Category: Understanding Addiction

Those who use and abuse illegal substances are literally on a journey that can take just three steps to drug rehab.

We will look at each in turn, but first let’s consider a common misconception amongst those who are regular drug users:

Addiction – It will NEVER happen to me:

If only this were true. Clearly no one who begins using drugs is in it with the intention of becoming addicted. They are in it for the hit, the buzz, the high and the absolutely cracking feelings that certain illegal substances offer.

Unfortunately in the drugs world you get nothing for nothing. Regular users rapidly discover that where there is a high, there is a double low.

The more regular your drug use and the bigger quantities you load for each hit mean one thing. The stronger your dependence upon drugs become.

This is due to something that many do not realise. It is how quickly your body and mind take to these substances. They do so with an enthusiasm and hunger that is frightening.

Once you are into regular use, you need more of the same just to achieve the same high as previously experienced, and this vicious circle continues until you are well and truly hooked.

Let’s take a look at where it all begins:

Three steps to drug rehab – Step 1:

When you start dabbling with drugs it is fun, you have a good time with like-minded users and use is generally sporadic, but before you know it, taking your drug of choice moves from irregular use, or only on ‘special occasions’ to far more regular use.

Perhaps you have a toot after a long day at work to ‘de-stress’ and before you know it this becomes a daily ritual, some will reach for the pipe after an argument or because they are having a hard time in a relationship.

In such situations drugs become your crutch. Something to lean on and escape the problems surrounding you.

When you discover that the drug you are using is not really doing it for you anymore then the natural progression is on to something stronger.

Initially this more than does the trick, but herein lies the problem. Regular use of this new, potentially far more addictive drug works in a similar way in relation to dependence.

Your mind and body begin to crave it, but not in the same amounts or at the same regularity. To feed your ever growing habit you need to consume more of the drug and use it on a more regular basis.

Three Steps to drug rehab – Step 2:

Although you realise you are using drugs on a far too regular basis, you refuse to admit this to yourself or those closest to you.

The saying “The truth hurts” has never been more meaningful than when put to a person who knows they are now dependent upon a particular substance, but to date have refused to acknowledge such facts to themselves.

Have a look at the following signs that are clear pointers telling you that drugs are now in control of you rather than the other way around.

Those who relate to such signs really must hold their hands up, admit that their dependence upon drugs is something to be taken seriously and just as importantly they must seek professional help for their drug addiction.

Four LARGE alert signs that flash ‘Drug Rehab Required’:

. Has the quantity of each ‘blast’ you prepare increased steadily over time?

. Has the time frame between each hit decreased steadily over time?

. Are you considering trying a stronger drug, or have you already switched to something that promises a bigger ’high’?

. Rather than smoking, snorting or swallowing your swag are you considering, or have you already switched to injecting?

Before we finish off with the final stride on your three steps to drug rehab, please also consider if the following relates to you:

Drug dependence – An all-consuming ‘pastime’:

Are drugs constantly on your mind? Do drug thoughts surface quickly once you wake up? Do such thoughts keep resurfacing throughout the day, and follow you into what is generally an uneasy sleep, or a stupor that has been brought about by excessive drug taking?

Many will constantly think about the amount of stash they have left, when their next ‘hit’ is due, and will subconsciously replay in their mind future plans for their next score.

There is a good chance that a contingency will be in place regarding substitute suppliers. This is purely to counter the unlikely event that their ‘main man’ is dry or otherwise indisposed.

Such thoughts are not healthy and they must tell you that your dependence on drugs is reaching a critical stage.

Three steps to drug rehab – The final step:

The final step in your journey to seeking professional help with your drug addiction issues is one which is not easy, but is one you must take.

You have to stop denying that you have a serious issues in terms of your drug use. Admit to yourself that drugs are in control of you and not you in charge of them.

This is a very difficult thing for many who are dependent upon drugs to do for one major reason:

Fear:

This FEAR is a deep unsettling one of how you will possibly survive without your regular supply of drugs.

While such fear is completely understandable, it cannot and should not prevent you from taking the brave step of admitting to yourself the extent of your problem and to seek urgent professional assistance.

Routes to consider when seeking help:

There are several routes to consider when seeking help. These include confiding in your health professional, availing yourself of the services provided by a local outpatient rehab centre, or opting for a far more positive approach.

This approach has been taken advantage of by many recovering addicts. That route is to spend time in a respected residential rehab establishment, with the serious thought of opting for a stint at a luxury overseas rehab resort.

Don’t wait for the next step:

It is imperative that whatever stage of the three steps to drug rehab you are at that you seek professional help. If you do not your next step could be terminal.

While the question: Alcohol addiction, is it an illness or a disease, is certain to raise differing opinions, one thing is for certain:

If you are suffering from a dependence upon alcohol it is imperative you seek professional rehab assistance now.

Legal Liquid = Huge potential for dependence:

In countries that permit the sale and consumption of alcohol each drink comes with a health warning.

The problem appears to be that far too many men and women have either become so used to such warnings they take little heed of them, while others find it highly amusing to play on words:

Just 3 examples of the ‘wit’ you will hear relating to official slogans are:

Drink Responsibly: Why should I? My intention is to get mashed and mangled!

Do Not Have One For The Road: O.K. I will have two, it makes falling over less hurtful!

Drink In Moderation: I haven’t found ‘Moderation’ yet, until I do and they let me in I will drink when and where possible and as often as I please.

We could go on, but are sure you get the picture.

The issue here is that the question: Alcohol addiction, is it an illness or a disease, has very serious implications for those bent on over-imbibing.

The amount of alcohol you consume is something to be taken seriously rather than lightly. This is because as sure as night follows day, those who continue to drink regularly and heavily are heading for alcohol dependence.

Let’s understand why:

Why is alcohol so addictive?

This is because it is a CNS (Central Nervous System) depressant. It is a well-known fact that when taken in moderation alcohol relaxes, reduces anxiety and helps loosen inhibitions.

This is the positive side of a legal substance with the hidden potential to cause addiction.

Regular or heavy drinking sessions take a toll on your brain and your body. This is because both develop a tolerance to the amount of alcohol you consume.

While this tolerance allows you to consume more, it also needs to be constantly ‘fed’. As you feed this tolerance then your dependence upon alcohol becomes stronger, and crucially it takes more of the same simply to achieve the ‘high’ previously experienced.

Long periods of constant daily drinking or regular heavy drink sessions continue to build up your tolerance until you need alcohol simply to feel ‘normal’.

Without it you feel ‘lost’ or ‘empty’. Such dependence is reinforced when those who try to stop drinking begin to suffer unwanted physical and psychological withdrawal symptoms. Such symptoms will quickly encourage them to “get back off the wagon”.

Alcohol addiction, is it an illness or a disease – Physical issues:

Dependent upon which source you listen to or read it will become clear that alcohol addiction is both and illness and a disease.

Indeed, from a medical point of view it is often described as a medical illness through the disease model.

From a disease perspective it is seen that this physical addiction cannot be controlled, it has common symptoms, and successful alcohol rehab treatment includes specialised medical treatment.

Other strong reasons as to why alcoholism is classified as a physical disease are down to the withdrawal symptoms that are to be expected when abstaining from alcohol.

Those withdrawing will find common physical symptoms that have to be accepted as part and parcel of their recovery process. These include sweating, shaking, sickness and light-headedness.

Alcohol addiction, is it an illness or a disease – Psychological issues:

Because alcoholism is classed as an addiction it is considered a brain disease. Abuse of alcohol can physically alter the brain thus causing it to function differently, and to form the basis of addictive behaviour which is similar to those with drug dependence issues.

It is very important for those attempting to lead an alcohol free future to understand fully that alcohol rehab programs will focus on both the physical and psychological damage excessive drinking has caused.

While the physical damage may heal reasonably quickly there is a strong chance that the psychological issues will remain far longer.

Due to these psychological problems it is imperative that those who have battled and are winning the first phase of their alcohol addiction continue with regular aftercare treatment.

This essential ongoing treatment will go a long way to ensuring they do not have a relapse situation on their hands.

How much damage have I caused already?

This is an interesting point when discussing alcohol addiction, is it a disease or an illness; so let’s look at it from 3 angles:

Physical damage:

This very much depends upon how long a person has been addicted to alcohol along with their physical health, diet and general well-being.

Assuming there is no severe liver, heart or vital organ damage, a person who quits drinking, stays dry, carries out regular exercise and keeps a reasonable diet should recover physically in a reasonable time frame.

Psychological damage:

This is much harder to assess. As mentioned, addiction to alcohol affects the brain, your feelings and your thought process.

These aspects of mental damage need to be assessed and measured by professionals and should be regularly monitored to assess a person’s state of mind.

As well as medical assessments, counselling plays a vital part in the recovery process. Professional counsellors will make it their duty to understand how a person coming off alcohol feels, help them work through their issues, and understand how they are responding to the various strands of treatment.

Social/Relationship damage:

When discussing alcohol addiction, is it an illness or a disease, it is vital to remember the social and relationship problems that excessive alcohol consumption causes.

Many alcoholics find their relationships in tatters, this generally leads to heavier drinking in an attempt to bury such problems with a bottle.

While this may be considered a natural reaction by many, it is equally true that deep down the alcoholic realises that it is drink which is the major cause of such relationship breakdowns.

The problem is that the grip alcohol has on them makes it extremely difficult to think rationally about the damage they are causing to themselves and their loved ones.

As well as the hurt and damage your drinking is causing to family and loved ones there is also a strong possibility that your work will suffer and your social circle will shorten.

Alcohol addiction, is it an illness or a disease? It is both!

The truth of the matter is that being addicted to alcohol is no fun whatsoever, it is also potentially life threatening.

If you find yourself sliding into the alcohol abyss then it is absolutely vital you seek professional alcohol rehab assistance, and just as importantly that such help is found NOW!

Almost any given person will at some point in their life have to deal with a friend or family member who is addicted to drugs or alcohol, since about 1 in 10 people have an addiction problem. So how do you know if someone you know is struggling with addiction? Here are some signs to look for if you believe you know someone who is struggling with addiction.

You may observe your loved one seems to be sneaking around more often, or it might seem as though she is hiding something from you. Addicts often try to disguise or hide drinking and drug use from others because it is embarrassing how much is being used. You might find an unusual stash of alcohol in your friend’s house, or she might come to a party after already drinking to keep secret how much she is actually drinking. If you notice your friend trying to mislead you in this way, talk to her. It may help her move toward a treatment regimen for her addiction.

Your friend used to be well dressed and put together, but lately you have found she seems to have just roll out of bed and does not really care about the way she presents herself to others. At this point, the person has only begun to think about one thing: drinking alcohol or taking drugs. When she begins to be consumed by drinking or taking drugs, many other necessities are forgotten about, such as cleanliness and one’s presentation to others. However, others might begin to wear more makeup to try to hide the effects of the alcohol or drugs has on her appearance. She may begin to wear more makeup to hide the bags under her eyes because she just pulled an all nighter. Even though she is not trying to show the effects of her addiction, the drugs may have so overwhelmed her life, that she can no longer hide the effects. Again, acknowledge the decline in appearance to your friend, and you may be able to break through to her to get her to get her the help she needs.

Your loved one appears to no longer be the responsible person she once was, but instead is just trying to get through the day to her next use. She might begin to show up late to work because she is recovering from last night’s hangover, or she may not show up to class because she is not feeling good due to all the drugs she has consumed. She might be sent home from work or school because she comes in drunk of high. Instead of making good grades, she is now failing the majority of their classes. If you notice a lack of responsibility in your friend, it is probably a good idea to talk to her about getting treatment for her alcohol or drug problem.

You recognize your friend has been isolating himself from others when he was previously quite social. He is no longer interested in activities he used to enjoy. He prefers to only hang out with those who use like he currently does. Talk to your friend about the isolation in hopes of opening his eyes of what his substance abuse is doing to him.

Have you noticed your friend is having more unexplainable financial issues than she had previously? Maybe she asks you to borrow money for things she should be able to pay for on her own. If you realize these things are happening with your friend, talk to her, and explain you are willing to help as long as she seeks treatment for her addiction.

When you ask your friend what he did the night before, but he cannot remember, it could be a sign of drinking too much or using too many drugs. It could be he drank too much or used too many drugs, blacked out and could not remember what he did last night. Perhaps he can remember part of the night, but he cannot recall everything that happened that night. These blackouts or lack of recollection can be a serious warning sign for substance abuse. If you are with the person when he is drinking or using, it is important to point out these instances to your friend to help him be more aware of how often and what behaviors he is exhibiting during these blackouts. Also, if you notice this lack of memory happens often, it would be good to talk to your friend about seeking help for his substance abuse problem.

You have noticed your friend has gained a tolerance for alcohol or a drug he has been using, which means they need more booze or more drugs in order to feel the same effect than previously used. A way you might detect this increased alcohol use is noticing he is buying more beer now than he formerly did. If you notice this happening, it might be a good idea to say something to your friend to figure out if he is suffering from a substance abuse problem.

You note signs of your friend’s mental health problems are declining. Perhaps, the person has had mental health issues all along, but now she seems to be getting worse. Alcohol and drugs are ways to self-medicate a problem, but with continued use, the substances can drastically impact a person’s mental health. If you realize your friend’s mental health problems are declining, but cannot explain why, talk to them in hopes to bring to light a substance abuse problem she may have.

Someone with an addiction is not likely to reach out for help. It is important for friends and family members who spot these signs to talk to friends with addictions and offer help. Listed above are signs to look for in an addict. Be sure to talk to your friend if you believe these signs are being exhibited.

When should you call time on your drug use? This question is one that should cause a lot of soul searching amongst regular drug users.

Let’s consider the origins of your current drug use, and then we will state some fairly harsh truths that need honest answers.

Recreational drug use – Those early days:

Take time out and think back to when you first tried an illegal substance. The circumstances and surroundings will differ depending on your location and surroundings at that time, but perhaps it was a toke on a spliff, a bullet of whizz ‘necked’, or maybe that visit to your first all-night party or Rave when you dropped an ‘E’.

For many millions of young people it is seen as a rite of passage. It is stepping up in life, being ‘grown up’ and it is undoubtedly both exciting and frightening at the same time.

Back then the world of drugs will have been a mysterious one for the novice taking their first tentative steps through its ‘welcoming’ doors, but one thing is for sure; this initial introduction to drugs will not be forgotten by the vast majority.

Why do so many try something that is clearly illegal?

There are many reasons. Curiosity and the relative ease of access are major factors. Then there is ‘peer pressure’.

Life can be tough during your teenage years and into early adulthood. Most young people want to fit in, to be associated with friends around their own age and if it happens that some of your more ‘influential’ peers are keen to sample illegal drugs then many are equally as keen to follow.

You want to be part of the group or ‘gang’. Many youngsters feel that saying ‘No’ to sampling drugs is tantamount to becoming an outcast within that group.

Thankfully as you grow and mature you begin to discover your own inner strength and are able to make decision based on what you feel is correct, not because you wish to curry favour from others.

Your decision not to continue experimentation with illegal substances, and to call time on your drug use before it has really begun is made for a strong reason.

You understand that by following the drug route it will lead to many more potential problems than any ‘benefits’ you could ever hope to receive.

What happens to those who develop a ‘taste’ for recreational drugs?

While a significant amount of young people experiment with some form of drug or another, many of these sensibly decide this is not something they wish to pursue. This decision will strengthen as their knowledge broadens on the devastating effects regular drug use can bring.

Unfortunately there are also a good percentage of people whose early experimentation with drugs continues. Gradually this extends and they move onto different drugs that initially give them higher ‘highs’ than previously experienced.

The problem with following such a path is that the new drugs they try are far more potent than they realise. They are also unaware of how quickly their mind and body accepts them.

This acceptance creates a dependence which requires larger, more regular doses just to achieve the same high as previously experienced.

The drugs merry-go-round is very easy to step on, but…..

Make no mistake, increasing regularity of use and the amount of drugs consumed is a ‘free entrance ticket’ onto the ever spinning drugs roundabout.

‘Friendly’ dealers will welcome you with open arms. They will be full of ’helpful’ suggestions regarding the colourful selection of illegal substances available. They will also enthuse about the cracking sensations and ‘pleasure’ each one offers.

Of course they will neglect to warn you that the selection of ‘goodies’ they have for sale contain devastatingly addictive properties which will quickly have you hooked.

This carousel may be very easy to get on, but with each turn it becomes more difficult to step off.

If you are aware your drug intake is creeping up in terms of regularity of use, or you are beginning to use ‘just a little bit more’ each time just to achieve that expected high then PLEASE call time on your drug use NOW.

DO NOT kid yourself that you can quit ’just like that’

Many regular users falsely believe they can stop using their drug(s) of choice as easily as they can turn a tap on and off. If only this were true.

What needs to be clearly reinforced is that regular drug use creates a dependency. Your body and your mind take to the drugs you are feeding them like a duck to water, but they do so at a price.

This price is that they are not satisfied with simply receiving the same amount at the same regular intervals, they need more of the same and they need it more regularly.

If you are a user that has progressed to this stage you will not be able to quit ’just like that’. To call time on your drug use at this stage requires the inclusion of professional drug rehab services.

So, where to next for those who continue to deny the fact that serious drug issues are now on their doorstep?

Next stop, a new ride at the drug ‘fairground’!

Continued and increased drug use will lead to dependence, dependence to addiction and a private seat will be yours on the drug roller-coaster.

Once you have ‘fed’ your habit you will be on the fast track up the rail and heading for those bright blue skies. Miss a dose or go too long without one and you will be plummeting down the even faster track to the gloomy depths of despair!

In denial – You are fooling yourself:

Users who know full well they have serious drug dependency issues generally have a standard response to such issues. This response is to deny the truth and then bury such thoughts under their next hit.

They will also continue to convince themselves that they are in control of their drugs use. The sad reality is that drugs are firmly in control of them.

You MUST overcome your self-denial and fear:

If you are to call time on your drug use before it is too late you MUST admit to yourself things have gone too far. You need to concede that this serious problem needs urgent attention, and you must also overcome a deep-seated fear.

This is the fear of how you will possibly survive without your regular supply of drugs.

While such fear is completely understandable, it cannot and should not prevent you from seeking urgent drug rehab assistance.

There are several options open to you. These include your health practitioner, registering with a local outpatient rehabilitation centre, or taking the sensible route that many addicts choose; a stay in a residential rehab establishment.

Whatever you do, DO SOMETHING!

It is imperative that you call time on your drug use before its potentially fatal effects call time on you. Harsh words indeed, but very true all the same.

Whichever drug rehab option and treatment you decide upon MUST be decided NOW.

You owe this to yourself and to those closest to you. They are going through untold anguish and deep concern over your addiction.

The professional help available can help you kick your habit. It also encourages you to plan for a future that is free from the shackles drug addiction brings with it.

How long do different drugs stay in your system? This is a question that has well-established ‘guideline’ answers, but with some important caveats.

When considering these timescales a variety of factors can affect the results. Some people may find different drugs leave their system more quickly than stated, others will retain signs of drug use for longer than the periods mentioned.

Here are just 4 variables that need to be taken into account:

Your metabolism:

Because everyone is different, this also means our metabolism differs. In simple terms some people have a slow metabolism where others have a fast one. Having a fast metabolism means your body uses things you put into it such as water, food or drugs more quickly than if you have a slow metabolism.

Fat or thin:

Those who are overweight can find that drugs may stay in their system longer than those who are classed as ‘normal’ weight for their height. This is because traces of the drug may become trapped in fatty tissue and lingering that bit longer.

On the other hand, those who are underweight could well have a faster metabolism and drugs may leave their system more quickly.

Hydration:

If you keep your body highly hydrated this can help expel traces of drugs more quickly, but do not take this as a given, and do not think it is a magic potion to remove traces of drugs more quickly.

While increased hydration often helps to dispel drugs at a faster rate it is not always the case.

The amount and frequency that drugs are used:

This is a major factor when asking the question: How long do different drugs stay in your system? Those who regularly use their drug of choice are building up a tolerance to that particular drug.

This means there is a good possibility the drug will linger in their system far longer than someone who is an occasional user. The quantity of drug consumed will also have a marked effect on how long it stays in your system.

Your current state of health and exercise regimen:

Those people who are in a good state of health and exercise regularly are more likely to clear drugs from their system quicker than those whose state of health is not so good and do no, or very little exercise at all.

No exact science:

While there are other factors to be taken into account it must be said that different drugs affect different people in different ways.

Bodily variables as well as frequency of use and the amount taken mean you cannot be certain when traces of a particular drug will leave your system.

How long do different drugs stay in your system – Accepted Data:

We will focus on 3 different categories in terms of drug testing. These are blood, urine and hair. The timescales in these examples mention blood and urine only.

Hair testing has a separate section below and it will quickly become apparent as to why!

In the main employers will use a urine or a hair test whereas the police will use blood testing on a frequent basis.

It is VERY IMPORTANT to understand these are guidelines only and results can vary.

Alcohol: will stay in your blood for around 10-12 hours and for 3-5 days in your urine.

Amphetamines: 12 hours in your blood and between 1-3 days in your urine.

Cannabis: 2 weeks in your blood and between 1 week and 1 month in your urine.

Cocaine: 1-2 days in your blood and 3-4 days in your urine.

Heroin: 12 hours in your blood and 3-4 days in your urine.

LSD: 2-3 hours in your blood and 1-3 days in your urine.

Ecstasy (MDMA): 1-2 days in your blood and 3-4 days in your urine.

Crystal Meth. (Methamphetamine): 1-3 days in your blood and 3-6 days in your urine.

Methadone: 24-36 hours in your blood and 3-4 days in your urine.

Morphine: 6-8 hours in your blood and 2-3 days in your urine.

Hair tests- How long do different drugs stay in your system?

To carry out a hair test a 1.5 inch strand of hair from your head is required

If you think being bald will save you, think again. Body hair can be used. These hair samples are generally taken from under the arm, from your chest or from the hairs on your legs.

Hair tests – Double Whammy:

There is a far more worrying aspect for those who use drugs and are requested to submit to a hair test rather than give a urine sample.

ALL of the above drugs in the blood and urine chart can be detected in hair plucked from your head for up to 3 months after last use, bar LSD which only shows ‘positive’ for 3 days.

If body hair is used this can reveal historical drugs use from 6+ months ago.

Even more worrying (for some!) is that hair tests can establish whether multiple drugs have been used!

Hair tests – One escape route, but not a very plausible one!

One way to avoid being subjected to a hair test is to shave your body thoroughly from head to toe. This obviously makes testing your hair impossible.

If you are considering this route after your employer has pre-warned you of an imminent drugs test and you are female, or a male who had a decent head of hair up to this notification one suspects your employers suspicions may just be raised!

How long do different drugs stay in your system – The No.1 Culprit?

The biggest number of ’positive’ results are against users of Cannabis. This is not surprising when you consider it is the most widely taken illegal drug the world over, and as can be seen from its detection timespan it stays in your system the longest!

‘Passive Smoking’:

While we are discussing Cannabis a common myth needs to be dispelled. If you live with someone who uses this drug, or mix with friends who indulge, but you DO NOT partake you have nothing to fear if asked to take a hair test.

There is no foundation in the myth that passive smoking will leave traces of Cannabis in your hair. Second hand smoke does not result in a ‘positive’ when tested.

How long do different drugs stay in your system? – Employers awareness:

A growing number of employers are including a drugs test of one sort or another for prospective new employees. This simply means that if you are shortlisted for a vacancy you will have to agree to a drugs test. Only when this proves ‘negative’ will you be considered for the position.

Existing employees are not immune either. Many companies already have in place, or are putting in place regulations regarding their right to test employees for signs of drug use.

For existing workers their updated employment contract will include a ‘drug testing’ condition as part of your employment. You will have to accept this condition by signature, or if you refuse to accept such a condition then you will be looking for a change of employment.

How long do different drugs stay in your system – Bottom line:

If you value your current job and your employer has, or is intending to implement drug testing for their employees, or you are hoping to secure a future with one of the many companies who include drug tests as part of a job offer you would be wise to cross recreational drug taking off your list of hobbies.