Category: Malaysia

Heroin Addiction

Seeking Out Signs Of Heroin Addiction

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

Heroin Addiction – Heroin is recognised as one of the most addictive drugs on the planet, but establishing whether a loved one or someone close to you is using the substance is not so easy to recognise. This fact is further compounded if illegal drugs of any kind are alien to you.

But, there are ways and means that will go a long way to either allaying your fears or confirming the worst.

The first thing a person with limited knowledge of heroin should do is:

Get a basic understanding of the drug:

Spending time on the internet will provide you with as much information as required. Try not to take too much detail on-board initially. Understand the basics and dip back in as and when needed.

Three quick things to keep an eye on:

Is the person you are worried about becoming increasingly insular and gradually withdrawing from regular friends and family members?

Are they spending increasing amounts of time alone in their bedroom or den?

Are new, ‘friends’ turning up at strange hours of the day/night?

It is extremely important not to jump to any conclusions on these points. There could be many reasons for this behaviour and you need to be sensitive regarding their private lives, but noting the above could place an important piece in the puzzle at a later date.

Recognising heroin:

The drug is a powder-like, crumbly substance. While it is often an off-white colour this can vary and can be white, dark brown or black. If you find traces of a black, sticky substance this could be black tar heroin, so called because of its appearance and texture.

Heroin Addiction paraphernalia:

Those who use heroin need the ‘tools of the trade’ to administer it. Heroin can be injected, snorted or smoked. Some things you should keep watch for are:

  • Needles
  • Syringes
  • Pipes
  • Spoons (used to heat the drug)
  • An excessive amount of lighters
  • Rubber tubing or elastic bands may also be found. These are used as tourniquets to widen veins damaged by regular heroin use
Heroin addiction – Physical symptoms:

These signs should be quite noticeable, particularly if the drug is being injected because physical changes are almost instantaneous. This is due to the user experiencing an immediate drug-induced euphoria that occurs within seconds of heroin injection.

Smoking or snorting heroin does not produce such a rapid reaction but signs of being ‘high’ will show themselves once the drug reaches their brain.

Common symptoms of heroin use include:

  • A dry mouth – users will often run their tongue across their lips
  • Their appearance will be flushed
  • Pupils are noticeably constricted
  • They fall asleep extremely suddenly
  • Breathing slows
  • Self-control is often difficult to maintain
  • They will constantly itch or scratch
  • Feelings or complaints of nausea
  • Physical vomitting
  • Complaints of being constipated

Other obvious signs when someone is high on heroin include confused thinking and being disoriented. They often have difficulty making straightforward decisions and suffer from memory loss.

Heroin Addiction – Take one step back before tackling the situation:

If you feel your fears are founded it is important not to jump in feet first and accuse the person in a loud and aggressive manner. This approach is likely to be met with stubborn resistance and you being told in no uncertain terms to leave them alone, alternatively they will simply clamp up and refuse to discuss anything.

The sensible approach is to arrange an appointment with a qualified drugs counsellor or specialist to explain the situation. Once the relevant information has been assessed a plan can be put together regarding the most effective approach. This should include you offering full support and help in return for the user promising to seek treatment.

Such a situation will undoubtedly cause personal anguish, but try to bear in mind that your vigilance and concern has already had a positive impact. Continued support may make all the difference between a person sinking deeper into a devastating addiction or accepting and committing to rehabilitation treatment.

CLICK HERE to get a Free Confidential Rehabilitation Assessment.

Rehab In Thailand

Why Thailand Rehab Is Right For You – Part 2

Articles, Australia, Education, International, Malaysia, Treatment, United Kingdom, United States

This is the 2nd and final part on why rehab in Thailand is right for you and why the establishments there continue to attract increasing interest from those in need of addiction treatment.

As described in the 1st article the facilities for rehab in Thailand are:

  • Extremely well established
  • The accommodation ranges from comfortable to luxurious with facilities to match
  • Treatment is based on international standards
  • Internationally certified addiction professionals from western countries deliver this treatment
  • Success rates are on par or better than the international average.
  • Healing is achieved in settings that offer stunning environmental contrasts.

Continuing the explanation of why rehabilitation establishments in the Kingdom are so enticing. Here is a brief description of the treatment methods available followed by two reasons that these inpatient services simply cannot be ignored.

Rehab In Thailand Treatment methods:

Thai rehab establishments employ exactly the same treatment methods as in your country. As well as the addition of some trademarked treatments that have proved very successful.

CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) is globally recognised as being an effective treatment for many addicts and this therapy is available. The same goes for treatment based around the 12-Steps model with options of following the recognized program, modernized and non-religious versions and a version which focuses on spirituality over religion.

Many choosing the latter option experience a spiritual awakening that is thoroughly refreshing and extremely conducive to long-term healing.

The extensive list of treatment methods also includes mindfulness training, dual diagnosis therapy, smart recovery methods and DBT (Dialectical Behaviour Therapy). The list goes on, but suffice to say, whichever type of addiction a client is suffering from there are internationally approved and certified treatment options available.

The added incentives:

For a person to travel overseas to receive addiction treatment they need to be convinced there are strong advantages by doing so.

Here are two important advantages that must be taken into account and that have already convinced many to opt for inpatient treatment in Thailand.

Waiting lists:

Many western rehab establishments have waiting lists for those in need of urgent addiction treatment. This is because there are more men and women in need of addiction treatment than there is space available.

Once an addict has taken the brave decision to seek treatment this is the last thing they need to hear. Being told they will have to wait weeks or possibly months before a place will be available can be a devastating blow.

This news is enough for many to return to using their substance of choice while awaiting a firm date for admittance. If this is the case, the longer the wait, the more entrenched addiction will become.

Establishments offering rehab in Thailand are not under the same constraints in terms of numbers seeking treatment. As such, they are far more immediate and flexible in terms of the client admission process. More often than not a client can choose a treatment start date that suits them.

Rehab In Thailand Costs:

This really is the icing on the cake. In general, the standard prices for treatment are far lower than western countries for the same length of stay. One establishment has gone even further and smashed the price barrier for effective addiction treatment.

This is because the fully committed founders believe that effective addiction treatment should be available to all those in need at prices they can afford.

To this end their standard cost has been reduced by two-thirds and they now charge just $4,995 for a one-month stay.

To cement cost benefits across all Thailand rehab establishments, major personal health insurance policies are also accepted.

CLICK HERE to get a Free Confidential Rehabilitation Assessment.

Alcohol Withdrawal

The Cause And Timeline Of Alcohol Withdrawal

Alternative Treatment, Articles, Australia, Education, International, LGBTQ, Malaysia, Testimonials, Treatment, Understanding Addiction, United Kingdom, United States

Alcohol withdrawal symptoms may well be unwanted but not as unwanted as the problems that alcoholism and a life of dependence upon drink offers.

Anyone who feels they cannot get through the day without a drink, or those who begin a session and do not know when to stop need to face up to the fact that professional rehabilitation treatment is needed. It is the only way to come to terms with a problem that will gradually deepen and could very well lead to an unwanted early grave.

The cause of alcohol withdrawal:

When alcohol is consumed it enters the liver and is broken down by an enzyme. This is the process that keeps you healthy by getting rid of alcohol from your system through urine. Any of the alcohol which is not metabolised gets absorbed by other parts of your body such as the brain.

The feelings of happiness and relaxation alcohol create are due to its impact on the brain. This is all well and good if alcohol is consumed in moderation, but excessive amounts of alcohol around the brain are what causes symptoms of drunkenness. Those who are regularly get drunk or drink chronically find that they build a tolerance to alcohol. This means the more you have, the more you need to produce the required feelings.

Suddenly ceasing alcohol means that the brain neurotransmitters which have been suppressed during constant drinking are no longer inhibited by alcohol. The resultant reaction is known as hyperexcitability and is the reason withdrawal symptoms are felt.

Withdrawal symptoms are manageable:

It is important to understand that withdrawal from alcohol gives side effects that vary from person to person. The thoughts of painful withdrawal symptoms make many hesitant to stop drinking, but if this is the case then speak with a specialist on alcohol addiction treatment as they can provide prescription medications that will help relieve any pain.

While withdrawal symptoms can occur as quickly as 2 hours from last drink they usually begin 6+ hours after that last drink and they will peak between 24-48 hours. This is the period when the most uncomfortable symptoms will be felt. They include:

  • Hot and cold flushes
  • Profuse sweating
  • Insomnia
  • Increased heart rate and blood pressure
  • Tremors
  • Feverish feelings

Timeline for common alcohol withdrawal symptoms:

A typical withdrawal process will complete itself as follows. All timings are from the last alcoholic drink taken.

6-12 Hours:

  • Increasing agitation
  • Increasing anxiety
  • Varying degrees of headache
  • Body shaking
  • Nauseous feelings and physical vomiting

12-24 Hours:

  • Feelings of disorientation
  • Noticeable hand tremors
  • Seizures in different parts of the body

48 Hours:

  • Seizures continue
  • Insomnia or troubled, short spells of sleep
  • Rising blood pressure
  • Hallucinations that can be a mixture of tactile, auditory or visual experiences
  • A high fever and profuse sweating

From this point withdrawal symptoms will gradually reduce.

Alcohol Withdrawal must be followed by treatment:

It is not enough to think that simply withdrawing from alcohol will solve your drinking problems. To achieve long-term sobriety, it is a must that after withdrawal a person opts for either outpatient or inpatient rehabilitation treatment.

Overcoming alcohol withdrawal symptoms during the withdrawal process should be seen as the first step to healing. Couple this with qualified treatment and you have the ideal springboard to a life of continued sobriety.

CLICK HERE to get a Free Confidential Rehabilitation Assessment.

Crack cocaine

Crack – A Cracking High But A Wicked Addiction

Alternative Treatment, Articles, Australia, Education, International, LGBTQ, Malaysia, Testimonials, Treatment, Understanding Addiction, United Kingdom, United States

Crack cocaine gives a high that many users want to experience again and again. The problem is that this drug is also wickedly addicting and regular use will have a person dependent in a relatively short time.

What is Crack Cocaine?

Crack is the crystallized form of cocaine and is the purest form of the drug available. This purity means strength, and the lure of crack keeps users coming back time and again. Its name is derived from the fact that when heated for smoking it makes a popping or cracking sound.

What’s the high?

The most effective way of taking crack cocaine is to smoke it. This gives the biggest rush because the vapours reach the brain almost immediately. The highly stimulating effects received are due to the drug energizing the entire central nervous system and releasing hormones in the brain that are associated with pleasure and reward. The end result is that the user feels immensely euphoric, fully alert, self-confident and has energy to burn.

Nice but short-lived:

While the ‘high’ is one that many crave for it does not hang around long. Most seasoned users find that it peaks between 15-30 minutes and then slowly starts to diminish.

The obvious answer is to get back on the pipe. While this will give you a high it will not be as intense as the first hit and subsequent hits will be slightly less each time, but because it is so ‘moreish’ users find that they cannot resist going back for more.

Where is the problem?

Because of its intense, but relatively brief high users want more of the same on a regular basis. The way to achieve this is to purchase another bag and put just that little bit more in. If this cycle continues a person will very quickly find they cannot do without the drug.

It is common for crack users to go on benders that last 3 days and beyond with a shortage of money for more or pure exhaustion being two major reasons for ending a crack binge.

Very quick to addict:

While all illegal drugs are addictive, crack wastes no time in drawing a user into regular and increasing use. Cravings for the drug are immensely intense and the desire for more becomes that little bit stronger after each use. Once crack has you it will not let go easily.

Seek help sooner rather than later:

Those who are into regular crack cocaine use should not fool themselves that they can quit whenever they like. The unwanted withdrawal symptoms a person receives when trying to stop are usually more than enough to convince them that another hit is required, and quickly!

If you have tried to stop and failed please don’t just leave it at that and continue use. Doing so will lead to deeper addiction and the very unwanted physical and psychological problems that this brings with it.

What needs to be done is to seek professional rehabilitation assistance and the sooner this is accepted the better.

CLICK HERE to get a Free Confidential Crack Cocaine Rehabilitation Assessment.

Addiction Treatment

Positive Options For Addiction Treatment

Alternative Treatment, Articles, Australia, Education, International, Malaysia, Treatment, Understanding Addiction, United Kingdom, United States

Addiction treatment is given in a variety of different ways. It is clearly recognized just how different each individual is and the approach that may work for some is not so successful for others.

What an addict must realise is that it is possible to treat ALL types of addiction successfully. Contrary to the ‘street doctors’ and anything you may have heard there is not an addiction that is untreatable.

This in itself should tell anyone currently struggling with an overwhelming need for their substance of choice that help is available, and that by responding to treatment which is right for them they have every chance of leaving their dependence where it belongs; in the past.

Positive treatment approaches:

Here are some of the treatment methods that have proved to be so successful in treating addiction:

  • Detoxification program: Detoxification is required to focus on the physical side of addiction and to cleanse the addicts body of all addictive substances. Some addicts will go through withdrawal alone, but there are many detoxification programs which offer professional assistance and are the ideal way for an addict to fully prepare themselves for healing. It must be noted that detoxification alone will not resolve addiction. It must be followed by rehabilitation treatment.
  • Inpatient rehab: This is classed as an intensive form of treatment through a residential program where the addict will stay at a rehabilitation establishment for an extended period. A stay generally lasts 1 month but that is certainly not set in stone and can be tailored to meet the addicts needs. It is a fully focused method of treatment where the addict is taken out of their current home environment into one that is comfortable and conducive to healing, but also has rules and a set routine that must be followed.
  • Counselling sessions: Counselling is an integral part of inpatient rehab. It can also be used to help a person overcome their addiction as a standalone treatment method. Intensive one-to-one counselling sessions will help a person work through the issues that led to addiction. Group counselling sessions help in terms of understanding the challenges other recovering addicts face and a realization that you are not alone.
  • Dual diagnosis treatment: Before any addiction treatment begins it is imperative that an addict is fully assessed in order to establish whether they are also suffering from other mental health disorders. If this is the case then treatment for addiction and the associated disorder(s) must be given in tandem. Treating one disorder and not the other will make it extremely difficult for an addict to beat their addiction.
  • Long-term residential care: Some addicts, particularly those who have been addicted for long periods need a longer form of treatment to attain long-term recovery. This can be achieved through residential treatment where long-term healing will be achieved.
  • Aftercare programs: Once initial healing has been completed it is vital that an addict continues treatment through one of the many aftercare programs available. Joining a local voluntary group is another positive way of helping a recovering addict progress to long-term sobriety.

The most effective addiction treatment:

The above methods of addiction treatment are by no means exhaustive, but give an indication of ways in which sobriety can be achieved. The most effective addiction treatments will combine:

  • Medication assistance (where necessary).
  • Psycho-social counselling.
  • Addiction education including relapse prevention strategies.
  • Treatment of any co-occurring psychiatric disorders.
  • Personal and group therapy.
  • Aftercare arrangements.

CLICK HERE to get a Free Confidential Addiction Treatment Assessment.