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Can You Eat Methamphetamine?

If you are thinking about consuming meth through snorting, smoking, or injecting, you should know that meth has a negative impact on your brain’s dopamine receptors. Meth can stimulate each with an overwhelming rush of the brain chemicals. In turn, you will experience an increase in energy and mood.

Dopamine is linked to the brain’s reward centers, which explains why the use of meth can cause drug dependence and addiction.

It has been proven to come with neurotoxic effects on the dopamine neurons which also induces symptoms just like Parkinson’s disease in long-time meth users.

Meth use may cause dangerous health problems over time.

The statement is true whether you eat meth or make use of other routes. Chronic use is known to lead to delusions, paranoia, repetitive behavior, and hallucinations as if parasites or crawling insects are underneath your skin. Chronic meth users often have scratches on their skin, which have become an obsession.

In particular, those who eat this drug often suffer a teeth degeneration, which is medically termed as “meth mouth.” The condition is believed to be a result of combining “dry mouth,” grinding of the teeth and poor oral hygiene. Meth users also suffer from a decrease in appetite and sleep resulting to a subsequent weight loss and a quick deterioration of their physical appearance.

Methamphetamine hydrochloride is the main ingredient that is used in meth.

It is a chemical with a light yellow crystalline powder that is sometimes presented as a large, clear crystal of very high purity. Oftentimes known as “ice,” it comes in a number of forms.

The free base meth or methamphetamine base comes in a liquid form and is the initial product of the drug. It is usually sold at room temperature. Hydrochloride salt comes from a free base form often by bubbling the hydrogen chloride in a gas state. Additionally, methamphetamine contains an optically active carbon atom.

There are 2 isomeric forms of the drug known as the l-methamphetamine and the d-methamphetamine. The l-isomer is less potent than the d-isomer, but the latter is the most produced by many illicit labs. D-methamphetamine in the U.S. is a controlled substance made available only by obtaining a prescription for legal medical purposes, which is often to treat ADHD and obesity.

Methamphetamine is usually absorbed through your GI tract by approximately 4 to 6 hours.

The duration of its effects can last for 6-12 hours or up to one day if taken in larger doses. The peak plasma levels of the drug, on the other hand, can be obtained in 1-3 hours depending on the physical activities you do and the food you eat.

The peak blood concentrations of meth can happen shortly after injecting, several minutes after smoking and about 3 hours after dosing orally. The peak concentrations of meth following oral administration is around 2.6 to 3.6 hours. Thus, the mean elimination half-life of the drug is around 10.1 hours if you follow the 6.4 to 15 hours range. The mean elimination half-life of meth following intravenous injection may be a little bit longer at 12.2 hours.

The effects of methamphetamine use on humans can be profound.

As a stimulant, the effects of the drug can linger for hours with the meth user staying awake for several days. Once the high starts to wear off, the user enters a stage known as tweaking and becomes more prone to delusions, paranoia, and violence.

The use of meth can easily lead to addiction because of its euphoric effect. Those who abuse meth may need to use more of the drug to reach the same effects. Your psychological need for the drug may compel you to continually use the drug especially if you have underlying unresolved psych-emotional issues.

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Social Anxiety Disorder Treatments: Antidepressant Medications

Social anxiety (social phobia) treatment includes therapy and anxiety medication. Therapy focuses on changing habits and thought processes that trigger social anxiety. Anxiety medication reduces symptoms of anxiety, making it easier to focus on therapeutic treatment and function in social situations.

Treating Anxiety with Antidepressants

Several types of antidepressants are used to treat anxiety. Antidepressants can perform a dual role, as anxiety, depression and other mental disorders often occur together. Two families of antidepressants — SSRIs and SNRIs — are first-choice medications for the treatment of anxiety.

SSRIs and Anxiety Treatment

SSRIs, or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, prevent brain cells from reabsorbing the neurotransmitter serotonin. Low levels of serotonin are common in people with symptoms of depression and anxiety disorders. By increasing serotonin levels SSRIs improve mood and reduce anxiety.

Examples of SSRI medication include citalopram, escitalopram, fluoxetine, paroxetine and sertraline. While SSRIs are generally well-tolerated, side effects can occur, including changes in sleep patterns, weight gain, sexual dysfunction, and (in some cases) worsening anxiety symptoms.

SNRIs and the Treatment of Anxiety

SNRIs, or serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors treat anxiety in much the same way as SSRIs, but SNRIs also affect brain tissue levels of the neurotransmitter norepinephrine. Side effects of SNRIs are, for the most part, similar to SSRI side effects. Whether SNRIs or SSRIs are used to treat anxiety depends on the individual’s response to antidepressants. Examples of SNRIs include duloxetine and venlafaxine.

Tricyclic Antidepressants and Social Anxiety

Treatment of social anxiety disorder with tricyclic antidepressants may be considered in cases where SSRI or SSRI treatment proves ineffective.

An older family of antidepressants, tricyclic antidepressants are more likely to cause side effects than the newer antidepressants, including sudden drops in blood pressure when standing up. For some people, however, with careful monitoring, tricyclic antidepressants can serve as are viable treatments for social anxiety disorder.

Anti-Anxiety Medications: Benzodiazepine

Antidepressants treat anxiety symptoms effectively, but do not produce immediate symptom relief. Antidepressants require several weeks of treatment before people begin to feel better. Benzodiazepine anti-anxiety medication provides symptom relief faster than antidepressants.

Unfortunately, benzodiazepines cannot treat anxiety over long periods, as the medication can be habit-forming. Benzodiazepines treat anxiety with a sedating effect and by reducing muscle tension. Benzodiazepines may relieve anxiety symptoms until antidepressants begin to work, after which benzodiazepine use is tapered off.

Beta Blockers and Social Phobias

Beta blockers are another short-term treatment for social anxiety disorder. Beta blockers impair adrenaline action, reducing blood pressure, heart rate and shakiness. Beta blockers are not used as a long-term anxiety medication, but can be used to treat isolated increases in social anxiety symptoms, such as just before entering a known anxiety-provoking situation.

Medication for anxiety is often used in combination with social anxiety disorder therapy. The medication helps reduce symptoms of social anxiety so the individual can benefit from therapy. Depending on the severity of social phobia, some individuals may take anti-anxiety medication only for short periods, while others benefit from long-term treatment with antidepressants.

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Social Anxiety Disorder Treatment: Behavioral Therapy

Social anxiety disorder treatments include both medication and anxiety therapy. Medication provides relief from social anxiety symptoms, but is only effective while the individual is on medication. Mental health counseling provides longer-lasting relief from symptoms of social anxiety than medication, as therapy for anxiety alters how people respond to anxiety-producing situations.

Beginning Therapy for Anxiety

It is not unusual for symptoms of social anxiety disorder to increase at the beginning of therapy. Social anxiety treatments focus on behavioral therapy, thereby helping patients to identify and change attitudes and habits that encourage social anxiety symptoms. Since therapy requires people to think about anxiety-producing situations, symptoms of social anxiety may temporarily increase. Medication can help control social anxiety symptoms during the early days of behavioral therapy.

Several types of behavioral therapy treat social phobia. Social anxiety therapy models include the following.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is perhaps the most common mental health counseling treatment for social anxiety. Cognitive behavioral therapy helps patients identify triggers for social anxiety, and then teaches patients how to change the thoughts and behavioral patterns that accompany anxiety-producing situation.

CBT requires the patient’s full cooperation: the skills taught during CBT must be practiced if they are to be effective.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy

Acceptance and commitment therapy teaches patients mindfulness – living completely in the moment without judging.

Acceptance and commitment therapy can be an effective social anxiety treatment when coupled with behavioral changes.

Dialectical Behavioral Therapy

Dialectical behavioral therapy shares features with acceptance and commitment therapy. Dialectal behavioral therapy includes Eastern meditation to promote mindfulness, alongside social skills and ways to modify emotions.

Exposure Therapy

Exposure therapy is a type of behavioral therapy used to treat phobias.

Exposure therapy slowly exposes a person to anxiety-producing social activities. By gradually increasing exposure to the feared situation, exposure therapy reduces the fear and anxiety surrounding the event.

Social Skills Training

Social skills training, as the name implies, teaches how to react in social situations. Role-playing and rehearsals for social events increase confidence and reduce anxiety symptoms during real social interactions.

Group Therapy as Social Anxiety Treatment

Group therapy must be handled carefully for people with social anxiety disorder. Working with a group and sharing anxiety experiences may be too upsetting for people suffering from social phobia. Group therapy works best after a period of one-on-on behaviorally therapy, possibly combined with medication to reduce symptoms of anxiety. A well-led group provides a safe environment where social anxiety can be confronted, but only when patients can control anxiety symptoms sufficiently, enabling them to interact with other people.

Behavioral therapy for social anxiety disorder can be very effective. Some people recover from social anxiety after a period of behavioral therapy. Others, however, have social anxiety symptoms that benefit from long term mental health counseling and anti-anxiety medication. The longer social anxiety disorder goes untreated, the more established behavioral patterns become, and the greater the likelihood treatment will need to be long-term.

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Social Anxiety Disorder Symptoms: Panic Attacks and Fear

Social anxiety disorder and social phobia involve an intense fear of social situations and being publicly judged or humiliated. Severe anxiety and panic attacks in the face of public or social activity are hallmarks of social anxiety disorder. Social anxiety symptoms cause people to avoid social or public activity, a disability that impairs careers, relationships and quality of life.

Social Anxiety Triggers

Any social or public activity can trigger an anxiety panic attack in people with social anxiety disorder. Events that people with social anxiety find particularly uncomfortable may include:

Being introduced to or talking with strangers;

Eating or ordering food in public;

Public speaking;

Returning items to stores;

Starting conversations or making eye contact;

Using public restrooms;

Using telephones; and

Writing in front of people.

Social Anxiety Disorder Symptoms

Fear, anxiety, panic attacks and other symptoms make social anxiety a debilitating illness. A person with social anxiety is extremely afraid of public embarrassment, humiliation or negative judgment. Often, the individual is acutely aware of social anxiety symptoms, and worries that symptom onset will occur in public. This leads to a vicious circle in which worry about disorder symptoms exacerbates concerns about public appearance and social activities.

Possible social anxiety symptoms include:

Anticipating future events with fear and panic;

Avoiding fear-causing social situations;

Avoiding social events / experiencing distress and fear during events;

Constant fear of being embarrassed in public by own actions;

Fear of being negatively judged by others;

Onset of fear / anxiety / panic attacks when in feared situation;

Understanding anxiety is out of proportion with feared event, but being unable to calm fears; and

Worrying social anxiety symptoms are noticeable to others.

Physical Symptoms of Anxiety

Physical symptoms of anxiety often accompany social phobia. People may feel faint, sweat, tremble, twitch or blush. Other physical symptoms of anxiety include an increase in heart rate, rapid breathing, clammy hands and muscle tension. Nausea, an upset stomach, tightness in the chest and voice shakiness may also occur.

Social Anxiety Symptoms in Children

Social anxiety disorder symptoms in children differ slightly from the symptoms that are seen in adults. Like adults, children with social phobia may fear embarrassment or judgment by their peers, but this fear does not usually extend to adults or teenagers.

Children, unlike adults, may not realize that their social phobia symptoms are excessive. If they do realize their reactions are unusual, they may deny the fact that they suffer from social anxiety. Childhood anxiety in social situations may be expressed by avoiding unfamiliar people, throwing tantrums in social situations, or even selective mutism (an inability to speak in certain circumstances).

Treating Social Anxiety Disorder Symptoms

Help is available for individuals with social anxiety symptoms. Anxiety medication can help control symptoms, while social anxiety therapy helps people overcome their fear of social situations. A social anxiety disorder diagnosis is very important; like many anxiety disorders, social phobia symptoms tend to worsen over time, making it more difficult for the affected person to seek help.

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Arizona DUI Attorneys: AZ DUI Laws, Charges You May Face When Caught Drinking and Driving

For individuals arrested for drunk driving, it’s definitely a scary and stressful time. In many cases, it’s a major wake up call for those locked up and faced with finding a DUI attorney. It’s not easy fighting these type of charges and it’s definitely necessary to research the best attorneys when facing jail time.

Arizona DUI Laws

When it comes to Arizona DUI laws, the penalties range depending on the type of charges, as well as the Defendant’s previous record. A previous charge within the past seven years will affect the defendant’s current arrest. However; with a first offense, the sentence is much lighter.

First Offense, Arizona DUI Laws

With a clean felony record, a first offense will range from 10-180 days in jail (a minimum of 10 consecutive days). However; the court may possibly suspend 9 days if the individual agrees to taking an alcohol and drug like suboxone rehab and attend some type of alcohol treatment.

The Importance of Hiring an Arizona DUI Attorney

Hiring an Arizona DUI attorney is often essential, as the laws are not easy to face alone. Those arrested for drunk driving in a first offense will still face a large amount of fines adding up to approximately $1800 dollars, not including jail costs. The MVD will also suspend the individual’s license for 90 days. It’s also common for individuals to be placed on probation for up to five years. Last, the court will also order a Ignition Interlock Device to be placed in the individual’s vehicle for 12 months after the reinstatement of the defendant’s license.

Facing a Second Offense DUI

Laws are quite tough on those arrested for drunk driving on a second offense. Arizona DUI attorneys are very much needed in a situation where an individual is facing a charge for the second time.

Arizona DUI Laws, Hiring an Arizona DUI Attorney for Second Offense

Those facing drunk driving charges on a second offense will need a reputable attorney. The jail time will range between 90-180 days, with a minimum of 90 consecutive days in jail. It’s possible to get 60 out of 90 days suspended after successfully completing alcohol treatment and counseling.

Fines for Second Offense DUI, Arizona DUI Laws

Those arrested for drunk driving on a second offense, the fines are much greater and often add up to approximately $3500 dollars, not including the jails costs. Jail costs often add up to thousands of dollars aside from the costs of fines. Having a reputable Arizona DUI attorney can be essential when facing charges for a second offense.

Aside from jail time and fines, the individual’s license will be revoked for an entire year. The probation time can be 5 years and the individual must often attend several sessions of “Mothers Against Drunk Drivers.” There will also be a Ignition Interlock Device placed on the individual’s vehicle for a minimum of 12 months after the individual’s license reinstatement.

Finding a Reputable Arizona DUI Attorney

With an Extreme DUI, the fines, jail time and overall Arizona DUI penalties get even worse. It’s not easy facing any charges for drunk driving, however; hiring a reputable attorney is often key to getting the minimum charges. There are many Arizona DUI attorneys available to fight for individuals arrested for drunk driving. It’s best for defendant’s to research various attorneys online and meet with several attorneys before choosing the right one.

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The Legal Drinking Age Debate: Should it be Lowered?

In the USA, the legal drinking age has been 21 since 1984. The debate about whether to lower it has raged since it was raised, and binge drinking has only made it worse.

Thirteen is a landmark; finally a teenager. Sixteen is exciting; finally able to drive a car. Eighteen is golden; finally an adult, able to vote, join the military, and get married. Anything an adult can do – well, except drink. The legal drinking age in the United States of America is twenty one, raised to such in all fifty states by 1988, though the first few began in 1984. This was due to the National Minimum Age Drinking Act, signed into law in 1984 by President Ronald Reagan, and it stated that if states did not raise their legal drinking limit, then they would lose a percentage of federal highway dollars. With all this in mind, one of the main reasons people debate this issue is because of maturity. When is someone really mature enough to consume a drink that inhibits one’s ability to drive, and sometimes, even walk?

Reasons to Maintain the Drinking Age

Those who believe the drinking age should be maintained often cite binge drinking. Binge drinking has skyrocketed in recent years, and opponents of lowering of the drinking age claim this shows that anyone younger than eighteen are simply too immature to be allowed to have an alcoholic beverage. Usually this drinking takes place in underground and hidden places, such as fraternities, basements, and alleys; too often done excessively and without supervision or guidance. To this end, forty percent of college students report drinking in a way that would qualify them as having a symptom of alcohol dependence and there was the federal government’s National Survey on Drug Use and Health, which found that eighty five percent of twenty-year-old Americans had used alcohol. Two out of five said they had binged (on five or more drinks at one time) within the previous month.

Reasons to Lower the Drinking Age

For those who support lowering the drinking age, they claim that, while binge drinking is a problem, the root of it has to do with the legal drinking age being twenty one itself. The argument is that if someone really wants to drink, they’ll find a way, and because legal adults (eighteen to twenty year olds) cannot get a hold of alcohol themselves, will then go underground where there is no supervision or guidance; it is the lack of supervision that causes issues.

Doctor Steven Parker states in his blog on WebMD that he feels the best solution would be parents speaking to their children about drinking, and, essentially, giving them some sound advice. Advice like, “never drink for the sole reason of appearing cool” and “know when to stop and never drink on an empty stomach.”

In any case, the debate on whether the legal drinking age should be raised or maintained is still going strong today – twenty five years later – and with groups such as MADD and the Amethyst Initiative around, it doesn’t seem to be ending anytime soon.

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What Causes Alcoholism

Alcoholism is a chronic disease characterized by a strong need or craving to consume alcohol, the inability to stop drinking once you’ve begun, psychological and physical withdrawal symptoms after stopping drinking, and an increasing tolerance to alcohol. There are genetic, psychological and environmental components to alcoholism. This is a progressive disease affecting about 30% of Americans.

Alcoholism Statistics

According to the U.S. National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), it is estimated that 17.8% of the population have alcohol problems and 12.5% are alcohol-dependent. Alcoholism can affect any race, gender, income level, nationality and age. Men are more likely than women to become alcohol dependent. Alcohol abuse is also more common among young adults aged 18 to 29. People who begin drinking at age 14 are at higher risk of developing a dependence on alcohol than those who begin drinking after age 21. Alcoholism runs in families. Not only is this trait hereditary, but a person’s environment plays a role as well.

Though alcoholism affects an estimated 14 million people, the causes of alcoholism are relatively limited. Two of the most common causes are genetics and the environment. One published report indicates that among adult alcohol abusers, more than half say they have one or more blood relative that had or has an alcohol problem. Further, treatment experts have found that men are four times more likely to become alcoholic if their fathers were.

Identifying Symptoms of Alcoholism

The American Council on Alcoholism has developed some guidelines for identifying alcohol dependence: craving, preoccupation with drinking, physical dependence and building up tolerance.

Craving is when a person is unable to control the amount of alcohol they consume or when they have a strong need to drink. A preoccupation with drinking is characterized by obsessive thoughts of and an assigned value to alcohol that reduces a person’s quality of life and leads to making decisions that can cause self-harm and harm to others. Physical dependence can be identified by marked withdrawal symptoms like nausea, sweating, hand tremors and anxiety. An alcohol abuser will develop a tolerance, meaning a greater amount of alcohol is needed to achieve the “high” the person desires.

Alcoholism is Treatable

Alcoholism can never be cured. However, addiction specialists have proven that this is a treatable disease. Because alcoholism is progressive, even if a person takes a long break from drinking, he is still susceptible to relapse. The most effective and safest treatment for alcoholism is abstinence. Many alcoholics take medications to reduce cravings and stress. Talk therapy also helps people to cope with the problems that caused them to start drinking. Today, holistic treatments like meditation, acupuncture and yoga are gaining popularity for their spiritual and relaxation properties.

Many alcoholics find that a supportive community of like-minded individuals, found in programs like Alcoholics Anonymous, helps their recovery. Depending on their level of addiction, some people will require a safe, medical withdraw, which can be done in a residential addiction facility. Also known as rehab, patients stay anywhere from one week to detoxify their system, to several months so that patients can establish a firm, sober foundation from which to begin recovery.

Treatment for alcoholism can work. But like any chronic disease, there are varying results. There is no one treatment that will work for all alcoholics. While some people have been known to abstain from alcohol on sheer willpower, this is not the norm. Many alcoholics take medication combined with talk therapy and/or support groups. According to the NIAAA, a person who has been diagnosed as an alcoholic cannot simply cut down on her drinking. Those who try are not likely to succeed.

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Alcohol Abuse and Binge Drinking in Women

It’s 9 o’clock on a Saturday night. In towns across Britain, bars and clubs are filling up with young women eager to make the most of the buy one get one free drink offers and to get as drunk as possible before the night is over.

No longer do we see women sipping demurely on a glass of wine: they are more likely to be dancing on tables by midnight. Welcome to the modern day culture of young women who binge drink.

Alcohol statistics and binge drinking

The number of women in Britain aged 16 to 24 who risk their health through binge drinking increased from 9% in 2000 to 21% in 2012, and the death rate in England and Wales has more than doubled since the 1950s through liver disease caused by excessive alcohol consumption.

In a survey carried out by the University of Manchester, more than a third of 16 – 24 year old women revealed that they had started drinking at the age of 13, and almost a third said that they had been sick or passed out in the last month because of drinking too much alcohol.

These statistics are terrifying, yet they don’t seem to deter young women from the demon drink.

Effects of alcohol abuse

The short-term effects of binge drinking include dizziness, vomiting and even alcohol poisoning. The long-term effects can cause breast cancer, strokes, brain damage, liver disease and death.

With so many negative side-effects associated with binge drinking, why do young women do it?

“It gives people confidence,” said Dr Jim Stevenson, a senior university lecturer. “Women like to relax and have a good time when they go out, and alcohol makes it easier for them to let go and enjoy themselves.”

Alcohol recommendations

Women are recommended to drink a maximum of 21 units of alcohol a week. The problem is that people are confused as to what constitutes as one unit.

Recent Government statistics state that binge drinking costs Britain £20 billion a year, with £7.3 billion of this due to alcohol-related crime, and the Daily Telegraph reported that in the last four years, there has been a 53% increase in women being arrested. While the price of alcohol has dropped, consumption has increased.

The price of alcohol

Tory MP Ian Duncan Smith wants to bring in a tax on alcohol to help pay for alcohol related problems, but is this going to solve the problem? Young women drink because it makes them feel good. It gives them confidence.

Increasing the price of alcohol isn’t going to change that. Young women know the risks, but they choose to ignore them in favour of a good night out.

The dangers of alcohol abuse and binge drinking

It’s 3am. Women are drunkenly emerging from clubs, stumbling and dishevelled with make-up smudged around their glazed-over eyes. In this state, they are prime targets for the rapists posing as cab drivers.

If they do make it home safely, they will no doubt wake up tomorrow morning with no recollection of last night’s events and feeling less than their best. Do young women really want to live like this?

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The Signs and Dangers of Cocaine Abuse: Know When Your Loved One Has a Drug Addiction

Cocaine addiction has dangerous effects. Learn how to spot the drug addiction in your loved one.

Cocaine is a stimulant drug that has been one of the most popular drug addictions and a major part of emergency room visits. Most cocaine is harvested and created into a powder in South America and imported into the United States. It’s bought illegally, and it can be injected, insufflated (sniffed), swallowed, or even applied rectally. It is one of the most expensive drugs in the illegal market, but it is still one of the most popular among drug addicts.

Signs of Cocaine Abuse

Because cocaine is “cut” and diluted in so many ways, the signs of abuse vary among purity and the chemical with which it was cut. There are several common factors that are a part of cocaine addiction, however, and the drug addiction symptoms are common among all drug addicts.

CNS and Psychiatric Effects.

Most cocaine drug users have a strong sense of happiness and increased energy. Cocaine addicts also feel a sense of grandeur which is often referred to as cocainomania. With increase and prolonged use, the good feelings the addict has will give in to restlessness, apprehension, cold sweats, tremors, twitching, and even hallucinations. The major side effects of cocaine drug use are deadly such as seizures, loss of consciousness, and irregular heartbeats.

Brain Side Effects.

The alteration of the brain to respond to environmental stimulus is greatly decreased during cocaine addiction. Dizziness, loss of consciousness, and seizures are among the most serious, but cocaine effects many neurotransmitters in the brain including norepinephrine, dopamine, serotonin, acetylcholine, and gamma-aminobutyric acid.

Ear, Nose, and Throat Effects.

Most cocaine drug abuse users eventually have irritations and extended deformities in their ears, nose, and throat. Of these side effects, nose bleeds and constant nasal stuffiness are among the most common. Severe cocaine drug abuse leads to a degradation of the septum (the membrane separating the nasal passages) causing difficulties in breathing. Cocaine drug abuse users try to counteract the nasal damage using over-the-counter products creating an even worse condition.

Cardiovascular Effects.

Cocaine abuse leads to an increased heart rate and a narrowing of the blood vessels. Many emergency room encounters with overdoses in cocaine abuse involve severe chest pains. The rabid heart rates lead to heart disease and a weakening in the walls of the aorta. The cardiovascular side effects are most disturbing since they can lead to sudden death from cardiac arrest.

If you suspect your loved one has a cocaine addiction, watch for signs of an overdose and call emergency personnel as soon as possible. Severe overdose can lead to seizures and death, so it is important to watch heart rate when loved ones have fallen to the urges of cocaine addiction.

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Young Adults and Caffeine Addiction

Coffee Causes Fatigue and Addiction

Beverages that are high in caffeine strengthen the body’s level of dopamine, a hormone that eases pains and aches; it is no wonder that students are drawn towards the short-term energy burst as well. After the artificial “high” dies down many reach for more or a sugary substitute to achieve that lift that caffeine gives. This cycle sets the body up for daily fluctuations in alertness and diet.

Many people, regardless of age reach for several coffees daily to get them through the motions of life. This can affect sleeping schedules and create more health problems in turn. Caffeine is considered a “mild drug”; even so the withdrawal symptoms can be painful and extremely troublesome. Caffeine affects the body like any other drug, the intake is less at the beginning but as the body develops a tolerance for caffeine, it will require more and more to obtain a similar state. The best way to lessen the negative withdrawal symptoms is to gradually decrease intake of the addictive substance. For example, reduce the number of heavily caffeinated beverages each day, and make substitutions, like tea.

Caffeine Withdrawal Symptoms

Some common experienced withdrawal side effects could be:

Nausea, Loss of Appetite, and Bowel Problems

Headaches, Mood Swings, and Extreme Fatigue

Poor Memory, Confusion, Difficulty Concentrating

In reality, as little as two regular sized coffees can produce withdrawal symptoms. Starting the day off right with a healthy breakfast that is well balanced can help achieve the same boost needed to start the day. Maintaining energy is as simple as using healthful foods to do the legwork, keeping blood sugar regulated will also do wonders as far as providing energy goes.

Caffeine’s effects on the Body

Moments after consuming a morning coffee, the body begins to feel the affects of caffeine on the central nervous system. This triggers the release of adrenaline in the body and can be followed by feelings of anxiety and fatigue. Next hunger will occur accompanied by fatigue all the while energy levels will drop lower than before the beverage was consumed.

At this point most people will have another coffee, beginning the low and high cycle and causing loss of energy by early afternoon at best. Even if the beverage is consumed during the morning this can still affect sleep patterns and an overall sense of health.

Regular caffeine users should truly consider cutting back on a bad habit that can create short and long-term side effects. Beverages with caffeine should be used occasionally and for enjoyment. It is important to support the body with nourishing alternatives and maintain proper health.

A good resource on this subject is a book written by Stephen Cherniske, titled Caffeine Blues: Wake Up to the Hidden Dangers of America’s #1 Drug.

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Break Food Addictions and Stop Overeating With These Tips

Just got to have that candy bar at 4pm? Just got to have that late night snack? If there is a specific food you’ve just got to have, or a specific time of day when you’ve just got to eat, you have a food addiction. Food addictions are usually a coping mechanism, a tool used to comfort and soothe oneself or to de-stress for a few moments. There is good news and bad news about food addictions. The bad news is that food addiction causes people to overeat and gain weight. The good news is that food addictions can be overcome and overeating can be stopped. Here are some tips for breaking food addictions.

Switch to Healthier Non-Food Coping Tool

If diving into that quart of ice cream or bag of cookies every day is your way of self-medicating and de-stressing, switch to a healthier coping tool. Instead of reaching for food, go for a walk. Exercise relieves stress and boosts mood by releasing ’feel good’ hormones into the body. Exercise will also help keep you from reaching for the food your are addicted to, while helping you lose weight and get into shape.

Develop a hobby as a healthier coping tool. A hobby can provide a creative outlet for pent up negative emotions and distract you from food cravings. Hobbies in which something is created, such as a bird house or quilt, will also boost your self confidence when you see what you can accomplish with your own two hands.

Healthy Entertainment and Snacks

Music can shift your mood, so can a good movie. Keep favorite songs and movies on hand so when the food addiction cravings come around, switch on the CD or DVD instead of heading for the refrigerator.

Breaking a food addiction doesn’t mean giving up all snack foods. Rid the pantry of all un-healthy snacks and replace them will healthy snacks like fresh fruits and veggies. Low fat popcorn is a filling snack that adds fiber to the daily diet and aids in weight loss.

Make a Bucket List

Write down everything you have ever wanted and still want to do, no matter how big or how small. When a food craving hits, take a look at the bucket-list and map out a plan on how you can accomplish at least one thing on the list. A list of goals that you want to reach is a powerful motivation to not give in to a food craving.

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How to Use Self-Talk to Be Free From Addiction: Introspection Requires Rational and Honest Self-Talk

It is not possible to truly search one’s soul while thinking illogically. All addictive behavior motivates persons to base decisions about their behavior, at the current moment, on emotions and physical sensations. Thought processes for the addict have almost nothing to do with rational and logical thinking about the issue of whether to engage in self-destructive acts. Indulgence in addictive behavior never makes sense.

Rational, Logical, Thought-Provoking Questions For Addicted Persons To Consider

The word “rational” comes from the same Latin root as the word “reason,” which refers to the proper use of the mind. The following is a list of five criteria for evaluating self-talk as it relates to the addictive behavior process. One should examine his or her thoughts and determine whether they are logical and rational, then ask and truthfully answer questions such as the ones that follow.

Is the thought in one’s mind true as it relates to addictive behavior? Will it help the person remain free from his or her problem? If the current thought is not logically, absolutely, and irrefutably true in every conceivable way, it is destructive and should be immediately discarded, absolutely refusing to act on it.

Does any empirical, scientific evidence support the thought in mind? What are the existing, practical, observable evidences one can readily see that authenticate and verify the thought? If it “just feels good” and no hard evidence can be produced to support it, it is destructive and should be immediately discarded, absolutely refusing to act on it.

When one thinks this thought, does it produce the long-lasting feelings one wants in every way to remain with him or her for the rest of a lifetime? Will it bring a calm assurance and a feeling of peace? Or does it cause feelings of apprehension with regard to oneself, or regarding significant others? If it causes apprehension of any kind, it is destructive and should be immediately discarded, absolutely refusing to act on it.

Does the thought that one has in mind help to reach a purposely chosen goal of becoming free in every way from addictive and self-destructive behaviors? If not, it is destructive and should be immediately discarded, absolutely refusing to act on it.

If the thought is acted on, is it likely that it will reduce conflict one might experience with others who are significant in one’s life? If not, it is destructive should be immediately discarded, absolutely refusing to act on it.

Everyone Who Has Become Free from Addiction Learned to Think Logically and Rationally

Becoming free from addiction and self-destructive behavior inevitably requires one to be cold-hard logical in every thought and detail about the matter. Until one is courageous enough to accept this truth, he or she will never be free from the addictive process, unless something truly magical happens. Addicts are notorious for refusing to consider facts regarding addictions and the addictive process.

Sufferers from addiction persist in seeing themselves as the exception to the rule. Things will somehow be different for them than for everybody else. They think like people who buy one hundred lottery tickets then claim they have guaranteed themselves a jackpot. Unless individuals can train themselves to think logically and rationally, they will probably never be free from the problem that has plagued them more than anything else in their lives.

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Advice for People Considering Addiction Treatment at Thamkrabok

Wat Thamkrabok is an addiction treatment facility located in Thailand. This temple detox is highly regarded by the local population and in recent years there has been an increase in the number of individuals arriving from Western countries. Many of the foreigners who come to Wat Thamkrabok have tried other options and now see the Thai temple as their last chance.

Does Thamkrabok Temple Detox Work?

The temple monks are quick to point out that this is not a miracle cure and the complete willingness to change is vital if the attendee is to have any chance of recovery. They make it clear that Wat Thamkrabok cannot cure any addict who does not really want to be cured, but those who bring along enough willingness will find plenty of help available. The temple has a great reputation for getting people safely through detox and then providing them with tools that they can use for the rest of their life in recovery.

One of the most discussed aspects of the Thamkrabok temple detox is the vomiting ceremony. This occurs in the evenings of the first five days of admission and the purpose is to speed along the withdrawal symptoms; some addicts also claim that it is a humbling experience that further breaks down their barriers to recovery. Vomiting is caused by a herbal concoction which is unique to the temple and acts as an emetic.

The most unique aspect of the treatment at Wat Thamkrabok is the satja. This vow can only be taken once and so patients only get one shot at the temple detox; this contrasts sharply with the revolving door aspect of many of the treatment facilities in the West.

Things to Consider About Wat Thamkrabok

Making the decision to travel to Thailand should not be taken lightly. There are some things that addicts should probably consider before booking a flight.

Patients will have little contact with the outside world during their stay; mobile phones are confiscated.

Individuals are expected to give 48 hours notice before arriving at the temple. It is also important to check before arriving as Wat Thamkrabok closes for a few weeks every year.

The treatment at the temple is free but patients should have enough money to pay for food and toiletries. It is usual for individuals to make a donation to the temple at the end of their stay. There are different agencies around the world that can help people travel to Thamkrabok but there is no requirement to use any third agency. There may be some costs involved with using these services but any requests for donations prior to arriving at the temple should probably be viewed with caution.

Anyone staying at the temple will be expected to follow the rules and respect local customs.

Although Wat Thamkrabok is a Buddhist temple there is no requirement for attendees to be Buddhist; there are no attempts at conversion.

Wat Thamkrabok may not be a viable option for every addict, but the availability of another alternative has been viewed positively by many of those hoping to escape substance abuse.

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The Stigma of Addiction: Jewish Addiction Services Help Abuse Victims with Cultural Barriers

Substance abuse statistics are lower than reported due to stigma attached to addictions. Jewish individuals believe shanda is deeply entrenched within their community.

Stigma is what marks substance abuse as being shameful and forces many to hide their addiction. At a time in their lives when family needs to come together to help one another, far too many people with addictions discover they’re chastised and left to their own devices. Although this occurs in all cultures, Jewish individuals with addictions may have a wider river to stretch across when reaching out for help.

The Shanda Factor

Shanda, or shame, is a concern that many families experience who have a family member suffering with an addiction. Although education in recent years has assisted in alleviating this cultural belief, many still fear this may be a mark against the family in the community.

David Rosenberg, Operations Manager for the Jewish Addictions Community Services says, “When it comes to the Jewish community, denial tends to be ten times larger.” Rosenberg further states, “Addictions are viewed as a moral weakness and many Jewish people don’t see addiction as a disease.”

Abraham Goldstein, a former heroin addict, says that he felt as though his community abandoned him. “I was told I made a spectacle of myself.” He lost his friends, but what hurt the most was that his family abandoned him when he asked for help. His family did not want to be associated with him because he brought shanda to the family. Goldstein turned to his rabbi and he was told not to seek out treatment programs because they are alien to the Jewish faith and Judaism is all he needed to recover.

According to Aaron Gold, a former alcoholic, shanda is responsible for possibly thousands of Jewish addicts around the world who ended up in their graves pre-maturely. He asserts, “Jewish families need to accept the fact that addiction has no cultural boundaries.”

Jewish Addictions Community Services (JACS)

For over three decades, JACS has been the heartbeat for alcohol and drug addicted Jews and their families. JACS has its founding roots in New York City and over the years has opened branches in almost 20 U.S. states, three provinces in Canada, Brazil and in Israel.

JACS has helped put addiction on the agenda in the Jewish community, advocated for the needs of Jews in treatment, and facilitated the involvement of clergy in meeting spiritual needs of Jews in recovery and much more. Through their workshops, support groups, retreats and other programs, JACS has directly assisted thousands of Jewish people in need of support.

At JACS Toronto, David Rosenberg, Director of Operations, speaks highly of everyone who has been a part of JACS. Rosenberg says from the counselors to the volunteers, everyone has been an integral part in the program successes. He asserts that these successes are due to the fact that their services are free. “Regardless of denomination, we are here to help. Addiction is the only thing you have to lose in order to win.”

Addiction Statistics

According to the Association of American Medical Colleges, nearly 4 million Americans every year receive treatment for substance abuse and addiction. Almost 20 million more need treatment but do not receive it. To demonstrate the magnitude of this societal problem, statistics at the National Cancer Institute in the U.S. estimate that almost 1,500,000 Americans will be diagnosed with some form of cancer this year.

Anyone needing assistance with substance abuse recovery, or families needing help to cope with a loved one who is suffering from addiction, is urged to call JACS. No longer do people need to sweep addiction under the rug; shanda is becoming a thing of the past.

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Parents of Addicted Children

If you’re a parent the last thing you want is for your child to become addicted to drugs. Sadly millions of American children fall victim to addiction every year. Parents find them selves battling drugs in their neighborhoods, schools and sometimes their homes. As a good parent we try to do all that we can to make sure our children don’t do drugs. Yet try as we may sometimes even the best of kids wind up on drugs.

What then? What does a mom or dad do once they discover that their child is a drug addict? Unfortunately for most family members who have a loved one on drugs; they become victims too. When faced with that fact that you have a child on drugs, many parents find themselves asking where did I go wrong?

As devastating as all this might seem you the parent can choose to be the victim or the champion in this situation. Either way you first have to look at the situation for what it truly is, don’t ignore obvious signs or downplay the problem. Know what to look for and take the appropriate action. If you miss the signs or refuse to confront the problem head on you could become an enabler and promote the drug problem rather help to end it.

Know the signs:

1. Change in appearance (dirty or wrinkled clothes, he or she no longer bathes; hair skin and teeth are neglected).

2. Sharp drop in grades

3. Violent outburst

4. Change in vocabulary (Begins using street slang and/or wearing gang colors, using gang style hand signs).

5. Unexplained weight loss

6. Change in friends (brings the thuglets home with him or her).

7. Becomes reclusive, (spends all day in his or her room, doesn’t eat with the family or participate in family time).

8. Lying, (about their behavior or whereabouts or simply lying when they don’t have to).

9. Missing valuables

10. Possessing unexplained valuables

11. Lethargy, slurred speech,

12. Change in sleeping, and or eating habits (staying up for days with little or no sleep, going on eating binges or not eating for days).

13. Skipping school or not showing up for work, losing job for tardiness or absenteeism.

14. Marked irresponsible behavior, if your child is mature and perhaps a parent themselves ( not paying rent or utilities, being evicted or services be disconnected for non payment, grand children being left alone or neglected).

15. Extreme paranoia

16. Lesions on the skin, blisters, persistent mouth sores, dark circles under the eyes. (Crystal Meth)

17. Prolonged use of eye drops or persistent eye irritation

18. Disobedient to parents and teachers

19. Apathy

20. Disregarding Consequences

The above list is not a conclusive list there are many other signs, and they will vary with the individual.  Remember, early intervention is the key. Most parents are unaware their children are using drugs for sometimes years. By this time the addiction has such a hold on the child that it takes years to help them get free of the addiction.

Suspicions Confirmed:

Once you are sure that he or she is using drugs and /or alcohol you must take action to help them. It is important for you the parent to understand that when a person is suffering from addiction the only thing important to them is that next drink or fix. They are not concerned with the consequences of their actions. Therefore threats and/or ultimatums won’t faze him or her.

Before you can adequately help him or her, parents must first know what they are dealing with. If at all possible find out what type of drug that he or she is taking and then learn as much about the drug and its effects on the person. Parents should pay particular attention to the withdrawal symptoms and gestation time it stays in a persons system. This will aide parents in dealing with their child during the recovery process.

Proceed with caution! Parents must understand that this is not your little boy or girl that you are dealing with; this is a person under the influence of a mind altering drug. As was stated earlier a person suffering from addictions only concern is their next high. With this in mind he or she will cheat, lie, steal and possibly even kill to get that high. Never put yourself and/or other family members in harms way when attempting to confront a person about an addiction.

The Confrontation:

When you are ready to confront your child about his or her problem it is important to choose your battle. Pick the time you want to discuss this problem, even if you catch him or her in the act don’t allow the situation to control you, you control the situation. If you catch he or she in the act and you lose your temper react instead of act it could cripple your effort to help the addicted person.

Pick a time and a place where you are both comfortable and relaxed (don’t make an appointment with them, chances are they won’t keep it. It is better to catch them when they are not expecting it and confront them. Example they are watching T.V. or playing video games). Don’t accuse, just state the facts, “I found this in your room, I saw you smoking this, the Principle called us and said they found this in your locker. If you don’t have the physical evidence to confront them with the straight out ask, “are you smoking marijuana?

An array of emotion comes into play when you confront an addict about his or her addict. Some will cry, others will storm out of the room, but most all of them will do the following three things.

1. Deny, “No! of course not I would never do anything like that.”

2. Lie, ” That wasn’t my drugs, someone must have dropped them in my car.”

3. Justify, “Ok so it was mine and yes I have been using drugs but it is because you never understand me, you always judge me, nothing I ever do is good enough for you.”

Regardless of the tactics him or her may use the parent must be persistent and focused. For example; If they deny as above a good rebuttal would be:

“We know that you are having problems and we just won’t you to know we are here to help you.”

When he or she lies: Come back with the facts,

“Ok if it isn’t your drugs and someone dropped them there why was a person with drugs in your car to begin with?”

Lastly when they attempt to justify their addiction, here again stick to the facts, this is the part where you will really need to know all you can about the drug and it’s effects on the user. Be real,

“Yes I am sure we have made some mistakes but hurting yourself won’t change any of that. If we aren’t treating as you feel we should then you should tell us what we are doing wrong so we have an opportunity to fix it.”

Maintain control of the conversation at all times, addicts are deceitful and love to blame shift, making the parent the bad guy. Stick to the facts: you’re the person, this is the problem and here’s what we can do to fix it. Let them know that you are there to help them. Parents should make it very clear that the addictive behavior is unacceptable and will not be tolerated.

The Cold hard facts:

While we as parents want to do everything we can to help our children the fact remains, people don’t change for people, nor do they change for circumstances or situations. People change because the get tired of being the way they are. It is for this reason that parents must invoke some tough love practices in order to help him or her know they need to change.

This could mean drug testing your child-home drug test are now available at your local pharmacy or online.

Cutting off financial support – This should probably be the first step once it has been established that they are using drugs, thus making it harder for them to get the drugs.

Taking away privileges- Vehicles, computers and cell Phones, just to name a few.

Some parents feel that it is better to let their children drink or smoke pot at home. Thus giving the parents control over the situation, and preventing them from getting hurt or killed in an accident. This sets a dangerous precedent, after the death of his son Hugh, in March of 1995, actor Carroll O’Conner spent the rest of his life telling parents to do whatever it takes to keep your child away from drugs.

In one of his commercials O’Conner stated that he knew of his son’s experimentation with marijuana, having caught Hugh and some friends smoking it in the O’ Conner home. The elder O’Conner stated he yelled at them but did little else to stop it. He then admitted it was one of the biggest mistakes he had ever made and if he had it to do over again he would do whatever it took to keep his son off drugs. This parent found out the hard way that condoning gateway drugs was not the answer.

Sometimes parent’s life style choices and/or lack of knowledge of drugs can contribute to a child becoming addicted to drugs. Children live what they learn and learn what they live to coin a phrase. Children whose parents use drugs have a far greater chance of becoming drug abuser than those whose parents abstain from drugs. Parents who abuse drugs and alcohol sometimes are the motivation for the child becoming an abuser. The usually start young and innocent, having a child bring a parent a beer, light a cigarette or roll marijuana joint are just a few examples of how the abuser may be unwittingly recruiting the child.

Treatment options:

Once you confront him or her it is important have a positive follow-thru, let them know that you care and there is help available. There are several great recovery programs out there for both parent and child. Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, are two great support type recovery programs, there is *Life in focus which sponsors the A.C.T.S.

Program(Alcohol Chemical Treatment Series)which is a great educational oriented recovery program. These are just a few depending on your location and financial situation there are programs out there to help you. (See our sources for links)

Once again those who abuse drugs are not interested in treatment while he or she is actively using. If your child is actively using drugs and it has progressed past the point of a gateway drug, say cocaine, crack or crystal meth. Then extreme measures may be called for, such as a mental writ. A mental writ is an order to commit on the grounds that the person named in the writ is believed to be a danger to themselves or those around them. Writs are obtained through your local chancery court.

This article is meant to be a referral source only and should not be used in place of a proven recovery program. Drug abuse in children is a growing problem in America and it can cripple our country. We must do all that we can as Parents to help our children be drug free. Don’t miss our next installment in this series “Are you an enabler”.

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