIV/AIDS, which also need to be managed if a lasting solution is needed. Many rehab programs are covered by insurance and charity. They also have social workers who will help with the practical aspects of getting back to a productive life.
Above all, the commitment of the individuals working in the program helps sustain and develop faith and trust in the system since addicts are often marginalized members of society.
Friday, February 22, 2008
Faith Related Drug Rehabilitation
Faith based drug rehab is one approach to drug rehab that is slightly different from secular drug rehabilitation. The Christian religion based programs have at their core the belief that religion plays a critical role in the rehabilitation process. Therefore, all programs are designed to emphasize the primary role of religion in the life of the addicted individual.
The study of scripture, religious services, and group discussions may all play a part of Christian drug rehab. As with other programs that are specialized funding and sustenance may depend on client payments and grants. Other aspects of rehab such as medical and psychiatric evaluations as well as duration of therapy may be similar to secular rehab programs. Often the treatment is done in an inpatient setting and may last one month. Drug addictions as well as alcohol abuse are huge problems for society and their treatment requires committed individuals. Christian drug rehab has at its root the belief that faith heals and these programs are spearheaded by volunteers and altruistic individuals.
One program’s website states that they believe that God provides wholesome healing and overcomes the destructive power of drug addiction. These programs recognize Jesus Christ as the Higher Power referred to in 12 step programs. Christian drug rehab aims to rehabilitate the individual in a comprehensive manner by changing their view of the world and stressing the primacy of faith in the healing process. The philosophical basis of Christian drug rehab programs may not be well known to healthcare providers. It includes the concept that addiction arises from an attempt to fill a spiritual void through substance use and recovery through the process of salvation and a sustained relationship with God.
Christian drug rehab may be a model other religious or faith based organizations can use to develop drug rehabilitation programs.
The study of scripture, religious services, and group discussions may all play a part of Christian drug rehab. As with other programs that are specialized funding and sustenance may depend on client payments and grants. Other aspects of rehab such as medical and psychiatric evaluations as well as duration of therapy may be similar to secular rehab programs. Often the treatment is done in an inpatient setting and may last one month. Drug addictions as well as alcohol abuse are huge problems for society and their treatment requires committed individuals. Christian drug rehab has at its root the belief that faith heals and these programs are spearheaded by volunteers and altruistic individuals.
One program’s website states that they believe that God provides wholesome healing and overcomes the destructive power of drug addiction. These programs recognize Jesus Christ as the Higher Power referred to in 12 step programs. Christian drug rehab aims to rehabilitate the individual in a comprehensive manner by changing their view of the world and stressing the primacy of faith in the healing process. The philosophical basis of Christian drug rehab programs may not be well known to healthcare providers. It includes the concept that addiction arises from an attempt to fill a spiritual void through substance use and recovery through the process of salvation and a sustained relationship with God.
Christian drug rehab may be a model other religious or faith based organizations can use to develop drug rehabilitation programs.
Drugs And Alchoholism - Rehabilitation And Care
Being a kid is often tough. No one is really trying to argue against this. As much as the teenagers claim that no one really knows what they're going through, this is bogus. We were all there at one time in our lives. Maybe it was 10 years ago and maybe it was 30 years ago. The point is we do know the deal. Not that much has changed in regards to problems. Sure, now we have the Internet and cell phones, bla bla bla. However, the alcohol, drugs, sex and peer pressure have been around forever. We grappled with these issues just like teens do today. Sadly far too many children get involved with drugs and alcohol, as they have done for years. It's a nasty cycle that needs to end. Many of them don't even have real troubles. They're simply trying to be cool or fit in. Then before they know it, it's off to rehabilitation drugs programs. That's when reality really begins to kick in.
There are always new and improved rehabilitation drugs centers. You want to know why this is? It's obvious, right? Countless adults and juveniles need their assistance to get healthy again. One place that I felt was extra bad was Salem, Oregon. I spent a few years in this city while attending college in Portland. The youths seemed to really have issues with drugs and alcohol. Now, I do realize that this is everywhere, across the entire nation. However, this particular city was bad. They needed several rehabilitation drugs centers to deal. Or at least that's my opinion. I was able to come in contact with several teens through a volunteer program I was doing for school, and all eight of them were on drugs. They were receiving therapy for it from a rehab center. The odd part wasn't even that they were using. It was that they had no problems to grapple with. None that could be seen with the naked eye anyway. They all came from good upper-middle class homes with nice parents. No abuse or lack of love involved. They just decided to use drugs for the heck of it. That's pathetic! Anyway, I can't say that I felt sorry for a one of them. They were lame brats if you ask me.
People need to wake up! Check out the pros and cons of drugs. You may think there is a pro concerning the temporary high you receive, but can it even compare to the infinite cons? Do you really want to end up in a rehabilitation drugs center one day? Think about it!
There are always new and improved rehabilitation drugs centers. You want to know why this is? It's obvious, right? Countless adults and juveniles need their assistance to get healthy again. One place that I felt was extra bad was Salem, Oregon. I spent a few years in this city while attending college in Portland. The youths seemed to really have issues with drugs and alcohol. Now, I do realize that this is everywhere, across the entire nation. However, this particular city was bad. They needed several rehabilitation drugs centers to deal. Or at least that's my opinion. I was able to come in contact with several teens through a volunteer program I was doing for school, and all eight of them were on drugs. They were receiving therapy for it from a rehab center. The odd part wasn't even that they were using. It was that they had no problems to grapple with. None that could be seen with the naked eye anyway. They all came from good upper-middle class homes with nice parents. No abuse or lack of love involved. They just decided to use drugs for the heck of it. That's pathetic! Anyway, I can't say that I felt sorry for a one of them. They were lame brats if you ask me.
People need to wake up! Check out the pros and cons of drugs. You may think there is a pro concerning the temporary high you receive, but can it even compare to the infinite cons? Do you really want to end up in a rehabilitation drugs center one day? Think about it!
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