All addictions—whether to drugs, alcohol, food, gambling, or internet games—have a lot in common. They not only feel the same to the person who can't seem to stop, but there's not much difference in what's happening in the brain.read more
Addiction
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Most Topular Stories
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Behavioral Addictions vs. Substance Addictions
Addiction17 Jun 2013 | 5:13 pm -
5 Effective Ways to Stop Enabling an Addict
Decision Point Center3 Jun 2013 | 9:00 amHave you found out that a loved one has recently attended a skittles party and is addicted to drugs? Many families genuinely want to help their loved one to overcome their problem, but end up enabling the addiction instead. Here are some ways you can offer genuine help to your loved one who is struggling with this disease: 1. Do not argue or plead with your loved one. You wouldn’t get angry or blame a person who has any other chronic disease for having an illness, and addiction should be treated in the same way. This does not mean you need to be treated as a doormat either. 2. Do not… -
Missing enzyme linked to drug addiction
ScienceDaily: Addiction News17 Jun 2013 | 2:28 pmA missing brain enzyme increases concentrations of a protein related to pain-killer addiction, according to an animal study. -
A Weak Smoker’s Vaccine Might Be Worse Than None
Addiction Inbox16 Jun 2013 | 10:47 amNew PET scans show wide responses to antibodies. One of the brightest hopes of addiction science has been the idea of a vaccine—an antibody that would scavenge for drug molecules, bind to them, and make it impossible for them to cross the blood-brain barrier and go to work. But there are dozens of good reasons why this seemingly straightforward approach to medical treatment of addiction is devilishly difficult to perform in practice. Last January, health care company Novartis threw in the towel on NicVax, a nicotine vaccine that failed to beat placebos in Phase III clinical trials for the… -
Britain's Kate to give birth in same hospital as Princess Diana
Yahoo! Health News19 Jun 2013 | 9:00 amLONDON (Reuters) - Britain's Duchess of Cambridge, Kate Middleton, will give birth to the future heir to the British throne in the same hospital where the late Princess Diana gave birth to Princes William and Harry, royal sources said on Wedne...
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Yahoo! Health News
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Britain's Kate to give birth in same hospital as Princess Diana
19 Jun 2013 | 9:00 amLONDON (Reuters) - Britain's Duchess of Cambridge, Kate Middleton, will give birth to the future heir to the British throne in the same hospital where the late Princess Diana gave birth to Princes William and Harry, royal sources said on Wedne... -
Kate Middleton to give birth in same hospital as Princess Diana
19 Jun 2013 | 8:57 amLONDON (Reuters) - The Duchess of Cambridge, Kate Middleton, will give birth to the future heir to the British throne in the same hospital where the late Princess Diana gave birth to Princes William and Harry, royal sources said on Wednesday. The ... -
Niche drugmaker ViroPharma attracts takeover interest: sources
19 Jun 2013 | 8:52 amBy Jessica Toonkel NEW YORK (Reuters) - ViroPharma Inc, a drug maker specializing in rare diseases, is attracting preliminary acquisition interest from several pharmaceutical companies, according to three people familiar with the matter. No deal i... -
New Hampshire nears approval of medical marijuana law
19 Jun 2013 | 7:36 amBy Jason McLure LITTLETON, New Hampshire (Reuters) - New Hampshire is set to become the final state in New England to allow medical marijuana after negotiators from the Republican-controlled Senate and Democratic-controlled House agreed Tuesday on... -
New 'Obamacare' exchanges could miss enrollment deadline: GAO
19 Jun 2013 | 7:22 amBy David Morgan WASHINGTON (Reuters) - New health insurance exchanges being set up by the federal government in more than 30 states under President Barack Obama's 2010 healthcare overhaul could miss an October 1 deadline for open enrollment, a...
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Alcohol / Addiction / Illegal Drugs News From Medical News Today
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Link Between Missing Enzyme And Drug Addiction
18 Jun 2013 | 5:00 amA missing brain enzyme increases concentrations of a protein related to pain-killer addiction, according to an animal study. The results were presented at The Endocrine Society's 95th Annual Meeting in San Francisco. Opioids are pain-killing drugs, derived from the opium plant, which block signals of pain between nerves in the body... -
Variant Of Main Painkiller Receptor Designed
18 Jun 2013 | 1:00 amOpioids, such as morphine, are still the most effective class of painkillers, but they come with unwanted side effects and can also be addictive and deadly at high doses... -
Medical Marijuana For Teens For Chronic Pain Not Recommended
18 Jun 2013 | 12:00 amMedical marijuana is not recommended for teenagers with chronic pain, despite the fact that the cause of chronic pain can be hard to identify and some medications do not work, Mayo Clinic researchers say. The finding was published in the July 2013 issue of Mayo Clinic Proceedings... -
Moderate Alcohol In Pregnancy Is Safe
18 Jun 2013 | 12:00 amDrinking a few glasses of wine every week won't harm a pregnant woman's child, according to new research published in BMJ Open. The study looked at what effects moderate drinking during pregnancy might have on fetal neurodevelopment. Moderate drinking is characterized as consuming 3 to 7 glasses of alcohol per week... -
Genes Contribute To Problem Drinking To A Greater Extent In African-American Than European American Women
17 Jun 2013 | 12:00 amAn early age at first drink (AFD) is associated with a greater risk for subsequent alcohol use disorders (AUDs). While African Americans (AAs) generally report an older AFD and fewer alcohol-related problems than European Americans (EAs), few studies have explored the association between AFD and problem drinking across ethnicity...
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ScienceDaily: Addiction News
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Missing enzyme linked to drug addiction
17 Jun 2013 | 2:28 pmA missing brain enzyme increases concentrations of a protein related to pain-killer addiction, according to an animal study. -
Medical marijuana not the answer for teens with chronic pain, doctors say
17 Jun 2013 | 6:09 amAdolescents can have chronic pain, just like adults. As patients, their parents and physicians search for solutions, there is one increasingly available option they should avoid, researchers say: medical marijuana. -
Could novel drug target autism and fetal alcohol disorder?
13 Jun 2013 | 1:18 pmA surprising new study reveals a common molecular vulnerability in autism and fetal alcohol disorder. Both have social impairment symptoms and originate during brain development. The study found male offspring of rat mothers given alcohol during pregnancy have social impairment and altered levels of autism-related genes found in humans. But the damage was reversed with a thyroid hormone given to the mothers during pregnancy. -
Tobacco laws for youth may reduce adult smoking
13 Jun 2013 | 1:17 pmStates that want to reduce rates of adult smoking may consider implementing stringent tobacco restrictions on teens. Scientists discovered that states with more restrictive limits on teens purchasing tobacco also have lower adult smoking rates, especially among women. -
Brain's 'dark side' as key to cocaine addiction
12 Jun 2013 | 11:47 amScientists have found evidence that an emotion-related brain region called the central amygdala —- whose activity promotes feelings of malaise and unhappiness —- plays a major role in sustaining cocaine addiction.
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Addiction Blog
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Signs and symptoms of Ativan addiction
19 Jun 2013 | 6:11 amDo you think you know someone who may be addicted to Ativan? Ativan (lorazepam) is an extremely addictive sedative that can cause euphoric effects similar to other benzodiazepines (especially if you take lorazepam to get high). In fact, you can become both physically and psychologically dependent on Ativan. The risk of Ativan addiction increases greatly for those who have been dependent upon drugs before, who snort Ativan, or take Ativan other than prescribed. Here, we will explore the signs and symptoms of Ativan addiction and explain how you can help someone who may be an Ativan addict. -
How long does crack withdrawal last?
18 Jun 2013 | 4:59 amCrack withdrawal includes physical and psychological symptoms. But you can go through withdrawal, one of a few signs of crack addiction, almost every time you use. While physical symptoms usually resolve within a week, or so, cravings for cocaine can persist for weeks or months after last use. More here on the duration of crack withdrawal, addictive qualities of crack, and what you can do to treat them. Then, we invite your questions about getting off crack at the end. How long until crack withdrawal starts? Crack is a form of cocaine that is smoked and is popular among drug users who want… -
Can you drink alcohol after exercise?
17 Jun 2013 | 6:06 amWhy Alcohol and Exercise Never Work Out Written by Jennifer Taylor You have just finished a tough workout at the gym. Would a drink be a nice reward or does alcohol wipe out all your efforts? Think again. Drinking packs on fat,slows down your metabolism and robs your body of vital nutrients. Plus, craving a drink after working out can be a symptom of alcohol withdrawal. In this way, drinking alcohol goes against your exercise goals of health and fitness. Knowing the facts about how alcohol gets processed and what it does to your exercise routine can change your mind and in the end, benefit… -
How to treat Suboxone addiction
15 Jun 2013 | 5:46 amHave you been subscribed Suboxone (buprenorphine and naloxone), or used Suboxone recreationally, and are afraid you have become addicted? Do you think that you or a loved one exhibits symptoms of Suboxone addiction? While Suboxone addictive properties have been minimized due to the action of the drug to occupy opioid receptors WITHOUT inducing euphoria at therapeutic levels, addiction to Suboxone is still possible. We present a guide for the process of treating Suboxone addiction here. Plus, a section at the end for your questions about Suboxone. Suboxone addiction treatment: Are you even… -
Help for ecstasy addiction
13 Jun 2013 | 2:06 amEcstasy is slang for a drug known as methylenedioxymethamphetamine, or MDMA for short. While many users may deny the habit forming potential of ecstasy, ecstasy can be psychologically and physically addictive. In fact, ecstasy addictive qualities include clinical characteristics that are remarkably similar to other stimulant addictions. So how can you begin treating ecstasy addiction? And where do you find help for ecstasy addiction? Here, we review some practical ways you can help someone you think may be in need of ecstasy addiction treatment. We explore physical and psychological…
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Addiction Recovery
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Basics of Embroidery
10 Jun 2013 | 11:08 amBasics of Embroidery When you start using a new embroidering device, you’re probably considering all the embroidering designs you can use to embroider onto items. Most embroidering devices usually have several built-in designs. But at some point, you are going to want to make your own venture with your seal on it. Understanding how to get designs from different places is going to be crucial for you, which embroidering information structure is suitable with your machine, how to get them into your computer and exchange them to your embroidering device. This article describes what… -
Answer to the question: What is the actual worst drug in the world?
9 Jun 2013 | 10:40 amIt’s Q&A time again. This one comes from ‘MrBuuuuttt’ who is asking… If you’ve heard “the kids” by eminem, he says ecstasy is. I don’t think that’s true. I just wanna know what is the most harmful drug for someone to consume. I have a paper for a summer school class do and my topic is drugs and their effects on your body. Knowing the most harmful one will really give me a jump start Answer: cigarettes kill more people a year than illegal drugs do, but here are some of the things that other drugs do:- heroin is the most addictive… -
A Reader’s Question – Can I still take Paxil after a cleansing detox?
5 Jun 2013 | 6:00 amIt’s time for another question/answer. I know a lot of you like these so here we go. This one comes from -
Reader Question – Should I get involved? My friend’s boyfriend is a total jerk and I genuinely care about my friend!?
3 Jun 2013 | 5:00 amMany of you might be asking this same question so I’m posting with the answer here. Enjoy. The question is from Kalysa I know it’s not my place to judge or to tell anyone who to date or who not to date but I honestly cant stand my friend’s boyfriend! He is a “recovering” heroin addict, or so he claims. It’s in brackets because I highly, highly doubt that he is. My friend is adamant that he is recovering and is willing to give him money for “treatment” or whatever else he requires. He has been obnoxious, arrogant, rude and disrespectful since day… -
Q&A: What should you do for someone who tries suicide alone?
2 Jun 2013 | 5:00 amI was looking through some old posts and found this question. I thought it was a good one so I wanted to post an answer here. The question comes from ‘HelpOneAnother’: I asked earlier about my husband. Now he came over and told me he took a lot of pills 4 nights ago to commit suicide, but just got sick. I just feel empty, but didn’t ask him to stay. I told him if he went to rehab I would go to counseling with him afterward, but promise nothing else. Help! Answer: You didn’t specify if you and your husband were still living together. It sounds as if you aren’t. It…
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Addiction
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Availability of convenience stores and adolescent alcohol use in Taiwan: a multilevel analysis of national surveys
17 Jun 2013 | 1:36 amAbstract AimTo examine the association between alcohol in school environments and adolescent alcohol use over the previous 6 months. DesignsA multilevel logistic regression analysis of cross-sectional surveys conducted in 2004, 2005, and 2006 was performed. Participants and settingsA total of 52,214 students aged 11 to 19 years from 387 middle or high schools were selected from a nationally representative, multistage, stratified probability sampling across Taiwan. MeasurementsInformation on sociodemographic features and substance use experiences was collected using self-administered… -
Effects of reward and punishment on brain activations associated with inhibitory control in cigarette smokers
17 Jun 2013 | 1:35 amAbstract Background and aimsSusceptibility to use of addictive substances may in part result from a greater preference for an immediate small reward relative to a larger delayed reward or relative insensitivity to punishment. This fMRI study examined the neural basis of inhibiting an immediately rewarding stimulus to obtain a larger delayed reward in smokers. We also investigated whether punishment could modulate inhibitory control. DesignThe Monetary Incentive Go/NoGo (MI-Go/NoGo) task was administered that provided three types of reward outcomes contingent on inhibitory control performance… -
Driving under the influence (DUI) among patients in opioid maintenance treatment (OMT). A registry-based national cohort study
17 Jun 2013 | 1:35 amAimsTo investigate convictions for driving under the influence (DUI) before, during and after opioid maintenance treatment (OMT) and to examine factors associated with convictions for DUI during treatment. Design, setting and participantsTreatment data on all patients who started OMT in Norway between 1997 and 2003 (n =3221) were cross-linked with national criminal records using unique person identifiers. Patients were followed over a 9-year period, before, during and in periods out of opioid maintenance treatment. MeasurementsData were formal charges leading to convictions recorded during 4… -
Pain is Associated with Heroin Use over Time in HIV-Infected Russian Drinkers
17 Jun 2013 | 1:35 amAbstract AimsTo evaluate whether pain was associated with increased risk of using heroin, stimulants or cannabis among HIV-infected drinkers in Russia. DesignSecondary analysis of longitudinal data from the HERMITAGE study, a behavioral randomized controlled trial, with data collected at baseline, 6 month and 12 month visits. SettingRecruitment occurred at HIV and addiction treatment sites in St. Petersburg, Russian Federation. ParticipantsSix-hundred and ninety-nine HIV-infected adult drinkers. MeasurementsThe primary outcome was past month illicit drug use; secondary outcomes examined each… -
Sensitivity and Specificity of A Procedure for Early Human Screening of Novel Smoking Cessation Medications
17 Jun 2013 | 1:35 amAbstract Background and aimIt is important to find economical methods in early Phase 2 studies to screen drugs potentially useful to aid smoking cessation. A method has been developed that detects efficacy of varenicline and nicotine patch. This study aimed to evaluate whether the method would detect efficacy of bupropion and correctly identify lack of efficacy of modafinil. DesignUsing a within-subject double crossover design, smokers attempted to quit during each treatment, with bupropion (150 mg b.i.d.), modafinil (100 mg b.i.d.), or placebo (double-blind, counter-balanced order). In each…
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Addiction
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Dear Technology...Time to Unplug? (No.3)
18 Jun 2013 | 12:21 pmCould you imagine unplugging from your cellphone for a full day? Do you think there would be a cumulative impact if you did so once a week? In my recent letter to Technology, I contemplate the upside to technology while keeping in mind the consequences of a society constantly plugged in.read more -
Return to Spender
17 Jun 2013 | 11:26 pmAlthough a number of gambling researchers in the field have stated that data about expenditure on gambling is important to collect when doing prevalence surveys, getting accurate and reliable data is not easy to do. Find out why in this blog!read more -
Behavioral Addictions vs. Substance Addictions
17 Jun 2013 | 5:13 pmAll addictions—whether to drugs, alcohol, food, gambling, or internet games—have a lot in common. They not only feel the same to the person who can't seem to stop, but there's not much difference in what's happening in the brain.read more -
Health Care Reform for Addiction
17 Jun 2013 | 12:25 pmFor decades we have been pleading for improved access to addiction treatment. In some measure, our wish has been answered with new insurance regulations and parity for mental health care. Are there enough treatment providers to answer increased demand?read more -
Celebrities and Treatment Resistant Addiction
17 Jun 2013 | 10:35 amWhat is treatment resistant addiction? Simply put, it’s the category into which addicts are placed when they “try” to recover repeatedly, but do not and live in a near constant state of relapse.read more
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Addiction Inbox
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A Weak Smoker’s Vaccine Might Be Worse Than None
16 Jun 2013 | 10:47 amNew PET scans show wide responses to antibodies. One of the brightest hopes of addiction science has been the idea of a vaccine—an antibody that would scavenge for drug molecules, bind to them, and make it impossible for them to cross the blood-brain barrier and go to work. But there are dozens of good reasons why this seemingly straightforward approach to medical treatment of addiction is devilishly difficult to perform in practice. Last January, health care company Novartis threw in the towel on NicVax, a nicotine vaccine that failed to beat placebos in Phase III clinical trials for the… -
Seven Questions About Marijuana Legalization
10 Jun 2013 | 9:08 amRAND researcher nails it neatly. I’ve been meaning to offer up the key points from an excellent column on marijuana legalization that appeared in April in USA Today. Beau Kilmer, a senior policy researcher at the RAND Corporation, lists the “new and tricky issues” that Colorado and Washington forgot to consider in depth before passing broad legalization statutes. Both states are works in progress. What they have passed so far will undoubtedly be revisited. Without further ado, here are Kilmer’s “Seven Ps,” as I call them: Production. Who gets to grow it, where do they get to grow… -
What We Talk About When We Talk About Drugs
6 Jun 2013 | 8:28 amSome number crunching at bluelight.ru. A fantastic set of interactive graphics tracking conversational trends in drugs at the chat board bluelight.ru reveals some surprises, to the delight of data journalists everywhere. Virostatiq, a software package authored by Marko Plahuta, was put to the task of analyzing traffic at the drug discussion site. Various kinds of plots are available, with endless variables to permutate. Bear in mind that the data that got crunched dealt with the subject of messages, and cannot be directly correlated with drug use, trends, distributions, etc. But it is a… -
Will Marijuana “Dabbing” Harm the Legalization Movement?
2 Jun 2013 | 3:01 pm“Relax, bro—it’s just a blowtorch.” It is called dabbing, and it is something the marijuana legalization movement would rather you didn’t know about. As crack is to powdered cocaine, so a dab is to a joint of marijuana: the same drug, in a much more concentrated form. But butane hash oil, or BHO, the end product of dabbing, is seen by many in the movement as a potential public relations disaster. It’s easy to find instructions on the Internet for making butane hash oil. (Not to be confused with the hash oil of the 1970s produced, most commonly, using sieves, ice, naphtha, or… -
Big Tobacco Hasn't Given Up On Smoking. Have You?
31 May 2013 | 8:22 amWorld No Smoking Day.
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Stepping Stone Center For Recovery
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The Freedom of Forgiveness in Recovery
13 Jun 2013 | 9:42 amForgiveness Unlocks the Chains of Addiction When you first begin your recovery, you are flooded with emotions that you had tried to numb with alcohol and drugs. Now that you are clean and sober, you need to address these emotions to heal and maintain your sobriety. It’s common to feel anger or shame, but being able to forgive frees you from the poisonous emotions and lets you heal. Forgiving Others You probably feel anger and resentment toward people who have wronged you in the past. However, when you cling to those feelings for people, it acts as a poison. Every time those emotions… -
Matthew Perry’s Journey of Recovery
6 Jun 2013 | 6:50 amFinding Your Way Through Recovery The mid-90’s brought “Friends,” one of the most popular television shows with an infectiously happy theme song. People tuned in to see the antics of Rachel, Monica, Phoebe, Joey, Chandler and Ross. The group’s dynamic played on screen made it seem that they were having fun. However, for funny man Matthew Perry, who played Chandler on the show, this time in his life was far from the lighthearted comedy we saw on television. He was sick man struggling with the disease of addiction. Low Point Perry’s fame and success from the show was overshadowed by… -
Brownies Sending Kids to the Hospital?!
29 May 2013 | 12:43 pmBaked Goods or Ticket to the E.R.? You might have to think twice about letting your kids eat homemade cookies or brownies next time you’re at your grandmother’s house. The number of children being unintentionally poisoned by marijuana has been growing. In Colorado, where medical marijuana has been legal since 2009, there have been more than a dozen cases. Just When You Thought a Brownie Was Safe As the number of cases of marijuana-poisoned children increases, so has the severity of the symptoms, according to Dr. George Sam Wang of the Rocky Mountain Poison and Drug Center in Denver. The… -
Staying Safe on Memorial Day
23 May 2013 | 9:44 amDrinking and Boating Don’t Mix Memorial Day weekend is a favorite holiday for many. If you live near a beach or lake, you know where you plan on spending the long weekend. This holiday marks the beginning of the summer and is a popular time to get in the water with boats or jet skis. This might seem like innocent fun but it can be a dangerous time in the water, especially because so many people add alcohol to the mix. Danger on the Water So many people mix fun, sun, food and drinking during Memorial Day weekend. However, their celebrations can mean overindulging for some. You may think… -
The Ripple Effect of Addiction
16 May 2013 | 12:49 amAddicted Parents = Depressed Children as Adults You say you love your kids and would do anything for them. Would you give up alcohol and drugs for them? Even though you feel you have your drinking and drug habit under control, you really don’t. Every time you get drunk or high, you are affecting your children. The negative consequences of your substance abuse follow your children into adulthood. The Butterfly Effect A study at the University of Toronto looked at the relationship between adult depression and living with a parent with an addiction. Out of 6,268 adults, 312 experienced a major…
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A Song Not Scored For Breathing
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Slivers Of Grace
15 Jun 2013 | 10:40 am"I'm sorry you are questioning your faith.""Oh, I don't think it's a bad thing," I say with a smile.I believe that even though I'm at a teenager level of angst about how God does or doesn't work these days. And even though I find myself wanting to still, still, be a superhero when it comes to all things faith wise, I feel like I'm dragging my super hero cape behind me like a deflated balloon on a string.Who knows, maybe I will let go of the string one day or at least become comfortable with the tension between my ego's need for hero status and my soul's desire for what? I want to write… -
Acceptance
14 Jun 2013 | 8:44 pmMy BRCA 1 and 2 test came back negative. This news felt like getting the last piece of information in a very long journey. It's such a huge relief to know I am not passing this on to the next generation. And I'm sure it's a relief to my mom that even though she's had breast cancer (twice!) I did not get it through genetics. I know - as if a person can do anything about their genetics - as if it's in one's control but still, I'm relieved. That and the geneticist laid out what my reality would most likely be had the test come back positive. I don't blame Angelina Jolie one bit for being… -
Genuine
30 May 2013 | 12:54 pmI've had a lovely few days. I spent the night with a good friend whose company I enjoy. I went to the city to buy groceries and run errands, shopped for a rocking chair for my soon to be grandchild. Every day kind of things that make me feel like life is getting back to normal. I stopped in at work to get caught up to speed on what's been happening in preparation for my return to work next week.As I was driving into the city yesterday I felt full of gratitude for being able to do stuff like that. It's the first time since my breast cancer diagnosis/journey that I can remember… -
This Encouraged Me Today
25 May 2013 | 12:45 pmPatient TrustAbove all, trust in the slow work of God.We are quite naturally impatient in everythingTo reach the end without delay.We would like to skip the intermediate stages.We are impatient of being on the way to somethingUnknown, something new.And yet, it is the law of all progressThat it is made by passing throughSome stages of instability – And that it may take a very long time.And so I think it is with you;Your ideas mature gradually – let them grow,Let them shape themselves, without undue haste.Don’t try to force them on,As though you could be today what time,(that is to say,… -
Deep Pain
23 May 2013 | 8:32 amSo true.
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Self Improvement
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Spiritual Discipleship: Principles of Following Christ for Every Believer (Commitment To Spiritual Growth)
10 Jun 2013 | 9:15 amSpiritual Discipleship: Principles of Following Christ for Every Believer (Commitment To Spiritual Growth) [J. Oswald Sanders] on . *FREE* super saver shipping on qualifying offers. As J. Oswald points out, true discipleship is more than intellectual assent to a belief in Christ--it involves the whole person and lifestyle.Those with only superficial belief will soon fall away from the faithThe post Spiritual Discipleship: Principles of Following Christ for Every Believer (Commitment To Spiritual Growth) appeared first on Self Improvement. -
Emergency Weight Loss – How to Lose a Dramatic Amount of Weight in 4 Weeks
9 Jun 2013 | 10:43 amEmergency Weight Loss - How to Lose a Dramatic Amount of Weight in 4 Weeks: Billy Timmins: Kindle StoreThe post Emergency Weight Loss – How to Lose a Dramatic Amount of Weight in 4 Weeks appeared first on Self Improvement. -
Handbook of Competence and Motivation
8 Jun 2013 | 2:10 pmHandbook of Competence and Motivation [Andrew J. Elliot PhD, Carol S. Dweck PhD] on . *FREE* super saver shipping on qualifying offers. This important handbook provides a comprehensive, authoritative review of achievement motivation and establishes the concept of competence as an organizing framework for the field. The editors synthesize diverse perspectives on why and how individuals are motivated in schoolThe post Handbook of Competence and Motivation appeared first on Self Improvement. -
Creativity In Context: Update To The Social Psychology Of Creativity
8 Jun 2013 | 11:06 amCreativity In Context: Update To The Social Psychology Of Creativity [Teresa M Amabile] on . *FREE* super saver shipping on qualifying offers. Creativity in Context is an update of The Social Psychology of Creativity, a classic text for researchersThe post Creativity In Context: Update To The Social Psychology Of Creativity appeared first on Self Improvement. -
Daring Greatly: How the Courage to Be Vulnerable Transforms the Way We Live, Love, Parent, and Lead
7 Jun 2013 | 2:03 pmDaring Greatly: How the Courage to Be Vulnerable Transforms the Way We Live, Love, Parent, and Lead [Brene Brown] on . *FREE* super saver shipping on qualifying offers. Researcher and thought leader Dr. Brené Brown offers a powerful new vision that encourages us to dare greatly: to embrace vulnerability and imperfectionThe post Daring Greatly: How the Courage to Be Vulnerable Transforms the Way We Live, Love, Parent, and Lead appeared first on Self Improvement.
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About.com Addictions
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Learn CPR -- You Could Save a Life
15 Jun 2013 | 5:15 amDrug users are at risk of dying from cardiac failure, but they can also be life savers. In the past, I have blogged about the empowerment of drug users to reverse overdoses. Today, I want to encourage drug users to consider learning CPR, to potentially save the life of a friend. Even if you don't want to attend a class, familiarize yourself with the technique now -- you never know when you might need it. ...Read Full Post -
Contraception, STDs and Sex Addiction
1 Jun 2013 | 3:00 amImage © Yutthachai Imsomboon Sex addiction is an addictive behavior that can creep up on you over time -- what can start out as fun can develop into a compulsive pattern of behavior. There are many different types of sex addiction and not all of them involve the risk of pregnancy. But when compulsive sex does involve the risk of pregnancy, those involved can easily overlook the need for contraception. ...Read Full Post -
Protecting Your Child From Food Addiction and Obesity
29 May 2013 | 1:15 amImage © Marta-Rostek More and more attention is being paid to the growing problem of obesity, particularly among Americans, and particularly among children. Although there are many potential reasons for increased obesity, experts are citing food addiction as possible cause in many cases. Parents are, of course, responsible for feeding their children, and research shows that their attitude towards food has a significant impact on whether children will develop eating disorders and other problems with food. ...Read Full Post -
Accessing Needle Exchange Programs
28 May 2013 | 4:59 pmThe decision to attend a needle exchange can be enormous. Suddenly, after what is usually an extended period of secrecy, you are going public with your addiction. And IV drug addiction probably carries the greatest stigma of all addictions. ...Read Full Post -
The Long-Awaited Release of DSM-5
26 May 2013 | 5:03 amThis past week marked the long-awaited release of the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). In the period leading up to the this landmark event, I have blogged about many of the proposed changes, including:...Read Full Post
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Drug Rehab Blog
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What is Narconon? How does it work?
28 May 2013 | 9:11 pmBy Brad Melnychuk People often want to know what Narconon drug rehabilitation is. Well here’s the story: Narconon began in 1966 when an Arizona State Prison inmate named William Benitez was attempting to quit his heroin addiction. In the prison library he came across a book written by Scientology founder L. Ron Hubbard. The book [...]Related Posts:Drug Rehabilitation success rates 10% vs. 90%Drug Education, the Best Lecture was April 1968Family member is an addict? Alcohol? Cocaine? Pain killers?…The Secret Underlying Narconon’s Drug Rehabilitation…Alcohol Abuse and… -
Drug Rehabilitation success rates 10% vs. 90%
26 May 2013 | 3:20 pmBy Brad Melnychuk If one were to listen to the rumors spread around at Addiction Treatment Conferences, or attend meetings about Methadone Treatment (such as one I attended in Toronto not long ago, promoting Part One of a series of Methadone Treatment videos coming out) one would take on the belief that the success rate [...]Related Posts:Drug Prevention, Drug Education, Look for the BestCost of Drug Rehab TreatmentOntario, Canada Addiction Treatment, Paid or NotWhat is Narconon? How does it work?Comment on Harm Reduction -
Be Drug Free
27 Mar 2013 | 8:58 pmBe Drug Free. Don’t believe the propaganda – Don’t believe the profiteers’ dogma. Drugs are not for your well being, Drugs are known to cause your losing. Look. See –the lives its ruined. Ask a user if he’d wished he hadn’t. Ask an ex-addict why he stopped. Ask a addict if he wished he were [...]Related Posts:Teenage DrinkerOntario, Canada Addiction Treatment, Paid or NotAn Alcoholic Husband, and His WifeHow to Achieve a Happy Drug-Free Life in 2012Drugs and Crime and Rehabilitation -
Letter From a 1970s Narconon Staff Member
22 Mar 2013 | 8:12 pmHi Brad,I do have a few pieces that with a little search I should be able to locate. Not everything has been saved. The poem which I mentioned called “Addict” was written in mid 1970s based upon real experience of student Jim M leaving course. Later that afternoon I found him at Norm’s Grill in [...]Related Posts:How to Find Holistic Drug Rehab CentersDrug Prevention Grants, Best Practices That Prevent…Teenage DrinkerMy Friend is on DrugsLessons Learned From Having a Loved One with a Neverending… -
Alone on the Street
21 Mar 2013 | 7:04 pm(TO THE HOMELESS AND “STREET PEOPLE”; WITH UNDERSTANDING) I saw him there sitting, just he and his bottle. In a stairwell he was, for again another stay. No one knows better the sidewalks than he. Or those feelings… of loss and the dulling sensation daily from his drink, than he, this castaway. The streets feel [...]Related Posts:My Friend is on DrugsDrugs and Crime and RehabilitationTORONTO POLICE SERVICES, Anti-Violence Summit, Connects withA Mother’s LoveTo Children and Young Teenagers
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INTERVENE: A Community for Parents
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The CRAFT Approach: Encouraging Healthy, Constructive, Positive Changes for Your Family
17 Jun 2013 | 2:15 pmBy Jeff Foote, Carrie Wilkens and Nicole Kosanke “My son is using drugs and it’s wrecking our family. I’ve tried to talk to him, but he just gets mad and then we just stop talking. What should I do?” We often receive this kind of call here at Center for Motivation & Change (CMC). It’s a terrible call because of the anguish involved. It’s also a wonderful call, because we have the tools needed to help. A call like this provides our CMC clinicians the opportunity to invite the family member to learn about CRAFT. Community Reinforcement and Family Training, or CRAFT, is an… -
Announcing a New Collaboration: Exploring Alternative Approaches to Dealing with a Loved One’s Addiction
14 Jun 2013 | 5:50 amForty percent of the calls that we receive on the Parent Helpline are from despairing moms and dads looking for a sensible answers to help them deal with their teenagers’ and young adults’ drug abuse and dependencies. By the time parents find their way to us, the “conversation” with their teen hasn’t worked, the abstinence contract has been broken, and they have heard all about “tough love,” “letting them hit bottom” and “enabling” — with enough gratuitous advice and ideological claptrap about how to “fix” the problem, that their heads are reeling. Yet, their… -
From Discovery To Recovery: My Emotional Journey As The Parent Of An Addict
6 Jun 2013 | 12:44 pmWhat’s it like being the parent of an addict? I’m not talking about the day-to-day experience with a crisis and drama around every corner. I mean what is it like inside the mind of a parent who has gone from discovery (of a child’s drug use) to recovery (from a drug addiction)? As I take stock of my current emotional state – examining all of the emotions I have felt over the last 10 years – I wonder: Am I normal? Am I a survivor? Am I crazy? Maybe I’m just a composite of these experiences and it’s simply who I am now. After reflecting on the last 10 years, here is my… -
Renowned Psychiatrist Dr. John Sharp on Addiction, the Teen Brain and Early Intervention
23 May 2013 | 11:28 amWe’re thrilled to share the following video featuring Dr. John Sharp, a renowned psychiatrist, bestselling author and faculty member at both the Harvard Medical School and the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA. In this video, shot by Clio award-winning director Lori Hoeft, Sharp discusses the genetics of addiction, the developing teen brain and the importance of early intervention. Sharp encourages parents to take action early. “Your role is critical,” he says. “You can influence the behavior of your loved one. You want to continuously let him or her know how much you care and… -
Help Stop Urban Outfitters From Selling Products That Promote Medicine Abuse
21 May 2013 | 8:14 amEarlier this month, The Partnership at Drugfree.org was alerted that Urban Outfitters, the national retail store popular with teens, is selling pint glasses, flasks and shot glasses made to look like prescription pill bottles. These products make light of prescription drug misuse and abuse, a dangerous behavior that is responsible for more deaths in the United States each year than heroin and cocaine combined. In fact, medicine abuse has increased 33 percent over the past five years with one in four teens having misused or abused a prescription drug in their lifetime. Combined with alcohol,…
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The Fix | News
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UFC Veteran Fighter Jailed for Drug Trafficking
19 Jun 2013 | 9:00 amPaul Kelly is sentenced to 13 years for helping run a major heroin ring in Liverpool, England. -
Johnny Depp Stayed Sober During Breakup
19 Jun 2013 | 8:11 amThe actor says drinking to cope with his split from Vanessa Paradis "could have been fatal." -
Morning Roundup: June 19, 2013
19 Jun 2013 | 2:00 amModerate drinking during pregnancy may not hurt the baby, US adult smoking rate dips to 18%, and Miley Cyrus says marijuana is way safer than booze. -
What Is the World Getting Drunk On?
18 Jun 2013 | 2:12 pmThis graphic shows which nations hit which hard liquors the hardest, fueling some stereotypes and confounding others. -
Coffee's Energy Boost Is a Sign That You're Addicted
18 Jun 2013 | 1:23 pmCaffeine's "pick-me-up" could just be the body fighting withdrawal, according to a new study.
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Addiction Treatment Magazine
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Ozzy Osbourne’s Struggles With Addiction Put Him in ‘Dark Place’
19 Jun 2013 | 4:44 amHeavy metal and reality TV star Ozzy Osbourne recently posted on Facebook about his relapse into drug and alcohol abuse. Rumors had been swirling that Ozzy and his also famous wife Sharon were set to divorce, but the rocker says that it is a period of tough love in his marriage, not the end of their commitment. The celebrity couple has been married for over three decades and during that time, wife Sharon has weathered any number of drug-induced storms. Osbourne, aka The Prince of Darkness, let folks know via social media that he has been in a “very dark place.” He confessed to abusing… -
Drug Addiction: Changes in Brain Chemistry Caused by Cocaine, Researchers Find
18 Jun 2013 | 1:24 pmBefore adulthood, the brain naturally produces significant amounts of nerve cells called neurons, which power the main coordination and control functions of the central nervous system. Doctors and scientists refer to the process of neuron production as neurogenesis. During adulthood, neurogenesis essentially comes to a halt in almost all areas of the brain except for a region called the hippocampus, which plays a primary role in certain functions related to memory and learning. According to findings reported in 2011 by the National Institute on Drug Abuse, use/abuse of the illegal stimulants… -
Mental Illness and Heavy Marijuana Use Go Hand-in-Hand, Study Shows
17 Jun 2013 | 12:59 pmA recent report from Canada’s Center for Addiction and Mental Health has given hard numbers to what experts have long realized – that mental illness is a risk factor for marijuana use. According to the Canadian report, having a mental illness makes a person seven times likelier to use marijuana regularly compared to people who have no mental illness. Everyone seems to have known this was a hand-in-glove relationship, but the Canadian study is the first to ascribe actual figures to the co morbidity issue. The Canadian study used data gleaned through more than 43,000 interviews with U.S. -
Stimulating Neurons Blocks Desire for Cocaine | Drug Addiction
14 Jun 2013 | 1:15 pmScientists have uncovered a neuron stimulation practice that could reduce the drive to use cocaine in those gripped by addiction to the stimulant. Scientists have keyed on two groups of neurons that they describe as “sluggish” in their studies on cocaine-addicted lab rats. By stimulating these groups of neurons, the scientists have eased the rats’ drive to seek out a cocaine fix. The prelimbic cortex is the area of the brain where impulse control and reward-drive are controlled. This area is where a person’s strength or weakness in self-control is located. Scientists didn’t know… -
Inhalant Use During Pregnancy Cause of Brain Damage
13 Jun 2013 | 10:53 amInhalants are a broad, diverse group of chemicals united mainly by their role in opportunistic substance abuse among preteens, teenagers, and adults. When used during pregnancy, these chemicals can pass into the bloodstream of a developing fetus and produce potential effects that include a premature end of the pregnancy through miscarriage, premature childbirth, and damage to normal brain development. In addition, the newborn children of mothers who use certain inhalants during pregnancy can develop a condition called fetal solvent syndrome, which produces effects that strongly resemble the…
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Destination Freedom
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Seeking a Treatment Center for my Sexual Addiction
17 Jun 2013 | 5:00 pmIn the room of Sexaholics Anonymous I remember reading something about how many of us have given up our wills to a higher power in degrees, rather than all at once. We offer it at first and then take it back only to realize that left to our own devices we don’t really stand a chance. And so here I am, admitting that that’s how I have been. Inching my way away from hell instead of running joyously towards heaven as CS Lewis describes it in his great story, The Great Divorce. Here is an update of my progress. I am hoping it will not be the last time in a while. Mid May I went on a… -
Act Your Way Into Right Thinking
8 Apr 2013 | 11:01 amDear friends, I know I haven’t been much help to you over the last little while, but hopefully you are still receiving benefit from listening to the past interviews with the amazing guests we did a couple years back. A little report on where I’m at. I have been attending SA meetings for the last year and the power in seeing lives change has begun to take hold. I have completed my first step inventory and shared it with two groups I attend. For those who don’t know what a “1st Step” is, it’s a sexual history inventory that you write and share with a sponsor… -
Pornography Addiction – Who gets Hurt?
28 Aug 2012 | 4:08 pmGlen D. Williams Glen Williams, author of this post has written well over 100 articles on health related topics and is runs E-Home-Fellowship (EHF), Inc. which provides help to those with health issues. Here he shares the parties typically involved when someone has a pornography addiction and how each are affected by it. You can contact Glen here. His views are his own. We get home from work and want to wind down, so we turn on the pornograph (computer) and visit our favorite sites. Soon, we don’t even remember the struggles of work. Afterwards, we’re relaxed, calm. To chase away… -
Pornography Addiction’s Destructive Path
28 Jul 2012 | 3:23 pmThe following is an article written by Dr. Kevin Skinner, LMFT who shares three cases of those who took his Assessing Pornography Addiction survey. Following each brief exchange, he adds his comments to share the significance of each of their answers. If you’d like to take the self assessment yourself you can find the questionnaire here. Also, note that if you have any questions for Dr. Skinner you can address them to him here. His views are his own. Many people don’t want to talk about pornography addiction. In fact, our society is beginning to embrace pornography as a… -
7 Days Sober
25 Jun 2012 | 3:13 pmI hit a milestone in my recovery this week and I have to say, only by the grace of God! Tonight I attended my weekly meeting where I pass out chips to those who have reached certain sobriety milestones on their path to recovery. The first chip is a 30 day chip. I’ve attended some sort of recovery meeting fairly steady now since 2007 and I’ve never received one. Now I tell you this so you can realize how much of a fun thing it was for me to create my own “7 Day Chip” in the meeting and then present it to myself tonight. Yeah, I did some things to help in that…
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Hydrocodone Help
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Grief and Hydrocodone Addiction
16 Jun 2013 | 10:00 pmGrief can be a compelling instigator to hydrocodone abuse and addiction. Grief produces many unwanted and sometimes unmanageable emotions and feelings of despair. People may turn to hydrocodone to mask the unwanted emotions and escape the unmanageable feelings. Some of the causes of grief induced hydrocodone abuse include the following: Loss of a loved one – Losing a loved one can produce seemingly uncontrollable grief, which can cause people to turn to drugs in order to cope. People may turn to drugs first because they are unaware of healthier coping methods or want immediate relief from… -
Dangers of Relapsing on Hydrocodone
12 Jun 2013 | 10:00 pmHydrocodone is an opiate that is commonly combined with other substances to make prescription painkillers. Like other opiates, it produces a euphoric high and can be extremely addictive. When hydrocodone users become addicted, the addiction takes root and can destroy their lives. Some hydrocodone users see the damage addiction causes and then commit to recovery, but this is a daily challenge; during difficult times or even times of great confidence, the threat of relapse can be intimidating. Relapse is returning to using a substance after choosing abstinence. There are many risks involved… -
Cultural Issues Related to Hydrocodone Addiction
8 Jun 2013 | 10:00 pmWhile some people may have preconceived notions about individuals with hydrocodone addiction, the truth is that having any sort of preconceived ideas about addiction can do more harm than good. For too long there has been an underlying idea that addiction only occurs within certain income levels, certain races, and or in those who simply don’t have the deeply instilled morals that our parents should have provided us. The harsh reality is that any person can find him or herself facing the consequences of hydrocodone dependence and addiction. How Hydrocodone Abuse Could Start No one… -
Can Hydrocodone Cause Personality Disorders?
4 Jun 2013 | 10:00 pmAccording to the National Institutes of Health, personality disorders are mental health conditions that yield long-term patterns of behaviors, emotions and thoughts that differ from a culture’s expectations. If you couple these problems with hydrocodone abuse, then patients require professional treatment to recover. Types of Personality Disorders There are several types of personality disorders, including the following examples: Antisocial personality disorder Avoidant personality disorder Borderline personality disorder Dependent personality disorder Histrionic personality disorder… -
STDs and Hydrocodone Addiction
31 May 2013 | 10:00 pmMany prescription painkillers feature a narcotic compound called hydrocodone, which comes from the same plant as heroin. Despite being a common painkiller, hydrocodone is still a highly addictive drug. When taken in excess or with other substances, the drug leaves users highly intoxicated and willing to engage in risky behaviors, like unprotected and unhealthy sex. This can lead to sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), but rehab can address these problems as well as drug abuse. Statistics of STDs According to a 2011 report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 19 million people…
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Valium Addiction Help
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What Is Social Model Detox?
18 Jun 2013 | 5:00 pmRecovering from Valium addiction is a multistep process. When people have developed drug dependence, they have adapted to the substance to the extent they experience withdrawal symptoms when the drug is not present in their bodies. The first step in treatment is detox, during which the drug clears the addict’s system and the body reacts and adapts. Detox is essentially drug withdrawal, which is a physical process that takes place automatically when dependent drug users stop consuming drugs. Although the process occurs with or without supervision, the term “detox” generally refers to… -
What Is Acute Hospital-Based Detox?
14 Jun 2013 | 5:00 pmWhen people have become physically dependent on drugs or alcohol, they experience withdrawal symptoms when the substances are not regularly consumed. The symptoms can be very uncomfortable and dangerous. The process of undergoing withdrawal until all drugs have left the body is known as detoxification or detox. It is always wise to undergo detox under medical supervision. In a publication entitled Detoxification and Substance Abuse Treatment, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration discusses the importance of matching the clinical needs of patients with the appropriate… -
Stress Management for Chronic Pain
10 Jun 2013 | 5:00 pmChronic pain is a complex problem that is entirely different from acute pain. Acute pain begins suddenly and is usually sharp. It can last from a few minutes to a few months, but eventually it goes away when the cause of the pain has been treated. In contrast, chronic pain persists even after an injury has healed, or there might be an ongoing reason for the pain (like arthritis). Sometimes, however, people experience chronic pain even though they have not experienced an injury. According to Psychology Today chronic pain is related to the signals in the brain and may be driven as much by… -
Staying Sober while on Vacation
6 Jun 2013 | 5:00 pmVacation can be a very challenging time for a person who is recovering from addiction to drugs or alcohol. A vacation can provide a variety of potential relapse triggers that can disrupt recovery. If the recovering addict relapses while on vacation, he or she is likely to return feeling extremely guilty, He or she may lose the resolve to stay sober and may soon fall back into old habits of drug abuse. However, by meeting these challenges with confidence and planning ideas about how to avoid relapse, the recovering addict can reap tremendous rewards from the experience. It may even be that… -
How Equine Therapy Can Help People with Addiction
2 Jun 2013 | 5:00 pmHuman beings have a deep, profound and somewhat mysterious connection with horses. Humans and horses have interacted closely for thousands of years, each having a profound impact on the other. Neither humans nor horses would be exactly what they are today without the other. For example before the age of artificial power, horses were essential to a wide range of human endeavors from farming and agriculture to transportation and warfare. Also humans had a major impact on the evolution of the horse in developing the various breeds in order to suit their needs. Beyond these facts, however, humans…
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Heroin Detox Rehab
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Suburban Heroin Use
15 Jun 2013 | 5:00 pmThe National Survey on Drug Use and Health has reported the following findings concerning heroin: Initiations to heroin have increased 80% since 2002 Among those ages 12 to 17, nearly 34,000 youths abuse heroin for the first time in a given year Among those ages 12 to 17, nearly 3,753 youths used heroin on any given day Treatment admission to rehab centers for heroin users increased 57% from 1996 to 2006 The majority of youth ages 12 to 17 who used heroin were white, followed by Latinos and then African Americans According to the US Department of Justice, use of heroin is increasing among… -
Negative Life Events and Heroin Addiction
11 Jun 2013 | 5:00 pmAddiction to heroin is often a result of trying to cope with past negative life events and to escape the negative feelings connected with them. Negative events in a person’s past can lead to the development of various mental, social, mood, and behavioral disorders. In a lot of cases these disorders can lead to drug abuse and the development of a drug dependence and addiction. Some common negative life events that often lead to mental health disorders and heroin addiction include the following: Childhood trauma Sexual abuse Emotional abuse Drug addicted parents Natural disasters Loss of a… -
Individualized Treatment Planning for Heroin Addiction Recovery
7 Jun 2013 | 5:00 pmThere are two phases of heroin addiction treatment. The first is the detox and withdrawal phase. During this phase, the drug is flushed from the user’s body so that she will no longer be physically dependent on the substance. The second phase of treatment is rehab, which treats the patient’s psychological heroin dependence. This happens as professionals work through the underlying issues of addiction and educate users about how to live without heroin. While this is the basic structure of heroin rehab, each individual addict is different. Every addict has specific treatment needs, so their… -
How Quickly Can I Get into Treatment for Heroin Addiction?
3 Jun 2013 | 5:00 pmHeroin addicts know all too well how destructive this addiction is, so take action immediately to get professional help. Waiting even a day before you get into a detox program can feel like an eternity for you and for your loved ones, so there is no time to delay treatment. Many factors impact how quickly you get into treatment for heroin addiction, but with professional help you can expedite this process. Insurance Coverage for Heroin Addiction You may find that you cannot get into heroin rehab because of your insurance coverage and your ability to pay for treatment. Each insurance company… -
How Can Moms Help Adult Children Struggling with Heroin Abuse?
30 May 2013 | 5:00 pmOne of the most emotionally excruciating things a parent can endure is watching an adult child struggle with addiction to a drug like heroin. Chemical dependence is a confusing and terrifying disease to observe, and mothers are often left heartbroken, wondering what they can do to help their children break free. The following is a list of specific things every parent of an addict should consider. Educate Yourself One of the first things every concerned mom should do is to educate herself on the true facts concerning heroin addiction and recovery. Many people do not understand the nature of…
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Addiction Treatment Blog by Addiction Experts » Addiction Blog
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The Importance of Recognizing and Treating Mental Disorders in Young People
19 Jun 2013 | 9:00 amA new report by the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) concludes that up to 20 percent of kids age 3-17 suffer from a mental disorder. The report also states that the number of kids diagnosed with a mental disorder has been on the rise for more than a decade. Dr. Ruth Perou, the lead author of the study, said that “this is a deliberate effort by CDC to show mental health is a [public] health issue” (Abrahamian). With so many children suffering from mental illness, it is important that parents, teachers, etc. identify symptoms of mental illness so that… -
Nazi Soldiers Fed a Diet of Methamphetamine During WWII
18 Jun 2013 | 11:00 amThere have long been suspicions that Nazi soldiers were fed a diet of drugs to keep them alert, awake, and utterly ruthless. Letters from Heinrich Boll, a Nazi soldier during WWII who later became a Nobel Prize winning author, confirmed these rumors. His letters and subsequent conversations reveal that soldiers became reliant on a pill called Pervitin – essentially crystal methamphetamine capsules that were handed out to keep the soldiers on their toes. Pervitin was the brand name of a pill that the Nazis supplied to soldiers on the front line. It was used to increase… -
Reimagining Bereavement
18 Jun 2013 | 9:00 amIf there was one thing I never understood about how we react to death as a culture, it would be that there is needless stress and grief. Never have I understood this concept before. There seems to be varying opinions about death when we move from culture to culture. For instance, if you observe in Mexican culture, they have a holiday called “Día de los Muertos.” It’s a day where they notice, recognize, and celebrate all that have died. It’s a happy, festive occasion. I think we should adopt a similar attitude to these people. They have a better time dealing with bereavement… -
New York City Mayor Bloomberg calls medical marijuana “one of the greatest hoaxes of all time”
17 Jun 2013 | 11:00 amAlthough recent surveys demonstrate that public support of marijuana has steadily increased, New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg strongly voiced his disapproval of legalization efforts, calling medical marijuana “one of the greatest hoaxes of all time.” “Medical, my… come on. There’s no medical,” Bloomberg told WOR 710 AM, a New York news talk station, CBS New York reports. Just two days before the Mayor hit the airwaves, the New York State Assembly passed a bill that would decrease the punishment for possession of small quantities of marijuana to a fine, rather than an… -
Smoking Alcohol: A Dangerous Trend
17 Jun 2013 | 9:00 amIn college, getting drunk is almost a glorified ritual. The act of getting intoxicated is seen as a sort of rite of passage. It is also a time where many young men and women are watching their weight but are unwilling to completely let go of the booze that contains those dreaded extra calories. A new fad has found a way to circumvent this problem, at least in theory. Smoking alcohol has risen in the ranks of zero calorie drinks. Unfortunately, this new trend is also extremely dangerous, increasing the likelihood of alcohol poisoning and heightened intoxication from a lesser amount of…
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Prescription Drug Abuse Help | Treatment & Recovery Information
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Managing Anxiety and Pain Symptoms
16 Jun 2013 | 11:00 pmChronic pain alone can be incredibly challenging to live with. A fair number of people who live with chronic pain find themselves with an opiate dependence as a result of trying to manage their pain. The combination of anxiety and chronic pain, which can actually feed off of one another, can be incredibly challenging; especially when a pain medication addiction becomes an unfortunate reality for the pain patient. Anxiety over Treatment Options Chronic anxiety can be a complex mental disorder to live with. Living with chronic pain you very likely have increased levels of anxiety as a result of… -
Imovane (zopiclone) Abuse Risks
12 Jun 2013 | 11:00 pmImovane is the brand name of zopiclone, a prescription hypnotic drug that is classified as a non-benzodiazepine sleeping medication. It is sold in Canada, Australia, Norway and Russia. In Europe, this same chemical is sold under the name Zimavone. Although it is not currently commercially available in the United States, the active ingredient is used in the heavily advertised sleeping aid Lunesta. It was originally believed to be less prone to abuse and addiction than benzodiazepines, but many in the medical establishment have been changing their mind about this drug in the last few years. -
Dangers of Relapsing on Prescription Drugs
8 Jun 2013 | 11:00 pmRelapse is a major set back in the treatment and recovery process for many recovering addicts. While most users know they can relapse, when it happens it can be earth shattering and can completely change the course of recovery. For those who have abused prescription drugs in the past, the repercussions of relapse can cause a number of health and psychological risks. Therefore, seek help to ensure your continued recovery and avoid a devastating relapse. Dangers of Prescription Drug Relapse Regardless of the current state of someone’s addiction recovery, she can fall back into addiction if… -
Dangers of Combining Prescription Painkillers and Tranquilizers
5 Jun 2013 | 12:40 pmIn the broadest sense of the word, the term “tranquilizer” refers to any substance or activity that produces a calming or tranquilizing effect. Listening to certain types of music or engaging in meditation can be calming as can be taking certain herbal formulations. Usually, however, the term is used to refer to prescription drugs. These can be those used to treat psychosis, mania, insomnia, or anxiety. Tranquilizing drugs are sometimes classified as major or minor tranquilizers. Those used to treat psychosis and some cases of severe mania are generally classified as major while those… -
What Is Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome?
14 May 2013 | 11:00 pmThe average person knows that pregnant women should abstain from drinking, abusing drugs, and engaging in other behaviors that can pose a potential risk for the baby growing inside of her womb. When an addict falls pregnant, it is simply not as easy as just ceasing all harmful behaviors. If it were that simple to kick a dangerous addiction, then more women would simply put down the bottle or the drugs and walk away. The solution for those struggling with drug abuse during pregnancy is to enter into a qualified rehab for mothers-to-be. Untreated addiction in pregnancy can result in neonatal…
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All about Drugs and Alcohol Addiction
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The Relationship Between Alcohol Addiction and Emotional Hardship: A Research Study
18 Jun 2013 | 8:06 amIt’s a common concept that many people who suffer from addiction are addicted due to the habit of self medicating in order to alleviate painful or bad feelings; feelings such as helplessness, depression, anxiety, paranoia and fear are just a few emotions that can spur any person to drinking or using drugs in order to escape the problem. Two new studies are focusing on the origination of this concept, and whether or not people are more likely to drink due to negative emotions. Both studies were published in the journal JAMA psychiatry. And aside from the questions listed above, many other… -
Drug Abusers and Hepatitis
17 Jun 2013 | 6:30 amHepatitis C is a blood borne disease that can spread from blood to blood contact, sexual intercourse, or from a mother to a child. It is a disease without a vaccine and is currently incurable. Over time, Hepatitis C can cause scarring of the liver, liver cancer and can necessitate a liver transplant. The connection between Hepatitis C and drugs users is the same that AIDS and other blood diseases have in the community. There are certain drugs which can be abused intravenously. This means that drug users use the drug by injecting it into a vein or an artery with a syringe. A couple of drugs… -
Happy Father’s Day!!
14 Jun 2013 | 10:14 amInspirational Message of the Week For information on addiction treatment programs and services, you may reach us at: 800-570-4562 -
Father’s Day: Taking Recovery To a New Level
14 Jun 2013 | 8:20 amWhat is recovery without loved ones to share it with? After raising a child, from birth through addiction, there are often only two people who continue to suffer even after an addict finds recovery: their parents. Most others let it go, but your parents always fear, in the back of their heart, that they could be facing the same problems again one day. So for today, as Father’s Day presents itself, let’s make it a day focused on showing your appreciation for your Dad. Begin with honor, trust and “believability.” As people, we all benefit when we possess these qualities. It… -
Scientists Develop Breathalyzer That Can ‘Detect’ Drugs
13 Jun 2013 | 8:46 amBreathalyzer tests are well known to those who have been arrested for DUI or laws against driving drunk and public intoxication. At some time or another nearly every person has heard of or learned about what level of blood alcohol ratios are illegal when operating a vehicle. Law enforcement has also long since had at their disposal breathalyzer equipment in order to gauge whether a motorist has had too much to drink to be driving. It has been incredibly useful in situations that include individuals who have had too much to drink, yet are not sloppily and obviously drunk. .08 is the level at…
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Family First Intervention
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A&E Cancels Intervention TV Show
18 Jun 2013 | 12:02 pmFor many years the reality show Intervention on A&E drew millions of people to watch as family members and intervention counselors worked to convince people to enter into treatment for substance abuse problems. It was considered a groundbreaking show by many respects, and despite any criticism, it has helped many people regain sobriety as well as increase awareness for addiction and mental health issues. The show is finishing out its final five episodes in June and July on Thursday nights, capping a run of 13 seasons. The show won an Emmy® for Outstanding Reality Series in 2009, and has… -
Should People Seek Recovery Programs that are Peer-Specific?
7 Jun 2013 | 12:59 pmResearchers from Harvard School of Medicine, Decision Sciences Institute of Providence and the Hazelden Foundation recently examined treatment outcomes of young adults participating in 12-step support groups. The age group focused on included more than 300 young adults between the ages of 18 and 24 and looked at their participation in Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA) recovery programs. Study co-author John Kelly, PhD wrote that “Consistent and active involvement maintains and increases the benefit of participation, resulting in sustained improvement over time,”… -
National Drug Control Policy Supports Treatment and Prevention
3 Jun 2013 | 5:57 amA few weeks ago the President unveiled the latest goals of the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP). The 2013 strategy includes a greater recognition that more efforts and resources should continue to be spent on areas such as addiction treatment and substance abuse prevention. With more community-based programs that support various forms of interventions, including drug courts and other diversion programs, there is a greater understanding that we cannot police or incarcerate our way out of addiction. ONDCP Director Gil Kerlikowske claims the strategy was developed in a… -
Neurologists Warn Against Giving Stimulants to Healthy Kids
30 May 2013 | 1:14 pmEarlier this year an official position was stated by the American Academy of Neurology regarding the prescribing of attention-boosting drugs to kids who did not meet the criteria for them. In a press release from the Academy, study author William Graf, MD, of Yale University said, “Doctors caring for children and teens have a professional obligation to always protect the best interests of the child, to protect vulnerable populations, and prevent the misuse of medication. The practice of prescribing these drugs, called neuroenhancements, for healthy students is not justifiable.” At… -
What Should Family Members Do After an Intervention?
22 May 2013 | 6:40 amOnce a family has decided to do and intervention and their loved one is already at the addiction treatment center that was selected, there are many things that family members can do to be supportive and also receive support. Al-Anon family groups have helped provide support for family members of substance abusers. According to the Al-Anon site, members do not give direction or advice to other members. Instead, they share their personal experiences and stories, and invite other members to “take what they like and leave the rest”—that is, to determine for themselves what lesson they could…
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Decision Point Center
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Recovery & The Equine Effect
17 Jun 2013 | 8:14 amAddiction recovery can prove a long and trying process. For decades, therapy was centered around 12-step meetings and in-depth counseling. Today however, there is an array of new techniques being employed to address rehabilitation. Equine assisted therapy programs are one such method; placing emphasis on the creation of meaningful relationships between horses and recovering addicts. History Introduced as a therapeutic option for the physically disabled, Equine therapy was designed to improve flexibility, muscle strength and balance. Over the years, therapy began extending to those with… -
Benzo Side Effects
13 Jun 2013 | 11:13 amBenzodiazepines (otherwise known as Benzo’s) encompass a drug class that work to depress the body’s central nervous system. The most common “benzos” are Xanax, Valium, Ativan and Klonopin. Each of these drugs is generally prescribed to patients looking to combat panic attacks, anxiety, sleep issues and acute stress. Though these substances present a number of benefits, they also affect the body in some nasty ways. Addiction Routine benzo users will often become addicted due to the euphoric, sedating and calming effect of the drug. What is initially a last resort can easily turn… -
How To Detect Teenage Drug Use
10 Jun 2013 | 9:33 am“Just Say No” is such a simple concept. Preach it! Teach it! Scream the words until you’re blue in the face! Sure, it may sound great, but the unfortunate truth is that this suggestion holds little barring as to whether our teens will actually choose to avoid illicit substances. Peer pressure is king throughout adolescence, and unless parents know what to look for, they run the risk of missing the signs and drug and alcohol use completely. Instructions 1 – Have you noticed money going missing? This may be a sign that your teen is beginning to dabble with drug or alcohol use. If your… -
5 Effective Ways to Stop Enabling an Addict
3 Jun 2013 | 9:00 amHave you found out that a loved one has recently attended a skittles party and is addicted to drugs? Many families genuinely want to help their loved one to overcome their problem, but end up enabling the addiction instead. Here are some ways you can offer genuine help to your loved one who is struggling with this disease: 1. Do not argue or plead with your loved one. You wouldn’t get angry or blame a person who has any other chronic disease for having an illness, and addiction should be treated in the same way. This does not mean you need to be treated as a doormat either. 2. Do not… -
Drug Nicknames to Recognize When Talking to Teens About Substance Abuse
1 Jun 2013 | 11:00 amIf you are going to have a meaningful conversation with your teen about substance abuse, you need to make sure you are speaking the same language. Many drugs have street names, and you will want to educate yourself about some drug nicknames to recognize so you can keep the lines of communication open. There won’t be a single “talk” about substance abuse that you will have with your teen; this should be an ongoing topic of conversation in your home. Look for opportunities to talk about why people may be looking for different ways of coping with stress, boredom or depression…
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Sober Nation
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Long Term Effects of Cocaine
19 Jun 2013 | 7:06 amThe high from cocaine doesn’t last very long compared to other drugs, but it can still wreak havoc on a person mentally and physically. Here are some of the long term risks of cocaine use. Long Term Effects of Cocaine on the Body Long term cocaine use can result in a number of different effects [...]The post Long Term Effects of Cocaine appeared first on Sober Nation., the Addiction Treatment Centers Database -
Long Term Effects of LSD
18 Jun 2013 | 9:10 amLSD is a hallucinogen that, in the past, was used in a variety of ways, such as to enhance psychotherapy or inspire creativity. Now, LSD is mainly used as a recreational drug. Like so many other illegal drugs, LSD can cause a variety of negative long term effects. What exactly is LSD? and what does [...]The post Long Term Effects of LSD appeared first on Sober Nation., the Addiction Treatment Centers Database -
Gov’t Concerns about Generic Painkiller Increase
18 Jun 2013 | 7:00 amThe White House Office of National Drug Control Policy recently sent an alert to law enforcement, particularly along the Canadian border, warning them that Canada had approved non-abuse resistant generic versions of oxycodone, the active ingredient in OxyContin, Percocet and about 40 other painkillers. “ONDCP expects companies will begin offering these generics without the abuse-resistant [...]The post Gov’t Concerns about Generic Painkiller Increase appeared first on Sober Nation., the Addiction Treatment Centers Database -
Long Term Effects of Crack
17 Jun 2013 | 8:40 amWhat are the Long Term Effects of Crack Use? Crack refers to crack cocaine, which is freebase cocaine. Smoking crack can have a variety of short term effects, and it mostly makes the user feel euphoric and energetic. The long term effects of crack, however, can be very serious. The seriousness of the long term [...]The post Long Term Effects of Crack appeared first on Sober Nation., the Addiction Treatment Centers Database -
Long Term Effects of Ecstasy
14 Jun 2013 | 10:01 amEcstasy is a drug that’s popular on the club scene and known for making users feel good both emotionally and physically. The drug can have some nasty long term effects, however, that may not be apparent to users in the short term. Here are some of the long term effects of ecstasy. Long Term Effects [...]The post Long Term Effects of Ecstasy appeared first on Sober Nation., the Addiction Treatment Centers Database
