Category: United States

alcohol addiction out of hand

Don’t Let your Drinking Get Out Of Hand

Articles, Education, Treatment, United Kingdom, United States

Millions of men and women enjoy a drink, and when alcohol is consumed at sensible levels and on an occasional basis it is something that can certainly enhance a social gathering, but what happens if consumption continually increases?

It is relatively easy for a person to increase their drinking, but it is also vital that they do not let things get out of hand.

We will look at some key warning signs that show a person is heading towards a dependence upon alcohol and that should not be ignored.

  • Constant thoughts and actions: If alcohol is becoming increasingly evident in your thoughts and actions this must be seen as a potential problem regarding the amount being consumed. Those who are regularly considering where their first drink will come from, or while drinking where their next watering hole will be, need to recognize this as a serious sign that alcohol is getting the better of them.
  • Lying to those around you: Anyone who tells their loved ones or those around them that they are drinking far less than they actually are is maintaining a stance of denial. Denial is a major tool used by those who know they have a drinking problem but refuse to acknowledge it.
  • Drinking to deal with daily life: It may seem acceptable to have a drink in order to cope with life’s challenges, but this is a very dangerous approach. Those who need a drink to cope with the day ahead, or drink excessively after a day at work are using alcohol as an emotional crutch. While this may seem a good idea at the time, the reality is it will only compound a person’s problems.
  • Missing work or habitual lateness: Heavy drinkers regularly awake in a state of confusion, and the last thing on their mind is a day at work. This leads to excuses of being unable to attend work due to illness, or regular late arrival. Maintaining this type of behaviour does little for a person’s self-esteem and even less for their employment prospects.
  • Forgotten episodes: If the amount a person is drinking leads to loss of memory relating to events during their last session this is a dangerous pointer that dependence is getting the better of a person.
  • Relationship difficulties: There are times when difficulties with a partner will occur, but seeking to resolve these problems by drinking is not the way to go. Such actions will only serve to increase the tension and highlight relationship difficulties.

Seeking help should not be seen as an embarrassment:

Many people who have a problem with the amount of alcohol they are drinking see this as an embarrassment and therefore keep the problem to themselves.

This most definitely should not be the case. There is no embarrassment whatsoever attached to admitting that alcohol currently has the better of you, indeed, it is a very courageous thing to do.

Professional rehab counsellors are not in place to judge, they are there to help. Once contacted a person with alcohol problems will see just how effective this help can be.

Heroin Relapse & Overdose

Heroin – How Much is Too Much?

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

Heroin often comes with the label of being the worst drug to become addicted too and there is good reason for this. Not only can using the drug cause an addiction that is one of the hardest to break, it is strong enough to cause sudden death.

Some of the questions commonly asked are:

  • How much heroin will cause an overdose?
  • How dangerous can an overdose be?
  • Can you control the dosage to ensure that the drug can be taken safely?

Below we will explore the answers to these questions

How Much Is a Safe Amount?

The fact of the matter is – no amount of heroin can be considered safe.

If you find that you need the drug to function normally, then you can consider yourself as having an addiction.

Even if you feel that you are strong enough to be able to quit at any time you feel like it, you are still exposed to the risk of serious addiction and the health consequence of using the drug.

How Much Can a Person Take at Once?

As with most drugs, it will depend on the purity of the drug as well as your own tolerance towards it.

Once heroin enters the bloodstream it reaches the brain very quickly. However, the more heroin that is used, the more that is needed to get the same desired effects. This effect of tolerance can be expected for any drug in the opiate or opioid class.

So, how much of the drug do people us on average?

When using recreationally, people report that they take daily doses of between 5mg and 1,500mg. The average dose is reported to be between 300-500mg. On average, an addict will inject themselves 2-4 times per day.

As mentioned previously, the purity of the drug will also have an effect on how much someone can take. Street heroin usually has a purity level of between 10-75% and is often cut with the following ingredients:

  • Starch
  • Sugars
  • Ketamine
  • Quinine
  • Powdered Milk

Whether you are a frequent user of the drug or you have recently taken it for the first time, you face equal health risks because different people will respond differently to the drug. Effects can range between mild and severe and can also result in long-term health issues.

How Much Will Cause an Overdose?

If you are worried that someone you know maybe taking too much heroin, there are a number of physical and mental symptoms that are noticeable.

The most common signs are:

  • Clammy skin
  • Pinpoint pupils
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Bluish lips and nails
  • Weak pulse
  • Disorientation
  • Drowsiness
  • Low blood pressure
  • Delirium
  • Discoloration of the tongue
  • Convulsions

Overdoses can be very serious and lead to loss of consciousness, coma and even death.

How Much is Fatal?

In some cases serious or fatal side effects can happen from heroin use. The amount of the drug which can be fatal will vary for each person depending on certain factors such as:

  • The individual
  • Previous drug history
  • Purity of the drug
  • Route of administration
  • Overall health
  • Tolerance to opiates

Can you die from taking heroin? The answer to this question is YES! Any dose of the drug can lead to an overdose which results in a fatal outcome. Some sources have quoted that between 75 mg to 375 mg can be fatal for a male adult weighing 170 lbs who has not used the drug before.

 

If you are worried about your own addiction or you know someone that you think may be abusing heroin, feel free to contact one of our professional advisors who will be able to discuss the option of rehab for heroin.

Drinking problems in Seniors

Problem Drinking in Seniors – Risk factors

Articles, Education, Understanding Addiction, United States

A research team at the University of Georgia have reported In the American Geriatrics Society Journal that seniors (1600 individuals aged 57-85) with chronic health issues as well as depression, were at a much higher risk of developing an alcohol problem.

It is believed that this research is the first time a link has been identified between chronic health problems, with depression, and problem drinking seniors.

The researchers found that seniors who have numerous health conditions as well as depression, were actually 5 times more likely to develop a drinking problem when compared to seniors with numerous health conditions and no depression. The summary of this discussion, which can be found here, stated:

“’These findings suggest that effective training in screening and referral for mental health and alcohol use issues for health care providers of older adults may better serve the approximate 4 million older adults who currently experience problem drinking in the U.S.,’ said Orion Mowbray, assistant professor at the UGA School of Social Work and lead author of the study.”

When you add these findings to the fact that often seniors will usually develop a greater sensitivity to the effects of alcohol as they get older, and also they are often taking many different types of prescription medications for their health conditions that have a risk of reacting adversely when combined with alcohol, it is very important for seniors, and of course, those that care for them, to watch their drinking intake and exercise caution.

The findings in the study suggest that effective training can be put in place for health care providers when screening and referring older adults for mental health or alcohol use issues. This may better serve the 4 million seniors who currently experience drinking problems in the US.

There is sufficient evidence that suggest even a brief intervention delivered by health care providers can have a positive effect on reducing problem drinking amongst seniors.

Xanax Withdrawal

Xanax Withdrawal – How Easy To Get In, How Hard To Get Out

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

Xanax Withdrawal – There is little doubt that Xanax has its uses, there is also little doubt that it can become highly addictive. For those who feel they are now dependent upon the drug, or those nearing this state, Xanax withdrawal must be considered.

We will take a look at the drug itself, why it is so potentially addictive and steps to be considered when going down the withdrawal route.

What is Xanax?

Its generic name is Alprazolam and it is known as a benzodiazepine which means it is a member of the tranquilizer family.

Who needs it?

Xanax is used to treat adults who suffer from panic attacks, anxiety disorders and those with related psychiatric disorders.

How does it work?

In works on a chemical messenger in the brain known as GABA and helps to increase its action by rebalancing your brain chemistry.

So what is the problem?

From the above, evidence from the medical community and first-hand user experience we can see that Xanax helps those with anxiety disorders, and does so effectively.

The problem is that long term use of the drug comes with some serious issues. Three of these are:

  1. Those using Xanax often find that they need to increase their dosage over time to achieve the same calming effects.
  2. This drug is ‘famous’ for the dependence and addiction issues it can cause.
  3. In terms of Xanax withdrawal, if a person ceases use abruptly there is a strong chance they will experience severe withdrawal symptoms. This is due to the way your brain chemistry goes through the process of rebalancing itself.

In certain cases such symptoms can be life-threatening, and unsupervised withdrawal from Xanax has caused death.

Fear:

The thought of having to stop using something you have become dependent on, and in many cases are addicted to is frightening.

Indeed experts have established that fear is the main reason addicts delay or deny withdrawal to any substance they are addicted to.

While this fear is understandable, it should be clearly understood that with expert professional help these fears can be explained and managed, and that you can overcome your dependence.

Self-withdrawal – Not worth the risk

It should be made very clear that there is no need or benefit for a Xanax user trying to withdraw on their own.

At best such an approach will simply compound withdrawal symptoms and make them unbearable. In all likelihood such a situation will lead to a continuation of the drug’s use and a longer addiction while at worst it could result in death!

Two sensible withdrawal options:

Due to the addictive qualities of Xanax and potential problems posed during withdrawal it is strongly advised that the addict seeks professional help during this process. Here are 2 options to consider:

Option 1 – Tapering

The first option for Xanax withdrawal we will look at is under the supervision of your doctor and is known as ‘Tapering’.

Tapering means gradually reducing the dose of Xanax by an amount, and over a certain period of time that will be determined by your doctor.

This gradual reduction and the time it takes very much depends on each individual. There is no ‘one fits all’ scenario for this withdrawal process.

While you are going through this process it is very important you visit your doctor on a regular basis, you report any unusual feelings or signs to them immediately, you try and eat as healthy a diet as possible and you avoid any other drugs use.

This tapering process is a gradual one and will take time, but it is very important to stay as positive as possible, be as patient as possible and let the process take as long as it must.

Option 2 – Rehabilitation Centre:

This option is felt by many to be the best route to take and is highly recommended for several reasons.

You will leave your normal environment and the pressures this brings with it. Such establishments offer first class treatment, support and encouragement in an environment that has been established for one purpose.

This purpose is to give you the best chance possible to beat your addiction and begin to live a normal, healthy life.

The friendly, professional staff have extensive prior experience and success in terms of treating addiction. In terms of Xanax withdrawal it is particularly important that you feel at ease during what can be a very testing period of your life.

Some of the best centres are actually known as Rehab Resorts and they have been established in an idyllic setting that will relax you and add to your strength of purpose.

Medically you will receive expert and supervised attention. In many cases the 12-step program may be used. This was originally established by Alcoholics Anonymous over 75 years ago and has been modified over time. The program has been extremely beneficial to those addicted to any substance.

Your rehabilitation program will be designed specifically for YOU. No individual is the same, this is clearly recognized by the staff and the treatment, methods and procedures of such a withdrawal program will be designed specifically with your needs in mind.

You will be in an environment that encourages you to talk about your experiences, fears and ambitions, and you will share and listen to others in a similar position. You will also be encouraged to set targets and goals, and just as importantly how to deal with any setbacks on your road to recovery.

Aftercare:

This is an absolutely vital part of your healing process. The best Rehab Resorts will offer extensive aftercare options as part of your Xanax withdrawal program. Such aftercare will be based on whatever is more convenient to you.

They will allocate a personal counsellor and offer a variety of options for aftercare. These can include identifying and interfacing with a certified therapist close to your home who will be responsible for your aftercare while regularly updating your Rehab counsellor.

If you live in a remote area they can offer support with certified therapists via telephone and internet, or you may feel more comfortable keeping direct contact with your Rehab counsellor via Skype.

Whichever option you go for there should also be an offer to re-visit the centre for progress checks and encouragement therapy as you require.

The flexibility of aftercare options offered is something you should look closely at before deciding which Rehab Resort is right for you.

Xanax withdrawal can be achieved, it must be achieved, and YOU can do it:

If you are currently addicted to Xanax please do not think you are alone, and please do not think withdrawal is something which cannot be achieved. Professional caring help is out there and you will be welcomed with open arms.

Just as importantly, this treatment, encouragement and support will not only be for the here and now, it will include vital aftercare and support that will give you every chance of leading a happy, healthy and normal life.

Mixing Xanax and Alcohol

Mixing Xanax and Alcohol Is Dicing With Danger

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

It is never a sensible idea to mix drugs with alcohol, but in the case of those people who combine Xanax and alcohol it must be made clear that this is a potentially deadly mix.

Let’s take a look at why this ‘cocktail’ can be so lethal, the problems it can cause and why it really is something to avoid.

Xanax – what is it?

The generic name for Xanax is Alprazolam. It is a benzodiazepine, this means it belongs to the family of tranquillisers.

Xanax – what is it and what is it used for?

This prescribed medication is extremely powerful and can be addictive. Among the conditions it is used to treat are those suffering from anxiety disorders, those who suffer from anxiety due to depression and those who suffer panic attacks.

Definitions of anxiety:

It is important to understand that anxiety is a normal, human experience. We will all suffer from anxiety at some stage in our life. The problem is that not everyone experiences symptoms in the same way. Some people are affected far more, and for far longer than others.

Anxiety shows itself in a variety of forms. At its mildest you will feel uneasy while the opposite end of this spectrum is in those who suffer from panic attacks that range from mild to extremely severe.

Sufferers regularly report that the physical symptoms of an anxiety attack are frightening. In fact the emotion of fear is a central factor in those who suffer anxiety. This unpleasant feeling of apprehension compounds and is known to include physical symptoms.

Make no mistake, severe cases of anxiety can debilitate the sufferer. This is why it is so important for anyone suffering from an anxiety disorder to seek professional help as soon as possible.

When doing so it is important that you heed the advice given and if you are prescribed Xanax to help your condition that you also take very seriously the reasons as to why Xanax and alcohol should never be combined.

What causes anxiety?

This is not an easy question to answer because there is no one cause for anxiety. It has officially been broken down into three parts. These are brain chemistry, heredity and life experiences.

Brain Chemistry

This is understood to trigger anxiety disorders. Chemical messengers in your brain (known as Neurotransmitters) regulate your thought and feelings. Those who have a chemical imbalance have problems with the messages sent from the brain.

Two primary neurotransmitters are serotonin and dopamine. It is understood that a major cause of depression and anxiousness suffer from such chemical imbalances.

There is also scientific evidence that problems related to anxiety such as stress, panic and situations where your fears are exaggerated are the result of an imbalance between the right and left hemispheres of the brain.

Heredity and/or Genetics:

Studies have shown that anxiety disorders run in families. It is known that children of parents or close relatives suffering from an anxiety disorder are at a much higher risk of developing an anxiety disorder in the future.

Those children living in families where fear and anxiety are evident on a daily basis are at a higher risk of being affected by such problems as they move into adulthood.

Life experiences:

Experts also believe that anxiety is a learned behaviour. An example here is those who have suffered a life of poverty, abuse or violence. Such events experienced in childhood increase fears that over time can develop into anxiety disorders.

Why mixing Xanax and alcohol is a ‘No-No’

Those suffering from anxiety, depression or any other condition that calls for Xanax to be prescribed really must avoid the use of alcohol whilst on their course of treatment.

We will look at why, and also cite some of the ways in which you are compounding the potential mental and physical health problems if you opt to mix the two.

It is very important to understand that Xanax and alcohol are both classed as central nervous system depressants.

This means that both substances affect your brain function and will slow down given reactions.

Although they do not work on the same sets of neurotransmitters they both tend to produce similar effects when it comes to such things as your breathing and heart rate.

The use of alcohol while using Xanax will increase the effects of both and can lead to a potentially fatal outcome.

Here are just 4 examples of many:

The use of Xanax for panic attacks:

Users who are taking Xanax to help them deal with panic attacks and combine alcohol with the drug will initially feel a positive effect in terms of lower agitation levels, unfortunately the effects do not stop there. This combination will increase their effect. The outcome is that many find it difficult to focus and in more severe cases they will become incommunicative.

Increasing the intenseness of a panic attack:

While the use of Xanax on its own has proven to ease a panic attack, if you add alcohol to the mix there is a good chance you will actually trigger a more intensive attack.

Increased irritability:

Some alprazolam users find irritability is never far from the surface. By mixing Xanax and alcohol this can become completely out of hand and they react with unreasonable anger at the least little thing.

Increased sedation:

In more severe cases combining the two substances can increase sedation to levels that are not only uncomfortable, but can be life threatening.

Dependent upon the amount of each substance you take there your heart rate may be lowered to a level that is dangerous. There is also a possibility that your breathing will become seriously impaired.

If a user finds themselves suffering from either or both of the above serious problems they require immediate medical attention. Without expert medical help there is a grave danger that such symptoms will be fatal.

Please do not dice with death:

To put it in a more simplistic way, you should not mix Xanax and alcohol at all. By doing so you are leaving death’s door ajar, the more you combine the two, the further you are pushing that door open.