Addicted to eating toilet paper, why it isn't safe

Image via WikipediaIf you are addicted to eating toilet paper, you may out of concern for yourself researched a little on the Internet about the safety of this practice. There are many online answer type forums and many answers say it is safe as long as you are eating regular food on a regular basis. This information of course is faulty.
First and foremost, any time you or someone you know is eating non food items it is not "safe". It isn't safe because of many reasons but chiefly because craving any non food item can suggest an underlying health issue that needs to be addressed. Speak to your doctor about your craving non food items like toilet paper and have them give you a blood test to rule out possible deficiencies in your diet. Mineral deficiencies are usually the majority of the reasons for such cravings and in most cases is an easy fix. If there are no underlying deficiencies, you may need to have other therapies to determine where your disorder stems from. People suffering from Pica often crave things like toilet paper, clay, dirt, chalk and even detergents. It is a signal of an underlying problem in most all cases. It may be physical, or psychological. Medical investigation and intervention is necessary to find out which treatment is needed.
It is not safe to ingest toilet paper, in spite of what you may read online. Toilet  paper is manufactured in a facility that does not have regulations needed to make it safe for human consumption. As such it may have trace contaminants that are not edible. This is the typical manufacturing process and ingredients used in making toilet paper.
Toilet paper is generally made from new or "virgin" paper, using a combination of softwood and hardwood trees. Softwood trees such as Southern pines and Douglas firs have long fibers that wrap around each other; this gives paper strength. Hardwood trees like gum, maple and oak have shorter fibers that make a softer paper. Toilet paper is generally a combination of approximately 70% hardwood and 30% softwood.

Other materials used in toilet paper include water, chemicals for breaking down the trees into usable fiber, and bleaches. Companies that make paper from recycled products use oxygen, ozone, sodium hydroxide, or peroxide to whiten the paper. Virgin-paper manufacturers, however, often use chlorine-based bleaches (chlorine dioxide), which have been identified as a threat to the environment. If it is a threat to the environment it is generally not safe for human consumption either. No one can conclusively say that is it safe in the long term effects it may have on the human body. To seek further treatment information please visit: Emedicine treatment for pica

Oxycontin a true pain KILLER

Image via WikipediaOxycontin is one of the most popular abused substances currently being taken by users from every background. Once it arrived in the market place it became a fast growing, recreational drug. Its highly addictive nature alone causes extensive damage that must be addressed quickly to prevent the user from its deadly effects.

What it is:
Street names include:
Killers, OC, OXY, Oxycotton
OxyContin (oxycodone HCI controlled-release) is the brand name for an opioid analgesic (pain reliever) called Oxycodone, which is a narcotic. It is available by prescription only and is used to treat moderate to severe pain when around-the-clock analgesic is needed for an extended period of time. When used in the correct way with medical monitoring, it is a safe pain management drug choice. However, when abused, it becomes a lethal game of Russian Roulette.

What does it look like?
OxyContin is available in tablet form in 5 doses: 10, 20, 40, 80, and 160mg. (However, the manufacturers no longer ship 160mg).

How is it used?
As pain medication, OxyContin is taken every 12 hours because the tablets contain a controlled, time-release formulation of the medication. Most pain medications must be taken every three to six hours. Oxycontin abusers remove the sustained-release coating to get a rapid release of the medication, causing a rush of euphoria similar to heroin.

The initial short term side effects:
Abusers of this type of narcotic will have these experiences:
Respiratory depression, the most serious initially because it can slow down the heartbeat to a degree it stops beating and death results. Other common opioid side effects are constipation, nausea, sedation, dizziness, vomiting, headache, dry mouth, sweating, and weakness.

The more severe long term side effects:
Chronic use of opioids can result in tolerance for the drugs, which means that users must take higher doses to achieve the same initial effects. Long-term use also can lead to physical dependence and addiction -- the body adapts to the presence of the drug, and withdrawal symptoms occur if use is reduced or stopped. The adaptation of the body to the effects of the drug is what makes is so addictive to the human body that uses the drug recreationally and not for real pain managed by medical professionals.
The addicted user of Oxycontin may resort to other methods of use to get a more intense high. This may include grounding up the pills and snorting them for a stronger "rush" effect. Because the drug itself has been abused by the wrong people for recreational purposes, it has made those with legitimate need of the drug have difficulties in obtaining it. Many pharmacies are even reluctant to store the drug for fear of being robbed of it.

Why this drug is so dangerous
Abusers of Oxycontin can suffer severe and deadly heart attacks, as well as having their breathing slow down to as little as ten beats a minute. The user will many times want to pass out or sleep which can be deadly and the user may not awaken. The chances of a fatality occurring with this drug are enormous.
Intervention is needed by professional interventionists. Many families attempt to have interventions on their own, and do so with out the resources needed for long term successful conclusions. A family that has attempted intervention in the past should reconsider one using professional help.
For more information and support visit: The Addicted Family
also visit: Drug Addiction Support
To discuss treatment for you or someone you love, call
1-877-398-4144

What is Heroin, and why it can kill you

Image via Wikipedia
Heroin is a member of the opiate family. Since Heroin is derived from Morphine, once it enters into the users brain it is changed back into Morphine. Heroin is particularly lethal because of its ability to enter the brain more quickly than Morphine. Addicts prefer Heroin over Morphine for this reason alone. Heroin is often seen as a white powder, that is usually dissolved in saline and injected into the bloodstream. It is also smoked and snorted as well.
What Heroin does to you
Once Heroin has been introduced into the user's body, the abuser  experiences what is called a "rush". The intensity of this "rush" varies according to the amount of the drug used and how it is introduced into the body. The "rush" is described predominately as a warm flushing sensation of the skin, while extremities feel heavy or weighted down. There have been reports of vomiting, extreme nausea and even an itching sensation.
Heroin has a powerful effect on the users' nervous system. Mental functioning becomes severely impaired, breathing is greatly slowed to the point the user becomes unconscious and dies due to the cardiac functions Image via Wikipediabreaking down. Because it is difficult to know how pure the Heroin may be at the time of purchase, overdose is a constant threat to the user.
Treatment for Heroin addiction involves initially detoxification of the users body. Detoxification rids the body of the drug and once this occurs the patient adjusts to their body being drug free. This is the first short term treatment but the long term treatment is to use various methods, such as using drugs that block the effects of the Heroin and eliminates the withdrawal symptoms experienced by the user. Studies show the most effective treatment involving Heroin addiction is by using a combination of treatments, including pharmacological treatment with behavioral therapies.
Long term damages
Using Heroin over a long period of time will render the user not only an addict but also very unwell health wise. The user will have scarred and collapsed veins,cardiac infections, bacterial infections, abscesses, soft tissue infections, HIV, AIDS, Hepatitis C, and  Hepatitis B (sharing needles), liver disease, kidney disease, lung diseases like Tuberculosis and Pneumonia. Street Heroin poses additional risks as the additives found in street Heroin often clog blood vessels that have the ability to severely compromise lungs, heart, liver and brain.
If you or someone you know needs help or information, more can be found on addiction here:

Addiction to non food items

Image via Wikipedia

Chalky composed of kaolinite with traces of quartz ingested by a patient with pica.

This condition is referred to as Pica, and it involves the inability to resist eating a wide variety of non food items. It is diagnosed only if it is determined that the sufferer is unable to stop eating non food items, usually after a month of continued eating. There are a wide variety of items that a person suffering from Pica will ingest.

Substances  include but are not limited to dirt, chalk,clay, feces, hair,detergent,laundry starch, fingernails, paint chips, cigarette butts, wire, burnt matches, animal excrement, string, erasers, needles, ice, lead, and rocks.

Pica is a rather common occurrence and does not always signify an ongoing problem as most people have gone through bouts of Pica symptomatic behavior at some point in their lives. In some instances it is a curiosity factor, and can be a subconscious behavior that can stem from hunger or boredom. Pica becomes a disorder that needs additional tests and treatment when the urge to consume dangerous items is compulsive and can not be stopped. Many times it can be a significant sign of a malnutrition that is going on in the sufferers body and blood tests to determine deficiencies may be in order. Many Pica sufferers have an iron deficiency.

There are a large number of those suffering from Pica that have a predisposition to the condition brought on by developmental abnormalities, living in economically depressed areas of the world, mental retardation and pervasive developmental disorders. The key thing to observe in any person feared to suffer from this condition is the amount of time they have been indulging in the behavior.

All those partaking in any addictive behavior should as a rule of thumb, seek medical treatment to rule out physical problems that may be underlying. Consuming even items that seem to be harmless can still have physically negative effects on the body, because non consumable items are often manufactured in warehouses that do not have to follow the same guidelines that food manufacturers do. Once blood tests are done, if no underlying medical conditions are present, it is a good idea to ask your medical professional to suggest  what appropriate therapy to seek out.

Family in crisis, when you love an addict

Image via WikipediaFamily in crisis, when you love an addict

Addiction is a widespread plague across the globe. The odds of you or someone you love coming into contact with an addict are about 1 in 3. Sadly almost every American family has at least one person that is affected by an addict. Many carry the burden in silence, hoping no one will find out. Fear of being judged, or looking like a failure are but a few of the reasons help isn't sought out sooner.

An addict in the family is like having a poison spread among you. Slowly but surely each member is impacted, changed, and hurt. Some may say they have shut the door on the situation, or washed their hands of it, but deep inside damage has already been done, whether they realize it or not. You are never really free of the impact it has had on you. Finding support is a difficult process as so many family members with friends or loved ones that are addicted are ashamed and embarrassed to bring their problem up. What has to be remembered, is that almost every person you know, whether it is your preacher, doctor, friend, co-worker has someone in their life with your problem. They may even have it themselves. Once the shame can be put aside, and this terrible problem brought out, you will more than likely find tons of support. When it comes to addiction, shame is guilt's ugly cousin. Shame is a waste of time, and a way for the disease to conquer all of it's victims one by one.

Keeping your burden to yourself is a way of protecting an addict, and yourself. However, in the long run it is silently enabling a situation to flourish. The time to stop the progress and affect of this disease begins with opening up. You will be amazed at the outpouring of love and support you will get. Not just from your immediate family, but online, from complete strangers. There is a whole world of people suffering right along with you, and many have even gone through worse. Share your experience, reach out to others, and also remember to help another in your search for support. Just because you are going through this terrible time, doesn't mean you can't offer help to someone else. They may be at a different place than you are, so whatever you've learned can be of a great help to them. Giving of yourself is a part of healing.

Please check out these links for further information, support and guidance: 


Addiction to non food items


Supportive Addiction articles


Finding support, overcoming the shame

Supportive addiction articles

Image via Wikipedia
Those of us that love an addict, or are in love with an addict have a special need that goes beyond just being told what to do and what not to do. We need to believe that addiction can be won. We need to believe our addict can be saved, can be brought back..and these articles are selected to reassure you, that yes, in fact, they can. Don't give up. Read on...

There is hope for addiction
Before you read anything else on this site I want you to know there is hope. I would never tell you this unless I knew it with all of my heart, and I have experienced both the devastation of addiction, and the empowerment of seeing the disease conquered.Addiction can be fought and won. It is a possible and it happens every day. The commitment to the recovery is what is key. If you have found yourself here to find help, support and answers for what to do, you need to know there are many going through what you are going through and many have given up too soon, and/or the addict was not committed to the recovery that has to take place.
Read more about why I know There is hope for addiction


Finding support and overcoming the shame
Lets face it, there are support groups everywhere. Some ~ you have to attend to physically, at other times you rally your support in the form of friends and relatives. It's still a lonely existence. Friends and family, hopefully can offer some support but more often than not, they will not understand. No doubt you will be told to seek guidance from a wide variety of outlets and its great for some, but not a perfect fit for others. The best place to find support is from those who have gone through it, lived the nightmare and come out on the other side in one piece. Read on to find out about Finding support and overcoming the shame here.


There is light at the end of the tunnel
Before I go further into the blog of The Addicted Family, let me first say to those here seeking support. There is a light at the end of the tunnel, but a lot is going to depend on you, your resolve. Also know that what you define as light now, may change later on. Many times, the light may be about how you are going to be happy, even if your addict never recovers.  I know that sounds simple, perhaps too simple, and I wouldn't even utter these words if I did not know for a fact that this is true. There is light at the end of the tunnel.
Continue There is light at the end of the tunnel.

Related articles

• Dysfunctional families and addiction
• What is a functioning alcoholic?
• Amy Winehouse death, a sobering reminder
• Another South Carolina baby testing positive for drugs
• Addiction to Ambien
• Implant for addiction seems promising

The effects of Crystal Meth on your body

Image via Wikipedia
Of all the addictive drugs out there, the one you probably do not want your loved one or friend to ever encounter is Crystal Meth. Crystal Meth is highly addictive, leads to risky deadly behavior, and additional health problems that all pave the path to a tragic end. Early intervention is one of the few actions that can improve long term help for this terrible drug. 

What is Crystal Meth?
The chemical n-methyl-1-phenyl-propan-2-amine is called methamphetamine, methylamphetamine, or desoxyephedrine.



What are some of the dangers associated with using Crystal meth?
Crystal meth causes a wide range of symptoms including causing a rapid increase in the users libido, often used in conjunction with Viagra and other known sexual enhancers. Because there is such an impact on the users sexual desire, many meth addicts often engage in sexually risky and dangerous habits that lead to HIV and AIDS infection. Users who inject the drug potentially expose themselves to not only HIV, but hepatitis B and C and other viruses that pass through the blood from an infected needle. The user may remain awake for days on end, have little fatigue. The user will develop a tolerance to the drug and this is where the greatest danger of addict lies with this drug. Because a tolerance is built up, the addict finds themselves craving greater quantities of the drug.  High quantities of the drug cause heart rate increase, body temperatures can raise to dangerous levels. Paranoia, agitation, bizarre sexual behaviors, all of which increase the users death rate probability.

Problems that arise from the use of Crystal Meth include:
Paranoia
Anxiety
Confusion
Hallucinations
Insomnia & Violent behavior.
Psychotic symptoms may last for months, or possibly years, after someone has stopped using the drug! Overuse of the drug can bring on short term memory loss, wild rages and drastic mood swings, as well as the obvious damage to the immune system.

How addictive is Crystal Meth?
Most experts in the field say this drug is highly addictive and becoming addicted to it is likely in almost every instance. So addictive is Crystal meth, that as the user graduates to injecting the substance into their veins, addiction becomes imminent. The occurrence of relapse is high with the user of Crystal meth. The addiction is strong enough to cause great emotional distress as well, and the longer an addict uses, the projected success of getting off of the drug is often slight. Successful intervention, needs to occur immediately. Rehab for a Crystal meth addict may have to become a lifelong commitment.
Users who inject the drug potentially expose themselves to HIV, hepatitis B and C and other viruses that pass through the blood from an infected needle.

Other issues that can arise from repeated injections of crystal meth include:
1. Infections of the heart lining and valves
2. Scarred or collapsed veins
3. Abscesses
4. Pneumonia
5. Tuberculosis
6. Liver disease
7. Kidney disease
8. Death

What are the chances for over coming this drug?
Prolonged use of Crystal Meth renders the user eventually of being incapable of producing the chemicals needed in the body to experience pleasure. The body can no longer have the sensation of enjoying pleasure on its own and the drug becomes the mood enhancer. As depression overcomes the addict, the drug becomes a necessity to avoid and fight off the depression. It fails to fight off the depression, and as continued use occurs, more and more is needed to achieve any results.  Many meth addicts use prostitution as a way to obtain the drug. Users on Crystal Meth have only a limited opportunity to overcome the disease, and intervention and treatment have to occur quickly in the history of the use.

Crack Cocaine and what it does to the addict

Image via WikipediaFirst and foremost you need to know exactly what crack and why, if you have someone you love that is addicted to it, why you are running out of time.
What is it?
Crack cocaine is a converted form of cocaine that reared it's ugly head in the 80's.
How is it manufactured?
By mixing water ammonia or baking soda and then boiling it a solid substance is formed. The solid is then dried and broken into rocks of crack. What makes it a volatile substance beyond the known facts is that it is cooked in a kitchen that could be contaminated, dirty and used for other lethal substances in addition to cocaine. A buyer of crack could end up dying after just one hit of this lethal drug especially if it is mixed with the wrong combination                                                                 of contaminants. Crack is often an off white rock looking substance.
Image via WikipediaWhat does it look like and how is it used?
Crack most often will look like an almost white or yellowish chunk of rock like substance. Usually it is no larger than a pea. It is often smoked using makeshift pipes that are constructed out of small plumbing pipes, many times with a mesh screen filter, or even a piece of steel scouring pad in the pipe to sit the rock on top of. The addict will then light the rock and inhale the smoke it produces.
What are the effects once it is smoked?
When an addict smokes crack he or she inhales large quantities of the drug's smoke into their lungs, which in turn produces a very temporary state of euphoria. With continued use, the crack loses its effects and the user has to have more of it to achieve the same results. Many times the user will smoke crack and chase it with alcohol to extend or intensify the drugs effect. Many addicts will use a sharp instrument to clean the resins from the pipe and resmoke it once the rock is gone.
What are the symptoms of addiction to crack?
By the time  you realize your friend or loved one is suffering from addiction to crack, chances are they are well immersed in the hell of its use. Because it is family and friends tendancy to assume that it is something else, crack is not always the first suspected problem. There is a quick metaphorsis that will take place with your loved one. Here are the most obvious side effects and symptoms of their being addicted.
1. Sweating
2. Paranoia
3. Restless breathing
4. Restless sleep with unusual snoring and or breathing patterns, ie: respiratory problems, coughing and shortness of breath. There may be some trauma and lung bleeding.
5. Irregular heartbeat, chest pain and tightening, increased heart rate. If the addict is already a smoker of cigarettes and consumes alcohol, they are at even great risk of SUDDEN DEATH.
6. Personality changes- In ability to "be" anywhere for a long period of time. Nervousness, easily agitated, frequently going off into a room, bathroom, or somewhere private-to smoke and buy the drug. Violent outbursts, physically abusive  if they feel threatened or if you try to physically stop them or hold them back from smoking. Glassy eyes and irratic behavior. Inability to focus on conversation or most tasks they used to do. Loss of interest in things they used to love, including failure to take care of their personal appearance and hygiene.
Why it can kill you at any time..
Crack cocaine is so extremely lethal that any amount can deliver the deadly dose that ends the addicts life. An addict may try to placate friends and family by saying they will "cut down" on their drug use, be forewarned, a small amount is all that is needed. It is not necessary for the addict to have their "usual" amount, or a large amount to deliver death. The smallest dose, even of just the resin can send the addict into cardiac arrest and death is usually swift and imminent. Any day could be the last day.
Things  you should know..
Never trust an addict, they will steal, lie and manipulate. Your history together, love for them, or help you have given them will buy you no special treatment,or honesty. In the addicts eyes, you are either a tool to get more drugs, or an obstacle that must be eliminated from their lives. Their love of life, their own children and family will never be first and foremost as long as the addiction is allowed to flourish. Your addict will chose the drug over you, their children, friends and parents every time. If you aren't willing to fight for their recovery, you must prepare for their death.
To get help for your addicted friend or loved one as soon as possible, please go to www.myaddiction.com for information on a treatment facility near you. If you are considering outpatient, please know this type of treatment is only mildly successful with a very early detection of drug use. Most full blown addicts need inpatient care.

The addict beside you

Image via WikipediaWhen we think of addicts, we tend to visualize some wino on the corner of a street with a brown paper bag in hand, muttering possibly to themselves. Maybe we see in our minds eye a homeless person desperately getting a fix in a back alley somewhere.

What about the addict that is sitting in your living room, watching television? The addict that you have known and loved for years? It is a different picture, but nonetheless, just as accurate as any other image your may have conjured up  in your mind.

Addicts in the family, are often in disguise and under the cloak of your own loving eyes. We tend not to recognize the problem until it is in full swing. We may notice odd things like weight loss, unusual breathing and snoring at night, or unexplained nervous behavior. We as family members or friends, we never make the assumption initially that this person is an addict. Could they be ill? Dying of some horrible disease like cancer? Why do they look so bad? Months may go by, as your concern grows. At some point you may even ask, "are you on drugs?". You are met with a look of disbelief, and a strong "no".

Knowing those ever so subtle symptoms early on is extremely crucial. Of course you could be wrong, however, better to err on the side of caution, then let too much time pass, and allow what may have been a mild problem flourish into a full blown addiction. Depending on the drug, this can happen quickly so time is always of the essence.

Look for these not so well known symptoms: Restlessness, and restless sleeping with disturbed breathing, glassy eyes and large pupils, sweating for no apparent reason, nervousness or paranoia, sleeping often, personality changes, inability to stay in any one area for any length of time, irritability, unreasonable, argumentative, disinterest in things they used to enjoy or care about,lack or concern for personal hygiene, and open sores on the skin or bad complexion, suddenly consuming alcohol on a regular basis, hiding or withdrawing from family,missing money, missed work.

If you know someone that is showing these signs or symptoms of substance abuse seek help immediately. Consult with your family doctor to discuss possible causes, strategies and treatment. Many family doctors know of additional resources and support that you may not have considered. You have to ask for the help first. Arm yourself for the battle if addiction is present. You are in the fight of your life. Gather all available information and get help today, tomorrow may never come. Please see:  Drug Treatment Addressed During National Drug Fact Week .

Addicted to eating chalk

Image via Wikipedia
Addiction to any substance whether it is considered non threatening or deadly is cause for concern. While some people may indulge in addictions that are well known, such as alcohol or various drugs, there are other addictions, less well known. One such addiction that has recently become newsworthy has been the constant craving and consumption of chalk. This is considered not only an addictive behavior but also an eating disorder called Pica. Pica is a pattern of eating non food items and/or craving them.

Many Internet researches claim that chalk is generally a non poisonous item, consisting mostly of calcium. However this information is not complete and those seeking information should be forewarned. Chalk also has been shown to have lead in them. Those that indulge in eating copious amounts of chalk need to know that Internet information is lacking. Do not assume the first source of information is correct. It took three Internet inquiries just to find out whether chalk had any dangerous ingredients. The first two inquiries made said no poisonous ingredients are found in chalk. This is misleading and should be disregarded. Unfortunately many sites claiming to give the general information, give false and inaccurate information. Be wary of them and never accept the first answer you find.
It is not natural or normal to eat non nutritive items, whether it is chalk, paper, dirt, clay, etc. Consuming these items on a regular basis with the inability to quit makes it an addiction. What makes it an unsafe practice is that most non food substances are not manufactured under the strict guidelines food is. With that in mind, it is not uncommon for many non food items to contain a wide variety of contaminants such as roach and insect body parts, feces and rodent droppings, dust, dirt, urine, and other unclean elements.

Any time your body is craving a non food item, and consumes of it regularly you are in need of having medical care. Although many think this is just an illness or disorder to be treated by a psychiatrist or psychologist, any medical professional that fails to order up a complete blood work up in addition to their treatment is falling short of their responsibility as a caregiver. There could very well be deficiencies to blame for the unnatural cravings, as well as damage that has already taken place inside the body.  For more information on Pica, see:  AllRefer.com Health

Related articles

• Chalk Cravings
• Understanding Eating Disorders - What are the Different Types of Eating Disorder
• Pica - All Information

Held hostage by addiction

Image via Wikipedia
When a friend or family member is battling addiction, the whole family becomes engulfed in the problem and in essence is held hostage. Trapped in the addicts world, you either succumb to their addiction by becoming an enabler, or you abandon the addict and withdraw waiting for that one phone call that says it is over.
Family members often become overwhelmed with feelings of guilt, shame, depression and a type of grief is experienced very similar to losing a loved one entirely. The addicts family often defines their happiness by the type of day the addict is having. This is a classic form of co-dependency.

Co-dependency as defined by Merriam Webster’s Dictionary is "a psychological condition or a relationship in which a person is controlled or manipulated by another who is affected with a pathological condition (as an addiction to alcohol or heroin); broadly : dependence on the needs of or control by another".

Breaking the hold that the addict has over the family is a difficult task. The addict is driven by the urges taking place bio chemically in his body and uses many forms of manipulation to continue to gain support for his lifestyle. It is not beyond an addict to use psychological abuse, guilt, blame and threats to get their family and friends to succumb to their wishes. This is why so often the family is unsuccessful at "curing" or helping an addict on their own.

Finding help for an addict requires doing the one thing that probably many families have tried to avoid. Admitting to someone outside the family that there is a problem. Many families hide and protect the addict and their addiction and go to great lengths to keep it a closely guarded secret. There are many ways to discreetly find help and one resource is online. There are many support groups, and information on the particular addiction you are dealing with. For great resources and help, please visit: Guide for Living.

Related articles

• Can Drug Addiction Cause Schizophrenia? (everydayhealth.com)
• Addiction Doesn't Take a Holiday Break (prweb.com)
• Is Food Addiction Really an Addiction? (everydayhealth.com)

Drug interventions for families- author: Richard Ryder

Image by Thomas Hawk via Flick
It is devastating to find out that a family member has started or have been taking drugs for a long period of time. At first, you may not know anything about it but you begin to notice odd behavior from that person. It could be a family member that you have trusted your entire life. It could be a young child who begins taking drugs. Having interventions can be a good way to confront your family member and try to get them help.
There are several reasons for doing this besides the obvious reason of them not being on drugs. You have to consider that your loved one may ruin not only their lives but yours as well. Many people who use drugs will begin to display behavior that is odd, and soon you will start to think this person has changed their personality over night. You may also start to notice that they are taking less care of themselves, and perhaps losing a lot of weight depending on what they are on.
The other issue is that they could be putting the rest of the family in danger. If they become involved with nefarious characters, you never know when they may show up at your home looking to sell or get money from drugs that the family member has used. It puts the families' entire life into a whirlwind of emotions. Not that intervention will work all the time, but it is a great way to start. The legal issues can come into play and can be devastating for your entire family. If you have a member of your family that is on drugs, please seek professional help before they are put in prison or worse!
http://www.familyfirstintervention.com/south-?carolina-intervention.html  Drug Intervention Help in South Carolina

Addicts have tools of the trade

Image via Wikipedia
If you live with or are exposed to an addict then you no doubt know that they have a huge arsenal of tools at their disposal that help them deal with you. Guilt may be up in the top five, if not number one on their list. Understand, an addict can rarely accept responsibility for their addiction, so blame and guilt are used twofold, to alleviate their personal responsibility, and to acquire help from you. There are some addicts  that have deep seated pain, guilt and often times unresolved issues that they have tried to numb with the drugs they use. Many, many times, there is abuse during early childhood involved. Family members need to understand that just because they have no recollection of any problems in an addicts past, doesn’t mean they didn’t happen.  Children can keep secrets for years.
Part of understanding what went wrong with an addicted friend or loved one is finding the core issue that is hidden. This can be difficult  as so many have buried the past so deeply within. Sometimes the addict has no known reason. Getting to the root cause is harder for these individuals, because you don’t have their pain to work from necessarily. Some become addicted simply out of a bad decision to “try” a drug. If they are alcoholics, or addicted to other things, ie: food, sex, etc.  Their addictive personalities can be all that was needed to turn the “curiosity” into addiction. Addictive personalities to not have the ability to “refuse” addictive substances.
Now that you have an idea of what tools an addict has to deal with you, it is time for you to figure out what tools you need to deal with the addict. First on the list is understanding there more than likely is a cause from the past that has generated into this addiction, and secondly is to become educated on the particular addiction you are dealing with. Third, waste no time getting help. Immediately.
The focus on treatment needs to take center stage. The time of letting the manipulation of guilt, blame and shame is over. These tools have kept the addict addicted, and possibly you addicted to their problems.  Ironing out fault, blame and problems will come, but you have to deal with a clean mind to make it happen. Do not allow the addict to use their pain to hurt your efforts any more. Acknowledge their pain, but do not allow yourself to dwell on it, if you see that they are using this as a tool of their trade to keep addicted. Healing will come when they are again sober, and you can work on the core issues. Time is of the essence. Time is running out.

• Great deals on Christmas gifts (examiner.com)
• Paranormal Experiences (thatparanormalblog.blogspot.com)
• What is a short sale and why you should avoid one (examiner.com)

Image via Wikipedia

Opiates in the Human Body

Opiates elicit their powerful effects by activating opiate receptors that are widely distributed throughout the brain and body. Once an opiate reaches the brain, it quickly activates the opiate receptors that are found in many brain regions and produces an effect that correlates with the area of the brain involved.
Two important effects produced by opiates, such as morphine, are pleasure (or reward) and pain relief. The brain itself also produces substances known as endorphins that activate the opiate receptors. Research indicates that endorphins are involved in many things, including respiration, nausea, vomiting, pain modulation, and hormonal regulation.
When opiates are prescribed by a physician for the treatment of pain and are taken in the prescribed dosage, they are safe and there is little chance of addiction.
Read more information here:
Opiate

Related articles

• Teens and Opiates: Educate Yourself! (brighthub.com)
• A New/Old Treatment for Opiate Addiction (addiction-dirkh.blogspot.com)
• Opiate withdrawal - All Information (umm.edu)
• FDA Approves New Drug to Stop Addiction to Painkillers (shoppingblog.com)

There is hope for addiction

Image by ashley rose, via FlickrBefore you read anything else on this site I want you to know there is hope. I would never tell you this unless I knew it with all of my heart, and I have experienced both the devastation of addiction, and the empowerment of seeing the disease conquered.Addiction can be fought and won. It is a possible and it happens every day. The commitment to the recovery is what is key. If you have found yourself here to find help, support and answers for what to do, you need to know there are many going through what you are going through and many have given up too soon, and/or the addict was not committed to the recovery that has to take place.
Please don't hesitate to contact me if you have additional questions. I will try my best to help you and if I don't know the answer I will find someone that does.
This disease can be won, the unseen chains that have you and your loved one captive can be broken but for it all to come together and work you have to gain the knowledge and the strength to know exactly what you are up against and how to get your own game face on. This is about conquering your fears and your commitment to the process that has to happen too. This is why this site is called The Addicted Family, because the whole family is ill. Not just the addict, but the addict infects every member that has feeling for them. whether its your mom, dad, brother, uncle, aunt, cousin or good friend. Their illness, their addiction is all consuming. If you've made it here its probably because you're ready to save a life. Their life, and yours. There is hope and this you must believe. There is hope. If you can't believe this, and you've become resigned, you are probably wasting your time here. If you still want to fight to save the addict or to save yourself, then please, lets get ready. The battle is on. Get the facts about the specific addiction, learn all you can, and get the empowerment you need. Did you know, most addicts count on you not knowing what they are dealing with? Yes, they do. As long as they think you don't understand they will shut you out. Becoming knowledgeable on their problem puts you one step ahead of what they anticipate. Every tool you have in your arsenal is needed. It all begins with what you understand about addiction and the individual disease(s) you or your loved one is fighting.
Good luck, you're not alone, contact me if you need me, and please study this site, its here for you. And one last thing..I know I have already said, it but it bears repeating...THERE IS HOPE.

Famous Addicts

If you think you are alone in your fight with addiction you are very much mistaken. In fact the only thing that makes you unique and different in this point and time today is the fact that you are still alive. Addiction takes everyone down to their knees and this partial list of famous addicts is proof that you are headed down a one way track, and like these celebs found out, you may never come back.

Download:

FLVMP43GP

Download:

FLVMP43GP

Celebrity! Confessions of a Celebrity Addict 

Celebrity Addict (add name of favourite celebrity)Mug

The Harder They Fall: Celebrities Tell Their Real-Life Stories of Addiction and Recovery 

Celebrity Addict (add name of favourite celebrity) Keychain 

Reefer Madness: A History of MarijuanaAddicts - Face Tapestry 

 

Related articles

• Rick Springfield Reveals Battle With Sex Addiction, Depression (omg.yahoo.com)
• Famous Sex Addicts (marieclaire.com)

A Prick of a Needle, A Lifetime of Sting by D. Gagnon

Loving you used to feel so good, it was a drug of its own..
Now, I can't see you in your eyes, and  I'm all alone..
Loving you meant days to look forward to..
Now it only means hiding from you.
.
Loving you was something I could actually feel
Now love has gone numb, even though it's still real..
Loving you was long days of having you here
Now loving you means nothing but fear..
Loving you was seeing love in your eyes..
Now its all about a new love, a love that lies..
A prick of a needle, a lifetime of sting..
Was this the song you wanted to sing?
Did you need to leave me this way?
Did it take you where you wanted to go?
Now I'm alone looking down at your grave..
Where are you now, beneath that cold hard stone..
You could have told me you hated me..
You could have said you don't love me anymore..
I could have taken that over this you see?
So tell me, what was all of this for?
A prick of a needle, a lifetime of sting..
Was this the song you wanted to sing?
I hope you are now free of your pain,
but for me, this means a lifetime of rain...
And you can now lay and rest in peace..
While I go on, and cry over your memory.
.
You could have just stopped loving me..
That would have hurt less you see..
To lose you to something else, someone new
Was something I know I could get through..
But to lose you to this evil thing?
A prick of a needle, a lifetime of sting..
Was this the song you wanted to sing?
What was the power of what you did..
That sealed your fate under its lid..
Goodbye my lover, good bye my  friend..
I wish I could have saved you in the  end..
Your last walk here was a hard one..
As we  watched you come undone..
You had to have just one more hit..
and you just wasn't ready to quit..
A prick of a needle, a lifetime of sting..
Was this the song you wanted to sing?
Now you've  gone where I can't be
A life lost,  a real travesty..
This is what loving you became..
and now all I know is about the rain..
A prick of a needle, a lifetime of sting..
Was this the song you wanted to sing?

Related articles

• Trina Hayes: Surrounded by Addiction: An Opportunity to Open Your Heart to Unconditional Love (huffingtonpost.com)
• Love is a delicious and soothing drug (ritawatson.com)
• Keith Urban - "Put You In a Song" (the9513.com)
• Sam Willetts: A season in hell (guardian.co.uk)

The Enabler

What is an Enabler?


As defined by Wikipedia, enabling is also used in the context of problematic behavior, to signify dysfunctional approaches that are intended to help but in fact may perpetuate a problem.  A common theme of enabling in this latter sense is that third parties take responsibility, blame, or make accommodations for a person's harmful conduct (often with the best of intentions, or from fear or insecurity which inhibits action). The practical effect is that the person themselves does not have to do so, and is shielded from awareness of the harm it may do, and the need or pressure.

Ok so that is the technical description, for the rest of us, an Enabler is someone that helps the addict succeed in being addicted. Sound too simple? It isn't. An enabler is another part of the addiction in the family. Enablers tend to be addicted to the addict. They are ruled by fear. The problem is their perception of protection and help is warped. They are often holding the loaded gun to the addicts head, along with the addict. The addict uses this gun (addiction) to manipulate the enabler, the enabler uses the gun/addiction as a means to keep them safe believing they are controlling the addiction and the addict. The enabler is just as deadly as the addict.

Yes, it is a hard pill to swallow, but if you are giving an addict money, or offering them any assistance with money, paying their rent, giving them rides, you are helping them rush to the gallows. No one wants to be the enabler, but somehow our love for our addicted loved one blinds us as much as it does the addict. We are in a trap, right along with the addict except their condition has now become our drug.
Where do you separate the line between love and addiction? Love and help, love and letting go?

To the addict, One day your family will get to the point where they have prepared mentally for your death, and if you make it long enough to realize this, you will know you are now truly alone with your addiction. The day the family support has lost hope, is the day you either own your disease and get help or you run toward the finish line that is at the end of your life. You know who your enabler is, and guess what, they are dying with you.  It's not that they have stopped loving you, they just got tired of watching you stop loving yourself. It's not that they don't want to help you, they are just tired of you not helping yourself. They don't want you to die, but they are tired of being a witness to your death. There does come this day, where you will run through their fingers like sand, and instead of cupping their hands to stop you from falling, they will just let you go.


Is your story your crutch?
Some may hold on to the hope to the bitter end. Hold fast to them and pray that they bring your bottom to you, since you seem to never hit it. Pray they find help, because when they are gone, you are gone. Family may let go, friends will let go, you have let go. One thing you can let go of safely is the past that you may be holding on to. There is rarely an addict, without a story. There is rarely anyone without a story that could justify everything an addict has felt, however, there are other ways the story changes who they are. Your story has lead you to addiction.

You are not dying alone..
We can understand what brings some people  to addiction, however, at some point, you have to sit that baggage down and move beyond where it has taken you, because now, it is holding you back. It can be done. People get well every day. The problem is, most don't live long enough to find this out. Who is your enabler? Look closely, deeply and honestly, they are probably the one in the room, that have no joy left in their eyes. They are the ones that are forever exhausted, endlessly in debt, trapped by their love for you, and the fear of your death, and all the while, your enabler, is dying with you. Its a slow painful death.

Related articles

• Does an addict choose to be addicted? 
• Recovering addicts: Avoiding triggers during the holidays 
• Recovering addicts and depression during the holidays 

Understanding and helping an addict

Image via Wikipedia

Addiction is a disease that spreads through lives like a virus. It is a painful existence for all those involved and often the end result is death. Families often try many means to save their addict but most of these actions yield little results.  Many addicts end up using the failed tactics as an excuse to use further. There are many ways families deal with their addicted love one.

Shunning, is one way a family may try to teach an addict a "lesson". They feel if they avoid the addict, refuse all contact, and have nothing to do with the addict,  that the addict will learn their lesson and give up the addiction. Unfortunately, this tactic never works. The addict has a replacement for their sentimental attachments to their family, and it is the drug. No longer will withholding communication and love work, the addict has a new love, and it isn't the family anymore.

Reasoning, is also a useless  tool with the addict. Addicts can not be reasoned with because they have a chemically altered mind and as such, they are incapable of understanding legitimate reasoning. If reasoning alone would be effective, there would be no need for treatment. Treatment has to usually come first in order to really have effective reasoning with an addict. Many times the addict will go on the defensive and then use your attempts as an excuse to use more.

What can you do for an addicted family member? There really is only two things you can do for an addicted family member.

What will work
1. The first thing to do is get  them into treatment. See Treatment Centers.  This must be done early in the addiction process.  Failure to put them into a treatment center each and every time they ask for help that is not related to their recovery will set up a revolving door effect with them. They ask, you give, they get high, they become broke, they come back to you. The addict has to know this is the only help you will offer. No money, no rides, no roof over their head.
2. The second form of help for your addicted family member is to have them arrested if they operate a vehicle, care for an underage child, deal, sell or distribute.  This may seem extreme, but because death due to overdose or from a drug related incident is eminent, extreme forces are all that will work.
Love isn't effective
If your love alone could help them, it would be a beautiful thing. Sadly love means little to an addict. To save the addict you must resort to any and all extreme measures to save their life. If you feel you have done all you can, and the addict still hasn't made attempts to get well, you must prepare yourself mentally for their death.

Your health
One thing family members should understand completely is, you have to be well, and happy whether your addicted loved one is or not. It is key that the family surrounding the addict also be well and this is sometimes even harder than getting the addict into treatment. Support should be sought out to help you cope with your life and to master the proper skills and experience to truly help your loved one, and yourself from a lifetime of guilt and pain.  Families must recognize their own need for help, and recovery as well.  See  Online Support Groups. Another great source for family support is Narconon.

The bottom line
 Lastly, your addict has to deep inside want to get well. If they don't feel that deep need and desire they will fail at the recovery. All you can do is put a stop to all support that you have offered that involves anything but the addicts sobriety. 

Related articles by this author:

• Recovering addicts and depression during the holidays 
• Addiction during the holidays 
• Recovering addicts and depression during the holidays 

*******Five things you should know about an addict

If you suspect you have an addict in your family there are things you must be aware of. There are hints that are extremely subtle that may go unnoticed for some time before the problem rears it's ugly head. Addiction has the ability to completely transform a person into a stranger you will not recognize. In the beginning of the illness, the effects of the addiction may be subtle, as time goes by, extreme.

1. Addicts do not know the truth-
an addict will never admit to using. Addicts not only go into deep denial themselves about their problem, but many times they except you to be blinded to it as well. Many will lie even when caught red handed. Do not believe anything an addict tells you.

2. Addicts need money-
If you suddenly find your addicted loved one hanging around be very wary. They need money to feed their addiction. Whether it is through selling your possessions or stealing your money, they will do whatever they need to do to feed their addiction.

3. An addict will manipulate-
Do not fall for some of the common manipulations your addict will use against you. Many will try to force you to give them money, rides etc. by using guilt, fear, and emotional abuse. They may have you believe their life is in peril, that it is your fault..do not fall for it, but stand strong. The only ride you should give them is into treatment, or to a police station.  Find out what your options are and never fall into the traps an addict will use on you.

4. An addict has a new love-
The addicted loved one will not get better without strong force. Shunning, rejection and the family refusing all forms of communication will usually not heal the addict.  When a family member becomes addicted, the drug replaces love of oneself, and love for others, so using forms of guilt that is dependant on an addicts love for you will not usually work. If you are willing to accept the consequences and no longer can do any more for an addict, this may be your only choice. For those still hoping to help the addict become well again, you have to realize what is effective and what isnt. Intervention, and in-patient treatment facilities are all that will work. Waste no time taking them. Use whatever means possible and then be willing to accept what that means completely.

5. Addicts don't fall far from the tree- 
 Take a look at your family. Many addicts come from a long line of other addicts. Though the addictions may be different, the capacity to become addicted is usually hereditary and can come out in any form, whether it is alcoholism, drugs, gambling, etc. Research and educate yourself, and find support. Time is of the essence, and in fact, time  is running out.

Related articles

• Getting Over Porn Addiction (socyberty.com)
• Is Marijuana Addictive? It Depends on Defining 'Addiction' (healthland.time.com)
• "Once a Month Jab Beneficial for De-Addiction from Alcoholism And Opioid" and related posts (zippy-health.com)