Category: Education

It Is Crystal Clear The Effects Of Crystal Meth Cloud The Mind And Body

Articles, Australia, Education, International, Understanding Addiction

The effects of crystal meth can devastate those who become hooked as well as their friends, family and loved ones.

It needs to be made crystal clear to users of this drug as well as anyone contemplating it use just why this is a substance to be feared.

What’s with crystal meth?

This highly addictive drug belongs to the drug methamphetamine and crystal meth is simply a shortening of: Crystal Methamphetamine.

It is a white crystalline drug that is either snorted, smoked, injected or taken orally. No matter which way a user decides to take their ‘medicine’, one thing is for sure: Once tried, more needs to be supplied!

Make no mistake, once taken you will feel a very strong desire to continue using it. Indeed, many become hooked after their first couple of hits. This is not scaremongering it is fact.

Why such an urge to continue use?

The effect of crystal meth takes no prisoners in terms of your mind or body. According to many addicts, the drug creates a ‘rush’ that is hard to beat. Some state it gives a massive sense of wellbeing and happiness. Their confidence is at an all-time high and they feel as if their energy levels are boundless.

These traits and the fact that crystal meth effects can easily last between 6 and 8 hours (although up to 24 hours is not unknown) make it a perfect ‘club’ drug.

The reason it is so highly addictive is that one of the major effects of this drug is to burn up your body’s resources. This process creates a devastating dependence which will only be satisfied by taking more of the drug.

When should you consider seeking help in terms of your crystal meth use?

The straight answer is very quickly! The issues this class of drug create are best dealt with via a responsible rehabilitation clinic. They have the accommodation, expertise, knowledge and qualified staff who are ideally placed to deal with such problems.

Before we touch on such establishments let’s consider what type of crystal meth user you would be classed as when seeking drug rehab assistance:

A low intensity abuser:

These users tend to snort or swallow crystal meth. They excuse their indulgence by convincing themselves that it is helping them to stay awake long enough to finish something that has been neglected or to meet a deadline.

Others in this category want the effective appetite suppressant abilities the drug offers to aid them in their weight loss efforts.

While it is not their intention, by continuing such use the effects of crystal meth could very well turn them into:

A ‘binge’ abuser:

These users are getting into uncontrolled use of the drug. They need a more intense, stronger hit, and want it fast. This form of use is generally where psychological addiction begins to form.

These users are leaving themselves wide-open to all sorts of physical and mental problems. They are prime candidates for moving into the heaviest category of users. As they do so this confirms addiction:

A high intensity abuser:

If you are in this category then inpatient drug rehabilitation services should be a major priority. Such users find that nothing else but crystal meth matters.

A fierce determination will develop with this category of user. That determination will be to ensure they never face a ‘crash’ and the startling physical and psychological withdrawal symptoms that accompany periods without the drug.

The huge problem these users face is that in order to achieve a similar high to their previous one they need to take more of the drug.

As this spiral continues so the users’ addiction increases. If long term rehab help is not sought as a priority there is a possibility the end result will be fatal.

“Never put off until tomorrow what you can do today”

When it comes to seeking help for the effects of crystal meth abuse this old saying certainly rings true.

Please do not delay seeking the assistance of a qualified addiction rehabilitation centre. The longer you leave it, the harder it will become, both in terms of taking the courageous step to seek help, and going through the withdrawal and full recovery process.

Where to seek help:

The first thing to state here is that you should not be blinkered into thinking domestic drug rehab facilities are your only choice.

A growing number of people with crystal meth dependence and addiction problems are looking to overseas rehab establishments with Thailand a major focal point.

Here are just 3 reasons why:

Cost:

Such establishments offer professional crystal meth addiction assistance at extremely affordable prices. Far less than in your home country.

Professional, caring, fully qualified staff:

It is important for those with dependence and addiction problems to understand that this is a global problem. As such staff at overseas rehabilitation centres have qualifications and counselling abilities of the same high standards demanded in western countries. Many of these staff are expatriates and work in unison with fully qualified local colleagues.

This unison brings a fusion that is ideal for helping addicts work through their addiction. You will be in an environment that is far more amenable to recovery than many residential rehab centres your home country can offer.

Aftercare:

This may be the last of just 3 advantages offered by luxury rehab resorts we will mention, but it is without a doubt one of the most crucial aspects for those looking to beat their crystal meth addiction.

Aftercare options should be flexible, constant and monitored. Responsible overseas addiction recovery resorts will place such care as a major priority. This will ensure you are given the best possible opportunity of avoiding a relapse.

Such ongoing care will also help you carve a new life for yourself which is void of the potentially crippling effects crystal meth can create.

The bottom line:

Many recreational drug users think that drugs are the solution to the current problems in their life.

The reality is that drugs such as crystal meth almost certainly end up as being a major problem in their present and future life.

Narcotics And Their Types

Articles, Australia, Education, International

A narcotic is a natural drug that inhibits pain and increases sleepiness. A narcotic is an illegal substance when used and not prescribed by a doctor nor used for medical reasoning. Narcotics are also at high risk for abuse when not taken explicitly as prescribed by a medical professional.

Types of narcotics:

Opioids These drugs include hydrocodone, oxycodone, morphine and codeine. Opioids are the most commonly used narcotic drug, and they are the most tightly regulated. These drugs are typically prescription medications one receives from a physician for chronic pain management. They are highly abused and are very addictive; so much so, that they are rated as the leading cause of hospital admittances for accidental injuries as well as complications due to overdosing. Opioids have serious side effects when not used properly. Some side effects from using opioids could include constipation and nausea. Others include insomnia and vomiting. There are other serious side effects that occur when using opioids improperly.

Cannabinoids Marijuana and hashish are considered types of cannabis, or cannabinoids. THC, the active ingredient in these drugs lower the perception of pain throughout one’s body. THC is a very potent drug, and it moves quickly through the body to the brain causing it to begin working rapidly just after it is inhaled. Marijuana produces an instant feeling of relaxation and mellowness. It can also cause one to feel light-headed, and one can even experience slight vision changes. It can enhance the other senses also. Some other more serious side effects include short term memory complications, impaired coordination, issues with learning and diminishing problem solving skills. Furthermore, it can cause feelings of paranoia and cause feelings of panic as well. It has, however, been shown that these types of narcotics have less probability for abuse, and one is less likely to become addicted to marijuana. However, the side effects from this drug cause concern for those who take them.

Hallucinogens The most common hallucinogens are LSD and PCP. These drugs can be extracted from plants or mushrooms or the can be manmade. They can be smoked, snorted, swallowed, brewed, injected or inhaled. These drugs are not as popular as they were about 25 years ago, but they are still being used today. These psychedelic drugs are dangerous because they put the user into a dreamlike state, which could potentially cause the user to harm himself or even someone else. Hallucinogens alter one’s thoughts and feelings. They can affect one’s mood, cause sleeping problems, change one’s eating habits, alter body temperature, affect one’s sexual behavior as well as functioning and can alter the control one has over her muscles. More short term effects include rapid heart rate and nausea. Moreover, one may experience elevated blood pressure and excessive sweating. Other possible long term effects can be problems with speech, anxiety as well as depression. Flashbacks can also happen due to taking hallucinogens, and can even interfere with daily functioning. Not to mention there is a risk of poisoning from taking these sorts of drugs. They can also cause more serious side effects such as seizures and possibly even death. Death typically occurs due to accidental injuries while taking the drug or by suicide from the effects of the drug. Their effects can become apparent as soon as 20 minutes after ingesting the drug, and the effects can last up to 12 hours. The effects depend on how much one takes as well as the individual’s brain makeup. Psychedelic drugs have more potential to be abused and have the potential to develop a dependence to them quite easily. Therefore, they are illegal and controlled more heavily by law enforcement. The effects of hallucinogens are highly unpredictable and, therefore, are quite dangerous to ingest.

Stimulants Types of stimulants include diet pills, caffeine, Ritalin, amphetamines and methamphetamines. Stimulants increase alertness and energy. They elevate blood pressure and stimulate quicker patterns of breathing. With stimulants one may also experience lack of appetite, sleep changes and headaches. Compulsive behaviors may also develop as side effect from taking this category of drug. Also, taking stimulants can increase anxiety in those taking these drugs. In children, stimulants may also cause them to grow at a slower rate. These drugs have a high potential for abuse. Oftentimes when one uses stimulants they become less concerned with things they would normally deem as important because they are more interested in pursuing their next high. Tolerance for these types of drugs can happen quickly and dependence can develop rapidly. One should use caution when using this group of drugs.

 

If you or someone you know is using narcotics, please seek professional help to aid you in quitting the use of narcotic drugs.

What Our Youth Should Know About Drugs

Articles, Australia, Education, International, Understanding Addiction

Drugs are chemicals that change the way the body functions. Drugs can include illegal drugs, prescription drugs, marijuana, alcohol and even caffeine. Since drugs change the way your body works, they are not safe to take, especially without know the side effects and consequences that go along with using drugs.

 

Prescription drugs are still dangerous, even though they are not “illegal drugs”. However, taking prescription medications without a prescription is illegal. There is a reason medications are regulated by doctors and pharmacists. So even though they are not “illegal drugs”, they are still illegal to take and can be life threatening if not taken as prescribed by a medical professional. Therefore, legal trouble could ensue from taking these drugs if one takes them without a doctor legally prescribing the medication to them specifically. Using prescriptions drugs in a manner that they have not been prescribed can be dangerous for one’s health. These medications can cause slowed breathing, mood alterations and even decreased brain functioning, especially when not taken properly. Comas and seizures are also possible when using prescription medications outside of the scope of how they are intended to be used. Prescription pain medications are also highly addictive, especially when used for purposes they are not designed for. One’s body can be physically hooked on the substance and crave it when they do not have it. Dependence and withdrawals from these substances can be dangerous and even life threatening also. Accidents also increase while taking non-prescribed medications. Car accidents become more common because brain functionality is inhibited while taking these sorts of drugs. These drugs can also decrease your judgment, therefore, putting people taking these drugs in unsafe situations. Prescription medications are dangerous for many reasons when not used properly.

Marijuana can damage your health. Although many still debate this topic, marijuana can be addictive. Addiction is defined by not being able to stop using a substance despite it having negative consequences on the person’s everyday life. Some become addicted to marijuana and others do not. However, smoking marijuana also opens the door to use other drugs. Marijuana also has many other negative health effects. Smoking marijuana, especially in the teen years, can also cause impairments in brain performance. Marijuana use is linked to poorer memory and can causing problems with learning information. Furthermore, smoke inhalation is always dangerous for one’s lungs. Therefore, the American Lung Association, among others, cautions individuals from smoking marijuana due to the risks of damaging one’s lungs.

If someone you know overdoses, call for help! If you are with someone who is doing drugs and they lose consciousness or stop breathing, call emergency services immediately, even if you have been taking drugs and are afraid you will get in trouble also. You could save the person’s life and those benefits far outweigh the potential negative ramifications that could happen to you or your friend. An additional alternative would be to call a poison control center to determine if you can do anything to help the person immediately. If the person has stopped breathing or you cannot find a pulse, begin CPR. Also, if you still have the drug the person was taking, present the drug to the emergency service workers or take them to the hospital with you, so they will know exactly what the individual took.

Treatment can help you, and you should use it when you need it. Treatment can help decrease and eliminate drug use. Receiving professional help to overcome an addiction is much more beneficial than trying to beat the problem through your own endeavors. If you cannot stop using drugs, even when you wish you could, or it interferes with your everyday life, such as school or work, you should seek professional treatment for you drug abuse problem. If you have repeated negative social consequences that affect your daily life and have lost interest in hobbies you previously enjoyed, your drug use is interfering with your daily life to the point you should seek treatment. If you find yourself in recurrent dangerous situations, it may be necessary to pursue professional help also. Find a treatment program that will meet your specific needs. Treatment programs will aid you in developing positive coping skills to deal with situations as they arise instead of using drugs to deal with them. Consult with your family and friends if you are unsure whether or not you require a treatment program, or if you are nervous about beginning treatment for a drug abuse problem.

Rehabilitation for young people has proven effective also. Addiction is an issue that needs to be taken seriously and can be a life threatening problem. Drugs are dangerous for many sorts of reasons. If someone you know has a problem with drugs, please seek treatment to help with that drug abuse issue.

Am I An Alcoholic?

Articles, Australia, Education, Understanding Addiction

It is a question many ask, but few answer honestly.

After a particularly heavy bout of drinking many will ask themselves the question: Am I an alcoholic?

While in many cases there is no charge to answer, and in all probability the question has been considered due to the way you feel ‘the morning after’, it is very important to understand just how highly addictive and damaging alcohol can become.

Why does alcohol not carry the same stigma as other recreational drugs?

This is simple really, alcohol is legal, recreational drugs are not. That should NOT fool you into thinking that alcohol is any less addictive or dangerous. In many cases it is far more addictive and damaging to your health than other recreational substances.

Such a statement is borne out by the amount of people who are dependent upon alcohol, the cost to the health services in treatment, the damage to your liver, kidneys and general health as well as the year on year death toll it contributes to.

Why do we drink alcohol?

There are a whole host of reasons for this. Peer pressure is a major factor, your friends or colleagues drink, and a natural reaction is that you want to be socially accepted, you do not want to be left out, so you join them during drinking sessions.

Some turn to binge drinking in an attempt to heal pain or loneliness while others may have a family history of alcoholism. Being brought up and living in such a home environment certainly increases the chances of alcohol addiction.

It is important to understand that as long as alcohol is taken in moderation it can be a very pleasurable experience.

Why is alcohol so pleasing?

When alcohol is consumed the brain releases endorphins. These neurotransmitters are responsible for, amongst other things, pleasurable feelings, excitement and satisfaction.

This means that the more alcohol consumed the more pleasurable it appears. Inhibitions are loosened and many have a thoroughly enjoyable time while socialising and drinking.

Why is alcohol so addictive?

“Am I an alcoholic” is a silent question many who overindulge with alcohol on a regular basis ask. This is because in many cases their occasional drinking does not stop there.

Such momentary feelings of pleasure given by alcohol will eventually lead those who drink to excess to crave more. As more alcohol is consumed the more the body and mind becomes tolerant of it, and thus yet more drink is required to feed your need.

This can rapidly become a vicious circle that is difficult to break. These satisfaction sensations entice and encourage you to drink more in your efforts to keep the brain continually satisfied.

If you are in a situation where alcohol is being drank regularly, or you are drinking to excess and begin to find that it is affecting your life and judgement then the answer to the question: Am I an alcoholic? is a most definite YES.

When should you seek professional help?

Admitting to yourself and your loved ones that you have a problem with alcohol is no easy task, but it is a task that must be accepted and challenged if you are to escape the misery that alcohol dependence and addiction can cause.

Here are just 9 pointers that show you are heading towards, or already have an addiction to alcohol. The more of these you acknowledge, the deeper your drink problem has become:

Using alcohol as an emotional crutch:

Emotions play a very strong part in those who drink heavily. Whether you justify your drinking to relieve stress, pressure, anxiety, temporary depression, or feel you need a drink to help you really relax, these are signs that you are becoming dependent upon alcohol.

What is important to remember here is that while drinking to excess may give temporary relief it is just that; temporary, indeed there is a big chance things will only get worse in the long run.

Denial:

This is a very common sign when asking yourself: Am I an alcoholic? Many alcohol rehab establishments cite this as a major pointer to alcohol addiction.

The thing with denial is that it is easy to lie to others how much you have drank, or deny that you are secretly drinking. Of course, such denial may fool others for a while, but deep down you know you are not fooling yourself.

Regular “black outs”:

If you regularly find you have no recollection of what happened during and after a drinking session this should be seen as a major red flag that alcohol is taking over your life.

Once started there is no stopping:

Yet another pointer that alcohol rehabilitation services are required. If you are in a situation where once the wine bottle is uncorked it is emptied, or the last beer in the fridge must be drank before you stop a drinking session, this is a clear sign your drink problem is in control of you and not the other way around.

Drinking increased amounts:

Another clear sign in answering the question: Am I an alcoholic? If you are finding your tolerance to drink is increasing and that not only can you drink more, but it takes more to get you drunk, this is proof that your body is becoming far more tolerant and needing of alcohol.

Drinking when you know you should not:

Are you drinking before or during work, or before you need to drive somewhere? If so this implies that drinking is becoming your main priority.

You know such occasions are not the time to drink and yet you ignore the serious implications that such drinking can cause.

Affecting your daily routine and relationships:

If drink is causing you problems at work or you are neglecting your household duties this will have a significant effect in relationships with those most close to you.

It means you are placing your need for alcohol above all else and while this is damaging you, you must be aware of the heartache and concern it is causing others.

Withdrawal not a hangover:

We need to be clear on the difference. Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when you have not had a drink is a reaction to a lack of alcohol rather than having drank too much and feeling hungover.

Withdrawal signs include irritability, anxiousness, depression, fatigue, loss of appetite, sweating and shaking.

Trying to quit but unable to:

The final pointer when asking yourself; am I an alcoholic, is if you have realised the consequences your drinking problem is causing and have tried to stop, but you are unable to do so.

This shows that you understand the impact excessive drinking is having on your life, but its hold over you is too deeply entrenched for you to stop drinking without professional help.

This is when you really should avail yourself of alcohol rehab establishments that fully understand your issues and will work with you to beat and overcome your alcohol addiction.

image of cracked methaqualone tablet

The Rise And Fall Of Methaqualone

Articles, Australia, Education, International, Understanding Addiction, United Kingdom, United States

Those regularly using methaqualone are leaving themselves wide open to dependence, addiction and a stint in a reliable rehabilitation centre.

This is not scaremongering. It is borne out by a whole host of facts. Let’s start with 3 points on something regular users need to be fully aware of: Tolerance.

Rapid tolerance:

Use of this drug creates a rapid body tolerance and regular users discover very quickly that larger doses of the drug are required just to achieve the same effect.

Please understand this is not a slow process. It has been reported that even moderate daily use can lead to addiction within weeks.

Dangerous cross tolerance:

Here is the double-whammy! Cross tolerance of other hypnotic/sedative drugs is also rapid.

What cross tolerance means is that if this drug is taken on a regular basis, and in conjunction with other drugs which are known to produce a hypnotic or sedative effect then doses of these other drugs need to be much larger than normal to achieve their stated effect.

Tolerance – Euphoric over respiratory depressant effects:

This drug has been around for a long time. It was first synthesized in India in the 1950’s and during the early 1970’s it was one of the most prescribed sedative drugs available.

This should tell us that there has been more than sufficient time and user experience to understand its effects on the mind and body.

It is known that the euphoric feelings given develop more quickly than tolerance of its respiratory depressant effects.

In short, this means regular users are increasing their risk of overdose because they will rapidly increase their dose to achieve the same high as earlier experiences.

If you are abusing methaqualone – space the abuse!

While not recommending the use of this drug it is important for those using it to leave a gap of between several days and a week between doses.

At least by doing this you will be greatly reducing your risk of tolerance, cross tolerance and overdosing.

What’s with the hit?

A low dose is classed as anything between 75 and 300 mg. Those taking such amounts report the drug gives them a feeling of light sedation and sleepiness.

Those taking higher doses of 300 mg and above feel a far more pronounced euphoria and sedation.

Obviously recreational users want the euphoria, they do not want sedation or sleep so they will fight its soporific effects by forcing themselves to stay awake. By doing so they quickly reach their desired state; a dissociative high.

Positive effects:

Methaqualone is usually taken orally and users begin to feel the effects within 20 to 45 minutes. The high will generally last between 4 and 8 hours dependent on the amount consumed.

During this ‘high’ they have a strong sense of well-being, feel relaxed, calm and their self-confidence increases.

Many state they lose their inhibitions hence its association with sexual arousal. Pain threshold is increased, and a tingling or numbness is felt throughout the body.

Unwanted side effects:

Where there is an “UP” you must expect the “DOWN”. Once the effects of this drug begin to wear off expect to suffer side effects which include feelings of nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, a hangover feeling, sweating, rapid heartbeat, urticaria (hives) and a loss of appetite.

That is the “Good” news!

Even at low doses this drug can cause dizziness, feelings of restlessness and anxiety. As the amount consumed increases prepare yourself for a feeling of weakness, men may well suffer from decreased erectile function while both sexes can suffer difficulty in achieving orgasm.

Then there is panic and paranoia to contend with (and this is not just because of your sexual performance!).

Even higher doses bring yet more problems. Many lose muscle control and others suffer heavily from mental confusion.

How about an overdose?

Hopefully, before any methaqualone users get anywhere near this stage they will be seeking help from a drug rehab facility, but just for the record, an overdose could well lead to body seizures, delirium, hallucinations, nightmares, coma and death.

Withdrawal:

As has already been mentioned, historically this drug was one of the most popularly prescribed sedatives as well as being hugely popular for recreational use.

However, over time users discovered just how many negative effects outweighed the positives and how addictive it was and the need for professional help to withdraw was required.

If you are looking to withdraw, addiction recovery resorts will certainly set you on the right track to recovery.

But it is also important for addicts to understand that there is a very strong chance of suffering severe cravings for the drug long after they withdraw, hence the suggestion that residential rehab options and continued aftercare must strongly be considered.

Three reasons why inpatient rehab is recommended:

While there are many more reasons to choose in-house rehabilitation for those addicted to methaqualone. Here are just 3:

Environment:

An addict’s current environment can have a lot to do with their current addiction. There is a good chance they will be mixing with other users, their home environment can feel sterile and quite often depressive. The natural way to turn in such circumstances is to your drug(s) of choice.

By entering one of the drug rehab programs offered by luxury rehab resorts you are entering an environment that is completely conducive to giving you the best chance of overcoming your addiction.

Cost:

While addicts may think that such rehabilitation centres are beyond their financial reach they should think again.

Take a look at Overseas Rehab Resorts. The Dara addiction and recovery resort in Thailand being a point in case.

Set on the beautiful island of Koh Chang, the Kingdom’s second largest island, the prices at this extremely well run establishment for rehabilitation care and treatment knock similar treatment prices in western countries into a cocked hat.

Timescales, professional support and ongoing care:

Make no mistake, it is a brave decision indeed the day you confront your methaqualone addiction. Once you have admitted your problem, action and timely admittance to a rehabilitation centre is an absolute MUST.

While many clinics in your own country may put you on a “waiting list” you will find that in the majority of cases rehab abroad facilities will accommodate you extremely quickly.

Not only that, you will be receiving world class care and support in a world class environment.

Just as importantly the highly individualised addiction aftercare options offered by Dara give full flexibility, ongoing progress monitoring with a variety of options for you to choose from, and can also include 5 day “tune-up” sessions which are free of charge.