Posts Tagged ‘Abuse’

Substance Abuse and Oral Health

November 15th, 2011

Abusing drugs and/or alcohol has its side effects, which are not much to be desired, physically, emotionally and/or mentally.  Although, with respects to oral health, drug and alcohol abuse can take quite the toll.  The affects of addiction can not only cause visual deterioration of the mouth and its workings, but may also cause further illness and/or diseases within the body.

Research was conducted on a group of individuals that were drug and/or alcohol addicts.  Some of the drugs that the individuals were addicted to, included that of cocaine, marijuana, meth and opium.  When comparing their oral health to that of their lives prior to their addiction, the results were devastating.  Most all participants had lost teeth, or were on the verge of severe infections.  While others were suffering from heart issues, directly relating to the poor condition of the health of their mouth.

Of all individuals tested, those that were addicted to meth suffered the worst deterioration of all.  The ingredients in manufactured meth may include but are not limited to acids, lithium, ether and lye.  All of which can be detrimental to the oral, and overall health of a meth user.  Some of the common oral health issues that arise with the abuse of meth may include but are not limited to:

Gum Disease:
When blood vessels break down or are blocked by using meth, the teeth and gums lack the blood that they need to clean themselves efficiently.  This can result in tooth decay, teeth falling out, rotting gums and/or heart illness.

Drying of the Mouth:
When abusing meth and/or alcohol, less saliva is produced within the mouth.  Blockages of the salivary glands are also commonly evident.  As saliva is a natural neutralizer for acidic foods such as soda, citrus and plaque – when there is less of it, the mouth suffers.  Teeth begin to break down, and form cavities.  It is also often the case, that if not treated, or if the abuse of meth or alcohol does not cease, an individual may lose their teeth over time.

Cracked or Worn Teeth:
It has been reported that over eighty percent of meth users will continually grind their teeth, in and out of sleep.  With this consistent clenching and grinding, the teeth begin to wear down.  Some meth abusers have even experienced cracks in their teeth from this behavior.

Although the affects that drugs and/or alcohol have on the mouth are often seen, many are unclear as to what the direct causes are.

If you or someone you know is suffering from an unhealthy drug or alcohol addiction, contact a drug and alcohol rehabilitation center at earliest convenience. Serious oral health issues can develop into even more severe illnesses and diseases throughout the body. It’s never too late to improve the health of a friend, family member, or yourself, today.

Substance abuse: a killing machine!

November 12th, 2011

Methamphetamine is a drug usually known as Meth, by the substance abusers. One of the early inventions shows that it was first synthesized by a Japanese chemist in the year 1893. This drug is used for the treatment of narcolepsy. It was commonly used during the II World War. It was used by the axis and allied forces. This drug was commonly used and distributed amongst the top army officials to basic grade army men. methamphetamine addiction can be a serious problem due to its psycho-stimulant properties. This drug causes euphoria, anxiety, aggression, self confidence etc. physically it has many adverse effects such as memory loss, aggression, psychotic behavior, heart damage, malnutrition, and severe dental problems to name a few.

Initially only limited to Hawaii and western parts of the country, methamphetamine abuse continuously spread towards east and it affected the rural and urban areas increasingly. According to one national survey, approximately 10 million people in the United States have tried methamphetamine at least once in their lifetime. This drug can be taken intravenously or smoked.

Marijuana addiction is another type of addiction which is commonly found among any age. This drug has special properties. Marijuana releases serotonin which is a chemical in the brain that triggers a feeling of pleasure. The most common method for using this drug is to place the dried leaves, stems, and flowers of this plant onto rolling paper and make it into a cigarette, to be smoked. It can also be smoked in a water pipe or other metal or glass pipe. This drug can also be put in food products or be mixed with coffee or tea.When someone smokes Marijuana regularly the brain gets used to higher amounts of serotonin production than normal , so when these addicts try to quit smoking this drug, then the production drops , followed by which they experience a mild mental withdrawal from the dependence on the previously increased levels of serotonin and the pleasure it brought along with. When one gets used to the high, it becomes very difficult to refrain oneself from smoking it. The addicts try to find new ways to justify their addiction. marijuana drug rehab follows a holistic treatment for recovery separately for every individual.

Any type of addiction is characterized as killing if not detected or treated at earliest. It can be very fatal and take life!

Substance Abuse Treatment Center Brings Hope

November 4th, 2011

Sometime the youths fall for bad habits like drugs or alcohol that destroy their life totally. This is a major problem for most of the society that needs to be cured. Sometime the involvement becomes so much that it not only destroy their thinking process but also make them so ferocious that there comes a need for proper treatment. Substance abuse is a behavioral pattern that is caused by consistent and compulsive drug use an over involvement with the drug. In that case the patient becomes dependant on the drug. The substance abuse treatment centers give a substance dependent support through which he or she can get rid of the drug habit gradually. The treatment may differ for different patient according to age, sex, culture and orientation. Sometime stopping the drug right away may prove to be fatal. The group of doctors and other professionals who take care of the patient are experienced enough to give proper treatment to the patients.

There are several steps involved in the treatment. The most available and encouraged treatments are Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous which are twelve stage treatment. The final step of the treatment often is most challenging because there is a chance of relapse.

At the same time the addicted person becomes so week from inside that he looses all hope and believes that he can get back to the normal life. In such cases a mental counseling is needed. Sometimes the healing process involves prayer and confidence boosting activities. The main goal of substance abuse treatment is to bring back the substance abuse to the normal flow of life while being good to him and making him feel one of us. The family support is a must. With the help of physical, mental and spiritual treatment one may get back his normal life.

Seeking the Help of a Substance Abuse Facility

October 23rd, 2011

When you start to look for a substance abuse facility, be prepared to answer some questions. The questions may seem personal to you but they are very important for your care. The elderly or young adults will need different types of help so giving the correct age is very important. Another question you may not want to answer is a list of the drugs you are using on a daily basis.

 

Just remember these questions need to be answered truthfully to decide whether or not the facility is capable of helping you with your type of addiction. Answering questions truthfully will ensure you will be getting the best care that is appropriate for you. Getting over the initial embarrassment is not hard if you keep your ultimate goal in mind and that is finding the help you so desperately need.

 

Choose a Reputable Substance Abuse Facility

 

When you are looking for a substance abuse facility, don’t forget that you need to make sure the facilities you are enquiring about are licensed to give care.

You need to find a facility with trained professionals who have all dealt with substance abuse problems and their treatment. Don’t waste your time on a new facility that is full of hype with little quality to back it up.

 

Look for a facility that already has a presence in the community as a good place to go. If you choose a facility that has been in business for years, you are probably going to find great experienced staff that can help you no matter what your needs are.

 

A substance abuse facility should take care of you both in your body and in your mind. Just dealing with one problem and not the other will not give you the right tools you need to succeed later on down the road. It is important to get to the root of the problems in order to be able to pass beyond the addiction. Cleaning your body without dealing with your mind will soon leave you feeling empty and drag you right back down through the spiral of addiction.

 

Now that you know what to look for in a substance abuse facility, it should be easier when you make your decision. Take your time and make sure your research is done before committing to the center and you will soon find yourself leading a clean drug free life in a matter of months.

 

 

Substance-Abuse

Substance Abuse and the Interventionist

October 19th, 2011

When someone admits that they have a problem with drugs or alcohol and that they desire help, then you should do what it takes to get the individual into treatment and a rehab program. However, it may be easy to think about when you know that this person lives on street corners and then you are unable to reach them. At this time a substance abuse interventionist is going to be your next step and your main focus.

If you are a friend or a member of a loving family, you can appreciate what it means to lose your family to drugs or alcohol. It is quite overwhelming and hurting, if you were to inquire from many families who face that predicament. The trip back to normalcy can be quite uncertain, long and tough. With no encouragement, it makes it even more difficult.

There are some addicts that find it difficult to quit doing drugs even after trying for many times.

Even if you fail, it does not signify the impossibility of succeeding in drug or alcohol recovery. Family members generally will give their hand of support if they are sure that you are willing to quit. All you have to do is to discuss the matter with them. They will be understanding of your plight and realize that it takes bravery for you to admit your problem and will open their hearts to assisting you by searching for substance abuse interventionist. Some people will still take the easy way out and go back to abusing drugs again even after discussing this with their family member and requesting for help.

Most drug rehab treatment programs are mainly focused on getting the addict into a structured and organized program that helps them to control their destructive habit and learn how to deal with any triggers of going back into drugs after being admitted into the program.

Having direct control over abusing drugs is the most important part of having success. However, most drug addicts will never confess that their lives are not in control. They will come up with any type of excuse of abusing drugs and why it became a part of their lives. This is the crucial denial of their circumstances.

There are various reasons why people abuse drugs and alcohol. Some people like the influence that they think it gives them. They also love the bogus control that has become a delusion, but looks like it is typical to the drug addict. Some see the drugs as soothing. They use it to comfort the feelings of loneliness and lack of confidence that they are feeling.

Many have attempted to put every thing into perception and have been unsuccessful. Others don’t even attempt at trying. Their rehabilitation is like a rotating door where they go in and out of treatment without experiencing complete recovery. Retracting to drug abuse provides them with impermanent reprieve from the stress that life gives and they are unable to deal with it. The drugs and alcohol become their escape from reality until they have to wake up to the truth that they do have a big problem that needs fixing.

Substance Abuse And Addiction To Continue To Grow

September 26th, 2011

A large loan from the United States Department of Agriculture will allow the fight against substance abuse and addiction to grow in California. A .3 million dollar loan will pay for four new buildings, totaling 33,000 square feet, dedicated to drug treatment, care and prevention.

The new facility will be called the Center of Hope. It will be the first comprehensive residential drug treatment center in western Nevada County. Construction of the new drug treatment center is slated to begin in the spring of next year and hopes to open in the spring of 2012.

The four buildings will provide continuity of care including intensive detoxification, residential treatment and after-care, said Community Recovery Resources Development Director Ariel King Lovett. Its an embodiment of CoRRs holistic philosophy of care with the family at the center.

According to King Lovett, one of the buildings at the Center of Hope will have the capacity to house up to 25 men, 15 women and ten of the children during rehabilitation. Another building at the drug treatment center will have the capacity for up to five of those peoples family members to come and stay with their loved ones for short breaks during rehabilitation.

The campus will have areas focused on transitioning residents to a life of self-sufficiency. The facility will also focus on prevention through education. The new buildings will mark a 250 percent increase in capacity for the group, which now can only accommodate eight women in treatment.

Our region demonstrates the highest need for treatment, King Lovett said.

A Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services study issued in 2009 indicated that Nevada County and its surrounding areas had the highest rate in the state of California for people needing but not receiving treatment for their drug and alcohol addiction. According to King Lovett, CoRR has been in the Nevada County area since 1974 and has grown to respond to the increased need for substance abuse treatment. There has been a measured increase of methamphetamine abuse in the region as well.

King Lovett said that the drug treatment centers revenue will be funneled to pay back the federal loan.

This is the first [loan] of its type theyve done. Theyre taking an unprecedented step in funding this kind of center.

Substance Abuse Treatment Centers- Programs Offered at Rehab Center

September 14th, 2011

Drug or substance abuse is a heinous disease which needs to be overcome and attended to as soon as it is detected. And the best way to the treatment is to join one substance abuse treatment centers established almost everywhere. . Negligence and delay in rehabilitation can pose to be detrimental for the health, both physical and mental of the victim. However, many are still in the dark about the programs offered and the addition treatment procedures that different rehabs specialize in. Detoxification This forms the first major step in all types of substance abuse treatment centers. Detoxification consists in eradicating the harmful toxins out of the body that accumulates as a consequence of large doses of drugs or substances. The procedure involves medication as well as treatment for withdrawal symptoms which are common phenomena and should be attended to with great caution.

Counseling Counseling forms a significant part of the addiction treatment program offered by the substance abuse treatment centers. While detoxification caters to the physical aspect of the victim, counseling looks into the psychological well-being of the individual. Counseling sessions can be in the form of individual or group counseling and aims at bringing about changes in the cognitive behaviors of the victim. Such sessions address the underlying trauma or causes that gave rise to the addiction problem in the first place. Parents of the victims too are encouraged to take part in the group therapies, whereby the bond between the victims and the parents are strengthened. Coming across similar others through group counseling sessions encourages the victims to fight the battle together. Others Some substance abuse treatment centers also offer relapse programs, while some others believe in spiritual counseling to uplift the mind and soul.

whereby the bond between the victims and the parents are strengthened. Coming across similar others through group counseling sessions encourages the victims to fight the battle together. Others Some substance abuse treatment centers also offer relapse programs, while some others believe in spiritual counseling to uplift the mind and soul.

Substance Abuse Treatment – The Importance Of Getting Help

September 3rd, 2011

Substance abuse comes in all forms and types, if someone you know is affected by it; they are going to need substance abuse treatment. Just as substance abuse come in all forms and types, so do treatment options. It is important to find the best one for that particular person and their needs. Finding a customized treatment program will ensure that they get the most out of the program that is available to them. It is important to have their needs and addiction analyzed to fit them.

If someone you know needs help with their substance abuse, they need to start with an interventionist. An intervention specialist will help the person abusing realize that they have a problem, and help them through options that they can embark on for treatment. There are many different substance abuse treatment programs that an interventionist may be able to help point someone in the direction of what is going to work best for them.

Whether basic treatment is needed through a support group like Narcotics Anonymous or Alcoholics Anonymous or something more serious like outpatient or inpatient treatments there are so many options. To find out which one will work the best, it is time to weigh all the options. Each treatment option includes all kinds of different services. If the person is relatively strong willed and independent, they will need a completely different option than someone that is deep in the wrath of drug abuse and addiction, their personality and needs is very important to assessing their treatment options. A professional that can understand their situation will be best in setting up a treatment plan that will be successful.

Substance abuse is not something that should be left untreated. Untreated, it can lead to many severe health issues including death. Substance abuse is not something to take lightly, and should always be treated as a serious condition. Don’t let someone you loved be ruined by drugs and their effects, there are great treatments that will help people get better and live their lives to the fullest again. Be sure to consult with a professional to find great substance abuse treatment options.

Substance abuse: life threatening habit

August 31st, 2011

Addictions can be of varied types. Some of the addictions could be using drugs like hash, cocaine etc, some addicts use medicines which have soothing and relaxing effect on mind and body like oxycontin etc., some of the people follow the most easily accessible addictive, alcohol. Alcohol addiction begins as social habit, which eventually turns into an addiction. People suffer on personal as well as professional front due to addiction. Basically, addiction means physical and psychological dependence on substance that are psychoactive. These substances get beyond the brain and blood barrier after they are ingested into the body. Their grasp is so effective, that the person actually gets under their influence and cannot control own activities.

These substances alter the chemical environment in the brain.

Once the brain gets influenced by the secretion of chemical substances from the drugs, activities get automatically influenced. A person gets completely influenced by these psychoactive substances. An addiction is not always substance related, there are various types of addictions such as compulsive shopping, compulsive cleanliness etc. A compulsive repetitive activity can also be tagged as addiction. It is well described in one of the online encyclopedias that, in a non substantive addiction a recurring compulsion by an individual to engage in some specific activity, is observed, despite harmful consequences, as deemed by the user himself to his individual health, mental state, or social life.

Adderall (adderrall) is an amphetamine.Adderall abuse is one of the problems majorly faced by the youth. This is a drug used mainly for more concentration. It is commonly prescribed by the physicians to those students who face problems due to lack of concentration. It is a study drug, many have nick- named it as “college crack”. Students who take Adderall for studying report that they can concentrate on their books for hours at a time, and can then do better on the subsequent exam than they would without the drug.

This drug helps in increasing the concentration levels, which help the students in studies mainly. But the addiction of this drug does not limit itself to the youth only; it has spread its impact among the adults as well. Cutting off the supply of this drug may turn into more dangerous. It is always recommended to seek help of the experts in this matter. The withdrawal symptoms are mental depression, nausea or vomiting, stomach cramps or pain, trembling, unusual tiredness or weakness.

Staying Healthy May Deter Substance Abuse

August 21st, 2011

It is no secret that a healthy body and mind can make us not only feel better, but allow us to create higher and more productive goals for ourselves.  There are many ways in which to keep our bodies and minds healthy, but it is a constant state of maintenance.  It has now been recorded that those that consistently maintain a state of healthiness are far less likely to deter to substance abuse.

Whether a person is currently abusing a substance, has in the past, or are the witness to a friend or family member that does; initiating a healthy lifestyle can be a beginning to change.  There are many factors that can make for a healthy body, a healthy mind, and an overall healthy lifestyle.  Here are some of the key factors to creating a healthier life:

Physical Fitness and/or Exercise:  Exercise creates a natural rush of happiness within our bodies.  It opens veins, and allows for blood to flow throughout our bodies.  Exercise is considered one of best natural-highs a person can give them self.

Practicing physical fitness a little each day, will keep that stream of internal happiness and oxygen flow consistent.  Activities like that of a short walk, bicycling or hiking can be a good way in which to get in your daily exercise.  Sooner or later the body will even start to crave that very exercise that has improved the overall well-being of our bodies.

Regular Check-Ups:  A regular check-up by a physician can be a great way in which to monitor the needs of your body and mind.  Although some individuals may not have health insurance, there are several ways in which to still visit a doctor.  By looking online or calling local physicians in your area, you may find low-cost or cost-free ways in which to receive the benefits of a physician.

Eating Right:  What we put into our bodies on a daily basis can determine a large portion of our health.  Foods that are fried, and/or unhealthy can bring our emotional and physical drive down.  Foods that are high in lean proteins can enhance our minds, and improve our overall health.  Foods like that of seafood, green vegetables and fresh organic fruits can all assist in improving our lifestyle.

All of these factors combined, can make for a healthier life.  With that, a healthy lifestyle is sometimes able to deter an individual from drug or alcohol abuse.  When a person is consistently focusing on the good of their body, it is often difficult to want to combine unhealthy behaviors at the same time.

Although the above ways to creating a healthier life are not a cure for substance abuse, they can be the start of a recovery; or assist with recovery.  To best understand what is necessary when attempting to recover from substance abuse, it is a good idea to contact a drug and alcohol rehabilitation center.  Allowing professionals to assist in your, or a friend or family member’s recovery can often be a healthy solution in itself.