Drug Abuse – 10 Interesting Facts

Drug-Abuse-10-Interesting-FactsThe number of myths and misconceptions about drug abuse and addiction are staggering. Despite efforts to educate and inform, many still cater to rumor and believe “old wives tales” in an effort to gain understanding on the topic. In this entry, we seek to denounce the rumor mill in hopes of providing some much-needed clarity on the topic at large. Here are 10 facts about drug abuse.

 

 

10 Drug Abuse Facts

1 – Drug addiction and abuse takes its toll on all Americans – Regardless of whether you struggle with addiction in a personal manner, the emotional and financial impact effect stems throughout every town, community, and state.

2 – Drug addiction and abuse costs the American taxpayers an average of $484 billion each year. This number includes lost job wages, healthcare costs, crime, traffic accidents and associated costs of the criminal justice system.

3 – Drug addiction and abuse can be linked to at least ½ of all major crimes committed in the United States, as roughly half of those taken into custody for violent offenses, such as assault or homicide, were under the influence at the time of arrest.

4 – Nearly 2/3 of those found in addiction recovery centers report sexual or physical abuse as children. Studies show child abuse to be a major factor in later life drug addiction.

5 – A stimulant is a drug that provides users with added energy and contentment. Common stimulants include cocaine, amphetamines, nicotine and even caffeine, and can be quite addictive.

6 – Many drugs are addictive due to the chemical changes they impose on the brain. Brain chemistry affects how people act, feel and experience life in a general manner. By changing the equation, these substances can cause permanent harm and even psychosis.

7 – Any IV drug use increases the risk of HIV exponentially.

8 – Inhalants encompass an array of office and household products. Users will inhale the fumes emitted by these products to obtain a high. Common inhalants include paints, glues, gas and other chemicals. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, the largest at-risk group for inhalant use are adolescents ages 12 – 15.

9 – Though a great many people tend to focus their attention on alcohol and illegal drug abuse, the most addictive drugs are often found in the medicine cabinet. Many people become addicted to medications prescribed by a licensed physician to treat chronic pain, anxiety or sleeplessness. Others steal medications from friends and family members or purchase them illegally.

10 – Though marijuana has garnered a reputation as a medicinal cure-all, the drug offers its fair share of side effects, including memory loss, learning issues, clumsiness, altered reality perceptions and increased heart rate. The THC found in marijuana works to inhibit brain function and can result in long-lasting effects even after a user has quit smoking.

 

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Misdemeanor Marijuana Charges Plummet In California

Following the imposition of Senate Bill 1449 in 2010 –which reduced minor marijuana possession charges to civil infractions – the yearly number of misdemeanor drug charges in California has dropped a staggering 50%!

The measure amended the California Health and Safety Code to classify adult possession of up to 28.5g as an infraction, punishable by a fine of $100 – no criminal record, no court appearance, no court costs. Possession offenses involving quantities of 28.5g or higher are still treated as processed as misdemeanors. The measure took effect on the 1st of 2011.

According to statistics released in the 2012 California Crime Report, misdemeanor drug arrests have fallen throughout the state from an estimated 135,000 in ’07 to around 70,000 in ‘12. Though the decline was widespread, the greatest impact appears to be marijuana arrests – dropping from an almost record high of 60,000+ in 2009 to less than 8,000 in 2012.

Stated NORML Deputy Director, Paul Armentano: “Rather than continuing to spend tens of thousands of dollars in police time and in judicial costs arresting and prosecuting tens of thousand of minor marijuana offenders, these state resources are now being reprioritized toward other, more important public safety activities.”

A number of other states – including Maine, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Nebraska – have since declassified minor possession of marijuana as a criminal offense.

California’s felony drug charges also fell a cool 15% during the last 5 years. Recent arrest statistics show roughly 13,500 in ‘12, down from 14,000 in ‘11.

Whatever side of the fence you’re on, there’s no denying the need for education in regard to illicit drug use. If you’ve found yourself struggling with an addiction to drugs or alcohol, the team at Above It All addiction treatment center is available to help. Pick up the phone today and let our team of addiction specialists get you back on track towards the healthy, happy, fulfilling lifestyle you deserve.

Eminem Details His Scary Drug Past

The new documentary How to Make Money Selling Drugs features Eminem opening up about his addictive past, revealing that one particular overdose almost took his life

The multi-platinum rapper, who sought recovery for a sleeping pill addiction in 2005 and addressed the issue on his 2010 record Recovery, has admitted to a 10-20 Vicodin-per-day habit. “Valium, Ambien, the numbers got so high I don’t even know what I’m taking,” he related after rehabilitation.

Prescription Drugs

The new documentary details the steps that lead to a prescription drug addiction that nearly ended in tragedy. “My bottom was going to be death,” he says in the YouTube teaser. Remembering his first Vicodin experience, the singer explains a “feeling of ‘Ahhh,” everything was not only mellow, but didn’t feel any pain. It just kind of numbed things.”

The artist says that it was difficult coming to terms with the addiction since he was steering clear on street drugs like heroin or crack.

“I don’t know what point exactly it started to be a problem, I just remember liking it more and more,” he says.

Loved Ones’ Involvement

If loved ones tried to discuss the issue, “I would say, ‘Get that f—— person outta here, I can’t believe they said that s—- to me,” he explains. “They don’t know nothing about my f——– life, are they out of their f——– mind? I’m not out there shooting heroin, I’m not out there putting coke up my nose, I’m not smoking crack’ … I literally thought I could control it.”

Over time, the addiction caught up to the Detroit native, as he recounts the overdose that almost took his life.

“Had I got to the hospital about two hours later, I would have died,” he says. “My organs were shutting down. My liver, kidneys, everything. They were gonna have to put me on dialysis, they didn’t think I was gonna make it.”

Realization

Following his hospital stay, Eminem says he experienced sleepless nights for three weeks before falling into relapse a month later. “I remember just walking around my house and thinking every single day, like, I’m gonna f——— die. I’m looking at my kinds, and like, I need to be here for this.”

After regaining talking skills and motor skills, the Grammy winner remembers how far he’s home since the addiction.

“It’s been a learning process,” he says. “I’m growing. I just couldn’t believe that anybody could be naturally happy or naturally function or be just enjoying life in general without being on something.

He adds, “So I would say to anybody, ‘It does get better you know. It just does.”

Healing

Struggling with an addiction of your own? Pick up the phone and call Above it All addiction treatment center! With a team of seasoned professionals available to address your individual needs and goals, you can count on Above it All to have you on the fast track to recovery in no time. Call today!

Get The Straight Dope On Drug Addiction: Answers To Frequently Asked Questions

Drug addiction has come to the foreground of public attention recently. Celebrities are more comfortable revealing their struggles with substance abuse, and the recent death of actor Cory Monteith from a combination of heroin and alcohol has underlined the importance of understanding that this issue is not something to be taken lightly. To shed some light on substance abuse, here are answers to some frequently asked questions.

Can Someone Get Addicted to Drugs Even if they Only Use Occasionally?

Addiction is not a one-time event. It’s a process that takes time to develop. No one starts using drugs intending to become an addict. Everyone thinks they will be the exception to the rule and somehow be smarter or luckier than the people who end up addicted to a drug. It doesn’t work that way.

Are Some People More Likely to Become Addicted to Drugs than Others?

There are certain risk factors that make it more likely that someone will become addicted to drugs. They do not guarantee that a person will become an addict, though.

  1. Family history of drug use
  2. Age of first-time use
  3. History of abuse, neglect or trauma in childhood
  4. Type of drug used

Why Do Addicts Continue to Use Drugs?

Many people who become addicted to drugs think that they can stop using any time they want, at least at first. Some people try to stop using on their own, but in most cases are not successful at achieving long-term sobriety. Over time, the drug use causes changes in a person’s brain that causes the person to have a lack of control over his or her impulse to use, despite the consequences. This is one of the telltale signs of addiction.

Can Someone Only Become Addicted to Street Drugs?

Prescription drug addiction is a growing problem. Even though a medication has been prescribed by a doctor, it doesn’t mean that the person taking it is protected from developing an addiction. If someone is taking more than the prescribed amount or taking the medication longer than would normally be expected, these are signs that the person may have developed a substance abuse issue.

Find a Drug Addiction Treatment Center

Are you concerned about yourself or a loved one’s drug use? Caring, effective treatment for addiction is available at our Lake Arrowhead rehab and detox center. We offer a holistic approach to treatment that addresses the needs of the whole person (mind, body, and spirit). Call us at 888-997-3006 to start the journey to healing today.

Sober Living – Activities For Recovery And Independence

For clients who have spent time at a drug and alcohol inpatient treatment facility, going directly home may not be the best choice. To go directly from having a high level of support to being completely independent could put a newly-sober person at risk for a relapse. A much better choice for sober recovery is to take the process slowly and continue to get support from trained counselors on an outpatient basis for a time after leaving the facility.

At first, it may appear as though the person in recovery is spending time just having fun, since the sober social activity list includes a number of enjoyable outings. People in recovery need to keep their days full so that they don’t have any “down” time. If they get bored or have a lot of time to themselves, they may be tempted to start drinking or using drugs or alcohol.

Moving on After Treatment for Drug and Alcohol Addiction

A client who decides to move into a sober living house who is also unemployed may need assistance to find work. This is part of moving on after treatment and starting to live a normal life once again. A client can stay at a house and get ongoing support indefinitely, but the ultimate goal is to have the person move into his or her own living space eventually.

Recreation Part of Recovery Process

When clients are in treatment at residential recovery programs, they participate in recreational programs. Part of getting well includes learning how to be healthy, which means looking after all aspects of one’s health. Some clients may not be used to exercising regularly, and some of the activities on the sober activities list can include physical activity.

Other examples of sober living activities include the following:

  • Going to the movies
  • Visiting a museum
  • Going to dinner
  • Shopping
  • Going for a drive
  • Having a game night
  • Going to a concert

An addict actively involved in the cycle of using drugs and/or alcohol may well have forgotten how to have fun. Sharing enjoyable activities with other people can help to form connections with others, heal broken relationships, and create new friendships. Clients who have recently left a drug and alcohol treatment facility may be feeling a little unsure of themselves and participating in sober activities with others is a way for them to begin learning how to interact with others in a healthy way.

It may look as though these clients are just having fun, but getting out and socializing is an integral part in their recovery and staying sober. The alternative is for them to sit alone, get bored, and be tempted to start using again, which results in the familiar spiral downward.

Be Be Again

“AIA gave me the opportunity to be me again.”

10 Nutrition Tips to Keep Addicts in Tip-Top Shape

When addicts seek help for substance abuse in residential recovery programs, their treatment includes a number of elements. Along with the counseling sessions and attending 12-step meetings, clients learn life skills to help them undo some of the damage caused by poor diet and irregular eating.

Nutrition Tips to Help Addicts Continue to Improve Their Health Once They Leave the Addiction Nutrition Program:

  1. Set up a regular schedule for mealtimes. Having a routine is important for people in recovery, and eating at the same time every day provides much-needed structure.
  2. Be sure to stay well hydrated. It’s important to get enough fluids throughout the day. Use a refillable water bottle and make a point of drinking water regularly to avoid dehydration.
  3. Eat a balanced diet that includes lean protein, whole grains, fruits and vegetables, and low-fat dairy products.
  4. Plan to eat three meals and two healthy snacks each day. Some addicts don’t recognize the normal feeling of being hungry when their appetite returns in recovery. Going too long between meals may be interpreted as a drug craving, which can trigger the urge to start using again.
  5. Avoid high-calorie foods packed with sugar and which have little nutritional value. People who were taking stimulants may be drawn to these types of foods, but they will only cause blood sugar levels to spike and then drop off quickly.
  6. Taking a multivitamin supplement helps to ensure all necessary elements for good health are present. No one eats a perfectly balanced diet all the time, and the addiction nutrition program instructor will explain there will be times when clients make better choices about nutrition than others. Rather than deciding some foods are “good” or “bad,” a better option is to make good choices most of the time and take vitamins every day.
  7. Choose high-fiber foods more often. They create a fuller feeling that will carry a person through to his or her next scheduled meal or snack and make it easier to resist sugary treats in between meals.
  8. Reduce caffeine intake. It can interfere with normal sleep patterns when ingested later in the day. Be aware that it is found in soft drinks and coffee, as well as chocolate.
  9. Consider taking a fish oil supplement to increase the body’s magnesium levels. It contains the omega-3 fatty acid EPA, which can improve mood.
  10. Consult with a nutrition counselor to work up a diet plan. Individual and group sessions may be helpful to stay on track with a healthy eating plan.

Following these nutrition tips and the strategies learned at the substance abuse recovery program will help clients stay on the right track to long-term sobriety and better health.

How To Find Spiritual Awakening Through The 12 Steps of Recovery

At first glance, it may seem as though going to a 12-step recovery program and gaining a spiritual awakening might not have very much in common. It’s human nature to want things to come quickly and easily, and recovery is no different. Working through the 12 steps is a difficult endeavor, but the results are always worth the effort.

If you take a look at the wording of the 12 Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous, 4 of them refer to a Higher Power or to a spiritual awakening directly. You don’t have to be a member of a specific religious faith to follow these steps to sobriety. They are written in a way which makes them adaptable for people of any denomination. The third step addresses this idea when it allows participants to make a decision to turn their will and their lives “over to the care of God as we understood Him.”

No One Way to Sobriety

While each person may be walking along similar steps, their journey is a unique one. The 12-step program refers to tools like prayer and meditation, which can be used to get in touch with one’s self during and after any formal treatment at a drug and alcohol program, has been completed.

Once a client becomes familiar with using tools like prayer, meditation, and mindfulness as part of his or her everyday life, they can be used regularly. This combination of personal resources is an excellent way to reduce stress and stay focused on what is happening in the present. Addicts need to learn to take life “one day at a time.” For some people in recovery, the time frame needs to be shortened to an hour at a time.

Using these strategies can help them stay centered when difficult situations arise and they are tempted to give in and start using drugs or alcohol as a way to cope with boredom, stress, anxiety, grief, or any difficult situation they are facing. Addiction recovery programs include 12-step programs along with counseling (individual and group sessions), equine therapy, and group outings to help clients learn how to adjust to life without drugs or alcohol.

Working the 12 steps is a way of life and the riches that can be discovered on the spiritual journey are numerous. All that a person needs to get started is the willingness to make a change and then everything falls into place from that point.  The greatest gifts of recovery include letting go of shame, guilt, and fear and experiencing more peace, joy, and happiness than ever before.

Actress Jamie Lee Curtis Shares Her Journey Of Beating Addiction

It’s easy to think that fame and fortune somehow act as a shield to protect celebrities from the slings and arrows that the rest of the population face in life, but that is not the case. They have their own demons to face, and being in the spotlight on a continuous basis may bring with it even more pressure than the average person has to cope with. No matter what the explanation, celebrity addicts are quite common, and actress Jamie Lee Curtis has been open about discussing her experience, saying:

“I too found painkillers after a routine cosmetic surgical procedure and I too became addicted. The morphine becomes the warm bath from which to escape painful reality. I was a lucky one. I was able to see that the pain had started long ago and far away and that finding the narcotic was merely a matter of time.”

Drug Use a Symptom of the Problem

As Ms. Curtis pointed out, the substance of choice is a symptom of a bigger problem. An addict is turning toward the drug because he or she is in pain. The idea of holistic treatment for the mind, body and soul is to treat the whole person and get to the underlying reason for the addiction.

A treatment facility may use a number of techniques to achieve this goal. Some clients stay for long-term treatment where they can spend the time they need to get well. The program would include counseling, as well as group activities. For clients who are not able to stay for a 90-day treatment program, a short-term drug rehab treatment program of 14-28 days can help them get on the right track to sobriety.

Individual Treatment Programs for All Clients

Each client who is entering a holistic alcohol & drug treatment center is evaluated on admission. He or she would go through detoxification (detox) at the beginning of the process, if necessary. The staff would then devise an individual treatment plan that would eventually turn the client from a person who is focused on running away from uncomfortable feelings to someone who is better able to turn toward them and accept them.

This process will not happen overnight, and as Ms. Curtis herself has shared in interviews, it is “hard, painful work.”  Fortunately, she fully kicked the habit in 1999, worrying how much her addiction would negatively affect her daughter Annie.

Although painful, the process is worthwhile, because it opens up a newer, happier path for clients and a richer life in sobriety, as they seek help at a center offering holistic drug rehab. California is a beautiful place to visit and take the time needed to get well. If you are concerned about your own, or a loved one’s addictive behavior, please call us at 1-888-997-3006 to speak to a counselor today.

There Is No Room For Blame In Treating Dual Diagnosis Clients

Dual diagnosis clients are hit with a double whammy when it comes to needing help. On the one hand, they are living with a mental health issue, and on the other, they need treatment for substance abuse issues. It can be difficult to determine whether a person started using drugs or alcohol as a way to self-medicate and cope with an underlying mental illness or whether drug abuse may have triggered changes in brain chemistry that led to a mental health issue. No matter how the situation developed, trying to lay blame on a loved one who has two serious issues does nothing to deal with the problem and may discourage him or her from getting the specialized dual diagnosis treatment he or she needs.

Both Conditions Require Treatment

Friends and family members may have lost patience with a loved one who has a complicated health situation like a dual diagnosis. More than likely, they have been through many situations involving anger, frustration, shame, embarrassment, guilt, and other strong emotions over months or years. By educating themselves about mental health and addiction, they will understand the situation more clearly and realize the addiction and the mental health issue must be evaluated and treated separately if their loved one is going to get well.

Find the Right Kind of Help for a Dual Diagnosis Client

The best place to get help for a person who is living with a mental illness and an addiction is at a mental health residential treatment facility. Once he or she arrives, the first step will be to undergo detoxification (detox). The staff will need to get the effects of any chemicals of out the way to determine the true nature of the mental health issues that the client is experiencing. Having a proper diagnosis is a crucial part of the process when helping clients who have been diagnosed with anxiety, depression, schizophrenia, or bipolar disorder and who are struggling with addiction.

Once the staff understands the nature of the client’s mental health concern, they will be able to devise an individual treatment plan. The addiction is treated concurrently to the mental health issues using a combination of strategies, which may include individual and group counseling, attending 12-step program meetings, and engaging in various recreational activities to encourage healthy, sober living. Dual diagnosis treatment facilities do an excellent job of offering a holistic approach to meeting the needs of their clients to ensure that both aspects of their health concerns are dealt with appropriately.