Category: Articles

codeine abuse -dara

What Is Codeine Use And Abuse?

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

Codeine Abuse – Codeine is a very commonly used opiate drug, but what needs to be considered is: What is codeine use potentially leading to?

Who uses it?

Those who suffer from mild to moderate pain those who have pain which is not easing with the use of general painkillers.

Your doctor can prescribe it in a pure form, or it is available from a pharmacy in lower doses when combined with thing such as paracetamol, aspirin or ibuprofen.

If you are taking over the counter (OTC) medicines for coughs and colds there is a good chance that low concentrations of codeine will be contained in such formulas.

If you have any concerns relating to the make-up of any OTC medicine it is very important that you discuss these fully with your qualified pharmacist. They should clearly explain what is contained and what effects are possible. Women who are pregnant should be particularly cautious in this respect.

What is codeine beneficial for?

The obvious benefit is pain relief. Many people suffering from pain may have tried several different painkillers without receiving the required pain relief. Codeine can help to relieve such pain. It is also seen as effective for women who suffer heavy period pains.

How does codeine make you feel?

Many users claim it gives them a feeling of well-being, they feel far calmer and more relaxed and often sleepy. Those who are suffering from constant pain may well miss out on quality sleep time due to the distraction of such pain, so this relief will certainly be welcomed.

So, what is the problem?

Codeine Abuse – The real problem with codeine is that the body can quickly become tolerant of this drug. While the first stage of usage may be at relatively low doses, many users find that to gain the same effect over time that their body demands more.

As doses increase to get the same effect, the body continues to tolerate, but once again will eventually requires more.

What is codeine use potentially leading to?

Many users of codeine find that they are taking greater amounts to get the same feelings of ‘well-being’. This often leads down a dangerous path and tempts them to search for stronger, more effective, and very importantly, more addictive drugs such as hydrocodone or oxycodone.

Once a user takes this route it is a downward spiral to dependence and addiction. If you find yourself in this situation it is vitally important that you seek professional help.

While many make their doctor the first port of call it is important to understand that rehabilitation centres, or luxury rehab resorts as they are often called can offer most help. We will touch on such establishments later in the piece, but let us first consider:

What is codeine from a negative point of view?

Codeine Abuse – Users often complain of feeling nauseous, suffering from constipation, itchiness and bouts of sweating.

They also suffer mood swings that are far more pronounced than usual and many generally feel lazy. While such negative feelings can affect the mind and leave a user feeling low there are health problems which must be taken into account.

This drug can lower your blood pressure and make normal breathing more difficult. In extreme cases you may stop breathing altogether. This is known as “respiratory arrest”.

You must also be aware that by mixing too much of this drug with others that also work to suppress breathing is leaving you wide open to potentially serious problems.

Such a mix will greatly increase your risk of overdosing and in extreme cases can be fatal. Drugs to be avoided in such a mix include, but are certainly not limited to; other opiate drugs, valium and alcohol.

What is codeine from a physical dependence/addiction viewpoint?

Physical dependence on codeine is a common trait amongst regular users. Over time it is likely to produce cravings and leave the user with a strong desire to continue regular and increased doses of the drug.

Please do not believe anything you have heard from other users or unauthorized sources in terms of addiction. With Codeine abuse the facts are very clear. Codeine is an opiate and opiates are addictive.

Withdrawal symptoms:

Those who are physical dependent or addicted to codeine and try to come off it without long term rehab assistance are in for a rough ride. 

While feelings of nausea, goose-bumps, yawning, a runny nose, diarrhoea and a constant feeling of restlessness may not cause undue distress, there will also be anxiety, sleep disturbance, abdominal cramps, muscle spasms and nervous tremors to contend with.

The act of trying to withdraw from codeine on your own is a very admirable one, but as is the case with any serious drug problem you really do need specialist care, a full understanding of your problems and continued counselling to help you overcome what is codeine addiction.

Rehabilitation Services:

What has to be realized is that those dependent or addicted to codeine should not expect such problems to go away overnight. They need long term rehab care. While it is possible to go about this from an outpatient point of view and remain under the supervision of your doctor who you will only see during visits to the surgery, the inpatient rehab options open to you are felt to be far more effective.

By opting to go to a Rehabilitation Centre, or a Rehab Resort you are giving yourself an advantage from the get-go. Codeine Abuse is beatable.

These establishments are completely geared to offer the support, encouragement and professional help an addict requires, and while the term ‘rehab resort’ may sound prohibitively expensive, those with codeine addiction should look deeper into such options.

They will be pleasantly surprised to find that overseas operations are far cheaper than the same treatment in their own country. Asia Rehab resorts are an excellent point in case.

Two other huge advantages are that an addict will leave their own, often sterile environment and the distractions this brings for an exotic, relaxed setting in surroundings that are ideally suited when it comes to giving them the best chance of beating their addiction.

Just as importantly the waiting list for such Residential Rehabilitation Resorts is very often far more acceptable than establishments in your own country. If you have summoned up the resolve to do something about your problem you want to begin treatment quickly.

To be put on a ‘waiting list’ is a surefire way to dissolve that resolve and continue the unwanted quest of further understanding what is codeine use leading to.

Prescription Addicted Parent

Are You Living with A Prescription Addicted Parent?

Articles, Australia, International, Understanding Addiction

Prescription Addicted Parent? – Many people the world over put addiction to drugs firmly on the doorstep of the younger generation. They vilify the use of ‘heavy’ drugs such as heroin, cocaine and meth, yet place the overuse and dependence of prescribed medication in a different category.

The plain fact is that dependence is dependence and anyone who abuses drugs of any kind needs to seek professional rehabilitation assistance.

We will look at how children should approach parents regarding over-use of prescription medication at the end of the piece, but first here are a few pointers relating to prescription medication:

What is prescription medication:

This is controlled medication that can legally only be sanctioned for use by a certified medical professional. This drug or medicine should not be confused with OTC (over the counter) drugs which can be purchased by anyone over the legal age limit.

Prescription medication is recommended after a patient has seen their general health practitioner and been diagnosed as having a need for a stronger drug to help with their condition.

Helpful but moreish!

There is little doubt that this class of drug can help with a whole range of conditions from Anxiety to Weight-loss. There is even less doubt that if not taken as recommended the chances of becoming dependent upon them increase greatly.

Because they are so ‘moreish’ there is a strong temptation for a patient to ‘fib’ about their condition during subsequent doctor’s appointments in order to ensure a repeat prescription is issued.

Categories and some of the biggest ‘offenders’:

Prescription Addicted Parent – There are 3 major categories that the most widely abused prescription drugs fall into. These are:

Opioids: Often issued for either short term or chronic pain relief due to their highly effective pain killing abilities. This type of drug leaves the user feeling euphoric and at ease which is a state that can quickly become a constant need.

Central nervous system depressants: Many will know this category simply as tranquillizers or depressants. They include some of the most abused drugs available. Examples being barbiturates and benzodiazepines.

When used the result is a feeling of calm and relaxation. A user is at ease with themselves, but such feelings can very quickly become the ‘norm’ rather than the drug being used as prescribed.

Stimulants: This category of drug does what it says on the tin! It increases brain activity. This has the knock-on effect of increasing a user’s alertness and energy. While genuinely required by many, this class of drug is abused by even more.

Examples of the drugs you will come across:

Prescription Addicted Parent – There are a huge number of prescription drugs available. Here are just 5 of the most common and addictive:

Xanax: This benzodiazepine is used for the treatment of those with serious anxiety problems and panic disorder issues amongst other conditions.

It works by depressing the central nervous system and leaves a use feeling sedated, extremely relaxed, and at ease. So much so that it is claimed this is the most widely abused prescription drug available.

Valium: Along with its sister drug klonopin these are also benzodiazepines. As such they also provide very positive sedative effects. Many who abuse this drug do so for the highs received. It is stated these effects are similar to being under the influence of alcohol.

Users feel ‘pleasantly tipsy’, relaxed and talkative. The problem with these 2 drugs as well as others in the benzodiazepine group is just how quickly they become habit-forming. Excessive use and abuse is responsible for users suffering blackouts and accidental overdoses.

Many who use these drugs do so with other drugs. While this will increase the never ending search for ‘higher highs’ it also greatly increases the chances of dependence.

Oxycodone: Many will know this under its common ‘trade’ name of OxyContin, or through the combination of oxycodone and acetaminophen which is sold as Percocet.

This opiate is often likened to heroin and works by changing the way your brain and central nervous system respond to pain. When taken users achieve a combination of sedation and euphoria.

Amphetamines: With ‘Speed’ as its most common nickname this should tell you exactly what this type of drug does for a user.

Prescribed for those suffering with conditions such as ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) and Narcolepsy; a condition that causes people to fall asleep whenever in relaxed surroundings, amphetamine class drugs work by increasing wakefulness, alertness and focus.

It is common knowledge that these drugs are widely abused and apart from the huge quantities that are dispensed via prescription every year there are many more sold illegally on the streets.

Ritalin: Another very well-known stimulant. This drug works on the central nervous system by increasing brain levels of the hormone dopamine. Amongst other things this hormone greatly increases a user’s attention span.

Two major things that are no different with this drug and other stimulants:

There are massive amounts prescribed year on year and the fact that they can quickly become habit forming.

How to broach the subject with parents:

Prescription Addicted Parent – If you suspect one or both of your parent’s are relying on prescribed medication it is often not an easy thing to approach them about, but this should not be something to discourage you.

By educating yourself on what types of drug are most addictive, what the effects of constant use are, and then finding the appropriate time to raise your concerns with them; this could well be when they are in a relaxed and calm state!

An aggressive tone is a ‘No-No’ and by avoiding raised voices these discussions should go a long way to persuading them that they are relying on their medication for the wrong reasons.

This may well be to the extent of them having dependence issues, but whatever stage their over-reliance is they should be urged to seek professional help and perhaps counselling to help them overcome these issues with your full support along the way.

Children with a Prescription Addicted Parent can contact Dara Rehab for help on this issue.

An excellent article on how to recognize signs of your parents addiction.

prescription addiction dara

Ease Of Access – The Prescription Addiction Epidemic

Articles, Australia, International, Understanding Addiction

Prescription Addiction – Prescription medication helps countless people through illness and disease. It also takes a massive toll in terms of those who become dependent upon medicine that is supposedly under strict control.

Let’s take a look at this medication, how common abuse of it is, some frightening statistics and how so much of it is reaching the illegal dealers.

What is Prescription medication – The Cure?

Often called ‘prescription medicine’ or ‘prescription drug’ this type of medication is a pharmaceutical drug that by law requires a certified medical professional to authorise its use.

After seeing a patient and carrying out any necessary medical checks these professionals then recommend any medication required. Once accepted by the patient a prescription with signature is supplied. The patient then takes this to an approved pharmacist to receive the medicine.

These drugs are far stronger than Over The Counter (OTC) medicines that can be obtained without a prescription by anyone over the age of consent. To prevent misuse of prescription medication the above safeguards have been put in place.

This misuse includes abuse of the drug as well as preventing people from practicing medicine without a licence.

What is prescription medication addiction – The Cause?

Prescription Addiction – Also commonly called ‘prescription drug abuse’ this is the use of a controlled drug without a prescription, or the drug in question has been prescribed but is used in a way other than how it should be, or it is used purely for ‘pleasure’ due to the heightened feelings and experiences it offers.

Is this abuse common?

In many countries it is out of control. There are literally millions of people the world over abusing prescription medication and many of these are now dependent upon them.

It is also understood that alcohol and marijuana are the only substances abused by more people than prescription medication.

Startling statistics that really are very frightening:

To put the scale of prescription drug abuse clearly into context it is claimed this type of abuse has been the fastest growing drug problem in several countries for a good few years now.

For well over a decade opioid pain medication has played a role in more overdose deaths than heroin and cocaine combined.

Prescription addiction surveys carried out state that around one-third of first time recreational drug users choose to start their drug experimentation with some form of prescription medication.

If this really is the case then surely it points to this class of drug being a powerful ‘gateway drug’ that leads many onto other highly addictive substances such as methamphetamine, cocaine and heroin.

How do so many prescription drugs get onto the streets?

With an estimated yearly black market value of $25 billion in the United States alone it is little wonder there are a variety of ways that these drugs reach the hands of dealers.

Most of these avenues come under a term known as:

Diversion:

This is where prescription drugs are transferred from lawful to unlawful channels of distribution.

Pain management clinics are the major source dealers ‘use’ for obtaining painkillers and depressants.

Examples of the most in-demand opioids are Roxicodone and OxyContin, while Xanax is said to be the most popular benzodiazepine depressant.

Methods of Diversion:

Differing methods are used by dealers and they will often combine ways of securing these drugs to ensure a constant supply and re-stocking of their inventories. Some popular methods are:

Finding willing individuals to make appointments at clinics, surgeries and health facilities, and training them on what to say as well as supplying fraudulent MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) reports to give to the pain doctor. These individuals then go ‘Doctor Shopping’ and visit four or five pain clinics per month.

Dealers also use a process known as ‘sponsoring’ where they finance all of a willing participant’s expenses in exchange for 50-75% of the pills obtained per visit.

Some dealers prefer to purchase drugs from willing sellers that include Veterans, those on government health schemes, Crack/Heroin addicts and HIV patients.

They particularly target those receiving regular prescriptions via government subsidized schemes, and registered addicts who receive prescription medication but prefer their illegal drug of choice.

The reason these 2 groups are targeted is because they often have low levels of income and are more than willing to sell some, or all of their regular supply.

Another supply route is the use of a ‘Connect’. This term describes an employee at a healthcare facility who has access to a constant supply of medication and/or prescription pads.

Some of these ‘connects’ may also be in a position to take batches of sample drugs provided to the facility, falsify inventory claims as a shipment arrives or undercount dispensed medication.

A huge challenge to reduce this abuse:

It is very clear that authorities face a huge challenge if they are to reduce the number of people illegally using prescription medication. The success of current and future solutions remains to be seen.

If you are abusing these drugs, have issues with prescription addiction and are in need of professional assistance to help stop use, please do yourself a huge favour by contacting a well-established rehabilitation centre. They can offer confidential advice and support while explaining the options available to you in terms of treatment.

OTC drug addiction

More People Getting Addicted to OTC Drugs Than Heroin

Articles, Education, International, Treatment, Understanding Addiction, United Kingdom

OTC Drug Addiction. Data from treatment centres in the United Kingdom has shown that rehab admissions for pain killer abuse has risen by over 17 per cent in just 2 years.

New research coming out of the UK has revealed that over-the-counter medicine use and addiction has become much more prevalent. Admissions to one of the top rehab centres in the UK, UK Addiction Treatment, (UKAT) for OTC’s and prescription medication has increased by 22%. They claim that this is because people are unaware of what the warning signs are.

Data released by UKAT shows that over the last 2 years across their 6 treatment centres, admissions for prescribed benzo’s and painkillers has increased by 17%. At this current rate it is likely that admissions for drug abuse and alcohol will be overtaken.

Therapists at the centre have been calling on the government to better implement education systems that explain the dangers that over-the-counter and prescription medication abuse. They have warned that people are unaware of the risks of OTC Drug Addiction and that situation at large is very real.

In just the last 6 months, 48 people have been admitted to UKAT centres for the treatment of Codeine and Benzodiazepine addiction. This is compared to only 26 people being admitted for cannabis abuse and 17 people for gambling addictions.

Cross-addiction like cocaine and alcohol abuse represents 64% of all addictions to the centres.

So out of a total of 140 people that UKAT admits each month, 6% of these are admitted for prescription or OTC addiction.

When receiving treatment, it can often take an addict of pharmaceutical drugs around 4-6 weeks to get clean. This is generally a longer time than it takes for most heroin addicts to come clean when at rehab. This is due to the fact that there are often horrible side effects that need to be contended with.

OTC Drug Addiction.

Often, when a doctor stops prescribing these medications, an addict will try any means necessary to get their next hit. Most often these types of medications can be easily bought on the web.
The price is also a big factor in the reason people are becoming addicted to prescription and OTC medications. The street price of a Valium tablet is less than £1, yet a 0.1g bag of the much harder drug, heroin, can cost 10x that at £10 per hit.

However, due to the strength of Valium and other prescribed drugs, people’s tolerance can increase much faster than those who take hard drugs and this can result in OTC Drug Addiction and overuse.

Many people consider that they are not an addict if the drug has been prescribed or they can purchase at their local pharmacy. UKAT claims that people are often admitted to their centres without even realizing that they are an addict.

Most addicts are forced into continuing to take these medications purely to cope with the side-effects that occur when stopping suddenly or going cold turkey.

Eytan Alexander, founder of UK Addiction Treatment Centres stated “It’s currently a hugely vicious cycle but, with support from the newly-elected Government, one that we can break with better education, advice and support.”

xanax treatment

Rehab Treatment for Xanax – What to Expect

Alternative Treatment, Articles, Education, Treatment, Understanding Addiction, United States

Xanax Treatment – Xanax is another name given for the prescription medication alprazolam which is a benzodiazepine used in the treatment of panic disorders and anxiety. It may also be prescribed to people who suffer from insomnia. Whilst short term use may not have any side effects, prolonged use may lead to addiction. In fact, the medication is not supposed to be prescribed for longer than 6 weeks.

People who do become addicted to Xanax will often have to enter rehab to beat their addiction. Physical addiction and prolonged use can lead to a number of health problems so medical supervision is always advised during the Xanax Treatment and withdrawal process.

So who needs to receive help in the first place?

Characteristics of Xanax Addiction

Not everyone who takes Xanax is going to end up getting hooked on it. If fact, tolerance or physical dependency on the drug alone are not enough to be diagnosed as an addict. This could just be the result of taking it for too long.

Instead, addiction is often characterised by the following:

  • Taking more than is prescribed or in other ways than prescribed
  • Continuation of use even despite negative side effects
  • Cravings or compulsion to use

What Would Happen in Rehab

Admitting yourself into rehab can help to address the real reasons why you are seeking help for Xanax withdrawal. It can help to uncover the emotional and physiological issues at the core of the addiction.

Below are the stages and services that you can typically expect when entering rehab.

  • Drug screening and assessment
  • Removal of the drug from the system
  • Behavioural therapy and Psychotherapy
  • Education
  • Aftercare and follow ups

Keep it in mind that while many rehabs are inpatient based, you may not necessarily need to sign up to a full 28 to 90 day rehab. An outpatient rehab can also help you beat your addiction whilst also costing less and allowing you to continue with your normal activities.

Stages of Rehab – Xanax Treatment.

Step 1: Drug Screening and Assessment

An initial assessment and drug screening will be completed on arrival when a person enters Xanax rehabilitation. This initial stage of treatment is used to determine the extent of someone’s addiction and to put a plan of action into place. This stage will usually include interviews, questionnaires and standard drug testing.

Step 2: Removal of the Drug from the System

Withdrawing from Xanax can be a rough ride and symptoms that appear can include depression, anxiety and insomnia. Rehab programs that specialize in withdrawal from Xanax help a person to taper of the drug and minimize any withdrawal symptoms.

Step 3: Behavioural Therapy and Psychotherapy

The cornerstone of treatment for Xanax addiction is psychological treatment this will often include individual behavioural sessions combined with group sessions. Special treatment will be given for anxiety and depression when necessary as they often become present during treatment. Sometimes family is involved in sessions so that the family system and dynamics can be addressed together.

Step 4: Education

The more someone learns about their addiction and the way that treatment works, the better prepared they will be to beat their addiction. This is why people entering rehab for Xanax addiction will often have to attend education sessions and workshops during their xanax treatment.

Step 5: Aftercare and Follow ups

At the end of your rehab sessions an addiction specialist will help a person to create an exit plan. This written plan will help people to continue their progress and better understand what to expect. It will also include goals to reach.

Aftercare in the form of outpatient therapy and counselling sessions can be expected in the following months. Attending these sessions will help a person keep on track and learn how to cope with any withdrawal symptoms and stress.

If you feel that you have an addiction to Xanax or know someone who has and are worried about them, please feel free to talk to one of Dara’s professional advisors about the possibility of rehab at our luxury resorts in Thailand.