Category: Understanding Addiction

When to Seek Help 

Anytime a dependence on alcohol or substances is present or when it goes further and an addiction forms, you should seek professional help. While it is best to seek help early on, there are few that are so beyond help that a rehab center cannot be beneficial. However, denial is the biggest reason people refuse treatment. It is important to understand why refusal may come and what it may take to offer a wake up call for that individual. These wake-up calls may include:

• Loss of Income or Relationships
• Loss of Life
• Hospitalization

Denial

Denial of an addiction or dependence is one of the biggest reasons for not seeking help. The person may deny any problem exists or make excuses for why a drug or alcohol is used. Someone may say they use cocaine when they are feeling down or that their drinking is not truly hurting anyone. Perhaps they feel that they have not hit ‘rock bottom’ and will seek treatment when they have in their own lives. Unfortunately, it may take a true wake up call to help a person realize that real help is needed. This may take on the forms shared above and will be explained below.

Loss of Income and/or Relationships

Addictions is commonly associated with loss and this loss is often the wake-up call that addicts need to realize an addiction is present. It can be painful to watch an addict experience loss, but sometimes, this is what it requires to push them toward real help.

Where there is addiction, there is also a need for money. The cost of addiction often eventually exceeds the necessary funds to keep it going. It is common for addicts to miss work, often, days or weeks at a time. Some may try to work drunk or high when they do go, which results in loss of the job. When this happens, they may ask for loans from others or even steal to support the habit. However, this can only last for so long before others get wise or get tired of their consistent borrowing. This can help them admit a real problem exists.

Furthermore, the lack of money and resulting issues like a loss of home, can leave the person so stressed that they may finally admit to an issue being present. This can also apply to a loss of relationships. Many people prefer to keep their addictions secret which results in a withdrawal from friends and family members. They may begin to skip social engagements with a preference for more time to use as the alternative. Sadly, it is not uncommon for friends and family to know about the addiction and want the person to get help, but unable to connect with them in any way. This tends to make both the addict and loved ones get further apart due to disappointment and continued use.

Loss of Life

Though extreme, loss of another’s life can be a rude, yet huge wake up call. This can come in different ways. The first is the most common and that is driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. This can often result in accidents that are deadly for others. It may be a wake up call to kill someone in an accident and will hopefully result in rehab, but this could also result in jail time. Another opportunity may be if a fellow user overdoses and dies. This is sometimes a wake-up call as the person puts him or herself in the place of that fellow user. These are opportunities to open a dialogue with the addict and bring up rehab.

Hospitalization

Hospitalization is a huge wake up call medically for an addict. There were 4.6 million drug related emergencies in 2009 and that number has increased over time. Many of these hospital visits occurred months after the beginning of an addiction. These drug-related issues can be painful to handle and a potential overdose may force the person into admitting there is a problem.

Finding the Right Rehab Center

When your loved one does admit to a problem you are then faced with finding the right treatment option for their situation. There are both out-patient and in-patient options available. The out-patient options include group therapy, individual therapy, and in some cases meetings. These options are best when the person is not heavily into addiction and has a desire to stop using. These options may not be best for those experiencing extreme withdrawal symptoms as it may be too tempting to start using again. For those that wish to do out patient, it still may be best to do a medical detox as an in-patient to make sure no medical emergencies arise.

In-patient facilities are much more common and tend to last between four and twelve weeks or longer, if needed. An in-patient facility likely offers a place for detox and extended treatment. In-patient facilities are widely varied in approach, availability, and cost. Location may also be an issue for some, but if possible, a facility a good distance away from former, familiar users is typically best.

DARA Rehab Center

One highly accredited and recommended in-patient facility is that of DARA. DARA has rehab center locations in many countries and offers affordable rates. DARA rehab center uses a multi-pronged approach to treating addiction that heals physically, mentally, and spiritually. Each day begins with some type of physical activity in the resort style locations with beautiful views and many amenities. Each client is given a personal trainer to help them improve their physical well being while staying. This is necessary as physical health typically declines as addiction continues. Meals are provided and are nutritious and focused on better health. The facilities also offer individualized and group counseling paired with education about addiction in general. By better understanding addiction as a disease, the person will learn to combat the issues that will arise in the future.

If you or a loved one has an addiction and are ready for help then DARA is ready to provide that help. Simply call one of the centers 24/7 to speak with someone who can schedule a stay and prepare you to reenter your life addiction free. You are worth the time spent at the rehab center and your life will be better for making the effort to get on 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.

Ecstasy Defined and How it is Made

Believe it or not, ecstasy was at first developed by Merck pharmaceutical and was known as MDMA. It was used by the US Army in the 50s in psychological warfare tests and then in the 60s as a medication for psychotherapy that lowered inhibitions. In the 70s, MDMA was just beginning its journey as a party drug. This continued into the 80s and was legal, known as ecstasy. By 1985, the drug was banned due to safety concerns. Since that time, ecstasy has become a basic marketing technique for dealers. But the newer version contains little or no MDMA. While the MDMA in itself can have negative effects, what is called ecstasy today is a variety of substances. These may include a mixture of:

• LSD
• Cocaine
• Methamphetamines
• Amphetamines
• Heroin
• Rat poison
• Caffeine
• Dog wormer

These pills which often have a logo or picture stamped on them, are dangerous because the user never truly knows what is in the pill itself. Though pill form is most common, liquid ecstasy, called GHB, can be injected. GHB is a nervous system depressant that can be found in things like floor stripper, drain cleaner, and degreasing agents. Making it deadly.

There are many names that mean ecstasy. You may also find a drug known to produce similar effects. Some of the more common names are included below.

• Adam
• Cadillac
• Beans
• California Surprise
• E
• Essence
• Elephants
• Hug
• Love Pill
• X, XE, or XTC
• Snowball
• Scooby Snacks

These are not all the names, but some of the more common. Any form of this drug can be deadly from the first use. This is due to the overall effects as well as the mixture of stuff used to create it.

Effects of Ecstasy

Ecstasy comes with both long-term and short-term effects that will be shared. But it should be remembered that it was outlawed for its dangerous overall effects.

Short Term Effects

Shortly after taking MDMA or what is being passed as ecstasy, the user can experience a range of effects that are related to the hallucinogenic and stimulant properties. These effects can last from 3 to 8 hours and include:

• Euphoria
• Heightened mental clarity and emotions
• Hallucinations
• Decreased thirst and appetite

These are considered the positive effects. But there are also dangerous short-term effects related to the use. These include:

• Hyperthermia due to increased body temperature
• Sweating and chills
• Increased blood pressure
• Increased anxiety
• Blurred vision
• Nausea
• Teeth clenching
• Tremors
• Fainting
• Seizures
• Muscle tensions

Be Wary of Unexpected Side Effects

While these are known effects, with the increase of mixtures to form ecstasy, there are also side effects that may be unexpected. This will depend on what was mixed into the drug itself. The worst part is that users may have no idea what is mixed together. Making it dangerous to use even once. Even though a person may intent to buy ecstasy, there is no real way to know what a single pill contains. The mixtures can increase the negative side effects.

Though the effects of MDMA can last up to eight hours, many people use other drugs as soon as the effects begin to fade. For up to a week a person may experience side effects that include:

• Anxiety and depression
• Sleep and memory problems
• Lack of appetite
• Lack of interest in pleasurable activities
• Impulsive behavior with aggression

While it is rare, ecstasy overdose may occur from hyperthermia or failure of the heart, liver, or kidneys. This is in part because the need for food, water, and rest are masked while at the same time the body temperature and level of physical activity are increased. Users may try to combat this by drinking large amounts of water which can throw electrolytes into imbalance and cause brain swelling due to water retention.

Long Term Effects

MDMA is thought to deplete serotonin levels throughout the brain. Serotonin plays an important role in mood, sexual desire, pain, and even sleep. Impaired serotonin neurotransmission can lead to psychological after effects and impairments in cognition long after use ends. People who regularly use ecstasy can suffer enduring effects such as:

• Confusion
• Impaired attention spans
• Impulsiveness
• Lowered sexual interests
• Memory loss
• Aggression

These effects can be permanent for some depending on length of time used. But some can be overcome if use is stopped.

Withdrawal from Ecstasy

As the levels of dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin drop in the bloodstream, withdrawal may begin. With ecstasy, withdrawal symptoms are thought to be more psychological than physical in nature, though some are physical. These include many of the same effects previously mentioned and can include:

• Fatigue
• Depression and anxiety
• Memory issues
• Irritability
• Insomnia
• Hostility
• Mood swings
• Lack of motor control
• Panic attacks
• Psychosis
• Depersonalization
• Hallucinations and delusions

This typically starts within 12 hours after the last dose of ecstasy and peaks within a few days. It can take time for the brain to stabilize itself and normal levels to return. This could last for weeks or months for some with enhanced use meaning longer withdrawal symptoms.

Ecstasy is often used in conjunction with other drugs which can complicate withdrawal. Furthermore, co-occurring mental and medical issues can also influence the withdrawal timeline and severity of effects. Biological and genetic factors can also affect withdrawal in intensity and duration. These can include metabolism rates, age, gender. Even personal and familial history of addiction. Some environmental aspects may also play a role as high stress levels, trauma. Lack of support can increase the psychological symptoms. In some cases, increase cravings.

Rehab

If you or a loved one has started taking ecstasy recreationally or on a regularly basis, then seek professional help immediately. One high quality, luxury style resort is that of DARA. With several facilities in different areas, DARA uses an approach that works with the whole person. Offering personal trainers, nutritious meals, private and group counseling, and education about addiction, each client leaves prepared to face their everyday life, addiction free. DARA has people standing by to answer questions and book a stay 24/7 so there is no excuse to wait. If you want the best chance for long term recovery, then DARA is the way to go.

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.

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.