Christmas gifts for recovering addicts

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Recovering addicts need a wide assortment of support from their friends and loved ones. Some gifts that may be ideal for an addict is things that keep them busy, inspired and on the right path. Knowing that your friends and family are there to fight the battle with you is great and these gifts will show them just that. If you or someone you know live in South Carolina and need treatment for addiction, see the *link at the bottom of this article for help in your area.

1. Diary or Journal

Writing is just plain good therapy. When a recovering addict begins a new life of sobriety, it is good that they keep a journal. Writing down their thoughts, emotions, and daily goals and triumphs helps them become well balanced.

2. A scrap book, or scrap book kit

Believe it or not, keeping an addicts hands busy, is a good thing. With the new friends, support and possible reconnections to friends and family that may have been lost during the addiction, having a scrap book filled with new photos, words of inspiration and new memories to come will keep a recovering addict focus on what it's all about.

3. Gift certificates to Day spas

Pampering a body that has been abused chemically helps it to heal and recover. Showing someone in recovery the importance of self pampering, and self maintenance lets them see that there are rewards for the body that aren't going to eventually kill them. These typically can be found at a day spa in your area. Call and ask ahead about any offers they may currently have.

4. Book: Chicken Soup for the Recovering Soul: Your Personal Support Group with Stories of Healing, Hope, Love and Resilience

Uplifting, supportive information never hurt anyone and a recovering addict needs this throughout the course of their life to stay sober and healthy. Books that offer hope and inspiration often keep those in recovery motivated. This book is currently offered at wide variety of book stores, online at Amazon.com as well.

5. Sterling Silver Saint Michael Pendant and chain

Saint Michael is the arch angel and great protector. If ever a person would need to feel the strength and encouragement the story of Saint Michael offers, it is an addict in recovery. If you can, try to print out a small card with the story of Saint Michael on it to give along with the gift. This pendant can be purchased nationwide in almost any jewelry store.

6. A New Day, A New Life: A Guided Journal (with DVD) 

This journal/workbook and dvd is an ideal gift for those in recovery and for each day, there there are inspiring, thought provoking messages. The video features an intimate, candid discussion between best-selling author and recovery advocate William Cope Moyers and a diverse group of people in recovery. By sharing their personal experiences, they give people who are newly sober a breadth of knowledge about what it takes to stay on track. This journal/dvd is currently available at Amazon.com for around $23.00

*South Carolina Treatment Centers
For more help and information on addiction, see: The Addicted Family

Related articles by this author:

• Recovering addicts and depression during the holidays
• Recovering addicts: Avoiding triggers during the holidays
• Will Steven Adler be the next celebrity to succumb to drugs? (examiner.com)

Handling the holidays with an addicted family member

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Most family members of addicts and alcoholics go through a great deal of stress during the holidays. Whether or not to include an addicted family member to holiday functions, controlling unpredictable behaviors,worrying over missing money and valuables can all be stressful for the family. Some important planning can take place to help make these family occasions less stressful.

Set rules- Make sure if you are hosting any holiday event that includes the presence of your alcoholic or addicted family member that they are well aware of your expectations and respect your rules. Let them know ahead of time what you will and will  not tolerate and what will happen should they disrespect your boundaries and rules.

Enlist help- If you have to have addicted/alcoholic members included in family holiday gatherings, enlist the help of other family members to help you. Family can be your eyes and ears to make sure the addict is adhering to your rules and respecting your boundaries. Have a ride home for them lined up with a sober family member if they don't respect the family.

Warn family members- Some friends and family members may not realize what is going on within the family and need to be clued in beforehand. Let them know that there could be some behavior and/or problems at the event and let them know what they can do to prepare should anything go awry.

Mean what you say- Be prepared to follow through on your consequences. Do not let your holidays be ruined by a family member struggling with alcoholism or addiction. If you have to call the authorities do so, and make sure your family members support you. If they can not support your consequences, do not allow them to be a part of the event. Having enablers sabotage your holidays is just unfair to everyone. 

Be alcohol free- Do yourself a favor, you're just asking for trouble by having mixed drinks, beer or alcohol present during the holidays when an addict or alcoholic is around. Don't think for one minute a drug user won't drink, especially if they don't have access to their substance of choice.

Related articles by this author:

• Celebrities that paid the price of addiction in 2011
• Dysfunctional families and addiction
• Recovering addicts and depression during the holidays
• Recovering addicts: Avoiding triggers during the holidays

Recovering addicts and depression during the holidays

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You would think that recovering addicts would have so much to be thankful for during the holidays that they'd never get depression. We know now that many addicts suffer from depression aside from their addiction, and, in fact a good deal of their addiction stems from self medicating via pain killers. It is really imperative that recovering addicts find strength and help through their sponsors and to also separately have their depression treated. If you or someone you know is suffering from addiction, or depression and live in South Carolina, see the *link at the end of this article.

Holidays seem to pose a lot of risks for depression with recovering addicts. Trying to stay clean and sober when the whole world seems to be celebrating can often affect the addict's ability to be able to withstand the temptations. Loneliness, even coming down off the former high, can bring about powerful feelings of depression. Things that a recovering addict, or their loved one need to pay attention to are the signs and symptoms of depression.

The symptoms are as follows:

1. Lack of interest in any activities formerly enjoyed. Work, sex, hobbies, etc.
2. Difficulty focusing on tasks and completing tasks especially those that were easy to complete before. Indecisiveness and confusion.
3. Excessive tiredness, low energy.
4. Insomnia or sleeping too much.
5. Feelings of hopelessness, guilt and unreasonable fears
6. Committing suicide, or hurting someone.
7. Loss of weight or gaining weight from either under eating or over eating.

You should be concerned if you are experiencing at least four of these symptoms and if you are experiencing more than four, it is time to seek additional help and support. Depression can be easily treated, and if caught early can be contained in its severity for a recovering addict.

*South Carolina Treatment Centers

For those living elsewhere, see:

Recovery Connection

For those seeking additional information, and support for various types of drug abuse and addiction, see: The Addicted Family.

Related articles by this author:

• Recovering addicts: Avoiding triggers during the holidays
• Celebrities that paid the price of addiction in 2011
• Tips for recovering alcoholics during the holidays

Celebrities that beat addiction

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During the holidays many recovering addicts have stress and temptation at every turn. It is good to have some positive reinforcements and encouragement during tough days. This is a list of celebrities that also battled one form of addiction or another and came out of it on the other side, sober. They are sober today, and that is a positive message of encouragement that addiction can be fought, and you can overcome it. Here are a few celebrities you may recognize and their addictions they fought. This list may surprise you. If you live in South Carolina and you need to overcome your addiction like these celebrities did, see the South Carolina Therapy links at the end of this article.

Oprah Winfrey- Did you know back in the 80's Oprah admitted to using crack cocaine? Yep. While it is unclear from all accounts how long she was a user, the fact remains that in order for her to have the extremely successful life she has today, she had to conquer it. Who would have ever thought that one of the richest women in the world would succumb to any form of addiction, but alas the great Mrs. O did, and she dedicates a good deal of her life to this day helping those in need and sharing her wisdom and experiences. It just goes to show how much life improves when one conquers addiction.

Eminem- While it may or may not surprise you to learn that this bad boy rapper was addicted to something, it may surprise you to learn what he was primarily addicted to, and who of all people helped him overcome it. It turns out the rapper was using in excess of twenty pills a day of Vicodin, Ambien, and Valium. There are many celebrities that become addicted to prescription drugs. Eminem overcame his addiction to these powerful drugs through the Rocket man himself, Elton John. Why is this so surprising, well, Eminem wasn't always very friendly in his attitude and lyrics with regards to the gay community. He made a complete turnaround and owes a lot of it to Elton John.

Eric Clapton- Eric Clapton is a long time musician well known throughout the world, however, many may not associate his music and style with that of a $16,000 a week, yes you read right, a week Heroin addict. Clapton has even passed out on stage and had to be revived during a stage in his addiction, and guess who helped him finally clean up? Former addict Pete Townsend. So what can we gleam from this story? Its not the old friends that sat there and get high with you that will save your life, in fact they may be the witness to your demise. Its the sober friends that will help you get your life back. Think about who your real friends are.

Steven Tyler- Steven Tyler is always candid about his addiction, and thank goodness he is. His real life on display addictions and relapses have made headlines many times. However his openness about his addictions made him all the more real in the eyes of the adoring public and the fact that he kept fighting until he conquered his demons is commendable. He had a long sobriety before relapsing on prescription drugs and with the help of his band mates completed rehab and got clean again. The message to learn from Steven is, relapse can happen at any point in your life, if it does, you go after it and beat it again. Addicts are recovering for the rest of their lives. You can't let your guard down, but you can always follow Steven Tyler's example and fight it and win.

Robert Downey Jr.- Who doesn't remember the struggles Robert Downey Jr. has had? He may have been one of the worst addicts in the history of celebrity addiction. The talented and gifted actor has had more real life drama with his addictions that he probably ever had on the silver screen. There was many a time, society had this actor figured for dead, or well on his way. Years of struggling with addiction privately and right in the public eye must have been difficult for Downey. Drug arrests, and various stints in rehab have certainly plagued the actor in the past. However, he fought, and finally overcame, and the message to learn here is, don't give up. It doesn't matter how long you've been an addict, it's about how fast you can get help and get sober.

*South Carolina Addiction Therapists

For more information and support, see: The Addicted Family

Related articles

• Recovering addicts: Avoiding triggers during the holidays
• Will Steven Adler be the next celebrity to succumb to drugs?
• Celebrities that paid the price of addiction in 2011
• Amy Winehouse death a sobering reminder

SC middle school students selling drugs on school premises

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Reports filed at Rock Hill Police Department indicate that several middle school students were involved in the sale and distribution of known narcotics on school grounds. A 14 year old student was seen selling the white powdery contents inside the restroom of Rawlinson Road Middle School. The incident was witnessed by another student who in turn reported the act to a teacher at the school. The teacher promptly confronted the student, and it was determined that the student did attempt to sell an illegal substance. The student in question had on his person a bag filled with a white substance that tested positive as Cocaine.
This is one of several recent reports going on at the middle school level for attempts of distributing drugs either illegal, or prescribed. Everything from birth control to alcohol have been distributed and sold in schools throughout the state. Schools are recommending parents regularly inventory their medicine cabinets, and keep all prescription medicines in a locked place within the home. Students caught in the recent drug selling, will be headed to family court.
The dangers of some of these drugs legal and illegal getting into the wrong hands and being taken are tremendous. Prescription drugs in the wrong hands can be just as lethal as street drugs, depending on the amount taken and by who. What many young people need to realize is taking any medicine that isn't prescribed for them can cause anything from a severe and deadly allergic reaction to any number of health issues. These recent reports further illustrate how important anti-drug education is at the middle schools today. More needs to be done, as these reports show, not enough has been done.
For more information and support see: The Addicted Family.

Recovering addicts: Avoiding triggers during the holidays

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The holidays for some addicts may be a great challenge to deal with. Parties, family gatherings, the availability of alcohol and other substances can really push a recovering addict to the breaking point. However, the holidays can also offer a unique opportunity for a recovering addict to speak to and make amends with family and friends that may have been hurt or affected by their addiction. *If you live in South Carolina and would benefit from additional family counseling regarding addiction be sure to see the link at the bottom of this article.

An addict in recovery should also be prepared for some backlash, and family members that may drink too much themselves, and suddenly be confrontational. In those situations, it is better to diffuse the situation by leaving than to engage in anything that will be emotionally upsetting as this can all to easily lead to a relapse. Recovering addicts should also be mindful of the fact that there may be family and friends that are potential “triggers.” These may be the people that the addict used to party with, get high with, or even enable them to obtain illegal substances.

It is important for the recovering addict to choose how to deal with the holidays wisely. If it means avoiding those types of situations, then it has to be. Sobriety has to take priority over all else. Plan a separate family get together in an environment that you can control to help. Hosting family gatherings during the holidays in public places, or at your own home may be a help. This way you can avoid triggers, and situations that could impact your sobriety in a negative way.

*South Carolina Addiction Therapists

For more information and support, see: The Addicted Family

Related articles

• Tips for recovering alcoholics during the holidays
• Celebrities that paid the price of addiction in 2011
• Dysfunctional families and addiction
• Will Steven Adler be the next celebrity to succumb to drugs?
• When your love isn't enough, how to deal with an addict
• Tips on getting through to an addicted loved one
• What makes some people become an addict?

Celebrities that paid the price of addiction in 2011

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2011 was certainly a sad year in many regards for the world of entertainment. The world silently stood by and was again witness to the devastation caused by addiction. Many fans and family members as well said goodbye to these celebrities in 2011. Celebrities give a public face to the problems around substance abuse. However, we know that this problem exists everywhere. If you live in South Carolina and are in need of help, please see the link at the bottom of this article.

Mike Starr, an American musician, was best known as the bassist in the band Alice in Chains, died March 8 2011. Starr appeared on the reality television show Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew in 2010, to address his methadone addiction at the Pasadena Recovery Center where the show is based from. Starr also participated in the reality spin off of the Celebrity Rehab show, Sober House. Xanax and alcohol were found in the musicians body according to toxicology reports.

Jeff Conaway 

Jeff Conaway, of the 70's hit movie Grease, was also known for playing a recurring role on the 70's hit show Taxi. Conaway was one of the first celebrities of the year to die. Even though details surrounding his death were not directly due to drug abuse, the actor's depleted health stemmed from a long time addiction to substances. He appeared on the show Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew and revealed many of his personal demons while seeking help on the show. Dr. Drew Pinsky said Conaway “was a terribly complex case with chronic pain, opiate addiction and severe childhood trauma..” He died at the age of 60.

Derek Boogaard 

NHL's Derek Boogaard is just one more death too many lost to overdose of deadly drugs like Oxycontin and alcohol. According to the Hennepin County Medical Examiner, Boogaard's death Friday was due to a deadly mixture of alcohol and the lethal pain killer Oxycontin. On May 13, 2011, Boogaard was found dead on May 13^th, 2011 in his Minneapolis apartment by family members. He was found unconscious and not breathing. Minneapolis Fire Department members were the first to arrive, where he was pronounced dead at the scene.

Amy Winehouse 

Amy Winehouse was an English singer-songwriter. Winehouse was widely known to have struggled with alcoholism and addiction issues since first arriving on the music scene in 2003. Her death was in essence a relapse, and further shows how very dangerous the disease of alcoholism is. On July 23^rd 2011, two ambulances were called to Winehouse's home in London. Winehouse was pronounced dead at the scene. The singer died after the resumption of drinking alcohol following a brief period of sobriety. Death by misadventure may be the terminology used, but to many it would be better received and have greater impact to call it more definitively, “death by alcohol poisoning.” Why? Well simply put, words can easily usher those who drink heavily into that perpetual denial they exist in.

Janie Lane

Front man lyricist for the hard rock band Warrant, Janie Lane died on August 10, 2011. Lane was found dead of acute alcohol poisoning at a Comfort Inn hotel in Woodland Hills California. He was 47 years old. Days following the band members death, his sister publicly stated that she felt alcohol played a part in the singers death. Her suspicions proved true when it was later revealed due to an autopsy that alcohol was the main cause for the band members demise.

Sadly this list grows every year. Celebrities that succumb to addiction serve one final service to society, albeit unknowingly, they are the faces of addiction. Proving time and time again that no matter what a person's status, fame or wealth is in life, addiction is blind to it's victims. If you or a loved one is in need of help in South Carolina click on this link for additional help:

South Carolina Depart of Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Services

For those seeking information and support, visit: The Addicted Family

Related articles

• Amy Winehouse's death due to alcohol poisoning
• Will Steven Adler be the next celebrity to succumb to drugs?

Addiction during the holidays

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It is hard for families that have loved ones that are addicted to find much to celebrate about. Between the sleepless nights of worry, the tears and the hopelessness finding joy and happiness during the holidays is difficult. However, it is imperative that families get together during holidays and try to enjoy them regardless. It is also important that addicted family members are dealt with in a way that does not turn out to be another bad memory for all. If you live in South Carolina there is help for your addicted loved one. Please view the link and toll free number for treatment in South Carolina at the bottom of this article. Here are a few tips for the holidays of families dealing with addiction:

Keep things simple- Stress for any family members makes the holidays are hard on everyone, including an addict or recovering addict. Do not plan meals that are elaborate, but keep them simple, have everyone bring a signature dish and contribute. Remind your guests there will be no alcoholic beverages so if they wish, they can bring a non alcoholic punch etc.

No alcohol – Some family members resent that they have to give up a glass of wine during the holidays but an addict is an addict, and any form of addictive substances at a family gathering is a bad idea. Whether the addicted loved one is battling addiction currently or a recovering addict, regardless of the substance of choice, avoid having them at the event.

Plan an intervention- Lets face it, no time is an ideal time for an intervention in the addicts eyes. However holidays provide a unique set of circumstances that have many loved ones around for support and this may be an ideal time to get your addict into treatment. Give it some thought, it may be the only time you can harness in many family members at one time to help.

Find time to express love- Use the holidays as an opportunity to show your love. Many addicts are addicts out of deep seated unhappiness. Rather than to allow an addict the opportunity to delve into any unhappy feelings, reinforce your love for them, and each other. Thanksgiving is a good time to go around the table and have each member say one thing that they love about each family member. Make it a tradition and let those who are struggling know that your love for them never changes. Replacing negative feelings with positive feelings at a family gathering can offset the negativity that often engulfs a family dealing with addiction.

Leave your money and valuables at home- This is unfortunately, a reality in the lives of families with addicts. If you are planning a big family gathering for the holidays and your addicted loved one will be there, you will have to warn others coming to leave money, and anything of value at home. Addicts sometimes slip away from a crowd and will rifle through family members coats and purses looking for money and valuables for drugs and alcohol. If you can't leave such things at home, consider keeping these items on your person at all times. Preferably in a front pocket of your garment.

South Carolina and Rehab Addiction Treatment

Call 1-800-559-9503 for Addiction Treatment Centers in South Carolina

For more information and support for families of addicts and alcoholics, see

The Addicted Family

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• Top five articles on prescription drug addiction
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Tips for recovering alcoholics during the holidays

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The holidays always present a special challenge to many recovering alcoholics. Whether it is family functions, office parties, or special dinners, alcohol is usually not far away. For recovering alcoholics there lies many temptations and it takes a great deal of strength to overcome them. Here are a few tips to help a recovering alcoholic get through the tempting holidays. If you live in South Carolina and would like to attend AA meetings, see the link at the bottom of this article for more information.

1. Avoid parties and social functions where alcohol is served. It seems like a no brainer but the simplest solution to avoiding a relapse is to not place yourself where the danger is.
2. If you have to attend a function where alcohol is being served, bring bottled water, cranberry juice or some other drink from home and nurse it throughout the evening. Most people will see you holding a drink and never pester you about drinking more.
3. Keep in close contact with your sponsor if you currently have one. If you don't this may be the ideal time to get one. Why go it alone?
4. Attend fashionably late, and leave early. The less time you spend around the environment, the better.
5. Travel in pairs. Believe it or not it is a lot easier to stay sober if you attend functions with people who know about your sobriety and will keep you from slipping.
6. Be honest. If you are in a situation that is pressuring you to drink, explain you are a recovering alcoholic and never get into a debate or discussion with someone that is already “three sheets to the wind.” Many times other drinkers will go out of their way to try to get you to fall off the wagon. If this happens, be prepared to leave.
7. Make sober friends and plan holiday activities with them. This is a great way to help you in the process of overcoming alcoholism. Sober, non drinking friends make it easier for you to enjoy your holiday.
8. Keep your cell phone handy and make sure to call for support if you have to.

For Alcoholics Anonymous meetings in your area, see: AA South Carolina

For additional support, and information on alcoholism and addictions, see: The Addicted Family

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Information on Morphine addiction and withdrawals

Image via WikipediaMorphine is used frequently in hospitals, especially in emergency room settings where a patient present in severe pain. In the right controlled setting Morphine like many other pain relievers is an effective drug when treating pain, however, those who obtain the drug illegally quickly become dependent on the drug and are quickly addicted. Morphine is a highly addictive substance. It can cause psychological dependence and physical dependence as well as tolerance, with an addiction potential identical to that of heroin. When used illicitly, a very serious narcotic habit can develop in a matter of weeks, whereas iatrogenic morphine addiction rates have, according to a number of studies, remained nearly constant at one case in 150 to 200 for at least two centuries.[citation needed] In the presence of pain and the other disorders for which morphine is indicated, a combination of psychological and physiological factors tend to prevent true addiction from developing, although physical dependence and tolerance will develop with protracted opioid therapy.

The stages of withdrawal from Morphine are as follows:

 Stage 1: Several hours after last dose, the addict will begin to have drug craving, and increased anxiety.

 Stage 2: By hour 15 since the last dose, an addict will begin showing increased tiredness and yawning,  perspiration,crying, running nose, dysphoria (An emotional state characterized by anxiety, depression, or unease), odd sleep patterns and behaviors.

 Stage 3: Up to one day after last dose, an addict may experience nasal discharge, and an increase in the above listed symptoms additionally, an addict will also have dilated pupils, raised bumps on skin ie: Goosebumps, muscle twitches, hot flashes, cold flashes, aching bones and muscles, loss of appetite and the beginning of intestinal cramping.

 Stage 4: One to 1 1/2 days after last dose, addict may experience an increase in all of the above  mentioned symptoms including severe cramping and involuntary leg movements, loose stools, insomnia, elevation of blood pressure, moderate elevation in body temperature, increase in frequency of breathing, tachycardia (rapid pulse) , restlessness, nausea

 Stage 5: One and a half to three days after last dose addict is likely to experience, an increase in the above listed symptoms, stay or revert to fetal position, vomiting, free and frequent liquid diarrhea,involuntary ejaculation, which is often painful, saturation of bedding materials with bodily fluids, weight loss due to fluid loss, increased white cell count and other blood changes.

 Stage 6: After completion of above: The addict may experience recovery of appetite, and normal bowel functions, may begin the transition to post-acute and chronic symptoms that are mainly psychological. However, there is in some cases an  increased sensitivity to pain, colitis or other gastrointestinal upsets, and high blood pressure related to motility, and problems with weight stability.

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Oxycontin and why it can kill you

Oxycontin is one of the most popular abused substances currently being taken by users today. 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. Unfortunately, like many drugs that enter the marketplace that are supposed to be used to help people manage serious health problems, Oxycontin has become a popular drug to misuse.
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. Many people experiencing pain become addicted to Oxycontin unknowingly and without knowing the ramifications of using this drug in the  long term.

What doe Oxycontin  it look like?
Oxycontin is available in tablet form in 5 doses: 10, 20, 40, 80, and 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 typical way the exterior is removed from the capsule is by shaving it off with a small razor.
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 opiates 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. Long term use can also result in brain damage if the users breathing stops to the point they must be given respiratory assistance. The human brain is not equipped for extended bouts of oxygen deprivation.
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

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Cocaine statistics

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Cocaine Statistics

Cocaine is one of the most addictive and dangerous drugs a user can run across during their lifetime. The reasons are numerous, but the most prevalent would be these statistics below?

• 1 of 4 Americans of the age range 26-34 reportedly have already taken drugs.
• Certain drug prevention resource centers report that around 5,000 adults in America take Cocaine for the first time every day.
• Statistical reports show that around 25 million people have taken Cocaine at least once in their life time. Additional collected various data suggest that there are more than two million cocaine-addicts in the United States.
• Known data suggests that a large amount of cocaine can still be detected anywhere from two to three weeks after use, if the addict does not die from the initial dose.
• More than half of all emergency room visits are linked to Cocaine overdose.
• The number of Cocaine addicts grows at a rate of 60,000 new cases yearly.
• The percentage of drug-users among students over the past 5 years has increased from 2% in the mid 1990's to almost 5% five years later.
• Over 8% of high school students questioned in the early 2000's, revealed that they have already taken Cocaine.
• Men are twice as likely to take Cocaine as women, however these statistics may not include those females in prostitution. The National Drug Control Policy reports that the amount of constant Cocaine addicts is well over 3 million people.
• Young adults between the ages of 18 to 25 are the fastest growing age group using and /or addicted to Cocaine
• The percentage of people who have taken Marijuana before using Cocaine is 90% which is one of the reasons why legalization of Marijuana is up against daunting odds.

Prescription painkiller overdoses: Michigan's statistics

This is a very good article, check it out ...

Top 5 articles on prescription drug addiction

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Valium Addiction

Valium addiction is a serious condition, if you or someone you love lives in the Orangeburg, SC area and need help with this addiction or any other please contact: The William J. McCord Center for help and information on their services. It is recommended that if you live in Columbia SC and your addiction is severe outpatient services may be inadequate in helping you overcome your problem. Seek assistance by visiting: Treatment Centers in South Carolina.

Addiction to Ambien

Ambien, also known generically as zolpidem is a sedative-hypnotic with effects similar to Valium and Xanax. It is most often prescribed to people for short-term treatment of insomnia. Short term insomnia would be for a duration of around 4 weeks. Physicians are always advised to exclude other possible reasons for insomnia that last longer than this time frame. If you live in South Carolina and are experiencing insomnia or sleep deprivation, see: Stress And Insomnia - Restless Legs Syndrome South Carolina for a list of doctors throughout South Carolina that treat Insomnia.

Read on: Addiction to Ambien

Oxycontin and why it can kill you

Oxycontin is one of the most popular abused substances currently being taken by users today. 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. Unfortunately, like many drugs that enter the marketplace that are supposed to be used to help people manage serious health problems, Oxycontin has become a popular drug to misuse.

Read on here: Oxycontin and why it can kill you

Addiction to Klonopin

Klonopin or k-pin is a benzodiazepine drug having anti convulsant, muscle relaxant, and anxiolytic properties. Clonazepam is classified as a high potency benzodiazepine and is sometimes used as a second-line treatment of epilepsy. Clonazepam, like other benzodiazepines, used primarily for treatment for acute seizures, is not suitable for the long-term treatment of seizures due to the patient developing a tolerance to the anti convulsant effects. Clonazepam is also used for the treatment of panic disorder.

Read more here: Addiction to Klonopin

Information on Morphine addiction and withdrawal

Morphine is a highly addictive substance. It can cause psychological dependence and physical dependence as well as cause the user to build up a tolerance. Morphine has an addiction potential identical to that of Heroin. When taken, Morphine becomes a very serious narcotic habit and addiction can develop in a matter of weeks. Read on here: Morphine addiction and withdrawal

For support and information for family members, see: The Addicted Family.

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Addiction to Klonopin

Image via Wikipedia

Klonopin or k-pin is a benzodiazepine drug having anti convulsant, muscle relaxant, and anxiolytic properties. Clonazepam is classified as a high potency benzodiazepine and is sometimes used as a second-line treatment of epilepsy. Clonazepam, like other benzodiazepines, used primarily for treatment for acute seizures, is not suitable for the long-term treatment of seizures due to the patient developing a tolerance to the anti convulsant effects. Clonazepam is also used for the treatment of panic disorder. If you live in South Carolina and are suffering from addiction to Klonopin, see: Klonopin Addiction.

Those most prone to addiction to Klonopin tend to be the elderly. Those aged 65 years and older seem to become the most dependent on this drug. The elderly metabolize benzodiazepines at a vastly slower rate than younger individuals and are  more sensitive to the effects of benzodiazepines. Doses for the elderly are recommended to be about half of that which is given to younger adults and given for no longer 2 to 2 1/2 weeks at the most.
Klonopin  and the elderly
Long-acting benzodiazepines such as clonazepam are not generally recommended for the elderly because of the high risk of drug accumulation. Caution in the elderly: increased risk of impairments, falls and drug accumulation. Individuals and individuals with co morbid psychiatric disorders such as multiple personality disorders, etc are especially in danger of suffering the most ill side effects. Clonazepam is generally not recommended for use in elderly people for insomnia due to its high potency relative to other benzodiazepines. Particularly important especially among the elderly is the withdrawal effects that can be dangerous. Abrupt withdrawal from clonazepam may result in the development of the benzodiazepine withdrawal syndrome causing psychosis characterized by dysphoric manifestations, irritability, aggressiveness, anxiety, and hallucinations. Sudden withdrawal may also induce the potentially life threatening condition status epilepticus. Anti epileptic drugs, benzodiazepines such as clonazepam in particular, should be reduced slowly and gradually before discontinuing the drug to reduce withdrawal effects. Carbamazepine has been used in the treatment of clonazepam withdrawal and has been found to be ineffective in preventing clonazepam withdrawal status epilepticus from occurring, which is important to take into consideration. psychotic manifestations, irritability, aggressiveness, anxiety, and hallucinations. Sudden withdrawal may also induce the potentially life threatening condition status epilepticus.

Anti epileptic drugs, benzodiazepines such as clonazepam in particular, should be reduced slowly and gradually when discontinuing the drug to reduce withdrawal effects. Carbamazepine has been used in the treatment of clonazepam withdrawal and has been found to be somewhat ineffective in preventing clonazepam withdrawal  status epilepticus from occurring. Status epilepticus is a life-threatening condition in which the brain is in a state of persistent seizure. Typically it is defined as one continuous unremitting seizure lasting longer than 30 minutes. Medical attention must be sought immediately for this.

Least dangerous/benign side effects:

Dizziness

Drowsiness

Confusion

Loss of or impaired motor function

Lack of coordination and balance

These side effects are typically experienced when used in the short term.

Side effects when combined with other drugs:

Use of alcohol and other depressants intensifies the general effects of the drug.

Withdrawal dangers:

Klonopin use is especially dangerous when it is used of the drug is abruptly discontinued after long term use. Everyone who continually use Klonopin long term becomes what is known as low dose dependent. Side effects of the drug itself are generally benign, but sudden withdrawal after long-term use can cause severe, even fatal, symptoms.

Symptoms of withdrawal include:

Anxiety

Irritability

Insomnia

Panic Attacks

Tremors

DT’s (Delirium Tremens)

Long term use dangers:

Withdrawal from Klonopin can last from months to a life time. This occurs in those at high risk for dependency. This results because of brain damage which is usually irreversible. Some symptoms include:

Anxiety

Insomnia

Tinnitus

Tingling and numbness in limbs

Muscle pain and tension

Cramps

Weakness

Irritable bowel

Cognitive difficulties

If you suspect you are addicted to Klonopin, or any other drug, see: The Addicted Family for additional support and information.

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• Tips on getting through to an addicted loved one
• Information on Morphine addiction and withdrawal
• Top 5 most dangerous drugs
• When your love isn't enough, how to deal with an addict