Addiction to Xanax

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Xanax is the trade name of a drug called alprazolam, originally manufactured by Pfizer. It is currently marketed under the generic name by several companies and the pills come if variety of colors and shapes, depending on which generic company produced it. Xanax is a drug in the benzodiazepine family (others include Valium, Librium, and Restoril) and is used to treat anxiety.

Xanax (alprazolam) is a prescription medication used to treat anxiety and panic disorder. It is part of a group of medications called benzodiazepines. As with other benzodiazepine medications, there is a possibility of becoming addicted to Xanax. Addiction, or "dependence," happens when a person feels like he or she needs to continue to take a medicine, even when no medical need is present.
Addiction to Xanax is more likely if the medicine has been taken daily for a longer time or at higher doses. It is also more likely in people with a history of alcohol or drug addiction. People taking Xanax for panic disorder are usually at a high risk of addiction, since high dosages are often required to control panic disorder symptoms.

A physical dependence commonly occurs as a result of alprazolam treatment, typified by a withdrawal and rebound symptoms necessitating a gradual reduction in dosage to minimize withdrawal effects when discontinuing. Withdrawal symptoms similar in character to those noted with sedative-hypnotics such as alcohol have occurred following discontinuance of benzodiazepines, including alprazolam. The symptoms can range from mild dysphoria and insomnia to a major syndrome that may include anxiety, abdominal pain, muscle cramps, vomiting, depression, sweating, tremors and in rare cases seizures, suicidal ideation or suicide itself.

What Are the Signs of Addiction to Xanax?
When a person is addicted to a medicine, the body is not able to function properly if the medicine is stopped. Withdrawal symptoms can also occur. Symptoms of Xanax withdrawal can include:

    * Panic attacks
    * Seizures
    * Fever
    * Anxiety
    * Tension
    * Depression
    * Insomnia
    * Restlessness or irritability
    * Confusion
    * Sweating
    * Dizziness
    * Personality changes
    * Sensitivity to sound or light
    * Numbness or tingling
    * Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
    * A rapid heartbeat (tachycardia)
    * Heart palpitations
    * Hallucinations
    * Memory loss

If you over dose on Xanax..
Overdoses of alprazolam can be mild to severe depending on how much of the drug is taken and if any other depressants have been taken. Combined overdose with tricyclic antidepressants, alcohol, or opiates, or overdoses of alprazolam in the elderly, significantly increases the likelihood for severe toxicity and possible fatality. Alprazolam (Xanax) overdose reflect the central nervous system depression of the brain and may include one or more of the following symptoms:

    * Somnolence (sleepy state)
    * Hypotension (low blood pressure)
    * Hypoventilation (shallow breathing)
    * Impaired motor functions
      Dizziness
      Impaired balance
      Muscle weakness
      Impaired or absent reflexes
    * Fainting
    * Coma
    * Death

Top 7 most controversial addictions - Columbia Addictions | Examiner.com

If you or a loved one are struggling with addiction and live in Orangeburg, SC, please contact: The William J. McCord Center. The William J. McCord facilty is well equiped to deal with all forms of addiction. For more information about the specific services offered or to schedule an individual appointment, please call (803) 534-2328.
Read more here:
Top 7 most controversial addictions - Columbia Addictions | Examiner.com

Can using Heroin once cause addiction?

Image via WikipediaAnswer: Yes, Heroin is highly addictive and powerful and can be addictive after just one use. Add to that the fact that there are certain people that are predisposed to addiction to begin with and you will most assured become addicted to Heroin. If you have family members that are addicts or alcoholics there is a very good chance you could be predisposed to becoming an addict as well. It doesn't matter what type of addiction it is, if it is prevalent in your family your odds of becoming an addict to any addictive substances is higher.

Also  Read:

Can using Heroin once kill you?

Are Heroin and Cocaine in the same family?

Image via WikipediaHeroin is a depressant drug, with the chemical name, (diacetylmorphine), also known as diamorphine, is a semi-synthetic opioid drug synthesized from morphine, a derivative of the opium poppy. As with other opioids, diacetylmorphine is used as both an analgesic and a recreational drug. Frequent and regular administration is associated with tolerance and physical dependence, which may develop into addiction.

Cocaine is a stimulant drug, with the chemical name, (benzoylmethylecgonine) which  is a crystalline tropane alkaloid that is obtained from the leaves of the coca plant.The name comes from "coca" in addition to the alkaloid suffix -ine, forming cocaine. It is a stimulant of the central nervous system, an appetite suppressant, and a topical anesthetic. Specifically, it is a serotonin–norepinephrine–dopamine re-uptake inhibitor, which mediates functionality of these neurotransmitters as an exogenous catecholamine transporter ligand. Because of the way it affects the mesolimbic reward pathway, cocaine is addictive.

Drugs that are depressant in nature like Heroin, usually have a sedative type of effect, while drugs that are stimulants like Cocaine, cause rapid heartbeat, and hyperactivity. Both of these drugs are derived in part from natural plant sources, which just goes to show that just because something is "natural" does not mean it is safe. Some of the most deadly chemical compositions occur naturally.

A & E show Intervention episode: Michael March 21

Image via WikipediaAiring on March 21 at 9:00 pm Eastern time, A & E's show Intervention will be taking a look at the addict "Michael" as he plummets further into his addiction.  "Michael" is a 52 year old father that began doing drugs after a series of traumatic events. "Michael" has even sunk so low as to enlist the help of his own sons to obtain his drugs and both have become not only his suppliers, but are abusing substances himself. One son stated that he'd rather have his dad high on "all sorts of drugs than to not have any dad at all". Unfortunately this statement only further illustrates  the desperate need "Michael" and his entire family are in  to get clean and sober.
To get the full schedule of shows that have aired so far from season 9, visit: A & E's episode guide.
If you would like to have your loved one considered for participation on Intervention, please complete the form for the show Intervention here. If you are chosen to participate you will be required to sign appropriate releases. Please remember that the person suffering from an addiction cannot know about the possible intervention or offer of treatment in order to ensure the best chances for success.
If you would like to take a look at the intervention specialists and their professional backgrounds you may do so by visiting here.
If you are struggling with an addiction and need help, call 1-800-662-HELP. To see a list of treatment centers that are often used on the series Intervention, see here.
For additional help, information, support and resources visit: The Addicted Family.

Top 5 addiction questions answered

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1. Has Heroin caused more deaths than auto accidents?

Answer:  Well that depends on how this question was intended, if  you mean do more people die from automobile accidents than Heroin, the answer is probably yes. However, to put this into proper perspective first consider this, a greater majority of the population drive cars, so the odds of there being more deaths due to automobile accidents would naturally be higher especially if you take into account also that it is rare that there are ever just one vehicle involved in vehicular accidents resulting in death. However, if there were the same number of Heroin users as there are car drivers, those numbers would probably sky rocket. That doesn't even factor in how many vehicular accidents that may have occurred from someone being high on Heroin.

2. Can using Heroin once kill you?
Answer:  Yes it can, especially if you overdose, which is not uncommon. Heroin can also cause a number of other health/side effects that can have a fatal attack on your system.
For instance, some people have underlying hidden heart problems they are unaware of that using Heroin, even once could cause death.

3. How can you get an addict help if they refuse?
Answer:  If you can not get an addict to accept help, The one thing you can do is refuse to enable their addiction any longer. This means cutting them off financially. No more rides, no more money, zip - zilch. If you find this particular action too hard to do, then you would need to get support for yourself so that you can learn to cut the ties of co dependency. There are various support groups that are specifically formed to deal with the family members of those who are addicted. They offer guidance, and support to help family members make the best decisions and start living for themselves again, whether the addict in their life is there or not. You can not always save an addict, but at some point  you certainly need to save yourself from the grip  they have on your life.

4. Can smoking crack cocaine put you at risk for HIV?
Answer:  People who smoke crack cocaine are at increased risk of becoming infected with HIV — a finding that highlights the need to adopt and to evaluate the use of safe inhalation rooms and safer crack kits, B.C. researchers say.  Some of the reasons for this risk is the users impaired ability to rationally make safe decisions, as well as participating in risky behavior to obtain money for their habit, such as engaging in sexual conduct.

5. Can you get Hepatitis from smoking crack cocaine?

Answer:  Smoking crack can lead to open sores, burns or cuts on the lips, which can transfer blood to a crack pipe. If the pipe is shared, even a speck of infected blood can transmit hepatitis C. Sharing means anything like borrowing, lending, passing on, buying, selling, reusing, receiving or taking any equipment that was used by someone else. Some people do not identify risk with the word “sharing” or when reusing involves a close sexual partner (like a boyfriend or girlfriend).

If you have questions, and need answers visit: The Addicted Family, a website devoted to supportive information and help for addicts and their loved ones.

Has Heroin caused more deaths than auto accidents?

Image via Wikipedia
Well that depends on how this question was intended, if  you mean do more people die from automobile accidents than Heroin, the answer is probably yes.
Image via Wikipedia However, to put this into proper perspective first consider this, a greater majority of the population drive cars, so the odds of there being more deaths due to automobile accidents would naturally be higher especially if you take into account also that it is rare that there are ever just one vehicle involved in vehicular accidents resulting in death. However, if there were the same number of Heroin users as there are car drivers, those numbers would probably sky rocket. That doesn't even factor in how many vehicular accidents that may have occured from someone being high on Heroin.

A & E show Intervention takes a look at the drug GHB

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If you watched this past edition of the Award winning show Intervention on A & E then you saw the story of Tiffany, a former beauty queen turned junkie. This particular episode gave insights into a drug that for many may be unfamiliar, GHB. Because there are very few statistics and studies on this particular drug and it's addictive effects, it is of great importance that it be brought to the public through awareness. Here are the facts currently known about this addictive and potentially deadly substance.


What is GHB?
Gamma Hydroxybutyrate. GHB,also known as liquid X, Georgia home boy, Goop, gamma-oh, and grievous bodily harm, is a central nervous system depressant abused for its ability to produce euphoric and hallucinatory states and its alleged ability to release a growth hormone and stimulate muscle growth. Although GHB was originally considered a safe and "natural" food supplement and was sold in health food stores, the medical community soon became aware that it caused overdoses and other health problems.

What are its short-term effects?
At lower doses, GHB can relieve anxiety and produce relaxation. Combining use with other drugs such as alcohol can result in nausea, loss of muscle control and difficulty breathing. GHB may also produce withdrawal effects, including insomnia, anxiety, tremors, and sweating.


What are its long-term effects?
As the dose increases, the sedative effects may result in sleep and eventual coma or death. Other effects include difficulty thinking, hallucinations, slurred speech, headaches and amnesia. GHB has reportedly been used in cases of date rape. Because GHB is odorless and tasteless, it can be slipped into someone’s drink without detection.

Date rape and GHB

The drug  GHB has been identified as a date rape drug,much the same way as alcohol and potent benzodiazepines, often known colloquially as "Rohypnol", the trade name of a potent hypnotic benzodiazepine, flunitrazepam. It has a salty taste but, as it is colourless and odorless, it has been described as "very easy to add to drinks" that mask the flavor. GHB has been used in cases of drug-related sexual assault, usually when the victim is vulnerable due to intoxication with a sedative, generally alcohol. However it is difficult to establish how often GHB is used to facilitate rape as it is difficult to detect in a urine sample after a day, and many victims may not recall the rape until some time after this.[

GHB, produced as a sodium salt (sodium oxybate), may provide a noticeable salty character to the drink, although individual sensitivity to the taste of salt varies.[ GHB can also be produced as different salts, some of which may not have a taste as distinctive as the sodium salt (e.g., magnesium oxybate), or much less commonly in the unstable free-acid form.

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• Jani Lane's sister suspects alcohol played a part in singer's death (theaddictedfamily.blogspot.com)
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Are you a food addict?

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What is a food addict?
People who are addicted to food tend to display many of the characteristics of addicts and alcoholics. Food addicts develop a physical, mental, emotional craving and chemical addiction to food. The characteristics of food addicts can include:

Food addicts come equally from all age, race, and gender groups. They are overweight, underweight, and some of normal weight.

There are many forms of unhealthy addictions, not all involve chemical substances. Food addiction is a serious illness that has certain criteria that must be met before it can be diagnosed. If you are a food addict, this means it goes far beyond just "loving" food. Here are 20 key questions to ask yourself if you feel you are a food addict:
you can.

1. Have you ever wanted to stop eating and found you just couldn't?
2. Do you think about food or your weight constantly?
3. Do you find yourself attempting one diet or food plan after another, with no lasting success?
4. Do you binge and then "get rid of the binge" through vomiting, exercise, laxatives, or other forms of purging?
5. Do you eat differently in private than you do in front of other people?
6. Has a doctor or family member ever approached you with concern about your eating habits or weight?
7. Do you eat large quantities of food at one time (binge)?
8. Is your weight problem due to your "nibbling" all day long?
9. Do you eat to escape from your feelings?
10. Do you eat when you're not hungry?
11. Have you ever discarded food, only to retrieve and eat it later?
12. Do you eat in secret?
13. Do you fast or severely restrict your food intake?
14. Have you ever stolen other people's food?
15. Have you ever hidden food to make sure you have "enough?"
16. Do you feel driven to exercise excessively to control your weight?
17. Do you obsessively calculate the calories you've burned against the calories you've eaten?
18. Do you frequently feel guilty or ashamed about what you've eaten?
19. Are you waiting for your life to begin "when you lose the weight?"
20. Do you feel hopeless about your relationship with food?

Food addiction can lead to lifelong health issues such as diabetes and heart disease to name a few. If you feel you may be a food addict, you can find additional help and resources by visiting, ACORN Food Dependency Recovery Services.

Can using Heroin once kill you?

Answer: Yes it can, especially if you overdose, which is not uncommon. Heroin can also cause a number of other health/side effects that can have a fatal attack on your system.
For instance, some people have underlying hidden heart problems they are unaware of that using Heroin, even once could cause death. Read: Heroin Information and Heroin statistics for more information.

How can you get an addict help if they refuse?

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Answer: 
If you can not get an addict to accept help, The one thing you can do is refuse to enable their addiction any longer. This means cutting them off financially. No more rides, no more money, zip - zilch. If you find this particular action too hard to do, then you would need to get support for yourself so that you can learn to cut the ties of co dependency. There are various support groups that are specifically formed to deal with the family members of those who are addicted. They offer guidance, and support to help family members make the best decisions and start living for themselves again, whether the addict in their life is there or not. You can not always save an addict, but at some point  you certainly need to save yourself from the grip  they have on your life. That begins with support groups like: ProjectKnow.com, Al Anon,  and Co Dependency Treatment, 
to name a few. Please check them out and understand you deserve to have a happy life, whether your addict does or not.
Good Luck!
~Dawn

Can smoking crack cocaine put you at risk for HIV

 
Image via Wikipedia Answer:
People who smoke crack cocaine are at increased risk of becoming infected with HIV and other diseases — a finding that highlights the need to adopt and to evaluate the use of safe inhalation rooms and safer crack kits, B.C. researchers say.  However there are NO safe crack kits because crack cocaine can be deadly from one hit.  Some of the reasons for this risk is the users impaired ability to rationally make safe decisions, as well as participating in risky behavior to obtain money for their habit, such as engaging in sexual conduct.

Related articles

• Top 5 most dangerous drugs (examiner.com)
• Implant for addiction seems promising (theaddictedfamily.blogspot.com)
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• Addiction to Ambien (theaddictedfamily.blogspot.com)

Upcoming articles on teen addiction forthcoming

The mimic bands the keyword opposite the given earth.

Just a quick post to let readers know we will be doing a series that deals specifically with teen addiction in the near future so please keep your eyes out on it.

Can you get Hepatitis from smoking crack cocaine?

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Answer:
Smoking crack can lead to open sores, burns or cuts on the lips, which can transfer blood to a crack pipe. If the pipe is shared, even a speck of infected blood can transmit hepatitis C. Sharing means anything like borrowing, lending, passing on, buying, selling, reusing, receiving or taking any equipment that was used by someone else. Some people do not identify risk with the word “sharing” or when reusing involves a close sexual partner (like a boyfriend or girlfriend).

Shocking mug shots reveal toll of addiction - Health - Addictions - msnbc.com

The Walking Dead
If you think that drugs have no impact on your body and life, these shocking photographs will show you just what happens as the addictions continue, I introduce to you, "the walking dead"....

Make sure to click on the half photos below the initial photograph on the page to see the next in the series.

Shocking mug shots reveal toll of addiction - Health - Addictions - msnbc.com

Why do addicts refuse help?

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There are a number of reasons an addict refuses to get help, or accept help from others. Unfortunately, the most prevalent reason help is not sought out or accepted is due to the fact the addict is being enabled in their addiction.  This means they are not shouldering the burden of their addiction alone, but distributing it amongst many friends and family. As long as their "problem" isn't entirely their "problem" they have a successful enabling system to help their life work addicted. This is why it is so important that interventions take place. Family and friends often need additional support and tools to learn how to stop the enabling process and give the addict the choice to quit with a list of consequences if they don't. It's finding a way to hand the problem back to the addict. It may involve extreme changes in everyone's thinking, and lifestyle but the sooner an addict realizes his safety net is gone, the chances of him getting the help he needs increases.
Additional reasons may be the addict is self medicating with the use of drugs and alcohol to mask an underlying problem. These problems can be deep seated emotional issues, current physical problems and in some cases mental illness can be the cause. Addicts become addicts because they are very good at being in denial. When the human mind is caught in emotionally traumatic situations, it will try to find defense mechanisms to cope with the trauma. It is different with everyone, but for addicts the coping mechanism initially is denial. Once that mechanism is in place, there is usually a mental breakdown, as the mind can only remain in states of denial for so long before it needs help from an outside source. In walks alcohol, and drugs. Now add to this  guilt, and pain, and you have a perfect recipe for addiction. Most alcoholics and addicts were exposed in their lifetime to alcoholism and addiction, and in some cases they suffered abuse by family members under the influence. This is why the condition breeds out of control. Addiction casts a long shadow over many lives. Lastly, fear could be a major factor in why an addict will not seek or accept help. Remember an addict has forsaken the ability to think and feel rationally and fear of quiting something that has been used to modify feelings, emotions and personal responsibility is a scary thing. Its like giving up a medicine that you are sure is helping you...an addict will think there is much that is sacrificed to "feel" better, but they are certain it is worth it. Many also believe they can quit if they "need" to. Unfortunately they don't have the rationale to realize that "need". There are, with all addicts,  many layers that must be dealt with to really understand and get them on the road to recovery. Friends and family will have to assume the role of doing the thinking for the addict, get them into treatment asap, with or without their cooperation. It may mean getting them arrested, refusing to assist with any more financial support or anything else that has been done to assist them in their life. One thing is for certain, addicts can not stay addicted with out help. They also wont live long with out help. Its what kind of "help" you are going to give them that will make the difference.

A&E's show "Intervention" airing March 7th

Image via WikipediaCable television's  award winning show "Intervention" will be airing March 7th at 9/8 pm central time.
The show will be visiting with the family of "Darick". Once a football player with a bright future, Darick dropped out of school to get married when his girlfriend got pregnant. Darick loved being a father, but when his marriage ended, Darick learned his daughter was not his biological child, and he was denied all contact with her. Devastated, Darick turned to drugs. Having already lost one family member to addiction, Darick's close-knit family is enabling his habit. They fear that if they don't, they'll bury Darick, too. This episode will air March 7th at 8 pm eastern time, and 12 am March 8th eastern time.

If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, A and E's Intervention show works with treatment and recovery centers throughout the United States and Canada. If you would like to seek help through the show, contact the show's producers here.

For ways you can make a change in peoples lives that are struggling with life's hardest lessons, see: A & E's Project Recovery to donate to a cause. For every pledge made, A & E will donate $1.00 to the charity of your choice. 

For additional  information, resources and support, visit The Addicted Family.

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Drunk driver cuts life short of elderly couple

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Interstate 95 has seen its share of fatal accidents in South Carolina. For one elderly couple, sadly they are now a part of that equation.  74 year old Philip Lavoie and his wife, 70 year old Elaine Lavoie were struck by a 1992 Ford Mustang that was trying to change lanes on the interstate Sunday. The elderly couple's Chevy Suburban was run off the road where it collided into a tree, causing multiple injuries to both occupants. Both were wearing their seat belts at the time of the accident. It is imperative though, that citizens continue to wear seatbelts as the odds of surviving a collision are greatly improved by following this life saving practice.
The driver of the Mustang, Christopher Gregg, aged 34 of Smyma, Delaware was not injured. He has been charged with two counts of felony driving under the influence causing death. If convicted each count will carry a sentence of 25 years.
Mr. Lavoie was a running back in the 1950's for the University of South Carolina.
For information on statistics involving drunk driving in South Carolina, visit: South Carolina Drunk Driving Statistics.

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For more information on South Carolina see: South Carolina in the News.

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