Category: International

At some point in one’s life, he will feel down or sad. These periods may come and go, but they soon pass and happiness returns. However, for others, depression is real and those low emotional periods do not pass as easily. Sometimes one’s depression can cause serious consequences in the person’s life, such as suicidal ideation or a suicide attempt. For some, depression may mean turning to drugs or alcohol to try to lessen the effects of the emotional pain they are experiencing.

To begin, here is a brief summary of depression: difficulty concentrating on daily or important tasks,  loss of energy, unexplained feelings of exhaustion, sleeping too much or not enough, sudden loss or gain in weight, unexplained bouts of crying, feelings of hopelessness, worthlessness or despair, feelings of sadness or guilt, or suicidal ideation. People with depression may exhibit all or some of these signs consistently. Depression can develop from unresolved stressful situations in one’s life. It can also develop after being diagnosed with a life altering illness, such as diabetes or cancer. Depression also has a genetic component, which makes certain individuals more likely to develop the disorder. It is also linked to brain chemistry, which can be altered for many reasons, such as drugs or booze.

Next, is a quick description of substance abuse: feeling guilty about using drugs or alcohol, relational problems due to substance abuse, not being able to complete normal tasks due to drug or alcohol intake, trying to cut back on using drugs or drinking alcohol and remaining unsuccessful or lying about using substances or the amount of substances one is using. If any of these circumstances pertain to your life, you may have a substance abuse problem.

If you have a family history of depression or other mental health disorders, you are at a greater risk of developing these conditions yourself. If you have family members who misuse drugs or alcohol, you may also be predisposed to developing a substance related disorder as well.

Likewise, having depression has the potential to predispose an individual to substance abuse. It starts out innocently when we realize that a couple of drinks help make the sad feelings fade away, even if only for a little while. Quickly, the use of healthy coping skills fade to the background because using is so much easier than actually having to deal with the issues that are staring the person in the face. Then, the person becomes dependent and craves the substance at all costs. Furthermore, the problem becomes deeper and deeper because now the cycle continues. The person begins to feel guilty and shameful because of their drug use or drinking habits. It continues and continues with a never ending cycle now.

Drugs and alcohol are often ways individuals self medicate in order to endure the symptoms of depression. However, substance abuse often worsens the symptoms of depression in the long run, instead of helping them. For example, one who abuses substances to handler her depressive feelings will have more of a chance of being hospitalized due to her substance abuse or depression, developing a drug or alcohol addiction, increased risk of suicide attempts and overdose. Not only will it be ineffective at helping one overcome her problems, it could also cause her to have new problems as well. Using drugs and alcohol while taking prescription medications also interacts with the medications and their intended effects, causing the medication to be ineffective in treating health or mental health problems.

If any of the information above pertains to you, do not be discouraged because there is hope for you. It will take time and effort, but you can defeat both substance abuse and depression. You can get better if you commit to doing the work necessary to heal from these life altering issues. To treat a co-occurring illness, such as substance abuse and depression, it is best that you receive treatment for both issues at the same time. Treatment can happen with a single professional, a team of professionals, in outpatient treatment or inpatient treatment. However, the best treatment will address both the substance abuse disorder and the depression. You will learn how to better cope with your depression by learning new skills and wipe out the need to use drugs or alcohol instead of dealing with the stressful situations that arise in your life. With treatment, you will learn how drugs and alcohol play into your depression and vice versa. Learning to deal with stress and learning new coping skills are the key to a successful recovery from a substance abuse and a depressive disorder. The important thing to remember is there is help for the problems you are experiencing related to substance abuse and depression.

It is a well-established fact that drinking problems show no prejudice. Alcohol is highly addictive and once it has a grip on you it takes no prisoners. Indeed many who have alcohol issues find the need to reach for the bottle becomes all-consuming.

Why is it so addictive?

Alcohol is a central nervous system (CNS) depressant. When taken in moderation and on an occasional basis it works to relax, helps to reduce anxiety and loosen inhibitions.

The important words above are “moderation” and “occasional basis”. The reason for stressing this is that regular and heavy drinking has a very powerful effect on your brain and body.

It works by developing a tolerance and physical dependency to alcohol. As your body’s tolerance increases so does your dependency. The only way to ‘feed your need’ is to consume more and more in an effort to achieve the same effects as previously experienced.

Alcohol will not release its grip easily. Many of those who try to stop drinking without the assistance of recognized alcohol rehab programs will fall at the first hurdle in their attempts to overcome drinking problems.

This is because of the physical and psychological withdrawal symptoms encountered. We will look at some of the withdrawal symptoms later in the piece, but let’s first consider:

Two major issues caused by drinking:

There are a whole host of problems that those addicted to alcohol are likely to encounter. Here are 2 major headings that have many branches.

Relationships:

When alcohol becomes your main focus you are putting a raft of relationship problems in your path.

Your partner, family and friends will feel the backlash in terms of your rapid and erratic change in attitude towards them. Commitments will be missed, chores neglected, and your appearance along with fears for your health will concern them greatly.

Most importantly, the ones who love you will be left confused, hurt and saddened by your apparent selfishness and dependence on alcohol that such drinking problems are causing.

It is extremely important for anyone who is addicted to alcohol, or those who feel they are rapidly heading down this route to understand it is not just themselves they are damaging.

Alcoholism brings a trail of destruction from a relationship perspective, and the sooner this is accepted, the sooner professional rehabilitation services can assist.

Health:

It is common knowledge that regular and excessive drinking will damage your health. Many think of liver problems such as cirrhosis. Others relate to fatalities and injuries caused by drink driving, violence and accidents around the home.

But the health issues are far more wide ranging. Those who drink heavily are leaving themselves wide open to cardiovascular problems such as seizures, heart attacks and strokes.

Then there is high blood pressure, anemia, cancer; which is exasperated if those with drink issues also smoke, and from a psychological aspect think depression and possible dementia.

Such examples are just the thin end of the wedge in terms of health problems, indeed health experts attribute over 60 health problems related to alcoholism.

Is there a way out?

While drinking problems can creep up on you in a fairly short space of time it MUST be made clear that professional help is available and that it MUST be sought sooner rather than later.

We touched on the ‘DIY’ approach earlier. This is in terms of trying to quit yourself. The problem here is the strength of the withdrawal symptoms your body and mind display at the displeasure of being starved of their expected ‘fix’. These are often very harsh and can be extremely difficult to overcome on your own.

Such withdrawal symptoms will be physical as well as emotional. Their severity is determined by a variety of issues such as the length of time you have been dependent upon alcohol as well as your general physical and mental state.

They include, but are certainly not limited to: Anxiety, sweating, shivering, feeling nauseous or being physically sick and body shaking; which is often called ‘the DT’s’ (Delirium Tremens).

Many associate the DT’s with the way your hands shake when alcohol is denied, but the fact is this symptom has far reaching effects in terms of your physical and mental wellbeing.

Alcohol addiction can be managed:

Those with drinking problems need to understand that alcohol rehabilitation services are available for a specific purpose. That purpose is to assist you in every way possible to come to terms with your alcohol issues.

These establishments will work with you. They will help you accept the seriousness of your situation, and this acceptance is a vital first step on your long road to staying clean.

They will then proceed to put plans in place that will be clearly explained, understood and accepted by you. Such steps will include medical, physical, psychological and spiritual sessions that are targeted to give you the best chance of staying off alcohol for the long term future.

Outpatient or Inpatient Rehab?

It is very important for those with alcohol issues to fully investigate the treatment options available. Here is a brief insight into two:

Outpatient treatment:

It goes without saying that outpatient alcohol treatment and services such as Alcoholics Anonymous have been operating for many years, and that they have helped countless numbers of men and women come to terms with their alcohol issues.

The challenges with such outpatient treatment is that you are very likely to remain in the same environment, and be mixing in the same circles that helped fuel your alcohol addiction in the first place.

Such an environment makes relapsing a strong possibility. Not because you are weak, but because the temptation and strength of your feelings towards alcohol are stronger.

Inpatient treatment:

In terms of residential rehab you are giving yourself the best possible chance of starting over. You will be taken out of your normal environment and into a relaxed, totally focused, calm and caring one whose mission is to assist you in every possible way.

You will learn many things about yourself, the problems alcohol has caused you and your loved ones, and where possible how to repair these relationships.

Sensible, solid advice will be given on how to avoid potential relapse situations, and a big part of your recovery will be the excellent aftercare options offered.

Often referred to as luxury rehab resorts, these establishments will work to show you how positive life can be without the crutch of alcohol to aid you.

Meth is one of the many street names of Methamphetamine. Whatever your favourite name for this potent drug is, one thing should be made very, very clear. It is highly addictive.

What is it?

Methamphetamine is chemically similar to amphetamine and is generally sold as a white, non-smelling, bitter-tasting crystalline powder.

Choose How You Use This Poison:

Those who regularly use this drug will either swallow it, smoke it, snort it, or dissolve it in alcohol or water. Injecting or smoking it is the quickest brain delivery method.

What’s the ‘hit’?

It cannot, and should not be denied that this substance gives a cracking high. It offers immense, intense feelings of euphoria.

While this may intrigue many, it should also be noted that such feelings of pleasure fade quite quickly. The obvious solution to keeping this ‘high’ bubbling is to take more at fairly short intervals.

The ‘binge’ syndrome is something that regular meth users know only too well. One day melds into another and before the exhaustive crash calls, a weekend or longer has been lost.

As sure as night follows day dependence and addiction will follow:

Those who think they can dabble with ‘chalk’ and then leave it alone are treading a very dangerous tightrope.

This is because the drug works by increasing the amount of dopamine in the brain. Dopamine is a chemical that, amongst many things is responsible for feelings of reward, pleasure and well-being.

The problem is that your mind and body quickly build up a tolerance for the drug. This tolerance demands regular feeding, but NOT of the same amounts as previously used. To attain the same cracking high as the previous one the user needs to increase the dose.

A drug maze that is difficult to exit:

It goes without saying that as a user increases the amount and regularity of meth use that dependence and addiction follow quickly. Those who find they are stuck in this addiction rut MUST seek the assistance of professional inpatient rehab services.

Where do you turn?

Addiction is depressing, degrading and has to be addressed. While there may be a consideration that withdrawal can be achieved on your own, it must be understood that this is a route with a very low success ratio.

This is NOT because you are weak, it is because the hold that methamphetamine has on your mind and body is akin to a tightening vice.

This frightening grip and the subsequent severe cravings demand feeding. Without the assistance of professional inpatient rehab programs your chances of recovery will be greatly reduced.

A fresh start with bright horizons:

Let’s face it, those dependent upon meth, or any other highly addictive substance are not giving themselves a fighting chance of beating their addiction by remaining in their current sterile environment.

The proximity of dealers and like-minded users leave far too many distractions open to you. A quick phone call and ‘meet’ with your dealer will be arranged before you even think about it, a visit to your ‘friends’ who are similarly addicted will be a journey you can make in your sleep.

You need a brand new beginning:

Determination, resilience and desire are needed if you are serious about kicking your addiction. It is therefore eminently sensible that you also consider inpatient rehab treatment in an environment that is conducive to your recovery.

Such an environment awaits in a luxury rehab resort. These establishments are completely focused in terms of giving you the best care and treatment possible in what will undoubtedly be a very testing time of your life.

Here are just 3 major reasons why such a route will give you the best chance possible of coming to terms with, and then beating your meth addiction.

Cost:

This may seem an unusual ‘advantage’ to start with, but the words ‘Luxury Rehab’ may leave some with a feeling that the cost of such a stay will be way above their means. This is most definitely NOT the case.

Indeed, there are two inpatient rehab resorts in Thailand that are two-thirds of the cost of similar establishments in western countries.

It should also be mentioned that certain personal health policies acknowledge the services provided by these overseas residential rehab establishments and have helpful staff who will help you ascertain whether your current health policy is valid for treatment.

Even if this is not the case, the actual cost of a stay is extremely affordable.

Minimal waiting lists:

When a person has taken the crucial first step of admitting to their drug or alcohol dependence prompt action is the order of the day.

Many western rehabilitation clinics are full and have waiting lists that stretch months ahead. The last thing an addict needs is to be told that help is available, but come back in 6 months. This is akin to a licence telling the addict to continue their habit.

Overseas rehab resorts are not subject to the same pressures in terms of demand. In the vast majority of cases these establishments will be able to accept a client within a couple of weeks from first contact.

Proven treatment methods and a track record of success:

The fully qualified western and local staff follow proven methods and use experienced councillors to help you overcome your meth addiction.

You will be staying in a calm, idyllic setting that is conducive to recovery. Yes, there will be a routine, and yes there will be pre-agreed rules that have to be followed, but these are there for a purpose. That purpose is to give the recovering addict the best possible chance of beating their addiction.

During a stay the client will participate in group and individual activities that include physical, psychological and spiritual sessions.

As they progress through recovery there will be 24/7 help and support available, along with constant advice and support as required.

The aim is that the client will leave the luxury rehab resort with a new, fresh mindset and be looking forward to continuing their treatment through one of the various outpatient programs offered.

Meth addiction can be beaten:

No one should think that beating such an addiction is a walk in the park, but this type of establishment is the perfect place to start your recovery.

Let’s take a look at your best chance of beating addiction and start with how something you dabbled with became a habit and is now a dependence.

Where did it all go wrong?

Those addicted to drugs or alcohol certainly did not set out with this aim in mind, so why is it that millions upon millions of people worldwide are addicted?

It is because the body quickly builds up a tolerance to your drug of choice. The brain and body feel rewarded when they receive their ‘hit’.

The problem with this building tolerance is that to achieve the same ‘high’ as previously you need to increase the amount and regularity of your substance of choice.

As you increase use and decrease the time between each ‘hit’ this dependence takes a stronger hold, and before you know it, you cannot live without it.

Indeed, trying to stop use will bring on intense cravings that will only be satisfied by taking yet more.

Common signs you have addiction issues:

There are many signs from a physical, psychological and social viewpoint that an addict will feel and show. Here are just 3 from each heading before we consider your best chance of beating addiction:

Physical:

Appetite and Weight:

Addicts will notice changes in their appetite. They will either eat very little for extended periods of time or go on food binges where they eat anything at hand and do so for a long period.

These poor eating habits can obviously affect your weight. Many addicts find they suffer from either sudden weight loss or weight gain.

Personal appearance:

Because the drug or drink of your choice has become all-consuming, the last thing many addicts care about is their personal appearance and grooming habits. While they may not bother with a mirror, such appearances are clear for all around you to see.

Prone to illness and infection:

The regular use of drugs and drink lowers your body’s resistance. This means an addict is leaving themselves wide open to regular bouts of illness.

In the case of those who choose to inject, the risk of infection from such blood borne diseases as Hepatitis B, C and HIV/AIDS is greatly increased.

Psychological:

When looking at your best chance of beating addiction it is very important to understand that the psychological effects will not disappear overnight. Such effects need to be managed through a long term drug rehab program.

Restlessness:

When an addict is not preparing or taking their next hit the mind can play strange games. Many state bouts of restlessness are ‘the norm’ between each ‘fix’.

Anxiety:

Most addicts will think about stopping use during their drug fuelled journey, however such thoughts will quickly lead to increased anxiety and even anxiety attacks.

Depression:

When an individual is either struggling to get their next high, or if they try to imagine a future without the drug/drink of choice feelings of depression will be evident.

It has to be said that anxiety and depression can stay with an addict for long periods of time after they have stopped using.

Social:

Partners, family and friends:

Because the drug or drink of your choice is literally all-consuming those closest to you such as partners, children and close friends will take a very firm back-seat in your thinking and priorities.

They will feel and show their hurt in a variety of ways, but because and addicts main priorities are elsewhere the damage they are causing often goes straight over their heads.

Social gatherings:

Parties, events and functions that were fun and relaxing before addiction took hold will become challenging. Those dependent on drugs will often make excuses to avoid attendance.

If an addict does attend such events you can be sure they will regularly disappear to the bathroom to keep topped up.

Work:

Addiction affects work performance and attendance. It is very common for addicts to phone in ‘sick’ on a regular basis as they are unable to face the ‘daily grind’ of their workplace.

Your best chance of beating addiction – Outpatient treatment?

Those who have finally faced up to the fact that drugs and/or drink are ruining their life, and that their actions are causing untold angst and heartbreak to those closest to them have a variety of rehabilitation services to consider.

Your health practitioner is often a first port of call. They can offer advice and support as well as giving information on outpatient and inpatient rehab establishments.

They should suggest a ‘tapering’ course of treatment which means that over time you will gradually reduce the amount of the drug taken.

There are also outpatient drug rehab centres that offer advice and support to help you withdraw.

The problem with both of these options is that care, supervision and attention is sporadic and appointment based, and you will still be living in the same sterile environment that put you on the addiction trail in the first place.

There will be temptation at every corner, and in all likelihood the least bit set-back in your personal life will have you scurrying back to your dealer as well as other addicts you are associating with.

Your best chance of beating addiction – Inpatient rehab:

Without a doubt a stint in an inpatient rehabilitation establishment gives an addict the best possible chance of coming to terms with their current situation.

It also gives them the best possible opportunity to overcome addiction and look forward to a drug or drink free future.

Many of those dependent upon drink and/or drugs are waking up to the fact that overseas luxury rehab resorts are an excellent alternative to what is on offer in their own country.

The benefits are many and varied. A new phase of your life will begin in a pristine and totally relaxed environment and crucially, waiting lists are either none existent or extremely short. This is a lot more than can be said for the oversubscribed inpatient rehab centres in your own country.

These overseas rehab establishments employ fully qualified, professional and understanding staff who are completely focused in helping you overcome your addiction.

This will be achieved through respect for yourself and others, and physical, psychological and spiritual sessions that will help put your present situation and future prospects fully into perspective.

Just as importantly, they will offer you a variety of quality aftercare options that are absolutely vital to helping you keep off drugs or drink once your initial stay at a luxury rehab resort has been successfully undertaken.

Your best chance of beating addiction begins with YOU!

If your dependence has reached levels that are ruining your life and those closest to you it is imperative you take the very brave step of admitting this.

Once you accept your current situation, the next step should follow very, very quickly. That step is to contact a luxury overseas rehab resort and speak with one of their understanding counsellors.

This initial contact will be a gigantic step with regard to you coming to terms with your addiction, facing up to it, and ultimately staying clean for the foreseeable future.

GHB impacts the same receptors that alcohol does. It can make you feel like your brain is slowing down. Users report increased sexual desire, intellect and emotion.

It can cause comas and seizures, as well as death.

Continue reading “What does GHB do?” →