Category: Australia

Meth In New Zealand

Meth In New Zealand

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

Meth In New Zealand. Methamphetamine use is a dire problem the world over and New Zealand has not been spared the scourge of this drug. And the addiction issues which come with it. As elsewhere in the world, the relative ease at which meth is manufactured has led to its rise as an illegal recreational drug. Especially among young people in New Zealand.

The presence of gangs in cities such as Hamilton along with the ubiquity of the drug has served to make young people unfazed by attempts to warn them off of using meth. Students in Hamilton, for example, walk right passed anti-drug posters with before and after photographs of other young people who have gone from young, beautiful photo models to blistered ad hairless wrecks. Young people do not seem to find any horror in these images at all.

Much of this has to do with the ease by which young people come across the drug. Methamphetamine is easy to make in home labs. It is “cooked” in kitchens using mostly household items. It is therefore so easy to find that young people see nothing particularly dangerous about it. They attend parties where the drug is widely available. And for many of the young people who “casually” use the drug, it seems like there is little to fear. However, this is the slippery slope to addiction that so many young New Zealanders are falling into every day.

In 2016, law enforcement officials reported that they had seized twice as much meth in New Zealand than the year prior but that they have not diminished the availability of the drug. Again, it is so easy to manufacture in home labs that to put out one fire simply leads to the outbreak of two more. A recent figure showed that 138,000 people in New Zealand are using meth in some form or another. That is the population of Tauranga, or the cities of Napier and Hastings combined.   

There is no such thing as a casual user of methamphetamine. It is one of the most highly addictive substances known and the effects of meth are devastating. As users experience the high and rush that makes the drug appealing. They quickly begin to experience paranoia and even hallucinations. The physical appearance of meth users declines so rapidly and dramatically that it is difficult to not recognize a meth addict. Their teeth decay and fall out. They often have sores and abscesses on their skin and face. It is an altogether ugly and devastating drug. 

Law enforcement office in New Zealand offer phone numbers and website to help people get treatment for meth addiction. There are treatment facilities that handle meth addiction recovery and they have grown alongside the rise in the use of meth in New Zealand. Not far way, in Thailand, there is Dara Drug and Alcohol Rehab in Thailand which offers a full range of professional treatment for meth addiction and for other drug and alcohol problems.

CLICK HERE to get a Free Confidential Addiction Rehabilitation Assessment.

Krokodil

Krokodil – A Powerful and Dangerous Drug Sweeping Russia

Articles, Australia, Education, International, Malaysia, Treatment, Understanding Addiction, United Kingdom, United States
Krokodil Takes Russia By Storm

A devastating drug is sweeping Russia and taking out addicts one by one, but not before bringing about a slow, painful, flesh-eating death. Desomorphine, known by its street name krokodil, delivers a very powerful high similar to that of heroin. It is highly addictive. Many addicts use the drug just once and they are hooked.  

Krokodil is a very toxic and dangerous drug that gets its name because it produces dark, scaly patches of skin on the user that resemble that of a crocodile. It is made at home by cooking codeine, paint thinner, gasoline, hydrochloric acid, iodine and the red phosphorous from matchbox strike pads. Because codeine is sold over the counter in Russia and the other ingredients are easy to obtain, making krokodil is easy for those who know how to whip up the concoction. The liquid produced by a batch is injected using a needle.

The drug hit the scene in Russia in 2002 and has since spread across the country. It’s no secret that heroin is a major problem in Russia, but it is quickly replacing heroin as a drug of choice among users. The drug has a more powerful high, which lasts between an hour and a half to two hours, and it costs about a tenth of what heroin costs.

The Negative Effects of Krokodil – The Drug Is Extremely Dangerous

Krokodil is so toxic, it actually creates a flesh-eating disease among those who abuse the drug. The drug eats away at the skin and creates terrible abscesses. It also causes teeth to rot and fall out and it attacks the liver and other internal organs.

This is not surprising when you consider the ingredients. Anyone who ingests gasoline, paint thinner, and red phosphorous is signing their own death warrant. In fact, the life expectancy of those who abuse krokodil is one to two years. Also, many people who abuse krokodil share dirty needles, which increases the spread of diseases like HIV.

Withdrawal From Krokodil Is Extremely Painful

Once someone has been using krokodil for even a short time, they will go through the excruciating process of withdrawal if they try to stop taking the drug. While heroin withdrawal lasts about one to two weeks, withdrawal from krokodil lasts from four to six weeks and it is unbearably painful. Most users will quickly return to the drug to be relieved from the withdrawal symptoms.

Withdrawal symptoms include:

  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Abdominal pain
  • Chills
  • Tremors
  • Fever
  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Head-to-toe body aches
  • Seizures
  • Coma and death in extreme cases
Medical Withdrawal Is Recommended For People Addicted To Krokodil

Those who are addicted should not attempt to stop taking the drug on their own. Withdrawal from this drug is not only extremely unpleasant, it can be deadly. A professional medical detoxification is recommended for people who want to stop using this deadly drug. A medical detox happens in a medical facility or an inpatient treatment center where medications are administered and progress is evaluated.

If you’re addicted to krokodil, get help now – before it’s too late.

CLICK HERE to get a Free Confidential Addiction Rehabilitation Assessment.

Relationships in Recovery

Relationships in Recovery

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

Addiction can damage every aspect of life. Homes can be lost, children taken, finances ruined, but almost universally in the world of addiction, relationships are destroyed. These are not just romantic relationships, though those are included, but relationships with friends, family, and others who are important in your life. These relationships are touched by addiction even when only one person is using. Friendships and alliances are often lost when active addiction is occurring and families may be separated or tied together in an unhealthy manner by that same addiction. Though these relationships are severely damaged or lost, they can be healed and regained when in recovery. The rest of this article will offer the basics of how that can be accomplished.

Addiction damages the mind and body. Proper treatment and counseling, paired with abstinence from drugs and alcohol can heal the body and help the mind, but the relationships that have been damaged will require a little more. It is funny that the irony of addiction is that those closest to the addict tend to suffer the most. Those closest have to slowly watch as the addict damages their life and health. They may have to watch as the addict slowly kills their mind, body, and spirit. These individuals may also suffer from the behavior of the addict as lying, stealing, and destruction is often commonplace for an addict. This could mean money has been stolen, property damaged, or possibly worse, mental anguish caused. If you choose to repair these relationships than much work will need to be done. There are only two basic steps, but these steps will not be simple.

First you must stop using and change your bad behavior. Second, you must allow time for the person to come back to you, to trust you again. Trust is very different from love or forgiveness. It may take someone much longer to trust you than to forgive you or offer their love. Read on as this is broken down further.

The first step of no longer using and changing your behavior starts the day you enter recovery. You must abstain from drugs and alcohol, not just those you previously used, but all that can lead to another addiction. Additionally you must begin changing your behaviors immediately. Addiction often leads to lying and stealing. This must stop. In fact, brutal honesty with yourself and others should be the ultimate goal. Be honest with yourself and others about what you have done and where you plan to go. If you have harmed someone in a way that can be corrected, then do so. This may include paying back loved ones if you have taken money. This is a good step toward earning trust and forgiveness. Just know that some people may never again be able to trust you, but if the relationship is worth the effort to you, than make the effort.

The second step is time. Recovery takes time, as does building relationships as yourself in recovery. People will expect the same behaviors you demonstrated as an addict, but you must prove to them that you are a new person in recovery. Get into a routine, learn to trust yourself, and be honest in all dealings, even if this is difficult. Over time your behaviors will be proof of your commitment to your new life. Two steps seem simple, but the truth is that it will be hard to wait for those you care about to truly trust your changes. Be patient and know that in the long run recovery is well worth the effort. Those that do come back into your life and show they care are the ones that will be meant to be a part of your life.

Stay strong, the first steps have been made and you can make it to long term recovery.

CLICK HERE to get a Free Confidential Addiction Rehabilitation Assessment.

LGBTQ Socialization, Marketing, and Addiction

LGBTQ Socialization, Marketing, and Addiction

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

LGBTQ Socialization, Marketing, and Addiction. Addiction can affect anyone at any time. Addiction does not discriminate based on gender, sexuality, race, or religion. However, the marketing of items that can easily lead to addiction is very much focused on specific populations. The first thing that may come to mind is whether or not this is legal, but as long as the population being targeted is of consenting age then products can be sold in the manner a company chooses.

Tobacco

The most obvious way in which products are marketed are through commercials and ads online or in magazines. One of the most prominent is that of tobacco. It seems that when someone is seen smoking in an ad they are at a party or bar or in some other way having fun with friends. Companies want to make tobacco use look fun or cool, the thing to do to fit into the world you want to be part of in life. Additionally, once someone tries something like tobacco, the substances in the actual tobacco make it highly addictive. Ask any smoker and they will tell you that smoking relieves stress and is simply a part of their every day like. Much like breathing, smoking or using smokeless tobacco becomes a part of life.

Alcohol

The same is true of alcohol. Alcohol ads always have attractive people having fun, meeting others, and smiling in every photo or advertisement. Drinking may be a way to unwind after a long day, but it too can quickly lead to problematic behavior. Alcohol is shown being served in every setting from yachts to backyard barbecues and inside dive bars. Alcohol is available in gas stations, big box stores, and grocery chains. Next to tobacco it is one of the easiest items to find that can lead to addiction.

While advertising may not apply to illegal drugs the culture remains the same. Anyone trying to sell drugs will offer the potential user a picture of happiness, serenity, and a pleasant experience. For some this may initially be true, but addiction can become an issue after the first time.

LGBTQ Advertising Tricks

This may seem like a trick of advertisers and users but this can be applied to a specific subculture, that of LGBTQ. Many ads are targeted at this culture and part of the population, promising that drinking, smoking, and much more will lead to a happy time in life. This enhances the draw to bars and social gatherings in which drug and alcohol use is acceptable and often expected. Many believe this allows those who are LGBTQ to relax and allow themselves to be who they are without judgment. Unfortunately, this form of relaxation can lead to addiction. If you or someone you know has been taken in by addiction then finding the right way to get treatment may take some research. This is especially true of those who consider themselves LGBTQ.

There are specific rehabs available for LGBTQ individuals that can meet the needs specific to this population. Know that addiction is not your fault, but moving beyond addiction is your choice.

CLICK HERE to get a Free Confidential Addiction Rehabilitation Assessment.

DARA Thailand

Why Choose DARA

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

Dara Thailand – Addiction is not typically a lifestyle choice. While using the first time may be a choice, addiction tends to take on a life all its own and ruin or take away what happiness the person may have been able to find. Addiction takes homes, children, family, friends, and sometimes lives. Addiction is all encompassing. It takes over every moment and every aspect of life even when people do not wish to admit to this truth. Addiction can turn a person into something that they never intended on being. This does not mean the real heart of the person does not exist, just that it is hidden from sight by the addiction. This can be seen in stories about all types of people. Loving mothers and fathers may abandon children. People may lose their jobs and homes because chasing the next good feeling becomes the most important goal. Friendships and families can be ripped apart by something that changes the chemistry of the brain.

While all of this sounds disheartening, and is for so many, no one is a lost cause. This is the number one belief in DARA recovery centers.

DARA Thailand does something that many rehabilitation centers do not do, they tailor make programs for each addict. This means that you are going to receive a unique program that is customized to meet the needs you have at the moment. Perhaps you are through detox, maybe you used today, but are ready to stop. Either way, DARA can help.

DARA Thailand was the first addiction facility in South East Asia and is still a premier international destination for addiction treatment. The facility offers internationally certified therapist in a resort style setting. In fact, the center was formerly a five star resort that has been converted. This means recovery in the heart of luxury. Do not be fooled though, the posh setting is still very recovery focused with individualized treatment. In fact, compassionate, effective, and comprehensive treatment is the main goal at the DARA rehab facility. Even with all the amenities and specialized treatment, DARA Thailand is highly affordable. This means it is the perfect option for those who wish to enter recovery, but price is something that is a concern.

So now a choice is to be made by you or the loved one you are researching for that is battling addiction. Do you prefer specialized treatment in a luxury setting or a more institutionalized approach? Would you rather have a team of specialist who focus on your personal needs or ones who use a one size fits all approach? The choice is completely up to the one entering treatment, but these are questions that deserve a realistic answer. If your choice is to seek help at a DARA Thailand facility than a simple phone call is all that is necessary. This phone call has the ability to forever change your life if you take advantage. Take a little time and make the choice that is best for you and your situation. The important thing is to stop letting addiction run your life.

CLICK HERE to get a Free Confidential Addiction Rehabilitation Assessment.