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Drug and Substance Abuse Articles
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- Opioid Dependence and Withdrawal - by Submitted on Jun 28, 2011 from Jeffrey StuckertA person is said to have physical opioid dependence if they have high 'tolerance' of opioids, meaning they need more of the opioid to get the desired effect. Opioid withdrawal symptoms occur when the substance is stopped. Most patients who seek treatment for opioid addiction also have some ...
Views: 2126(2 votes) - Blood Alcohol Content and Your Body - by Submitted on Jun 18, 2011 from Mike MillerAs a counselor both in class and online alcohol awareness classes I always discuss how many alcoholic beverages and what blood alcohol concentration (BAC) each of my students had when they were arrested. It is important for people to realize how alcohol affects their mind and their body and to ...
Views: 1916(1 vote) - Me and My Recovery - by Submitted on Jun 02, 2011 from Addict's Friendhttp://www.addictsfriend.com/tara-m---me-and-my-recovery.php by: Tara M. Me And My Recovery The last week has been a very busy week. The school semester is winding down, and finals are here. The pressure I put on myself is so great, today I hold myself to a higher standard. ...
Views: 1854(2 votes) - Clinical Vignette: Treating Depression - by Submitted on Jun 01, 2011 from Cristina MardirossianEddie was first diagnosed with major depression at the age of 15. The roots of his depression were multiple. He grew up with two parents who neglected him emotionally. His mother only spoke Spanish, while Eddie only spoke English. This created a huge communication gap between the two of them. ...
Views: 4134(2 votes) - How to Win Love Back after a Breakup? - by Submitted on Jun 01, 2011 from robin brainBreakups are one of the hardest experiences in life and few people know how to win love back after a breakup. Yet most of them crave to get back their lost love and that makes the endeavor of winning back the lost love in such cases indispensable. At the same time it is a difficult task and one ...
Views: 1427(1 vote) - Teens Need Help Understanding Alcohol Now more than Ever - by Submitted on May 31, 2011 from Ari NovickWhen Do Teenagers Drink the Most? If you don't think your son or daughter drinks, think again. If you think your teen hasn't been exposed to drugs or alcohol, think again. Each year, approximately 5,000 young people under the age of 21 die as a result of underage drinking; this includes about ...
Views: 1332(3 votes) - What is Opioid Addiction? - by Submitted on May 28, 2011 from Jeffrey StuckertTo first understand opioid addiction, you must first understand what opioids are. The term opioid refers to any drug or chemical that attaches (like a key fits into a lock) to sites in the brain called opioid receptors. The human body makes its own opioids (called endorphins) but the opioids we ...
Views: 1853(1 vote) - The Dangers of Energy Drinks and Alcohol - by Submitted on May 20, 2011 from Mike MillerAs a counselor for both classroom and online alcohol awareness classes, I have learned from my students their new affinity for mixing alcoholic beverages with caffinated energy drinks such as Red Bull. since I stopped drinking alcohol before energy drinks came into existence, I wanted to ...
Views: 3547(2 votes) - Relax and recover part 1 - by Submitted on May 12, 2011 from Tom DiffenderferAs someone who has spent the last 20 years trying to help people recover from alcoholism and other drug addictions, I whole heartedly support the 12 step programs of AA and NA. They are the best and most successful support groups out there for those in recovery. If utilized on a regular basis AA ...
Views: 1510(3 votes) - When Your Child's Addiction Becomes Your Own - by Submitted on May 07, 2011 from Kristin WhitelawFrom the moment you give birth, an innate force within secures a powerful and concentrated intent at the deepest level to protect your precious child, protect them from harm. As a parent, you accept this role with reverence as it carries the highest priority. Holding your child carefully, ...
Views: 1495(1 vote) - Identifying the Signs of Addiction Associated with Drug and Alcohol Use - by Submitted on May 03, 2011 from Steven GiffordWhen identifying the signs of addiction, it is important to know that while drug and alcohol use and abuse each manifest themselves as different behavioral changes and inconsistencies, they share a number of commonalities. This is not meant to be an all-inclusive list of signs of drug and/or ...
Views: 1653(1 vote) - 5 Myths About Alcoholism and Drinking - by Submitted on May 01, 2011 from Mike MillerFiguring out the truth of your justifications for your drinking is crucial to eliminating your denial. These are often asked by my alcohol class students when they take my alcohol awareness classes. Myth #1: I can cease drinking anytime I want to. Maybe you can; unfortunately it's more ...
Views: 2570(2 votes) - Dealing With "Emotional Eating" - by Submitted on Feb 11, 2012 from Joan JacobsFor people dealing with excess weight issues, the connection between food and emotions is very familiar. The thin and good looking woman sitting in her room consoling herself with ice-cream after having gone through significant emotional upset has become a symbol that demonstrates how we ...
Views: 2453(4 votes) - Rick S. Personal Recovery Story - by Submitted on Apr 26, 2011 from Addict's Friendhttp://www.addictsfriend.com Sober, Happy, & Free Author: Rick S. Reprinted From: The Community Health Alliance -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- I grew up in Chicago, one of six kids. My dad worked three jobs most of my childhood, and ...
Views: 1413(2 votes) - Getting Back Relationships Lost Because of Drinking - by Submitted on Apr 23, 2011 from Mike MillerOften when I teach an alcohol class I tell my students to think about their drinking. I want them to think about going beyond their historical drinking patterns, but study how it affects their mood and happiness. Have you become more unhappy since your consumption of alcohol has ...
Views: 1633(3 votes) - Differences Between Outpatient and Residential Treatment Programs - by Submitted on Apr 23, 2011 from Steven GiffordFor patients needing drug and alcohol treatment, outpatient and residential treatment programs can provide an essential level of care to achieve long-term recovery. But how do you know whether you or a loved one would best benefit from a residential or outpatient program? Both types of treatment ...
Views: 1291(2 votes) - Two Essential Questions for Men in Recovery - by Submitted on Apr 23, 2011 from Dan GriffinIt goes without saying that choosing to enter treatment or a Twelve Step program presents a unique set of challenges. One that many people do not anticipate is the experience of entering a culture in which people communicate. For men especially, this can be an unfamiliar and uncomfortable ...
Views: 6923(2 votes) - Drinking: The 'Relationship' to the Bottle - by Submitted on Apr 19, 2011 from Ken HowardOver my 18 years as a psychotherapist, one of the most frequent issues my clients bring to me is a concern about their drinking, or perhaps their drug use. There is a wide range; some people don’t have large problems with drinking or using, but they have some concerns about it after a ...
Views: 1483(2 votes) - The Health Benefits of Giving Up Alcohol - by Submitted on Apr 16, 2011 from Mike MillerOften when I teach alcohol awareness classes clients query me , "Is drinking really that bad for me?" This article will talk about some of the main physical benefits of abstaining from alcohol, and then will discuss the mental and psychological advantages of ...
Views: 9772(4 votes) - A.A. - How to Study, Understand & Take the 12 Steps - by Submitted on Apr 15, 2011 from Richard Burns, J.D. (pen name Dick B.),A.A.: How to Study, Understand, & Take the 12 Steps by Dick B. © 2011 Anonymous. All rights reserved FIRST THINGS FIRST: The Bible; Dr. William D. Silkworth (“The little doctor who loved drunks”); William James (The Varieties of Religious Experience); Anne Smith (and her personal ...
Views: 2100(2 votes) - Purple Drink, Cough Syrup Abuse - What "Syrup" Does to Your Body - by Submitted on Apr 15, 2011 from ChooseHelp.com Addiction TreatmentPurple Drink Promethazine and Codeine containing cough syrup abuse has become popular in certain circles, especially in Houston and the South. Mixed with soft drinks and soda, it is drank and taken in high doses creating a euphoric effect that can "slow" people down. This relatively new ...
Views: 11631(2 votes) - Erase the Urge to Smoke - by Submitted on Apr 10, 2011 from Genie LabordeERASE THE URGE TO SMOKE Changing a habit is hard work—unless you know how. Your Right Brain can supply short-cuts that most people do not know. The change work is hard because we are designed to conserve energy, and it takes more energy to start a new brain pattern than to run an old ...
Views: 1675(3 votes) - Troubled Teenagers – Identifying and Dealing With Tough Issues - by Submitted on Apr 10, 2011 from Christina BottoTeenagers need help and guidance, but it can sometimes be difficult for parents to recognize when to intervene in their teen’s life. Today’s teenagers face different problems and challenges than those you experienced as a teen. Emotional pain and distress can be expressed in many different ...
Views: 2633(3 votes) - Being Aware that Alcohol Affects Your Mood - by Submitted on Apr 01, 2011 from Mike MillerOften when I teach alcohol education classes I like to ask my students, "Have you sensed whether alcohol is affects your mood?" I hope to address how alcohol and drinking can have a great impact on your mood. I'll also show you some real world examples of the way alcoholic beverages play a ...
Views: 3597(3 votes) - D.U.I. CHEMICAL TESTS and YOUR RIGHTS - by Submitted on Apr 01, 2011 from Steven TabanoImplied Consent Law Each person who drives in the state of Pennsylvania is deemed to have given his/her consent to one or more chemical tests of their breath, blood, or urine upon a lawful request. A request is considered lawful where the police have reasonable grounds to believe the person ...
Views: 1375(1 vote) - What Is the Best Neurofeedback Protocol for Addiction Recovery? - by Submitted on Mar 14, 2011 from William ScottThe answer: "It depends on the person's brain." However, almost for certain at some point in a complete series of neurofeedback sessions a person who is recovering from addiction will benefit from receiving the alpha-theta protocol. The evidenced-based symptom-oriented evaluation will suggest ...
Views: 2673(4 votes) - The Importance of Addiction Assessment - How, When and Why it is Valuable for Drug and Alcohol Treatment - by Submitted on Mar 14, 2011 from Steven GiffordWhen you or your loved one decide to make the important step toward seeking drug or alcohol treatment, the next critical step in the recovery process is determining the level of appropriate care by receiving a professional addiction assessment. This is the first intake procedure to evaluate the ...
Views: 2482(2 votes) - Alcohol Awareness Classes Come in All Shapes and Sizes - by Submitted on Mar 08, 2011 from Mike MillerOften when potential students contact me looking for an alcohol awareness class, they aren’t sure the length of course they should enroll in. Our alcohol awareness classes, for example, come in 8 hour, 16 hour and 24 hour lengths. These are also called our Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3 ...
Views: 1888(2 votes) - 6 Tips to Choosing Your Right Rehab - by Submitted on Mar 08, 2011 from Dr. Shannon HanrahanWhen a person struggles with drinking or drug abuse there are many routes to take in order to find recovery. Typically a person will try to exhaust the least restrictive environments first, such as attending a 12-Step program, seeking therapy or trying to quit on their own. However it is often ...
Views: 1262(2 votes) - Substance Abuse Evaluations. Who Needs One? - by Submitted on Jan 19, 2012 from Dean SunseriA substance abuse evaluation is an assessment of an individual to discern whether the drugs or alcohol use is a problem in the person’s life. There are basically three general categories of using drugs, which are social use, abuse and addiction. Social Use is either the experimentation of ...
Views: 1891(1 vote) - Is Depression Beating You and Nothing Seems to Help? This May Be the Answer For You... - by Submitted on Feb 26, 2011 from Thomas ReesIf absolutely nothing has been able to break your cycle of depression, and you are becoming hopeless about getting better soon, maybe there is another avenue for you to go. I have spent thousands of hours doing general research on moods and the human brain because I am completely fascinated by ...
Views: 4267(3 votes) - The Importance of Family Involvement in Substance Abuse Treatment and Addiction Therapy - by Submitted on Feb 25, 2011 from Steven GiffordFor family and friends of drug and/or alcohol addicted individuals, addressing addiction is one of the most difficult aspects of seeking substance abuse treatment. Often, drug and alcohol addiction has built a destructive cycle over a time to the point where daily family involvement actually ...
Views: 2720(1 vote) - Interesting Brain Facts You May Not Have Been Aware Of - by Submitted on Mar 04, 2011 from Greg FrostThe brain as we know is a very delicate organ and all the same time, a very important body organ. What could we have done without the brain? The brain is so essential that, scientist have been able to find out the type of nutrients suitable for it, the kind of things that can destroy the brain ...
Views: 888(1 vote) - Teens That Run Away - by Submitted on Feb 21, 2011 from Dore' FrancesNational Runaway Switchboard - (800) 621-4000. It's open 24 hours a day and the call is free. There is NO 24-hour waiting period for reporting missing children under 18. The first 48 hours are the most important in locating your child. Running Away is a Serious Problem According to ...
Views: 3455(2 votes) - How to Make the Best Match When Searching for a Program or School for your Teen - by Submitted on Feb 21, 2011 from Dore' FrancesYou seek a residential treatment community that will give you or someone you care about a brighter future. The task you face is very different from using the Internet to find an attorney, new bank, or electrician. It is a complex endeavor – with high emotional and financial stakes. How do ...
Views: 1416(2 votes) - THINKIATRY & LIFE WITHOUT NEGATIVE THOUGHTS - by Submitted on Feb 25, 2011 from John O'Brien, Ph.D.THINKIATRY & “LIFE WITHOUT NEGATIVE THOUGHTS” Posted on Thursday, January 6th, 2011 at 9:43 am THINKIATRY & LIFE WITHOUT NEGATIVE THOUGHTS - CLICK THIS LINK TO VIEW VIDEO. If you value the quality of your mental health and want a happier life, please make the time to try this simple ...
Views: 1241(1 vote) - Change Your Thinking - by Submitted on Feb 21, 2011 from Addict's FriendChange Your Thinking! When You Change Your Thinking... You Change Your Beliefs. When You Change Your Beliefs... You Change Your Expectations. When You Change Your Expectations... You Change Your ...
Views: 1366(1 vote) - The Benefits of Recovery - by Submitted on Feb 21, 2011 from Addict's FriendThe Benefits of Recovery Active addiction is so draining. It took everything out of me mentally, emotionally and physically. The getting using and finding ways and means to get more was a full time job in itself. One was to many and One thousand was never enough. I became a totally ...
Views: 1072(1 vote) - 10 Tips to Stay Sober http://www.addictsfriend.com - by Submitted on Feb 21, 2011 from Addict's Friend10 Tips to Stay Sober 1. GET HELP! How many times have you said " I'm done, I'm never using again, I mean it this time, No more, It's not worth it" etc.. etc.. and when you said it u REALLY meant it? Your not the only one! We all do it; including me! Even with the best intentions I ...
Views: 2171(2 votes) - How Much Time Is spent for an Effective Addiction Recovery Program? - by Submitted on Feb 16, 2011 from kelly smithAn addiction recovery program does not take effect overnight. This is a long and enduring process that usually takes place inside the solitary realms of an Alcohol Rehab Center. At Alcohol Drug Rehab Co, a person suffering from drug abuse and is to be subjected to drug rehabilitation is required ...
Views: 1029(2 votes) - The Source Of Addiction - by Submitted on Feb 16, 2011 from Adam BenedettoAddiction comes from a place of wanting, of needing something to fulfill and replace part of one’s life. It can be seen as an escape, but the real need is much more. What is missing that needs to be replaced? What part of life is empty and aching for fulfillment? It is a place that may be ...
Views: 2018(2 votes) - 3 Ways Trauma-Informed Curricula Help With Addiction Recovery - by Submitted on Feb 16, 2011 from Dan GriffinIt is well-known that trauma and addiction are closely linked. Years of clinical research have demonstrated that many individuals who struggle with addiction report exposure to trauma during the course of their lives. It is not uncommon for those dealing with addictions to have experienced any ...
Views: 1887(1 vote) - How to Stop Enabling Behavior - by Submitted on Feb 05, 2011 from Beverley GlazerWhere is the line between support and enabling? Support means you’re doing something because someone can’t do for themselves -- caring for a two-year-old, or preparing meals for your elderly grandmother, for instance. Enabling is giving assistance that makes it easier for someone to ...
Views: 11436(2 votes) - America's New Drug Problem: 'Snorting Bath Salts' - by Submitted on Feb 05, 2011 from William (Bill) JensenAmerica’s New Drug Problem: Snorting ‘Bath Salts’ I saw this headline on Foxnews.com this morning (01/24/2011) and thought the same as many of you probably did: “What will they think of next?” As the article states: “….these are not your average bath salts that you pour into the bathtub to ...
Views: 2152(2 votes) - Mindfulness Therapy - by Submitted on Feb 04, 2011 from Catherine CosgroveWith all the various psychological theories that have over time dissolved, the newest addition is making its way to universities and private practices country wide. This upcoming treatment uses Buddhism and yoga as a basis and according to several studies, appears to work. This type of therapy ...
Views: 1535(1 vote) - Addiction and Recovery: Why Don't They Just Quit? - by Submitted on Feb 03, 2011 from Peggy FergusonFamily members are often stymied about how their alcoholic/addicted family member can continue to drink or use in the face of overwhelming evidence that the chemical is destroying their lives. “Why don’t they just quit?” is a question that could rightfully top the list of “FAQs by Family ...
Views: 2023(2 votes) - Understanding Urinalysis - by Submitted on Jan 28, 2011 from Mark MyersUnderstanding more about drug screens is could be a pretty involved process. If you are being tested or having someone go through a screening process, the following information you will helpful.A chain of custody is required by the laboratory which will perform the actual testing. This means ...
Views: 1435(1 vote) - Legal But Not Safe - by Submitted on Jan 28, 2011 from Mark MyersSome individuals have gone to great lengths to experience altered states or “highs.” When we think of getting high, the images that comes to most peoples mind is illegal drugs or alcohol. That is not always the case. There are legal or easily accessible items that could be used to induce a high. ...
Views: 1154(1 vote) - Is Attitude Everything? - by Submitted on Jan 25, 2011 from Richard (Dick) WarnNothing is everything. Nothing is that absolute. The next time someone tells you that nothing is impossible ask them to dribble a football. However, your attitude does play major roles in everything you do, what you become, and how happy you are. We see everything through the filters in our ...
Views: 1548(1 vote) - Finding the Good Life - by Submitted on Jan 25, 2011 from Richard (Dick) WarnPop cans have been sharing one of life’s most powerful lessons for years: No Deposit, No Return. Yet, millions of people sit on the sidelines wishing that something good will fall from the sky. A deposit is something constructive that we do for ourselves or someone else. It can be as simple ...
Views: 1444(1 vote)