Category: United States

What is Cocaine

Cocaine is a well-known drug that is also a powerfully addictive stimulant. Though it has been around for thousands of years and was once used in medical practices, it is now known as a highly addictive substance that can cause quick and sometimes deadly addiction. Created from the coca leaves in South America, this drug has stimulant effects. Once the purified chemical of cocaine hydrochloride was isolated, it became easier to create the drug people now use recreationally.

There are some medical uses for cocaine, a Schedule II drug, but it is rare. This is most often found as local anesthesia for ear, eye, and throat surgeries. As for street use, it appears as a fine, white, crystalline powder that is sold under slang names like snow, coke, C, blow, or powder. This is often cut with other drugs or every day substances like flour, baking soda, cornstarch, or even talcum powder.

There are two chemical forms for coke and these are water soluble and water insoluble, also known as freebase. Users tend to inject or snort the water soluble version, hydrochloride salt, which is a powder. The base form of cocaine is created through a process in which ammonia or baking soda and water are mixed in and then heated to produce a smokable substance. Crack is the street name given to this freebase version due to the sound it makes when smoked.

Facts about Cocaine

Though the term cocaine is highly recognized and an image of high-end party goers snorting lines becomes associated, there are several facts about cocaine that people may not know or understand. These are:

• The commonality of snorting cocaine
• The harmful effects of cocaine
• Prison is a possibility
• Powder is not pure
• Addictive properties
• Emotion damage can occur
• Death is a possibility from use

Each of these will be explained in detail, but these are all true and scary facts when it comes to cocaine and cocaine use.

Snorting

There are about 17 million people worldwide that abuse cocaine. Use is most common in North, Central, and South America as well as Western and Central Europe. It is most often snorted and the high will last a half hour or less, depending on the purity levels and how much is taken at once. The short-term effects of energy and euphoria are what people desire the most. However, due to the short time the effects last, people often binge on this drug to maintain it. This can easily lead to addiction. There are unfortunately, negative side effects as well that may include:

• High blood pressure and an increase in heart rate
• Higher than normal body temperature
• Violent or unexplained behavior
• Paranoia or anxiety
• Heart attacks and stroke
• Seizures

Additionally, snorting it can lead to chronic inflammation of the nose, perforation of the septum, and even ulcers in the throat. These are all harmful and some may not be repairable.

Smoking 

For those who prefer to smoke crack as opposed to snorting cocaine there are also harmful effects. Crack, though still cocaine, comes as small rocks and is smoked from a glass pipe. The high is said to be more powerful, but shorter lived. If someone is smoking crack you may notice a few tell-tell signs.

• Coughing with shortness of breath
• Coughing up blood
• Chest pain
• Fluid in the lungs
• Bleeding in the lungs

This can be scary and can result in permanent damage to the body. Smoking crack may be more dangerous than snorting coke, but both can be deadly over time.

Prison Time

As with any illegal drug use, prison time is a chance you will take. Possessing crack or cocaine in any amount can result in legal action and consequences. However, possession of crack can result in higher and more frequent sentences than cocaine. Though this is being rectified slowly, the truth is both are dangerous and can have legal ramifications.

Purity is Questionable

Cocaine creates a surge of dopamine that prevents re-uptake to the neuron, disrupting the natural reward mechanism within the brain. This is a problem in and of itself. However, it gets worse when you know that the cocaine bought on the streets is far from pure. This is purely for financial gain for dealers. If it is cut with another substance, they can stretch the supply further. Though the additives can mimic it in the high and looks similar, it is not pure. Some common additions to cocaine include:

• Talcum powder
• Flour
• Laxatives
• Sugar
• Other drugs (stimulants, anesthetics, and even animal medications)

Highly Addictive

This one is obvious, but cocaine is highly addictive. This is because of the changes to the brain and dopamine levels. With prolonged use the brain’s pathways are altered and an addiction develops.

Emotional Damages

Long term use of cocaine can even damage the emotions by blunting them, also known as anhedonia. This will leave people unable to feel pleasure as a result of dopamine pathway damage. Once someone stops using it can take awhile for these pathways to be repaired, though some damage may be permanent. This means pleasurable feelings will be harder to attain. This may also limit the ability to feel empathy for others.

Death Risk

Though few people will admit it, death from cocaine use can occur the first time it is tried. There is no safe way to try or use cocaine, even in small or spaced out intervals. This is usually due to cardiac arrest. When it is paired with alcohol or other drugs it can also be toxic to the liver.

DARA Rehab

If you or a loved one is addicted to cocaine, crack or a mixture of any drugs, then DARA rehab can help. This luxury, resort style in-patient facility has several locations at affordable rates. Through the use of education, therapy, and physical health, the facility will get your loved one back on track to reenter life without the use of drugs. Available to take calls 24/7, DARA rehab is waiting to help your loved one onto the road to recovery.

CLICK HERE to get a Free Confidential Addiction Rehabilitation Assessment. Alternatively, you can click on the live chat icon to chat with someone right now.

Who Can Addiction Affect?

Addiction affect anyone, anywhere, at any point in their lives. While this statement was originally written in reference to an addict, the truth is that everyone close to the addict is also affected. Throughout this article we will discuss how drugs and alcohol addiction affect the families of…

• Parents (on whole family)
• Partners
• Parents (on children)
• Children

Addicted Parents

It is pretty common knowledge that if a parent has a drug or alcohol addiction then the whole family is affected. It could be compared to being stuck in a swamp and as family members try to help, they too are pulled into the swampy mess that is addiction. The only real way to help is to get those trying to help on solid ground, then they can be of real help.

Addicted Partners

If you are living with a partner who has a drinking or drug abuse problem then the partner who is using may feel torn between wanting to use and not wanting to harm their loved one. They tend to focus on others, giving blame when things go wrong. This can lead to volatile outbursts, depression, and anxiety. This can be a rough time for both partners.

The non-addicted partner may question whether they are good enough, whether they can cause the other person to stop using, and wonder how to protect any children. The non-using partner may take on extra work to try to cover up the mess and try to ‘fix’ the situation. This is rarely effective and is exhausting. The truth is the best thing a partner can do is to find time to take for themselves and relax.

Addicted Parents

An addicted parent not only affects the extended family, but the children. The children of an addict can get bogged down in the drama that is addiction. They tend to adopt a parental role, working for approval, but denying their own needs. The child probably feels insecure, confused, incompetent, and even angry. There are actually several roles a child may take on that include:

• The family hero – This is often the oldest child who takes on a responsibility of parent and seems in control, but is often insecure.
• The scapegoat – This child feels blamed when things go wrong and everyone focuses on this person’s fault, but this is just a distraction from the real problem. This person often comes across as rebellious, tough, and troublesome and is at risk of abusing drugs themselves. This person often feels fear, hurt, and loneliness.
• Lost Child – This child tends to be above the trouble, a dreamer, but they are often hurt, angry, and lonely.
• Mascot – This child is often the clown, trying to be cute and funny, but they are simply good at hiding hurt, loneliness, and insecurity.

These children need to be able to talk to a professional to know how to handle the situation in a healthy manner. The children of addicts are at a higher risk of becoming addicts themselves so this is highly important.

Addicted Child

When a child becomes addicted to something the whole family suffers. Parents often blame one another and fight over how to handle the situation. The addict may take center stage over other children, causing them to get lost in the chaos. The parents and others need to remember to take time for themselves and gain the support they need for the long term.

Issues with an Addicted Friend or Family Member

Addiction is not a one-way street and when a person compulsively uses their behaviors do not exist in a vacuum. The many negative behaviors of addiction affect loved ones in numerous ways. The unfortunate truth is that most addicted individuals are steeped in denial, so they do not understand the impact of their actions on themselves or others. These come across in many ways.

Loss of Relationships

A hallmark of substance abuse is that of losing friendships and relationships. This is because the addict separates themselves from others to spend more time using the substance of choice. They may lose interest in much loved activities as well. The withdrawal from you may be painful, but is common.

Emotional Turmoil

Family and friends may also encounter emotional responses and negative mindsets as a result of a loved ones addiction. Addiction fosters mistrust as loved ones continually lie about their habits while being secretive, dishonest, and evasive. Depression and anxiety may become prevalent in a family, especially on the children.

Caretaker Roles

This is another unfortunate side effect of drug and substance abuse. Due to the damage and toxic burden on the brain and body, an addict may suffer from a variety of diseases, disorders, and illnesses that force a family member into looking after them. Care taking can be a great burden and can even affect the caretaker’s health mentally and physically.

Negative Roles

In addition to the care taking role, an addiction can alter a family or friendship dynamic. This often comes across as enabling. When someone is enabling an addict, they are actually contributing to the addiction, whether knowingly or not. This must be stopped so that healing may begin.

Financial Issues

Addictions are expensive. A person’s compulsive and frequent use often means the financial situation is strained. This may lead to job loss, theft, and eventually loss of basic things like the home or car, or even freedom as they find themselves in legal trouble. This can cause huge amounts of stress on the partner and children.

Abuse

Addiction affect has a very dark underbelly of sorts and this is that it often leads to abuse. Addiction affect changes the brain chemistry and this can make a person more prone to aggressive or violent behaviors. These behaviors perpetuate the addiction cycle as the person tries to deal with the outbursts and friends and family try to make sense of the changes.

DARA

If you or a loved one has a problem with drugs or alcohol, get help as soon as possible. DARA offers in-patient facilities in several locations with luxury accommodations at affordable prices. Getting your loved one help is key to healing a fractured relationship as they reenter their daily lives. Additionally, family and individual therapy for family members and friends can be highly beneficial.

CLICK HERE to get a Free Confidential Addiction Rehabilitation Assessment. Alternatively, you can click on the live chat icon to chat with someone right now.

Identifying a Problem – Helping Adult Family or Friends with Drug or Alcohol Addiction

If you suspect a friend of family member has a drug or alcohol addiction issue then you may have concerns. But for many they are not sure if they are worried over nothing or if a real problem exists. This is because addiction is relative. One person may drink every weekend and not have a problem, while another can drink one glass a day and be an alcoholic. This can be confusing. So, the first step to dealing with any potential drug or alcohol addiction is to ask yourself the right questions. A few of these have been included.

• Does the person take the drug in larger amounts or for longer than it is prescribed?
• Does this person want to cut down, but is unable to on their own?
• Are they craving the drugs or drinking on a regular basis?
• Does recovery from a night drinking or after taking something take a long time?
• Has the drug or alcohol caused relationship issues, yet the person will not stop?
• Tolerance built up to the drug or alcohol type?
• Has the person experienced withdrawal when the drug or alcohol is not available?

If the answer to more than one of these is true than a problem likely exists. While to some degree this may just be the beginning stages where a tolerance is growing, this can easily turn into full blown addiction. If addiction is present, then there are ways to handle the stress of having a loved one with addiction. These will be shared below.

Helping an Addict

The main thing to remember if an addiction does exist is that it is not an absence of willpower or ability. Substance use disorder is a disease that requires treatment and a great deal of support from family and loved ones. A person will never not be an addict, but they can abstain and reenter their lives without the actual use of the addictive substance. Anyone can become addicted to drugs. Even those who have no intention of ever being addicted. While some start out using recreationally, a portion of addicts are those who started out with a simple prescription that then turned into addiction. The thing to remember is that if a loved one is addicted, you cannot fix it on your own. The person has to make the decision and you can help along the way. Here are a few ways to help.

• Figure out if you are overreacting
• Identify the problem early
• Have a discussion
• Help the person understand a problem exists
• Discuss treatment
• Know what to do in an Emergency

Each of these will be discussed in detail to better explain the meaning. Know that not every part will be the same for each person and the options or presentation are not going to be script-like. You know your loved one best and need to approach the given topics in a way that will make sense to them, with facts and in a calm demeanor.

Am I Overreacting?

Though we have already shared some questions that you can ask yourself about a potential drug or alcohol addiction, you may still be concerned that you are overreacting. The main identifier is if there are problems in different areas of life for the potential addict. These may include finances, work, family, health, legal issues, social functioning, and even mental health or self-esteem. If these problems are present and continue in spite of the link to drugs and alcohol, then substance abuse has become more important than these basic areas of need. This means you are not overreacting and need to offer support, but make sure to observe for several days before saying anything and consult with a professional.

Benefits of Early Identification

Though many movies and shows portray people seeking help on their own when they have hit the proverbial ‘rock bottom’, it is still best to identify a problem early. This is best done at the first sign of trouble, before anything traumatic occurs. Identification of a problem can come from observation, but a professional may also diagnose an issue through screening.

Have a Discussion

Many times, people worry that having a discussion about addiction or possible addiction will lead to problems. This could be anything from making a drug or alcohol addiction worse to causing a scene in front of the family. However, a discussion can be a wonderful experience as the person may not realize that their behaviors have changed or that an addiction has truly taken hold. When you do decide to have a discussion, you need to remember a few things.

• The person, nor you should be under the influence of drugs or alcohol
• Have a two-way conversation when you have lots of time, not a rushed heated discussion
• Emphasize how much you care for the person and their well being
• List behaviors you have observed and what worries you
• If the person denies a problem then ask to speak to them in the future
• Do not judge, speculate, or explore motives, instead stick to the facts
• Don’t have unrealistic expectations like a total change in that moment
• Be prepared for the long haul

Help the Person Understand

This part can be tough as you may feel like a broken record having the same conversation multiple times without seeing change. You simply need to remember that consistency is key with the message that you love the person and you want to see them get help. This is not a time to blame or be condescending, just a time to show support when the person does decide to get help. That being said, you must set limits and boundaries for acceptable behavior until the addiction is under control.

Treatment

Treatment options vary greatly and if a drug or alcohol addiction is not severe then an outpatient program may be enough, as can setting limits on alcohol. But for severe cases an in-patient option may be best. A simple screening can lead to a recommendation for intensive treatment in some form. If you do need to set up an in-patient stay then DARA should be considered.  DARA has centers in several places and offers an affordable in-patient facility with a resort setting. The holistic approach means your loved one can reenter life in better shape physically, mentally, and spiritually than they enter. This being said, any type of treatment should be discussed with the individual ahead of time as forcing someone into treatment is rarely successful.

Emergencies

Just in case the addiction gets out of control, you should prepare yourself for an emergency. Know what to do in the case of alcohol poisoning or drug overdose. Hopefully this is a skill you will never need, but knowing who to call and the right numbers can save a life in the case of an emergency.

CLICK HERE to get a Free Confidential Addiction Rehabilitation Assessment. Alternatively, you can click on the live chat icon to chat with someone right now.

Identifying an Drug Addicted Family Member

Sometimes it is hard to identify a drug addicted family member when you are close to them. If a family member is drug addicted you may miss or overlook the signs that are right in front of your face. When you are trying to identify the signs of addiction, you must remember that drug and alcohol use tend to manifest as behavioral changes and inconsistencies. You should also know that the changes can be different for everyone, though some are more common than others.

Keep in mind that addicts and alcoholics are often the last to realize that a problem exists. They may feel they are being overanalyzed or that they have everything fully under control. Even when the signs are obvious, many addicts think they are well hidden. Before discussing how to deal with an addicted family member, we will first discuss how to identify an addict in the family.

Not every sign or indicator will apply to all addicts, nor will all identifiers be listed or explained, but these are some of the most common and include:

• Isolating Oneself
• Mood Swings
• Financial Issues

These three areas are typical problem areas for addicts, though few will ever realize the problem exists or admit it before they are relatively low. Each of these areas will be better explained below.

Isolation

One of the first behavioral signs that are normally seen is that of isolation. While it may not start out as isolation, the addict will start to withdrawal either physically or emotionally over time. At first this may be just time to oneself or relaxing after a long, hard day at work. In this solidarity, the person will find themselves escaping with drugs or alcohol. This could also manifest as a way to hide the addiction, like going out for a few groceries and not returning for hours on end. During the time gone, they will likely be drinking or using, though the excuse will seem like a good cover.

To further this isolation, the person may seemingly lose interest in formerly loved hobbies or activities. This can be seen if the person stops worrying about personal appearance, avoids family and friends, or reduces activities that were once regularly attended. This is to spend more time using.

Moodiness

Everyone gets moody from time to time, but when an addict undergoes a drastic lifestyle change like described above, mood swings also tend to be present. This may be in part to not having access to drugs or alcohol and withdrawal starting. The person may get depressed, anxious, paranoid, or even volatile. However, when drugs or alcohol are put back into the system, a dramatically improved mood can be seen. These mood swings may become more frequent over time, but will be highly noticeable.

Financial Issues

Sometimes life leads to struggling financially and while one bad investment can be troublesome, it is not usually something that cannot be overcome. However, when money becomes a constant struggle, yet nothing obvious has changed, then addiction is likely to blame. Drug use, and less commonly alcoholism, can be expensive to maintain. You may see addicts draining checking, savings, and even retirement accounts with nothing to show for the money. This may start out small, like not having money to go out and eat or buy groceries for the family, but can balloon into not being able to pay rent or for basic necessities. You may also find the addict asking for or stealing money to account for the discrepancy. Even with this type of obvious sign, the addiction may be denied.

Family with Addiction

If you see the signs of addiction in a family member, you may be asking yourself how to live with the chaos that is addiction. You may want to help, but have no idea where to start. In order to best help you must be consistent, have boundaries, and take care of yourself. Addiction is a disease and you cannot cure it, but you can offer support when the addict is ready. Below you will find some specific ways to deal with an addicted family member.

Families play such a large part in recovery for the drug addicted. While it must be the addict’s choice to start recovery, the family can offer support along the way and after getting clean. This starts by the family helping themselves through…

• Finding support groups
• Learning about addiction
• Family therapy
• Managing expectations
• Finding joy
• Getting exercise
• Getting rest
• Being an advocate

Each Area Breakdown

Each of these areas is pretty self-explanatory. Find a support group or supportive people that understand what you are going through and can educate you about drug addiction as a disease. Attend family therapy with the drug addicted family member if possible and feel free to schedule private therapy as well to make sure you are handling things as well as possible. Furthermore, manage your expectations. Addiction did not happen overnight and it will not end that easily. A person may relapse and need help again, but this does not mean they cannot be helped.

In all the chaos that is addiction, find small ways to be joyful. This may mean taking time to relax and enjoy away from the problem. You should also make sure you are getting plenty of rest and exercise as dealing with addiction can bring about depression, anxiety, stress, and even poor health. The better physical shape you are in, the better your mental state will be as well. Finally, be an advocate for your loved one. This is not making excuses for poor behaviors, but being supportive of what they are doing and educating others about addiction realities.

Getting Help

If you or a loved one are drug addicted and are ready to receive affordable, effective care at a luxury in-patient facility, then DARA is for you. With rehab facilities in many countries, DARA takes a holistic approach to healing and addiction. Providing each client with physical activity, a trainer, nutritious meals, education, and therapy mean that everyone receives personalized care toward their road to recovery. Clients leave DARA prepared to reenter their daily lives and live addiction free. When you are ready to receive quality help, give DARA a call, they are waiting 24/7 to get things in place.

CLICK HERE to get a Free Confidential Addiction Rehabilitation Assessment. Alternatively, you can click on the live chat icon to chat with someone right now.

Abusing Drugs – What is Drug Abuse?

It is often difficult to understand why or how someone becomes addicted to drugs. You may be shocked to know that many addicts do not look like those portrayed on television. But like every day people you see walking down the sidewalk. Some may mistakenly think that those who become addicted lack morals, principles, or even willpower. But this is not true. In fact, many addicts may wish to stop and cannot. In reality, addiction is a complex disease that takes much more than good intentions or a strong enough will to stop. This is because drugs change the way the brain functions. The good news is that research has taught us more about abusing drugs in recent years than ever before. Including how the brain recovers. This means that former addicts can go on to lead productive lives after ending the active addiction.

Substance Use Disorder

Technically, drug abuse is no longer a diagnosis. Instead it is now known as substance use disorder. This does not change the meaning, just the diagnosis name. It is still a chronic disease that is characterized by drug seeking and use that is compulsive in nature, as well as difficult to control, in spite of harmful or negative consequences. For the most part, choosing to use drugs for the first time is on purpose or voluntary, but with repeated use this can lead to brain changes that affect the person’s self-control and ability to resist urges to use again. These changes can be persistent and long lasting which is why this is classified as a relapsing disease. Those that stop using are at an increased risk to begin using again.

Though relapse is common, it does not mean treatment did not work, but as with other chronic health issues, it must be ongoing. Treatment should also be adjusted based on how each individual responds. This may mean it needs to be modified with each relapse or over time to meet changing needs.

Must Do Things

If you have a family member or loved one that is using and abusing drugs then it can be hard to know what to do or how to help. Perhaps you have tried some options, but without success. It can be a scary to think that your loved one is struggling and you may want to do all you can to help. But some find that their help pushed addiction further. This is because some forms of help are actually enabling. Some of the must do things for family members of an addict will be shared and then explained below.

There are five essential things to do if your loved one has an addiction. Whether it be to gambling, food, alcohol, or drugs, these are essential to better understanding and actually getting help for your loved one.

• Education
• Do not allow abuse
• Do not enable
• Seek help
• Self-care

Education

One of the best things you can do for yourself and your loved one is to be educated about addiction. The old saying is true, knowledge is power. You should not only be aware of the clinical definitions of addiction, but the signs and symptoms that may be occurring that you have not noticed. It is often much simpler to overlook signs than to acknowledge that a problem may exist. Along the same lines, some symptoms and signs may not seem odd until taken in context with other signs. A crumbled-up piece of tin foil may not send up red flags, but if there are burn marks or other signs, then a meth addiction may come to light. This is why being educated is so important.

Do Not Allow Yourself to Be Abused

It seems weird to be concerned about yourself when someone else has a drug issue, but it is quite common for family members and friends of drug addicts to be abused in a variety of ways. Emotional abuse is the most common form of abuse as irritability and mood swings are common for addicts. Additionally, addicts often steal from those closest to them to support their habit. In some circumstances, physical or sexual abuse may also occur in relation to the drug abuse. Just because a person is using drugs is not an excuse to accept abuse. If abuse occurs then seek help from a counselor or the authorities as needed.

No Enabling

It can be tempting to hide an addiction from those outside the family or not confront an addict about their behavior, but allowing them to do things that are wrong, illegal, or abusive is not helping you or the person with the drug use issue. It is okay to allow the user to suffer the consequences of their behavior. In some cases, these may be an extreme consequence such as jail or job loss, but this could be a wake-up call for the person abusing drugs. Learn to set boundaries and stick to them. If the family has chores, rules, a curfew, etc. then expect the addict to stick to it or deal with the consequences. If the person is continually given a free pass then they will take further advantage.

There are many support groups for those with loved ones who have addiction issues. Groups like Al-Anon or Nar-Anon can help you learn to set boundaries and deal with the stress of having an addict in the family. Individual therapy can also be helpful for those uncomfortable with group settings. Just know that if an addiction gets extreme steps may need to be taken to cut the addict out of your life. You must take care of yourself.

Seek Help

Much like avoiding enabling the person, you must take care of yourself if you are being brought down by someone in your life abusing drugs or alcohol. If your life, livelihood, housing, or finances are being affected, then seek professional help immediately. Private counseling is an excellent resource for this.

Take Care of Yourself

Above all else, take care of your own health and well-being. It may feel selfish, but if your mental or physical health decline, then you are not useful for anyone else. This can be tough, but when you need a break, a day or a week or whatever, take it to relax, unwind, and renew yourself.

Getting Help

If you or a loved one are abusing drugs or have an addiction, then seek help. DARA offers an in-patient rehab with a luxurious setting in several countries that can help get life back on track, addiction free. DARA uses a holistic approach to getting into recovery. You and your loved one are worth the effort.

CLICK HERE to get a Free Confidential Addiction Rehabilitation Assessment. Alternatively, you can click on the live chat icon to chat with someone right now.