Drug Addicted News

Cocaine Addiction Center

2009-03-22T21:19:00.000-07:00

There was not always a need for a cocaine addiction center. In fact, in the 1800’s when the alkaloids were first extracted from the coca plant, which would later turn into cocaine, cocaine was used for medicinal purposes and could even be found in some drinks/sodas. It was not until 1970 did cocaine even become illegal in the United States. In fact, you may not have had the opportunity to enroll in a cocaine addiction center until the 1980’s during the time of the “cocaine epidemic” as this was the time that addiction treatment centers truly began to transition from just treating alcoholism to treating drug and alcohol addictions. This bit of information may not seem relevant to your need for a cocaine addiction center today but it is, in some ways. It is relevant to your addiction to cocaine because you need to understand the opportunities that you have today in a cocaine addiction center.

We, Cliffside Malibu, are a luxury cocaine rehab facility that offers you the opportunity to overcome your cocaine addiction. We want you to realize the things that we are making available to you so that you do not have to continue a life with cocaine. Please call Cliffside Malibu at 1-800-501-1988 so that we can help you understand the opportunity that lies before you.

You Now Have The Chance To Overcome Your Cocaine Addiction

If you are still confused as to why we briefly mentioned the history of cocaine, let us explain a little further about how it is relevant to your need for a cocaine addiction center today. Through understanding that there has not always been an opportunity to enroll in a cocaine addiction center, you might be more receptive and maybe even grateful for the opportunities that you have today. Sometimes, when it is difficult for you to accept help or you have the “woe is me” thing going on, you need to be able to put your situation in perspective. You need to realize that you now have the chance to overcome your cocaine addiction, a chance that was not always available. You now have the opportunity to enroll in a cocaine addiction center and get sober.

We, Cliffside Malibu, are the perfect opportunity for you. We are an exclusive, luxury rehab center located in Malibu, California. We offer a variety of cocaine addiction center programs so that you can be helped in just the way you need. Moreover, we offer these programs with luxury amenities such as ocean views, luxury bedding, Jacuzzis, and gourmet food. If you would like to take advantage of this opportunity, please call Cliffside Malibu at 1-800-501-1988.

Don’t Let Your Woes Keep You From A Cocaine Addiction Center

It is all too easy to think, “woe is me” when you have an addiction to cocaine. It is easy to feel defeated when you focus solely on your weaknesses when it comes to using cocaine. It is easy to think that you have no control over your life and that everyone is looking down on you for your cocaine addiction. This is what “woe is me” refers to. However, you should not let this “woe is me” attitude keep you from enrolling in a cocaine addiction center. Think about the brief history we gave you about cocaine. Do you realize that you now have the advantage? What we mean is that you have the power of knowledge. You know that cocaine is addictive and you know that you are addicted to cocaine. You may be weak when it comes to controlling your cocaine use but you do have the power to say, “Enough is enough”. You have the power to take control of your life by choosing to enroll in a cocaine addiction center.

We will never look down on you for your addiction to cocaine at Cliffside Malibu. We understand that you are facing an intense struggle and that you need help. We give you this help by providing a peaceful, intimate atmosphere, in which you will be able to pull out of this “woe is me” attitude. Do not feel sorry for yourself. Take action against your addiction and call Cliffside Malibu at 1-800-501-1988.

A Bad Attitude Will Ruin Your Chances In An Addiction Center

It is important that we further emphasize your attitude of “woe is me” because a bad attitude will ruin your changes of sobriety in a cocaine addiction center. While it is normal to feel some extent of self-pity, especially as you are just coming to terms with the fact that you do need help, you cannot allow this to dictate how you react to your treatment. If you go into a cocaine addiction center, you need to believe that you can reach sobriety. Enrolling in a cocaine addiction center with a bad attitude will hinder if not eliminate any chance that you have of overcome your addiction. Recovery is attained more from your attitude towards recovery and your willingness to become sober then it is from the actual cocaine addiction center.

At Cliffside Malibu, we understand that it is not easy to have a good attitude if you need help from a cocaine addiction center. However, we strive to make your recovery process as comfortable as possible. We want to enhance your recovery experience with spa treatments, surfing, horseback riding, and individual attention. We believe if you have such luxury amenities, you will have a better attitude about enrolling in Cliffside Malibu.

You Can Reach Sobriety In A Cocaine Addiction Center

Once you accept that you have an addiction to cocaine, get over your “the world is out to get me” attitude, and decide to accept help, you will be able to reach sobriety in a cocaine addiction center. Remember, you have more opportunities today, when it comes to enrolling in any one cocaine addiction center, than ever before. Even in the last 40 years, the addiction treatments options available to you have grown and evolved. You have the opportunities laid out before you, right now, in this very moment, you need to make the choice to take advantage of these opportunities and learn how to live your life without cocaine. You need to make the choice to let go of your addiction for good.

For additional information on the exclusive cocaine addiction center programs at Cliffside Malibu, please visit our Cocaine Addiction Treatment page or our main Drug Addiction page.

Inpatient Drug Rehab Program

2009-03-22T21:16:00.000-07:00

The first step and the key to success to every inpatient rehab program is the detoxification program, or detox. It’s the part of most treatment programs that people who have been through the program usually refer to as the worst and hardest part of their treatment. It’s the detox period that keeps most people addicted, especially those who try to go through it on their own.

When a person stops using drugs, the body reacts to the lack of them with a variety of symptoms. And there are emotional and mental symptoms that occur, too. These combined are known as withdrawal. Without help, the withdrawal period can be so frightening and painful, that a person will continue to use drugs to avoid it. During an inpatient rehab program, detox is completed while supervised and monitored, with approved drugs to help ease the worst of the symptoms.

One the detox period is complete, some programs allow patients to leave and come back for outpatient treatment. This approach is only advised for those who are not severely addicted or who have been using drugs for only a short period of time. For most drug addicts an inpatient rehab program that continues past the detox period is best and gives them the most chances for success.

The reasons an inpatient rehab program is often better than inpatient detox immediately followed by outpatient treatment are many. First, just because the worst of the physical symptoms have abated after the detox period, that doesn’t mean they’re entirely gone or that the person doesn’t still want to use the drug. Just the emotional attachment, habit and a variety of other factors can tempt a person back into using the drug, all in the absence of any serious withdrawal symptoms.

Another reason is that a person who has just gone through detox that leaves a facility is immediately thrust back into the outside world and their life as it was before, but this time without the cushion and padding of drug use. If the person escaped reality with drugs, then being plunged back into reality without the escapist benefits of drugs can make real life seem even worse than it did before, and lead the person back to drug use.

Another reason why an inpatient rehab program is almost always a preferable option is that detoxification is not an exact science. It’s believed that drugs typically leave the system within 3 to 7 days, so the detox process scheduled in a treatment program usually falls in that span of time somewhere. But some experts believe that the drugs don’t leave a body entirely for several months, so traces are still there that can tempt the person to use again.

Usually these urges occur shortly after detox, within the first several weeks. If a person has the benefit of being in an inpatient rehab program and within a number of weeks after the detoxification process the person falls back into feeling withdrawal-like symptoms, he or she is in a safe place where these symptoms can be treated.

Idaho Drug and Alcohol Rehab Programs

2009-03-22T21:13:00.002-07:00

Idaho Drug and Alcohol Addiction Problems, Laws and Substance Abuse Issues, Treatment and Rehabilitation

Methamphetamine, marijuana and cocaine continue to be widely available in Idaho. The closeness of Idaho to Canada has allowed the smuggling of clubs drugs, pharmaceutical products and marijuana. Recent seizures along the Canadian border indicate that Canada has now become a major supplier of illicit drug into the American market. The majority of the illicit drug trade is controlled by the Mexicans and Columbians. With a large scale influx of immigrants, there has also been a greater availability of crack cocaine on the steets. The drug trafficking may be on a smaller scale in Idaho, but money laundering has become big business.

Cocaine Addiction

Cocaine is readily available throughout Idaho. It is predominantly controlled by drug trafficking organizations. The powder cocaine is usually converted to crack before it is sold on the street. It is not a major threat to the entire state and only available in the inner cities. The drug is smuggled in cars, vans and campers, which usually have hidden compartments. The drug is chiefly smuggled in from Texas, California, Chicago and the Southern states. Once on the street, local gangs control the distribution of cocaine. In recent years, the crack trade has been associated with gang related violence, thefts, homicides and prostitution.

Heroin Addiction

Heroin is widely available in Idaho and it is chiefly smuggled in from Mexico. The SE variety of heroin is sometimes also available. Despite the increase in purity and cheap price, heroin abuse has been steady for the past 2 decades. The Mexican black tar heroin is typically smuggled in from California Texas, Florida and NY.

Methamphetamine Addiction

Methamphetamine abuse is increasing in the state of Idaho. Over the past decade, most of the methamphetamine was locally manufactured in clandestine laboratories. However, with the government crackdown on precursor chemicals, this has led to a demise of these laboratories. Drug seizures indicate few of these unsophisticated laboratories today. The majority of the methamphetamine is brought in from Mexico. The majority of methamphetamine is smuggled in via private cars and some is also shipped in via the US parcel services. The drug continues to be lucrative and a number of drug cartels control the trafficking and distribution of this drug in Idaho

Club Drugs

Club drugs continue to be popular among school and college students throughout the state. All types of club drugs are available in most colleges. The most common club drug abused in MDMD, but others such as PCP, GHB, and LSD are fast catching on. A large number of club drugs are smuggled in from Canada, California and New York. These drugs are favorites at night parties and at bars.

Marijuana Addiction

Marijuana continues a common drug of abuse in Idaho, it is widely grow both indoors and outdoors. Because of the large forest land, detection of marijuana farms has been difficult for law enforcement. The majority of marijuana is grown on public land and federal forest areas. In addition marijuana is also smuggled in from California and Canada. The majority of marijuana is smuggled in by the cartels. At the street levels, the drug is distributed by the Hispanic migrant workers. The Idaho panhandle area remains a major source of marijuana smuggling and law enforcement seizures indicate that the marijuana trafficking is on the increase.

Prescription Drugs Addiction

In Idaho, prescription drugs are the second most abused drug by youth. The primary methods of diversion of legitimate pharmaceuticals continues to be illegal dispensing and prescribing by physicians, illegal distribution by pharmacists, prescription forgery, doctor shopping, and drug thefts from pharmacies, nursing homes, and hospitals. Pharmacy burglaries are prevalent throughout the state and Diversion Investigators are also encountering pharmaceuticals that have been purchased via the Internet without a doctor's prescription. The abuse and trafficking of oxycodone (OxyContin®, Percocet, Percodan), hydrocodone (Vicodin, Lortab), methadone, and anabolic steroids continues to be a concern.

Money Laundering

Associated with drug trafficking is money laundering. Cash-intensive businesses, such as restaurants, bars and nightclubs, shipping industry, casinos and tourism have all at some time been exposed to “drug” money. The legislature has endorsed laws to monitor all financial exchanges and banks are required by law to notify authorities of large transfer of money.

To counteract the drug problem DEA Mobile Enforcement Teams have been established in response to the overwhelming problem of drug-related violent crime in towns and cities across the nation. In addition, DEA Regional Enforcement Teams have been developed to augment existing DEA division resources by targeting drug organizations operating in the United States where there is a lack of sufficient local drug law enforcement.

Drug Rehab Programs

2009-03-22T21:13:00.001-07:00

Selecting a drug rehab center is one of the most important and difficult decisions you will make in your lifetime. Few of us know what to look for in a quality rehab program and not all drug rehabilitation centers are alike. Each drug rehab has its own program options, staff qualifications, credentials, cost, and effectiveness.

Asking appropriate questions when you call a drug rehab for information is important and you should expect to receive clear answers.

Before you make any decisions-ask questions and get the facts!

Does the drug rehab offer a variety of programs?

Alcohol and drug addiction are diseases that progress through predictable stages. It takes a trained health professional, often a doctor specializing in addiction medicine, to make an accurate diagnosis and prescribe the most appropriate treatment, whether it be outpatient counseling or an inpatient alchol and drug rehab.

A drug rehabilitation treatment center should offer a variety of treatment programs that meet individual needs. Programs may include inpatient, residential, outpatient, and/or short-stay options.

The difference between inpatient and a residential treatment center is that inpatient services are provided by a licensed hospital, while residential programs usually do not meet the same rigorous standards of medical care.

The length of stay depends on the severity and stage of the disease.

How much does a drug rehab center cost?

"How much does it cost?" is often one of the first questions asked when someone calls a drug rehab program.

The price tag for drug rehab treatment depends on the type of rehab you choose. You need to know what is included, what will be added to your bill as a fee-for-service program, and what services your health insurance will cover. This makes it extremely difficult to compare prices by simply asking the question - "What does rehab cost?" The best way to find out the range of costs for rehab is to talk to an intake advisor. You can discuss your insurance coverage or your financial concerns and they will help you narrow down your choices to what best meets your needs in the most affordable way.

If you are seeking the best value for your treatment dollar, remember: Price can be meaningful only in the context of quality and performance.

Also remember that the cost of drug addiction and alcoholism, if not treated, can far exceed the cost of treatment.

Is the drug rehab treatment program medically based?

There is an advantage to including on-site medical care in a Drug Rehab. Physicians and nurses provide 24-hour hospital services to monitor and ensure a safe withdrawal from alcohol and other drugs. In addition, a medical staff specializing in addiction medicine can oversee the progress of each individual and make necessary adjustments to the treatment plan.

Medical credentials and accreditation can also be important. For example, a chemical dependency Drug Rehab that earns JCAHO accreditation (Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations) meets national standards for providing quality medical care. Appropriate state licensing is also an important consideration.

Be sure to ask which medical costs are included in the price of treatment at the drug rehab.

What is the degree of family involvement in a drug rehab program?

Drug abuse and alcoholism affects the entire family, not just the alcoholic/addict. Quite often family members do not realize how deeply they have been affected by chemical dependency. Family involvement is an important component of recovery.

Drug Rehabs vary in the degree and quality of family involvement opportunities. Some offer just a few lectures and others offer family therapy. Ask if there is any time devoted to family programs and if group therapy is included.

Does drug rehabilitation include a quality continuing care program?

There are no quick fixes for the diseases of drug abuse and alcoholism. Recovery is an ongoing process. The skills one learns during intensive rehabilitation treatment must be integrated into everyday life and this takes time.

Some drug addiction treatment programs will offer a follow-up program but only in one location which may make it difficult to use.

Drug rehabilitation treatment programs should include a quality, continuing care program that supports and monitors recovery.

The decision to enter a drug rehab program can be a very difficult and painstaking process. If you are confused by the many choices offered on this drug rehab site, please call one of our our treament center specialist at (877) 707-8498.

Our treatment center helpline is answered by a professional staff who understands what you are going through. They will listen to your questions and concerns, and provide you with free drug rehab referrals.

The Rose Rehabilitaiton

2009-03-22T20:57:00.000-07:00

Facility Description

Treatment at The Rose of Newport Beach is tailored from a woman’s perspective and every woman is cared for as a distinct individual with unique needs and life circumstances. Our expert, multidisciplinary clinical team has designed a unique, sophisticated and individualized program that treats the whole person and addresses the specific issues that confront women. The Rose of Newport Beach’s comprehensive residential rehabilitation treatment program treats addiction while addressing other issues such as trauma, grief and loss, depression, sex/love addiction, low self-esteem, co-dependency, and co-occurring disorders. Our goal is to assist clients in reclaiming their lives through the integration of traditional psychological and 12-Step principles together with experiential and alternative therapies.

Treatment Philosophy
Every woman has the capacity to live a fully enriched and empowered life, and to make effective choices for optimal physical, emotional, cognitive and spiritual health. Nurturing intuition, while challenging belief systems that violate and victimize, The Rose of Newport Beach is committed to restoring health and balance. We utilize a treatment approach that values a client's complete life, including family, community, culture, value systems, spiritual traditions, and integration within the real world. The relationships we form with our clients are founded on dignity and respect with an understanding and appreciation of the role that substance abuse has played in their lives.

Family Program
At The Rose of Newport Beach, we firmly believe that treatment should embrace not only the addicted individual but the family as well. The Rose of Newport Beach offers a three day family program specifically designed to assist families in crisis as a result of substance abuse. While the substance abuser goes through our treatment program, family members are educated about the disease process of chemical dependency and how they have been affected. They are given the life tools necessary to reconcile current issues facing their family. The entire family also receives counseling from our highly trained family therapists and can receive further advisement beyond treatment.

Working With Drug Addicts

2009-03-22T20:50:00.000-07:00

recent survey of more than 1100 personnel administrators concluded that drug and alcohol abuse are more likely to cost a person their job than incompetence. Drug abuse has affected every area of society; the music business is no exception.

Some believe that drug addiction is more pervasive in show business, while others counter that this perception exists only because of the high-profile nature of the industry. The fact that drug addiction crops up everywhere suggests that it is an illness particular to human nature, not a specific industry.

There is little solace in this however, when a musician you know becomes difficult to get along with, unreliable or untrustworthy, incapable of performing, or even violent due to their worsening drug or alcohol problem. It would be wonderful if we lived in a world free of drugs and drug addiction, but until that day arrives musicians may find themselves inadvertently working with others who have become victims of this very serious illness. What follows is some helpful perspective and advice for those who are struggling with this situation, or those who simply wish to know more about it.

There are a myriad of attitudes concerning drug addiction, and drug addicts. (From here on we will refer to persons addicted to drugs and/or alcohol as one group: drug addicts.) Unfortunately, there are still those who believe this condition to be the result of poor judgement, or perhaps a flawed character. The consensus among modern health care professionals, including the American Medical Association (AMA), is that drug addiction is a disease. Theories concerning its origins embody the classic "nature vs. nurture" arguments: Does one become an addict because of genetics, environment and upbringing, or a combination thereof? It may be safely concluded that the origins of drug addiction are many, and complex.

Cultivating an awareness of this issue begins with the realization that drug addicts are not necessarily bad people, but rather victims of their illness. Some people have what is known as an addictive personality - a predisposition to become dependent on a certain lifestyle, or substance. Examples are compulsive eaters or gamblers, those who accumulate excessive debt, and drug addicts, who become addicted to substances. For the drug addict, a simple "just say no" is insufficient. The nature of their illness is such that they have not naturally developed the kind of rational self-control that allows most people to remain free of addiction. Addicts become mired in their habit without realizing that a problem is developing, and they practice denial in order to maintain their increasingly fragile world.

The drug addict will go to great lengths to deny that their use of drugs is the reason for a deteriorating situation. They tend to blame their problems on those around them, including friends, co-workers, and loved ones. Being in a band with such a person is very, very difficult if that person is hostile and blaming, when it's obvious that the drug habit is the real problem. Most groups will tolerate this situation for a while, hoping the problem "solves itself" by merely disappearing, or that the addict will respond to suggestions, or even ultimatums that they "clean up their act." Ultimatums may be temporarily effective, but unless the addict seeks true rehabilitation, problems will invariably recur. Sadly, many addicts lose their jobs and are left alone, denying responsibility, blaming the band member(s) responsible for his or her firing.

When a musician loses his or her job, it's because the other band members have been forced to make a choice. A band is a unique environment: one third team, one third business, one third family. It's very difficult to discharge a member of this "family" when the person is in such obvious trouble and pain. And yet, that person is most likely not contributing fully to the team effort, and may actually be severely damaging to the business effort. A band may have to cancel engagements, or whole tours if a crucial member is unable to perform, and the situation becomes more critical when the other members' livelihoods, including the ability to feed a family, or pay rent or a mortgage are threatened. Every drug addict is an individual, and the demands of every band's situation vary, but there are limits to the number of times band members are able to give the addict the benefit of the doubt, and to the number of broken promises a band is able to endure.

The past decade has seen increased awareness of and concern for drug addicts, and increased ability to effectively treat their illness. There are full-time self-help groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), and its first cousin Narcotics Anonymous (NA) dedicated to providing drug addicts with help and support. There are many other public and private organizations with similar goals, including those oriented towards helping "concerned persons" - the family, friends, and co-workers of addicts. One of these groups is an excellent place for band members to go for help with bringing one of their own to rehabilitation. While AA and NA offer free support, private rehabilitation facilities can be very costly. The costs and types of rehabilitation programs vary however, and the addition of substance abuse to the list of illnesses recognized by the AMA has made treatment for drug addiction eligible for coverage under many health insurance policies.

In the health care industry, it's believed that in order for rehabilitation to succeed, an addict must sincerely want to be helped. There is a natural tendency, in observing a person's debilitating addiction, to try to help the addict with a heart-to-heart talk, to try to "bring them to their senses." As well-intentioned as this may be, most addicts feel they don't want help, instead believing they have no problem, or that those outside their situation don't understand. It's also possible for a talk of this nature to backfire, leaving the addict alienated and angry with his or her friends. It may be more helpful to have a recovering (rehabilitated) addict talk to the addict, someone who does understand, someone who has been there and made it back. If you don't know such a person, a call to a local chapter of either AA or NA may prove helpful, as these groups are in touch with successfully rehabilitated addicts who are willing to help with these situations. Frequently however, merely talking to an addict won't inspire any significant change, regardless of who's doing the talking. In order for many addicts to abandon their denial, and want to renounce drugs, they must first hit bottom.

"Hitting bottom" is fairly self explanatory: the person's life must reach a profound level of unhappiness, the previously unlimited reservoir of denial finally gone dry. A person may hit bottom due to a combination of undeniable circumstances, such as failing health, divorce, or arrest for drunken driving or drugs. The fact that these events are referred to as "sobering" is no coincidence. If an addict/musician you know does hit bottom, and asks for help getting straight, it behooves you to give that addict all the help and support you can. It may be difficult to completely forgive and forget all the transgressions that person may have committed as a result of his or her addiction, but remember: they were incapacitated by a very serious illness. Their previously irrational behavior was most likely irrelevant to their true personality, the one finally asking for, and deserving of your help.

Not every drug addict is completely incapacitated by their addiction. In fact, the greatest numbers of addicts in society today are called "functional" drug addicts. They can regulate when they ingest their substance(s) of choice, which enables them to function in an apparently normal fashion. The functional addict can hold a job, make payments on a car or house, even maintain a family life. Amazingly, it's even possible for the addict to keep his or her addiction a secret from a spouse! If you are in a band with such a person, you will notice their regular abuse of the substance, their devotion to it, and a tendency to promote its usage. Functional alcoholics are capable of drinking large quantities without appearing drunk, because of their increased tolerance for alcohol. Ironically, the ability to drink large amounts is viewed by some as a sign of strength, while it is in fact a warning signal of alcoholism - a long-term degenerative illness.

Coexistence with the functional drug addict is somewhat more feasible than with the chronic addict, but there are definite dangers. While the functional drug addict is not completely out of control, he or she is still dependent on their drug, and that dependence is more likely to show itself at times of stress or pressure. In the music business, this can manifest itself at the worst possible times, such as when a group is given an important break, and pressure is at peak level. Remember that the addict's behavior, even the functional addict, is not necessarily based on rational thought. Thus, any working relationship with even a functional addict involves some element of risk. Again, a matter of choice: How much risk is acceptable in order to continue to work with a functional drug addict?

An important part of an addict's denial is the ability to excuse and rationalize his or her behavior. When a band is on the road, an addict will stubbornly maintain that "what I do on my own time is my business." The rationale is that as long as they are not at the gig, they are free to do as they please. This is a flawed, dangerous argument. The road is a twenty-four hour/day work environment; the musician on the road is responsible to the band all of the time. Most top organizations subscribe to this policy, and will not tolerate any drugs at any time while on the road. The reasoning is obvious when one considers the illegal nature of many abused drugs, and that a musician's offstage drug habits can very well affect what happens onstage. It is unlikely that a musician up all night the previous night "partying" will perform up to standards. No top organization can afford to have any member perform below par at any time.

The freelance musician works in a different context than the band player. Rather than being part of a full-time "family," the freelance works with a variety of faces from gig to gig. The dynamics are quite different than those of a band. Band members depend on one another, and the consequences of any member being in trouble with drugs are deeply felt by all. But the independent musician may not consider an addict on the gig a threat to his or her own career. The freelance may view the addict's dependency on drugs as "someone else's problem," and take comfort in knowing that he or she was not responsible for a bad performance. In a world where individual survival is difficult enough, such an attitude may suffice. More likely the freelance, like the band member, will feel the stress imposed upon the work environment by the drug addict. Attempting to make music with an intoxicated musician is a difficult, sometimes embarrassing experience. It brings a sense of disappointment - even though the freelance can look forward to a different lineup on the next gig, he or she will feel cheated out of the joy derived from playing music. The experience also leaves one feeling sad. The community of professional musicians is a tight-knit group, and one need not work in the family environment of a band in order to feel concern for a friend and fellow musician.

Thankfully, many millions of drug addicts have sought rehabilitation. Upon asking for help, an addict must learn to accept the knowledge that even if they give up drugs forever, they will still be addicted to them, forever. It becomes their goal to live life "one day at a time" by not doing any drugs that day, rather than dwelling on staying clean for their entire lifetime, which may seem an overwhelming task. This is a proven philosophy, and has helped millions of addicts enjoy healthy lifestyles and productive careers. The addict/musician who seeks help is faced with some special challenges, however. A large number of the opportunities to play occur in places where alcohol is not only served, but encouraged. The recovering addict will be regularly surrounded by people consuming alcohol, which can be very unnerving, especially in the first year of rehabilitation. Those helping the addict may recommend that they eliminate their exposure to drugs and alcohol entirely, which poses a very difficult situation for the musician who makes a living playing in nightclubs. There is no single solution to this dilemma; every addict is an individual. Some addicts must severely modify their lifestyle to stay clean, some are able to continue on the club circuit. If an addict must forgo the nightclub scene however, they need not completely retire from playing. There are opportunities to perform in a drug-and-alcohol-free environment, such as the recording studio, rehearsal band, orchestra pit, and of course, the concert stage.

Life on the road may conflict with the recovering addict's attempt to maintain a sense of stability in their new life. One of the ways musician/addicts are able to maintain their sobriety while on the road is by seeking the help and support of other recovering addicts. Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous hold free meetings on a regular basis at their thousands of local branches. The recovering addict can find strength and support at these meetings, enough to make it through the gig and on to the next town. This is a very viable option for the travelling musician.

It is important to note that it's possible for the recovering addict to suffer a relapse, especially if that person was not truly ready to renounce drugs. A relapse is a very traumatic experience for all concerned persons, and can lead to feelings of hopelessness, and questions of the entire rehabilitation process. During this difficult time, try to remember that drug addiction is an illness, and like many other illnesses, relapse is an unfortunate fact of life. Of the millions of successful recovering addicts in our society, many have had to battle their addiction more than once. Never abandon hope for such a person.

The preceding paragraphs pose a number of very difficult questions about making choices and taking risks. There are no easy answers to these questions; they are left to the individual. Working in a band, or freelance situation with one or more drug addicts can be a frustrating, confusing, even heartbreaking experience. But regardless of how difficult a situation becomes, and how debilitating an addict's illness grows to be, there is always hope. Anyone who has witnessed a drug addict's hitting bottom, and subsequent rehabilitation, will also witness the elation and rejuvenation of that person. Recovering addicts have enormous energy, as well as renewed feelings of clearheadedness and self-worth. It is a great joy to regain a friendship that had been disabled since the person's addiction took over, and to witness the return of artistic prowess that had been buried for so long. In an imperfect world, full of imperfect people, this is the one silver lining found within the cloud of drug addiction.

How a Person Becomes a Drug Addict - What is Drug Addiction?

2009-03-22T20:45:00.000-07:00

Drug Addiction: Many people have struggled with it, either in themselves or in someone they know.

But what is drug addiction? How does someone start off using drugs, only to become a full-blown drug addict?

While there are many theories regarding the exact mechanics of drug addiction, our experience has shown that addiction can be categorized into two parts - physical addiction and mental addiction.

The physical addiction occurs when the person cannot physically function in a normal manner without the drug.

The mental addiction occurs because the person cannot face the circumstances in which they find themselves, and use the drugs to obscure their present situation.

Whether talking about any drug addiction: alcohol addiction, cocaine addiction, methamphetamine addiction, or even heroin addiction, the pattern is the same:

The person tries to escape some physical or emotional pain by taking drugs. This could be a physical or emotional pain, or the discomfort of boredom, peer pressure, lack of social skills.

The person finds that the drugs offer temporary relief, so continues to abuse them. When the person uses the drugs it seems to handle their immediate problem.

With continued use of the drug, the body's ability to produce certain chemicals is diminished because these chemicals are replaced by the drug. The body uses the drug as a substitute for it's own natural chemicals.

Deprived of it's own resources (and the ability to create them the body perceives that it needs the drug to function and demands the drug, through physical cravings. The cravings are a way of making the person get more drugs to be able to function at all.

Drug cravings become so severe that the addict will do almost anything (in many cases, abandoning all previous moral teachings) to get more of the drug. People who are addicted will find themselves doing things they would never have contemplated before.

The addict commits misdeeds against family, friends, and themselves to satisfy unrelenting cravings. These misdeeds include lying, stealing, cheating, anything to get the drugs to satisfy the drug cravings.

Because of these misdeeds, the addict cannot face him or herself and dives deeper into drugs. The person is now entrapped in full blown drug addiction.

Waiting won't help a drug addict. No matter what they say, if they haven't quit using drugs by now, they won't, without help. Don't wait.

What must be understood is the bio-chemical aspects of addiction and the fact that something called "metabolites" are produced after taking a drug and are stored in the body long after one has stopped using drugs. Metabolites are a powerful source and reason for cravings. They are a key in the riddle of why addicts who stop using the drug revert to using them again. These metabolites are formed and act as a substitute for natural body chemicals. As an addict's own natural chemicals deplete as a result of drug use, these metabolites begin to function as a substitute and a very poor one indeed!

The body becomes by-passed in producing its own chemicals and begins to rely on these metabolites to play vital roles related to mental and physical well-being. Now, when the drug addict attempts to stop using these drugs, the body, damaged and depleted of its own natural body chemicals will demand more of the drug to produce metabolites. And hence, the person is caught in a trap in which the extreme discomfort of being without the drug, mentally and physically. The cravings seem insurmountable to the addict.

These drug cravings are so intense and uncomfortable that it induces the addict to commit acts such as stealing from one's own family in order to get the drug. The addict does things that he normally wouldn't do, were he not addicted. These misdeeds make it even more difficult for the addict to face and confront the situation. The drug addict's sense of self worth and respect are reduced to a state of complete confusion. Introversion occurs, and the addict's sense of self reduces further. This perpetuates his desire for more drugs. Physically, the person feels hopelessly drug addicted.

Faced with the penalty of extreme discomfort, stopping drug abuse seems impossible. Emotionally, the addict is ruthlessly robbed of his sense of self worth.

The drug addict is caught in a trap. It is a trap that appears inescapable unless an effective drug addiction treatment handles the condition. That means both the metabolites are flushed clean from the body and that the person's self-worth and identity is rehabilitated through effective social education.

REHAB, TREATMENT AND SELF-HELP OPTIONS

2009-03-22T20:36:00.000-07:00

It takes enormous courage and strength to admit that you have a drug problem. Don’t be ashamed or try to go it alone. Drug abuse and addiction does not discriminate, but affects families from all walks of life. While it might feel overwhelming, millions of people and their families have gone through the recovery process and are leading successful lives free of drugs. Recovery is possible with the right medical help and social support. Once you strengthen other ways of coping with life’s problems, the tight grip addiction has will begin to loosen its hold.

Does drug treatment work?

Addiction is a challenging disorder. Relapses often will happen, which can be frustrating and disheartening for the person using drugs and their family. But does treatment for addiction really work? It can- and does- for many people. Treatment varies from attending peer support meetings to staying in a residential treatment facility. Some people might use medications to help them reduce cravings for the drug.

Treatment is more than getting sober

While getting sober from drugs is an important first step, it is only the beginning of the recovery process. Once sober, the brain needs time to recover and rebuild connections that have changed while addicted. In this period, depression and cravings to use can be intense and very hard to fight. Without support, relapse is very likely. Good treatment helps you develop new coping skills to deal with stressful situations and triggers for relapse. Without these skills, stressful situations frequently trigger relapse.

Getting started

Realizing that you have a problem and that you need help is a tremendous first step. The following resources are a good place to start:

Peer support (AA, NA). A good place to reach out for support is a peer support group like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or Narcotics Anonymous (NA). These peer support groups provide a place to share struggles with addiction and what others have done to stay sober. More information about these groups is below.
Therapy. If you are seeing a therapist, share your intentions with him or her. A therapist can be a good resource and support for addiction treatment.
Medical professional. Some drugs create withdrawal symptoms that require medical intervention. There are also medications that may help make withdrawal symptoms more comfortable. Your primary care doctor can be a good starting reference, and you may want to consider working with an addiction medicine specialist.

Roadblocks to recovery

I don’t have the time or money for drug treatment. Take a hard look at the time and money you are spending on obtaining and using drugs. It will most likely increase with time. Drug treatment is a short term investment to a better life.

I can quit myself. You probably have- many times- and are still addicted. Staying sober without help is extremely difficult. Drugs actually create changes in the brain that reinforce cravings. What’s more, withdrawal symptoms test the strongest resolve.

Drug Detox and Withdrawal

Most abused drugs are not only mentally addictive but physically addictive as well. More and more of the drug is needed to achieve the same effect. Trying to cut down or stop once the body is used to the drug is unpleasant or even painful. These withdrawal symptoms can include shakes, chills, severe aches and pains, difficulty sleeping, agitation, depression, and even hallucinations or psychosis.

Drug detox

The initial period where drugs are being cleansed from your system is often called drug detox. The time it takes for drug detox varies with the drug, but normally takes between about 3 and 14 days. In some cases, detox is done in a hospital or residential setting under medical supervision. Other times, it is done on an outpatient basis. The level of medical care you need depends on your age, drug usage history and any other medical or psychiatric conditions.

Drug treatment programs

There are many types of drug treatment programs. When considering a program, remember that everyone’s needs are different. In general, the longer and more intense the drug use, the longer and more intense the treatment you may need. Regardless of a program’s length in weeks or months, follow-through and long-term follow-up are crucial to recovery. A quality treatment program should start to address that substance abuse often is masking emotional pain, and it needs to be addressed as treatment progresses.

Choosing a drug treatment program

How do I find a program?

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services offers an extensive listing of licensed, certified drug treatment facilities by location through its Substance Abuse Treatment Facility Locator. SAMHSA also operates a helpline: (800) 662-HELP (4357) with help in English and Spanish, or TDD at (800) 487-4889.

Another place to look is your local state substance abuse agency. States often have their own listings, toll-free hotlines, and information about accreditation.

If you are working with a doctor or therapist, you can also ask them about programs in your area; they might be a good starting resource.

What should I look for in a drug treatment program?

When you start looking for drug treatment, you may see advertisements for programs in tranquil settings with gorgeous views. While amenities like that are nice to have, they also will probably come with a big price tag. Focus on what is truly important; appropriate licensing, quality of care during the program and follow up, and staff credentials. Things to check include:

Program accreditation and licensing. Several national accreditation agencies evaluate detox and aftercare facilities, checking whether they offer effective elements of treatment and a well-documented patient complaint process.
Studies measuring the effectiveness of the program's treatment methods. Treatment effectiveness is a new field of study, but treatment centers should at least have some statistics on their success rates, preferably from an objective external agency.
Type of aftercare program to prevent relapse. Intensive treatment requires follow-up. Programs should offer a well-run aftercare program, with referrals to appropriate self-help groups. It’s important that a staff member collaborate with you to create a discharge plan before you leave the program.

How much does drug treatment cost? How will I afford it?

Drug treatment costs can vary widely because each individual has different treatment needs and insurance coverage. Is there a hospital or medical facility stay, and for how long? Will there be 30, 60, 90 day residential treatment? Outpatient treatment can vary from almost a full day daily to a few hours weekly. Long term drug therapy, like methadone maintenance, can affect costs too. For an idea of costs involved, visit SAMSHA’s Alcohol and Drug Services Study (ADSS) Cost Study.

Check your insurance. If you have insurance, call the number on the back of your medical I.D. card to access your mental health and substance abuse benefits, obtain pre-authorization for services, and learn what out-of-pocket costs will be, including deductible and co-payment amounts.

Check for programs that offer sliding scale or reduced payment options. SAMSHA recommends to check with your local state substance abuse agency for any leads on affordable programs.

Group support programs for drug abuse

12–Step Programs

12-step programs, such as Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous, are the most common type of group support programs for drug abuse. These free programs, facilitated by peers, use group support and a set of guided principles, the 12 steps, to obtain and maintain sobriety. The treatment recovery steps include admitting powerlessness over the addiction and surrendering to a “higher power,” which you can interpret according to your own beliefs.

A key part of a 12-step program is choosing a sponsor. A sponsor is a former addict who has time and experience remaining sober, and can provide guidance and assistance to you. A good sponsor helps you understand and work the 12 steps and is available to provide support if you are craving drugs.

Are 12 step programs right for me?

Some people have a strong philosophical objection to relying on a higher power. You do not have to believe in an organized religion to benefit from 12-step programs. Some people even interpret the higher power as the support of others who have been there. Remember, peer support is critical in maintaining recovery. If you are strongly opposed to the philosophy or are looking for different support, you can try peer support groups without this component. They are not as numerous as traditional 12 step programs. Groups include SOS (Secular Organizations for Sobriety) and SMART Recovery.

If you have a dual diagnosis and are taking medication for your psychological issues, make sure you find a group where you feel supported in taking care of your psychological issues, including medication. Visit Dual diagnosis for more information.

Maintaining sobriety

Life without drugs

The road to recovery is not easy and it can sometimes feel overwhelming. Drug use affects your brain chemistry, and once the drugs have been cleansed from your system, it takes time for your body to readjust. Relapse prevention includes identifying triggers to using drugs, learning more adaptive coping skills, and making better decisions when dealing with life’s challenges.

Stay involved in a support group. Your chances of staying sober improve if you are participating in a social support group like Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous, have a sponsor, or are involved in an Intensive Outpatient Program or individual therapy.
Start or maintain healthy lifestyle practices. Basic self care practices are essential to good mental and physical health. Eating right gives you plenty of energy and helps prevent mood swings. Make sure you are getting enough sleep- 7½ to 8 hours a night for most. Exercise releases endorphins and improves your mood.
Identify people, places or things that are triggers for you. While it is good to practice what you may do if pressured to do drugs just once more, building healthier associations is critical in the long run. Surround yourself with positive influences and people who make you feel good about yourself. A good support network can help you in this as well.
Continue to work on healthy coping skills. When life stresses occur, having healthy coping skills helps prevent turning to alcohol. Stress management skills go a long way towards preventing relapse. Skills to build healthier emotional awareness help keep you in balance and cope with adversity.
Get adequate treatment for medical or psychological issues. If you have underlying chronic pain or were self medicating to avoid the pain of anxiety, depression or other mental health issues, make sure that you get the treatment you need. If the underlying issue is not treated, you may turn to drugs again to get relief.
Be up front about your history of drug use when seeking medical treatment. If you need a medical or dental procedure done, be up front about your history and find a provider who will work with you in either prescribing alternatives or the absolute minimum medication necessary. You should never feel shamed or humiliated about previous drug use or denied medication for pain; if this is the case, find another provider.

Managing intense feelings and emotional pain

Feelings that may have been masked by the drugs will resurface, and when they do, you will need to do something different because you won’t have the drugs to fall back on. Building stress management and emotional awareness skills will help you manage these intense times. Although peer groups can provide emotional support, therapy can also provide a solid base to build on if you find the feelings overwhelming.

Helping a family member or friend

You might be heaving a sigh of relief if a family member or friend has agreed to drug treatment. However, drug treatment is just the first part to staying sober. You and your family might still be coping with the financial and legal ramifications of the drug abuse. Your loved one might feel overwhelmed with dealing with the day to day aspects of life that were overshadowed with all the energy it took to obtain and do drugs. Feelings of depression and hopelessness are not uncommon as the brain readjusts itself. The best way to help is to educate yourself on the process of recovery, and make sure you get the support you need for yourself as well.

Get support for yourself

Free family peer groups can provide support through all parts of the recovery process, including if there is a painful relapse. Al-Anon may be a place to begin as these groups are the most numerous, and frequently alcohol is abused with other drugs as well. Similar to Al-Anon, there are many support groups for families coping with specific drug abuse as well. These include Nar-anon, for families coping with narcotic abuse, and Co-anon, for families coping with cocaine abuse. Listening to others with the same challenges can be a tremendous source of comfort and support.

Encourage your family member or friend to build outside support

You might be used to being the sounding board for your loved one’s problems. However, the stronger the network of support your loved one has, the greater the chance for recovery. Some treatment programs even severely limit contact with family for the first part of the program, so that the person can focus on what recovery means to them and what they will have to do. Even after the initial period of obtaining sobriety, encourage your family member to continue attending meetings and working with a sponsor if they have one.

Expect change to be a little unsettling

As your loved one adjusts to sobriety, you are also adjusting as well. Change can be unsettling, even if it is a positive change. You might end up taking a look at patterns in your life and what you want to change. Don’t be surprised if feelings of resentment or anger bubble up if you have been suppressing them while dealing with your loved one’s drug abuse. Reach out for support in working through this process.

To Learn More: Related Helpguide articles

Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism – Guide to the signs, symptoms, adverse effects, and causes of problem drinking.
Dual diagnosis – Information and treatment for co-occurring disorders
Understanding the Signs, Symptoms and Effects of Drug Abuse

Treatment for Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism – Guide to treatment options, prevention, and self-help for alcoholism.
Ways to Quit Smoking – Creating a personal smoking cessation plan

Signs, Symptoms, Effects and what you can do

2009-03-22T20:32:00.000-07:00

You might be wondering why on earth your loved seems to be choosing drugs over family. You might be struggling with finances, or even from the painful realization your loved one is in trouble with the law. Or you might be asking yourself why you are taking drugs again, when you swore just a few hours ago that you needed to cut down.

Drug abuse is not a matter of moral weakness or faulty willpower. It is a vicious cycle that actually causes changes in the brain, leading to stronger and stronger impulses to use. Without help, drug abuse destroys families and takes lives. But there is hope. Find out how to recognize the signs and symptoms of drug abuse or addiction in someone you care about or yourself. With the right support and treatment, the road to recovery is possible.

What is drug abuse and drug addiction?

Drug abuse, also known as substance abuse, involves the repeated and excessive use of chemical substances to achieve a certain effect. These substances may be “street” or “illicit” drugs, illegal due to their high potential for addiction and abuse. They also may be drugs obtained with a prescription, used for pleasure rather than for medical reasons.

Different drugs have different effects. Some, such as cocaine or methamphetamine, may produce an intense “rush” and initial feelings of boundless energy. Others, such as heroin, benzodiazepines or the prescription oxycontin, may produce excessive feelings of relaxation and calm. What most drugs have in common, though, is overstimulation of the pleasure center of the brain. With time, the brain’s chemistry is actually altered to the point where not having the drug becomes extremely uncomfortable and even painful. This compelling urge to use, addiction, becomes more and more powerful, disrupting work, relationships, and health.

Prescription drug abuse

Prescription drug abuse is just as dangerous as street drug use. When used appropriately, prescription drugs can have beneficial effects medically or psychologically. Prescription drugs in the opiate family, such as vicodin (hydrocodone) and oxycontin, are often prescribed for chronic pain or recovery from surgery. Benzodiazapines, such as valium or Xanax, are prescribed to treat anxiety. The problem arises when these drugs begin to be used ‘off label’. Furthermore, prescription drugs provide an easy access point to other family members susceptible to abuse.

Treating Drug-addicted Doctors Is Good Medicine

2009-03-22T20:28:00.000-07:00

become addicted to alcohol and other drugs can be treated successfully and returned to medical practice with the help of special programs that couple referral to treatment and monitoring with rapid responses to noncompliance, University of Florida researchers report.

The study is the first national-level analysis of such Physician Health Programs, and confirms they are effective alternatives to simply punishing drug-addicted doctors. The findings are published in the March issue of the Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment.

More than three-quarters of doctors enrolled in state programs stayed drug-free over a five-year monitoring period. The results were the same regardless of whether the doctor's drug of choice was alcohol, crack cocaine, prescription drugs or other substances.

"Treatment works," said Dr. Mark Gold, psychiatry chairman at the UF College of Medicine and the McKnight Brain Institute. "It has been shown now to be safe and effective and cost-effective."

But it's not just for doctors, said Gold, who with UF colleagues pioneered evaluation and treatment for drug-addicted doctors. "It should be a model for treatment of anyone with these diagnoses."

In general, rates of illicit drug use are lower among physicians than the general public, but rates of prescription misuse are five times higher among physicians, according to a 2008 review Gold co-authored in the Harvard Review of Psychiatry.

Gold and others conclude that drug problems in doctors are related to medical specialties that put them in regular contact with drugs of addiction, ease of access to drugs, stress and lack of early detection. Addiction also appears linked to physician-suicide.

Physician Health Programs are not addiction treatment programs, however. Instead, they provide intensive, long-term case management and monitoring. Fifty-five percent of doctors enrolled are mandated formally by a licensing board, hospital, malpractice insurance or other agency. The rest are informally "mandated" by others such as employers, families and colleagues. Doctors sign contracts agreeing to abstain from drugs or face intensified treatment, being reported to their medical licensing boards or losing their license.

The programs aim to save the lives and careers of addicted physicians, and to protect the public by addressing substance use among doctors. They are also are an effective way to remove noncompliant doctors from the practice of medicine.

"This isn't to cover it up, it's quite the opposite," said Temple University psychiatry chairman Dr. David Baron, who oversees Pennsylvania's program. "It allows for quality treatment and to make sure that we're still ensuring the safety of the public." Baron was not involved in the current study.

Program measures include group and individual therapy, residential and outpatient programs, surprise workplace visits from monitors, and links to 12-step programs of Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous. Doctor-patients get care not just for drug problems, but also for accompanying medical or psychiatric disorders. They pay for their treatment, drug tests and follow-up care.

The research, funded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, evaluated 904 physicians admitted to 16 state-run Physician Health Programs from 1995 to 2001. Collaborators included founding National Institute of Drug Abuse Director and former drug czar Dr. Robert Dupont, A. Thomas McLellan, of the University of Pennsylvania, and Lisa Merlo, of UF.

Previous studies have shown that in individual states, and on a small scale, the programs are effective. The current study, first reported at the Betty Ford Institute, has the largest sample of physicians ever followed, and over the longest period.

Doctors in the programs had to abstain from alcohol or other drugs, and were tested frequently at random for five or more years. If tests revealed they had returned to substance abuse, swift action was taken -- doctors were reported to the medical board, which could lead to loss of their licenses.

"It's the idea of a carrot and a stick," said Dr. Scott Teitelbaum, director of the UF-run Florida Recovery Center, which treats addicted physicians referred from around the country. "There's always a level of resistance -- people never feel they need the level of care that's recommended. Someone might not agree with you, but if they want to practice medicine they have to comply."

Often, with the support of peers and growing realization that treatment is working, physician-patients' motivations change from simply wanting to obey the rules to wanting to change their lives, Teitelbaum said.

One-fifth of doctors were reported to their board during treatment and monitoring -- some more than once with multiple disciplinary actions taken.

But 78 percent of doctors in the programs had no positive drug tests during five years of intensive monitoring. And five to seven years after starting treatment, 72 percent were actively practicing medicine, without drug abuse or malpractice.

Eighteen percent left medical practice, while others relapsed into drug use. Three percent of those who didn't complete their programs had substance-related deaths or committed suicide.

Although the programs employed a variety of approaches, the researchers found that success was not related to specific therapists or modes of therapy, but rather to the long-term nature of the treatment.

Still, there are some "essential ingredients" that successful programs have in common, Gold said. Those include treatment extended over years -- not weeks or months -- and unambiguous success markers such as urine testing and return to work and normal family activities.