Category: United States

heroin use

Heroin Changes Lives

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

No matter how loudly the message is delivered relating to the serious consequences of heroin use it still continues to fall on far too many deaf ears. Here are some of the ways in which this wickedly addictive drug will change a person’s life.

Changes in lifestyle:

Because heroin takes over a user’s life there will be lifestyle changes that become more noticeable as dependence deepens. They will appear in various ways, including an increase in anxiousness and a single-minded intention to ensure that access to the drug is ever-present. The need for that next ‘hit’ builds and becomes more intense.

Long sleeve clothing may have to be worn even in warm weather due to the visible track-marks injecting heroin causes. Withdrawing from the regular company of family and friends is also a common trait. While this can partly be put down to the fact that regular use means they need more time on their own to ‘jack-up’. It is also because they are afraid that others will find out about their heroin use. Heroin use often leaves a person lonely and isolated.

It is not uncommon for heroin users to let their health and personal hygiene slip leaving them with an unkempt, scruffy look.

Changes in health:

It is quite obvious that heroin users do not realise the extent of damage that this highly-powerful opioid can cause. Surely if they did they would leave it well alone in the first place. This damage can often be life threatening with examples such as contracting HIV and hepatitis due to sharing needles. The chance of a miscarriage is increased for women and fatal overdoses by those using too much when out of it are all common problems a heroin addict must face.

On top of this, long-term heroin use causes damage to many of the body’s vital organs. A heroin user is increasing the chances of permanent damage to the kidney, liver and heart. The drug reduces the effectiveness of their immune system and a heroin user will suffer regular infections due to the fact the body is unable to fight off unwanted bacteria.

Additives aggravate:

It is common knowledge that the street-heroin purchased is full of additives. These coagulate and clog vital blood vessels which can lead to permanent organ damage, heart attacks and strokes.

An even bigger danger is that some of the additives included are life-threatening and are capable of killing a person within minutes of use. The sad fact is that these dangerous substances are only identified once death has occurred.

Heroin Use – Help is a must:

If you or someone close is suffering from a growing dependence upon heroin it is vital that this is admitted. Denial is a huge barrier for those trying to quit the drug. They deny to themselves and others that their problem is not as big as it really is.

Overcoming denial will allow those who are deeply attached to the drug to understand what the problems are and how they will continue to develop before focused rehabilitation treatment is provided. It is often the case that heroin addicts need several attempts to beat their habit, but beat it they can.

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Life After Inpatient Rehab

Preparing For Life After Inpatient Rehab – Part 1 of 2

Articles, Australia, Education, International, LGBTQ, Malaysia, Treatment, Understanding Addiction, United Kingdom, United States

Life After Inpatient Rehab. Those who are coming to the end of an initial, successful stay as an inpatient at an established rehabilitation facility need to be ready to enter their day-to-day world with the many challenges this new life will bring.

This article is the 1st of 2. They will give tips on how to successfully progress the important sobriety lessons taken on board during their time spent as an inpatient.

Completing inpatient rehab is a big step, but…

Recovery is a continuous process that takes time to sink in for many. This is why a person needs to be as fully prepared as possible before leaving the ‘managed’ environment of inpatient rehab. Over the 2 articles we will touch on things that have to be taken into consideration and prepared for. These will make the transition less stressful and more successful.

Intense counselling and profound learning achieved:

Life After Inpatient Rehab. Those who have successfully spent 30, 60 or 90 days as an inpatient will have been subject to intensive, successful counselling. Both on a one-to-one basis and as a group. They will also have picked up skills that need to be utilized for long-term sobriety.

In the days leading up to the end of this initial inpatient rehab treatment program it is important to go over the key lessons learnt and to determine not to go back to old ways. Do not be afraid to write out cards that indicate what should be prioritized with bullet points as to how this can be achieved. Here are some to get you started:

Time to move location?

This is something that should be seriously considered. It may well be a big step. But, if it keeps you on the straight and narrow in terms of sobriety then the effort involved will have been well worthwhile.

If your current neighbourhood presents too many memories and temptations in terms of purchasing and using substances then you are better off out of it.

If you are passing drug dealers on a regular basis. Seeing bars where you used to spend huge amounts of time. Or are within easy distance of a drug house that is still active then you are putting unnecessary pressure on yourself. Also you are inviting relapse triggers to come calling.

While the new neighbourhood may not be free of drugs it should be a one where there are other things to keep you occupied. One that allows you to forge new friendships.

Life After Inpatient Rehab – Finding sober friends:

Forming addiction is often begun and cemented through time spent with friends who are of a like-mind. If close friends are using substances to excess it is often quite natural that a person will fall into these ways. This person could be affected far more than others in their group.

This makes sober friends a vital resource for anyone going through recovery. Establishing a group of sober friends will help temptation levels for substance use drop substantially.

Self-responsibility:

Life After Inpatient Rehab. In the 2nd part of this article we will look at what responsibility a person must take to help progress their treatment. By following the tips given this will help a recovering addict reintegrate into society while limiting temptations that are undoubtedly around every corner.

CLICK HERE to get a Free Confidential Rehab Assessment.

Sex addiction

Five Traits Of A Sex Addict

Articles, Australia, Celebrity Rehab, Education, International, LGBTQ, Malaysia, Treatment, Understanding Addiction, United Kingdom, United States

Sex addiction is a very real condition that is hidden by far more adults than is ever reported. Major reasons that many affected refuse to seek professional assistance are embarrassment and shame.

Traits of a sex addict:

There are many traits that point towards a person suffering from sex addiction. Here are 5 of the most common:

The need for sex is out of control:

As crazy as it may seem you are ready to have sex anywhere and anytime. You know the risks involved are pointing towards you being caught in the act but that does not stop you from acting this way.

Any money you have for essential bills may be spent on paying for sex or used to take a ‘new date’ out with the sole intention of ending the night having sex wherever you can. The truth is that sex is the most important thing to you and you will have it regardless of the consequences.

Sex is a complete preoccupation:

You can’t go longer than 10-15 minutes without your thoughts turning to sex. Savouring your last session, looking forward to your next. This preoccupation puts everything else into second place and while you may try to put sex to the back of your mind, this proves to be an unachievable task.

Different strokes/Different folks:

Because sex is constantly on your mind you come up with kinkier ways to have sex. Riskier places to perform sex acts and more extreme forms of sex. As long as personal sexual preferences are within the law and with others who consent this is certainly not something to be concerned about. But, the fact that you want to try everything, anywhere and anytime regardless of the consequences indicates that your need and desire for sex has crossed a line.

Masturbation is a constant:

This is another pointer that your sexual needs are out of the ordinary and help is required. You wake up in the morning and masturbate, you disappear to the bathroom while at work to do the same. You will even masturbate immediately after sex even though under normal circumstances this would not be a consideration.

Constant relationship problems:

If you feel sex is becoming all-consuming take a step back and have a look at your relationships with those you either live with for a while or see on a regular basis for sex. Are these in a mess? Do they often end because of your actions? The fact you know that you will eventually get caught out by one partner or another but do not really care? Do you make obvious mistakes that tell one partner you are cheating on them. One of the reasons you do this is because you do not really care who finds out as long as you are successful in your next conquest?

Sex Addiction – An urgent need for help:

There are many more traits that show your sex addiction is overwhelming not just you but those you come into contact with. The problems will not disappear on their own. They will become deeper, and the deeper they become the bigger your risk of suffering serious consequences. This is because you continue to cross lines of acceptability as far as your sexual actions are concerned.

What may be acceptable to you is far from acceptable to others. Many with unnaturally high sex urges find they break laws in a variety of different ways in their quest for sex. Instead they should be seeking professional sex addiction counselling before their increasing sexual needs grow into very real problems.

CLICK HERE to get a Free Confidential Sex Addiction Rehabilitation Assessment.

Addiction Treatment Options

Inpatient Or Outpatient Addiction Treatment?

Alternative Treatment, Articles, Australia, Education, International, Malaysia, Treatment, Understanding Addiction, United Kingdom, United States

When an addict seriously begins looking at addiction treatment options a major step has been taken. It is the first of many they will need to take in their stride if long-term sobriety is to be achieved.

Why such an important step?

When an addict finally admits that addiction is ruling their lives they are ending denial. This is a trait that all addicts build as their dependence deepens. They will deny to themselves that their substance abuse is as severe as it really is and will also deny to others that their use is a problem.

The two major treatment options:

When looking at addiction treatment there are two major options to consider. The first is outpatient treatment, the second is spending time as an inpatient at a residential rehabilitation establishment.

Inpatient facilities differ from outpatient facilities in a variety of ways. This includes the intensity of treatment, the environment in which treatment takes place and the cost of treatment.

Addiction Treatment Options – Outpatient treatment:

As the name suggests this type of treatment allows addicts to attend an addiction facility on an appointment basis. Once therapy and other agreed services have been completed the person undergoing such treatment returns home until the next confirmed appointment.

This type of treatment tends to suit those who have been addicted for a relatively short time before seeking assistance, and also allows the person concerned to continue their daily life relatively unimpeded.

Outpatient programs vary in that some involve all-day attendance, others require the patient to attend for one or two hours per session. Because outpatient treatment offers fewer amenities and dedicated staff time is limited this option is cheaper than inpatient treatment. Many personal health insurance policies will cover some or all of the cost for this treatment.

The downside to outpatient treatment is that the patient remains in their home environment. One which usually helped put them in this position in the first place. Another factor is that appointments are spaced days apart. This lack of constant treatment and supervision increases temptation for a recovering addict to resume substance abuse.

Addiction Treatment Options – Inpatient treatment:

This is seen as a far more focused method of treating addiction. It is effective for anyone with dependence problems and is particularly recommended for those with a history of long-term addiction.

A person opting for inpatient treatment is committing to a stay at a residential rehabilitation establishment. Staff will be present 24/7 and a set routine will quickly be put into place. This includes intensive counselling sessions on a one-to-one basis as well as group therapy.

Daily physical exercise tailored to a person’s ability will be taken and set meal times are established. The recovering addict must agree to abide by the establishment rules and it goes without saying that substance use of any kind is forbidden.

Additional benefits include an environment where everything is geared to recovery with ample time and space for personal reflection. Comfortable accommodation and extensive facilities add to the effectiveness of the healing process.

Costs vary dependent upon the establishment chosen. Many accept approved personal health insurance policies to cover partial or full payment for this comprehensive addiction treatment option.

CLICK HERE to get a Free Confidential Rehabilitation Assessment.

Heroin Addiction

Seeking Out Signs Of Heroin Addiction

Articles, Australia, Education, Malaysia, Treatment, Understanding Addiction, United Kingdom, United States

Heroin Addiction – Heroin is recognised as one of the most addictive drugs on the planet, but establishing whether a loved one or someone close to you is using the substance is not so easy to recognise. This fact is further compounded if illegal drugs of any kind are alien to you.

But, there are ways and means that will go a long way to either allaying your fears or confirming the worst.

The first thing a person with limited knowledge of heroin should do is:

Get a basic understanding of the drug:

Spending time on the internet will provide you with as much information as required. Try not to take too much detail on-board initially. Understand the basics and dip back in as and when needed.

Three quick things to keep an eye on:

Is the person you are worried about becoming increasingly insular and gradually withdrawing from regular friends and family members?

Are they spending increasing amounts of time alone in their bedroom or den?

Are new, ‘friends’ turning up at strange hours of the day/night?

It is extremely important not to jump to any conclusions on these points. There could be many reasons for this behaviour and you need to be sensitive regarding their private lives, but noting the above could place an important piece in the puzzle at a later date.

Recognising heroin:

The drug is a powder-like, crumbly substance. While it is often an off-white colour this can vary and can be white, dark brown or black. If you find traces of a black, sticky substance this could be black tar heroin, so called because of its appearance and texture.

Heroin Addiction paraphernalia:

Those who use heroin need the ‘tools of the trade’ to administer it. Heroin can be injected, snorted or smoked. Some things you should keep watch for are:

  • Needles
  • Syringes
  • Pipes
  • Spoons (used to heat the drug)
  • An excessive amount of lighters
  • Rubber tubing or elastic bands may also be found. These are used as tourniquets to widen veins damaged by regular heroin use
Heroin addiction – Physical symptoms:

These signs should be quite noticeable, particularly if the drug is being injected because physical changes are almost instantaneous. This is due to the user experiencing an immediate drug-induced euphoria that occurs within seconds of heroin injection.

Smoking or snorting heroin does not produce such a rapid reaction but signs of being ‘high’ will show themselves once the drug reaches their brain.

Common symptoms of heroin use include:

  • A dry mouth – users will often run their tongue across their lips
  • Their appearance will be flushed
  • Pupils are noticeably constricted
  • They fall asleep extremely suddenly
  • Breathing slows
  • Self-control is often difficult to maintain
  • They will constantly itch or scratch
  • Feelings or complaints of nausea
  • Physical vomitting
  • Complaints of being constipated

Other obvious signs when someone is high on heroin include confused thinking and being disoriented. They often have difficulty making straightforward decisions and suffer from memory loss.

Heroin Addiction – Take one step back before tackling the situation:

If you feel your fears are founded it is important not to jump in feet first and accuse the person in a loud and aggressive manner. This approach is likely to be met with stubborn resistance and you being told in no uncertain terms to leave them alone, alternatively they will simply clamp up and refuse to discuss anything.

The sensible approach is to arrange an appointment with a qualified drugs counsellor or specialist to explain the situation. Once the relevant information has been assessed a plan can be put together regarding the most effective approach. This should include you offering full support and help in return for the user promising to seek treatment.

Such a situation will undoubtedly cause personal anguish, but try to bear in mind that your vigilance and concern has already had a positive impact. Continued support may make all the difference between a person sinking deeper into a devastating addiction or accepting and committing to rehabilitation treatment.

CLICK HERE to get a Free Confidential Rehabilitation Assessment.