Category: United States

Why Opt For Overseas Drug Rehab Treatment?

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

Drug rehab is something all addicts consider during various stages of their dependence. The truth is, consideration does nothing. Effective, positive and timely action is the order of the day.

Whatever drug you are addicted to raises several common issues, so let’s take an honest look at the first step, some options open to you, and why a residential stay at an overseas rehab resort could well be the solution to your current problem.

You need to own up…. to YOURSELF!

The first important issue to be addressed is by YOU. Have the drug/s of your choice become all-consuming? Do you feel the most important thing in life is being able to score your next hit? Are relationships beginning to suffer? Is work a daily struggle? Do you feel unable to cope without a toot, tablet or injection?

There are plenty more questions you need to ask yourself, but hopefully the picture is clear. There is a lot of soul searching required on your behalf.

You are aware drugs are destroying you both physically and mentally, that you are hurting those around you in ways you do not even realise, or in ways you care to ignore in your ever increasing quest for that next high.

By admitting to yourself that drug rehab is required you have taken a huge step in the right direction. This step is brave, it is courageous and it must be acted upon quickly.

Why quick and decisive action is needed:

As already mentioned, admitting you have serious drug issues is a very hard thing to do, but once accepted it is something you must act upon quickly. Failure to do so will certainly be a set-back and has the potential of leading you into a deeper drugs spiral with potentially catastrophic effects.

Here are some options in terms of the action you can take to address and help you overcome your drug dependence:

Visit your health practitioner:

This is the first option many addicts choose, and while it is a positive step it also has its drawbacks. From a positive viewpoint, your health practitioner will in all likelihood be aware of your medical history and know you personally.

They will be able to suggest a ‘tapering’ process which is designed to gradually reduce your drug intake, and they will have contacts with outpatient and inpatient drug rehab counselors and centres.

The potential downsides of this approach is that you will be subject to appointment only visits, meaning monitoring of your progress and how you are feeling will be irregular.

Just as importantly there is a strong possibility that you will still be circulating in the same environment that either caused, or has helped to increase your drug dependence.

Both factors give unwanted opportunities in terms of a relapse. After all, temptation will be everywhere. Those who supply your regular fix and those acquaintances who share similar habits will be within very easy reach.

Outpatient Rehab:

Yet another positive option with trained counselors and medical staff on hand to help monitor your condition whilst you are weaning yourself off your drug of choice. Many establishments for outpatients also provide ‘drop-in centres’ where you can seek advice and assistance.

The issues seen with such rehabilitation services are similar to those relating to the health practitioner route. There is also an added challenge in that many of these outpatient clinics are simply overrun with those requiring treatment and counselling.

Inpatient drug rehab programs:

This is by far the most focused, positive and desired route to help a person overcome their addiction issues. Here are just 4 reasons why.

Fully focused:

The initial period of withdrawal and recovery is an extremely vulnerable time for any addict. As you begin to reduce your intake you will be at the mercy of some fairly severe cravings, and many face challenging withdrawal symptoms.

This is the period where complete focus and attention is required. Well-established luxury rehab resorts certainly fit the bill in this respect.

Personalized care:

Once again, personalized care is vital in terms of getting, and keeping an addict in the right frame of mind, and for them to spend time in an environment that is distanced from everyday distractions.

Well-run drug rehab inpatient establishments cater for this through the highly qualified counselling, medical and support staff they employ.

They understand 100 pct. that individuals are just that; individual! Pre-agreed plans between you and your designated counsellor will be followed, goals will be set and targets achieved.

Routine is key as are rules:

Those with addiction problems need some purpose if they are to beat their dependence issues, and just as importantly stay clean for the long term.

Overseas rehab resorts provide the perfect environment where routines are kept and met, as are rules which need to be followed in order to achieve your goals.

These rules major on respecting yourself and others. They are rules that have been established to ensure you have the best chance of recovery and each one will clearly be explained and accepted before treatment begins.

Surely the costs of luxury rehab resorts are prohibitive?

This is a very common misapprehension. While private drug rehab clinics in your own country may appear out of reach, it is extremely important to understand that overseas rehab resorts, in particular those in South East Asia are extremely affordable.

In many cases the cost of inpatient treatment at such luxury rehab resorts is less than one third of the cost in your homeland.

It is also a fact that many people do not realise that this effective rehab treatment is covered under certain personal medical insurance policies.

Once again, professional overseas rehab establishments have staff that will help you to understand what type of policy you have and whether your policy qualifies you for treatment.

Do Not Consider – Take That Important First Step:

We started this piece stating consideration does nothing in terms of beating your addiction but action does.

Bearing this in mind, you should do yourself and your loved ones a huge favour. That is to contact a well-established overseas rehabilitation resort.

You will be pleasantly surprised how professional, friendly, effective and efficient they are. Just as crucially, waiting lists are minimal to non-existent, and that is exactly what your road to recovery and long term “clean” future need to hear.

Alcohols Relationship With Cancer

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

Alcohol abuse is characterized by poor work performance, legal issues and having difficulty among social situations as well. Alcohol use not only affects the person using it, but it impacts their family and friends’ lives as well. There are many ways an alcohol addiction can affect the person using it as well as those around them. However, a person who abuses alcohol continues to use alcohol despite the negative consequences he experiences.

A fact that many people do not realize, or even choose to ignore is that alcohol consumption may be linked to the increased risk of developing cancer. The information following this investigation is stunning, and research also shows the majority of people do not even know the risk. However, the scary truth is drinking alcohol can increase your chance of developing some cancers.

Drinking alcohol has been correlated to causing head and neck cancer, especially in the mouth, where alcohol intake begins. Alcoholics or heavy drinkers are at least two times more likely to develop cancer in their mouth or throat than others who are not regular boozers or if they do not booze at all. Once you pair alcohol consumption with tobacco use, the likelihood of developing cancer within the mouth and esophagus are exponentially higher.

Liver disease is a well known effect of drinking alcohol, but the development of liver cancer is something that is not talked about as often. Research is unwavering that alcohol use is damaging to the liver. However, we should also be aware that liver damage and cirrhosis of the liver can lead to liver cancer due to the damage already done to the liver.

Women, who ingest high amounts of alcohol, likewise have a greater chance of developing breast cancer. Research shows that women who have three or more drinks a day have an increased risk of developing breast cancer. It further shows even women who drink once a day still have an elevated risk of developing breast cancer. Alcohol raises the levels of estrogen within a woman’s body, which could be the cause of the elevated risk of breast cancer among women who consume alcohol. Drinking over a long period of time also considerably increases women’s chances of developing breast cancer as well. One’s body produces the necessary amount of estrogen, so altering that amount has been linked to the increased risk of developing breast cancer among many studies. The more one cuts down on her drinking, the lower her chances of developing breast cancer due to alcohol consumption will be.

Additionally, alcohol intake has been associated with the increased development of colon cancer. Heavy drinkers, as shown in the other cases, have an elevated risk of developing rectal cancer as well.

By definition cancer is the uncontrollable division of abnormal cells within the body or parts of the body. When cells are damaged by alcohol, altering the genetic makeup of them, the cells then become abnormal, taking a dangerous step toward the augmentation of cancerous cells. The breakdown process of ethanol, which is found in all alcoholic beverages, is a toxic chemical that damages the genetic makeup of the body. Alcohol may even get in the way of the body’s natural absorption of nutrients, leading to the mutation of cells and the boost of cancer cells within the body. Alcohol also increases the amount of estrogen found in the bloodstream, which is linked to breast cancer. Another risk factor associated with alcohol consumption and the development of cancer is linked to the effect alcohol has on body weight. Drinking adds more calories to one’s diet, and if excess amount of calories are added, then the person risks becoming overweight, and being overweight has been shown to increase the risk of cancer among individuals as well. Alcohol has also been linked to suppressing the immune system and prohibiting the body from absorbing needed nutrients into the body. Therefore, making the body more susceptible to the maturation of cancer. The amount of potential harm to the body and the likelihood of developing cancer from consuming alcohol far outweighs the benefits of drinking.

What can you do to decrease the dangers of developing an alcohol related cancer? Keep track of how much you are drinking. Your liver cannot tell how much you are drinking, so you must keep up with how many drinks you ingest in order to reduce your risk of developing any of the cancers listed above. Keeping up with how many drinks you have can also help you cut back on drinking because you will be aware of how many drinks you are taking into your body. Regular intake of alcohol creates a tolerance within your body. Try taking breaks from drinking or, at very least, decreasing your alcohol intake. Also note, even drinking only a little alcohol increases your chances of developing cancer. Even if you choose to continue drinking, you should be aware and consider the liabilities involved with alcohol consumption.

The Addictive Nature of Alcohol

Articles, Australia, International, United Kingdom, United States

If you’ve ever drank too much before, then you know that feeling where you wake up the next morning with your head pounding and feeling awful. You pledge to never drink again, but often the feeling wears off shortly after you recover from the previous night. Another opportunity arises to go out and drink with friends, so you go and drink another time. The cycle begins all over again

Maybe you do not go out and drink too much at night, but you cannot go a day without having an alcoholic beverage. A day passes and you are feeling out of sorts because you must have a drink in your system in order to feel “normal”.

In addition to all the affects you feel on the outside of your body, there are other effects happening within your body. Alcohol affects all parts of the body. It changes brain chemistry, the central nervous system, vision, the liver, sexual functions, and motor skills. Alcohol consumption can change the way the neurotransmitters absorb in the brain, causing them to send, receive or process information inaccurately. It also lowers inhibitions causing decision making processes to be impaired, which can cause injuries and possibly even death. Consuming alcohol can also disturb one’s speech. Since alcohol is a depressant, it slows down the functions of the central nervous system, which includes the slowing down of speech, thinking, as well as reaction time. High levels of alcohol can upset the central nervous system so drastically that it could possibly cause a person to slip into a coma or even cause death. Alcohol consumption changes one’s vision causing him to not be able to see clearly, which could have serious consequences while walking, driving or engaging in other activities also. Alcohol can change the way the body metabolizes the substance, which can lead to scarring the liver, and, ultimately, to the development of liver disease. When consuming alcohol, it can also affect one’s sexual performance causing it to be inhibited and can even result in impotence when used excessively. Finally, alcohol can cause one’s coordination to be impaired causing injuries or other problems as well. It is important to consider the risks of alcohol use when determining how it transforms one’s body.

After each binge or each day you cannot go without a drink, you may tell yourself, “I cannot keep harming my body like this.” However, you continue despite the negative feelings you are experiencing. Then the question we need to ask ourselves becomes, “What makes alcohol so addictive?”

In addition to the physical changes listed above, one of the most impressive factors of alcohol being addictive is the brain changes that occur with repeated use of alcohol. Repeated alcohol use alters brain processes and changes the way the brain perceives pleasure. It creates a message inside the brain that continually says it needs more pleasure. Then, the brain changes and is constantly seeking out those gratifying activities. A problem develops when the brain continues to tell one to seek out pleasurable activities despite the consequences one experiences, like those listed above. The consequences could include losing friendships or even legal trouble, but the person continues to use alcohol despite those negative experiences in their life.

Genetics also play a role in the addictive nature of alcohol. Those who have a prior family history of alcohol abuse are more prone to becoming addicted to alcohol. Although biology plays only about a 50% role in the addictive nature of alcoholism, it is still a significant factor to consider.

On the other hand, others become addicted to alcohol because they use it to decrease their symptoms of stress or other mental health disorders they are experiencing in everyday life. While using alcohol their psychological symptoms seem to decrease. However, when they stop alcohol use, the symptoms pop back up again causing the uncomfortable feelings of their mental health disorder to increase again. For this reason, they continue to use alcohol so they will not have to feel the effects of their psychological disorder. Even though the person believes the alcohol is keeping their emotional problems under control, it is actually creating more mental issues for the person. Alcohol has it’s own set of side effects that influence and contribute to more and more consumption. Using alcohol to curb symptoms has many serious risk factors and can leads to addiction as well.

There is not simply one factor that plays into the addictive nature of alcohol. However, many components play a role in alcohol being such an addictive drug.

CBT Rehab – Far More Than Cold Turkey

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

CBT Rehab is a form of addiction therapy that is growing in respect with professionals and clients alike. Many see it as treatment that increases the chances of long term sobriety.

What is CBT?

This stands for Cognitive Behavioural Therapy. It is a part of recovery therapy techniques and concepts that professionals are using for those with addictions.

Originally targeted at those with alcohol addiction it has spread, and been found effective for those who have become dependent upon other illicit substances.

It focuses on not only overcoming a dependence, but on being able to maintain long term sobriety, and is far more than simply going ‘cold turkey’

It is about being able to say goodbye to your unhealthy behaviour and move on without having to rely on alcohol or other addictive substances.

Just as importantly it is a therapy whose main aim is to bring about positive changes in your personal life.

Thinking About What You Do And How You Are Feeling:

Many addicts fail to understand, or refuse to acknowledge the problems addiction is causing to themselves from a physical and psychological point of view, or the heartbreak and despair it is causing their loved ones

This type of therapy majors on how those undergoing addiction recovery feel about themselves, their current situation and the actions taken due to their dependence.

If such feelings can be identified during CBT Rehab then it becomes easier to avoid them or to deal with them in a far healthier way.

A two-pronged treatment approach:

CBT rehabilitation services takes the form of a two-pronged approach. Let us take a look at each one in turn:

Functional Analysis:

This analysis focuses on a partnership between the therapist and the patient. Its aim is to identify circumstances, thoughts and feelings of the patient before, during and after they have used their drug of choice.

The aim of this identification is to help the patient understand what behavioural traits and choices such actions mean in terms of a potential relapse and is particularly important during the early phase of treatment.

Indeed, such analysis is crucial. Because it will help you identify, determine and be aware of potential triggers and actions that you need to take to ensure you avoid or minimize such risk situations.

Understand why you turned to drugs or alcohol in the first place:

You need to understand why you turned to drugs or alcohol in the first place. This understanding cannot be underestimated in terms of its importance.

You need to be honest with yourself and your therapist to find the root causes of your current problem and for both to clearly and fully understand such reasons.

Such triggers for addiction can include major traumas in your personal life, problems in a close relationship, or the need to escape from reality.

Once both parties understand these reasons this will be the basis for moving forward in a positive manner during your recovery process.

Skills training:

This is the second prong of CBT Rehab. Those with a drink or drug problem will begin to unlearn the destructive habits which have put them in their current situation, and then they will learn new and far healthier ways to replace these old habits.

Three key factors of CBT:

There are a number of key factors relating to such therapy. Let’s just consider 3 of these:

Short term therapy – Long term help:

To overcome an addiction it needs to be clearly understood that CBT drug rehab programs are purposely established over a shorter time period but with long term recovery clearly in mind.

While physical symptoms of drugs withdrawal may disappear quite quickly, the psychological effects can last for months or years. By learning newer, healthier habits and avoiding the triggers that can send you into relapse such therapy sets you on a solid road to long term recovery.

It is a 2-way street:

Please be clear, there is no passive involvement in such therapy. The CBT therapist will not decide what the patient needs on their own.

This therapy is a collaboration between the patient and therapist. Each session will have a defined agenda as well as specified concepts and techniques. Such an agenda will be used during each of the CBT therapy sessions.

This means there is a constant and focused approach to your problems, the triggers, reactions and habits are unlearned and new ones learned.

The therapy is based on what the patient wants, it is not the therapist setting goals. Once patient goals are set it is the therapist’s task to direct, coach and encourage the patient on how to reach these goals.

Emotional and behavioural adjustments:

CBT rehab techniques are based around the fact that the vast majority of emotions and behaviours are learned.

This makes for a clear path forward in terms of identifying such emotions and behaviour that have led to your drug problem.

It is important to reiterate that unlearning bad habits and identifying such situations before they occur means you have a far better chance of avoiding them and slipping into relapse.

You will also be very clear on how to react to certain triggers in a far healthier and more acceptable way.

It is about understanding what you need to change to ensure a successful outcome for a drink or drugs free future.

Be Positive:

Those with a drink or drug addiction problem have every right to think they are stuck between a rock and a hard place. They have a desire to stop use and abuse, but their cravings and addiction can be all consuming.

Anyone with such problems needs professional rehabilitation services which will give them the best possible chance of becoming, and remaining positive during a trying period of their life.

This is a significant key to the success of CBT rehab. The intention is to leave you feeling very positive. It helps you to understand why you are taking your drug(s) of choice in the first place and what triggers to be aware of in terms of slipping back into your old ways.

You will also understand the situations you need to avoid whenever possible, or to manage such situations in a far more positive way, and you will have clear, flexible goals and targets that have been defined with your counsellor.

Long term recovery must be your priority:

Alcohol or drug withdrawal is not a quick fix, but it is an eminently achievable proposition.

Once you buy into the deal that is long term recovery, and you incorporate CBT methods into this strategy you will be placing priority on positive long term recovery.

Such long term recovery should be the ultimate aim of any addict.Bottom of Form

 

image of cracked methaqualone tablet

The Rise And Fall Of Methaqualone

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

Those regularly using methaqualone are leaving themselves wide open to dependence, addiction and a stint in a reliable rehabilitation centre.

This is not scaremongering. It is borne out by a whole host of facts. Let’s start with 3 points on something regular users need to be fully aware of: Tolerance.

Rapid tolerance:

Use of this drug creates a rapid body tolerance and regular users discover very quickly that larger doses of the drug are required just to achieve the same effect.

Please understand this is not a slow process. It has been reported that even moderate daily use can lead to addiction within weeks.

Dangerous cross tolerance:

Here is the double-whammy! Cross tolerance of other hypnotic/sedative drugs is also rapid.

What cross tolerance means is that if this drug is taken on a regular basis, and in conjunction with other drugs which are known to produce a hypnotic or sedative effect then doses of these other drugs need to be much larger than normal to achieve their stated effect.

Tolerance – Euphoric over respiratory depressant effects:

This drug has been around for a long time. It was first synthesized in India in the 1950’s and during the early 1970’s it was one of the most prescribed sedative drugs available.

This should tell us that there has been more than sufficient time and user experience to understand its effects on the mind and body.

It is known that the euphoric feelings given develop more quickly than tolerance of its respiratory depressant effects.

In short, this means regular users are increasing their risk of overdose because they will rapidly increase their dose to achieve the same high as earlier experiences.

If you are abusing methaqualone – space the abuse!

While not recommending the use of this drug it is important for those using it to leave a gap of between several days and a week between doses.

At least by doing this you will be greatly reducing your risk of tolerance, cross tolerance and overdosing.

What’s with the hit?

A low dose is classed as anything between 75 and 300 mg. Those taking such amounts report the drug gives them a feeling of light sedation and sleepiness.

Those taking higher doses of 300 mg and above feel a far more pronounced euphoria and sedation.

Obviously recreational users want the euphoria, they do not want sedation or sleep so they will fight its soporific effects by forcing themselves to stay awake. By doing so they quickly reach their desired state; a dissociative high.

Positive effects:

Methaqualone is usually taken orally and users begin to feel the effects within 20 to 45 minutes. The high will generally last between 4 and 8 hours dependent on the amount consumed.

During this ‘high’ they have a strong sense of well-being, feel relaxed, calm and their self-confidence increases.

Many state they lose their inhibitions hence its association with sexual arousal. Pain threshold is increased, and a tingling or numbness is felt throughout the body.

Unwanted side effects:

Where there is an “UP” you must expect the “DOWN”. Once the effects of this drug begin to wear off expect to suffer side effects which include feelings of nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, a hangover feeling, sweating, rapid heartbeat, urticaria (hives) and a loss of appetite.

That is the “Good” news!

Even at low doses this drug can cause dizziness, feelings of restlessness and anxiety. As the amount consumed increases prepare yourself for a feeling of weakness, men may well suffer from decreased erectile function while both sexes can suffer difficulty in achieving orgasm.

Then there is panic and paranoia to contend with (and this is not just because of your sexual performance!).

Even higher doses bring yet more problems. Many lose muscle control and others suffer heavily from mental confusion.

How about an overdose?

Hopefully, before any methaqualone users get anywhere near this stage they will be seeking help from a drug rehab facility, but just for the record, an overdose could well lead to body seizures, delirium, hallucinations, nightmares, coma and death.

Withdrawal:

As has already been mentioned, historically this drug was one of the most popularly prescribed sedatives as well as being hugely popular for recreational use.

However, over time users discovered just how many negative effects outweighed the positives and how addictive it was and the need for professional help to withdraw was required.

If you are looking to withdraw, addiction recovery resorts will certainly set you on the right track to recovery.

But it is also important for addicts to understand that there is a very strong chance of suffering severe cravings for the drug long after they withdraw, hence the suggestion that residential rehab options and continued aftercare must strongly be considered.

Three reasons why inpatient rehab is recommended:

While there are many more reasons to choose in-house rehabilitation for those addicted to methaqualone. Here are just 3:

Environment:

An addict’s current environment can have a lot to do with their current addiction. There is a good chance they will be mixing with other users, their home environment can feel sterile and quite often depressive. The natural way to turn in such circumstances is to your drug(s) of choice.

By entering one of the drug rehab programs offered by luxury rehab resorts you are entering an environment that is completely conducive to giving you the best chance of overcoming your addiction.

Cost:

While addicts may think that such rehabilitation centres are beyond their financial reach they should think again.

Take a look at Overseas Rehab Resorts. The Dara addiction and recovery resort in Thailand being a point in case.

Set on the beautiful island of Koh Chang, the Kingdom’s second largest island, the prices at this extremely well run establishment for rehabilitation care and treatment knock similar treatment prices in western countries into a cocked hat.

Timescales, professional support and ongoing care:

Make no mistake, it is a brave decision indeed the day you confront your methaqualone addiction. Once you have admitted your problem, action and timely admittance to a rehabilitation centre is an absolute MUST.

While many clinics in your own country may put you on a “waiting list” you will find that in the majority of cases rehab abroad facilities will accommodate you extremely quickly.

Not only that, you will be receiving world class care and support in a world class environment.

Just as importantly the highly individualised addiction aftercare options offered by Dara give full flexibility, ongoing progress monitoring with a variety of options for you to choose from, and can also include 5 day “tune-up” sessions which are free of charge.