Tips on getting through to an addict

Image by NYCArthur via Flickr First and foremost, getting through to an addict probably will take more than just your efforts alone to accomplish. An addict can not be reasoned with , and there is no way to “win” an argument with a full blown addict either. Their reasoning is skewed by their addictions, and your reasoning will fall on deaf ears.
This is why so many arguments with an addict yield little benefit to either party. If anything it could spark violence which is another side effect of the disease.

1. There’s strength in numbers- there is a reason professionally assisted interventions work, and that is because an addict has to visually see the impact and pain they have caused, and in some instances there are very important things an addict needs to hear. It may be phrases like “I’m sorry” or “I love you.” Having a professional there to help guide the family and keep everyone focused on the ultimate goal is where the success lies. Get help with your intervention, many family interventions fail because emotions cloud the process and many times the addict will gain the upper hand by using emotional manipulation.

2. Stick to your consequences- Don’t say what you wont or will do as a consequence to an addict unless you mean it. They can see and sense the lack of conviction you have and if you have to have firm resolve. If you make idle threats they will fall on deaf ears. If you’ve made threats in the past and failed to carry them through then don’t expect them to suddenly work now. Words are lost on an addict, real firm consequences that you make stick will say it all.

3. Know the reality of your situation- You aren’t doing yourself or your addicted loved one any favors by staying in a constant state of denial or downplaying their significance and grave danger they are in. Every day that you give support, food, shelter, or money to an addict is a day that you are escorting them to their grave. With addiction, there IS NO TOMORROW. Tomorrow could mean the end. Drugs like Heroin , Cocaine, and Meth can kill an addict at any given time with out warning, addicts do not build up a tolerance to death. That means get help now. Today may be your last chance to save their life and tomorrow may be robbed from you in an instant. If love would be the single factor in getting an addict to quit, there’d be no addicts. Your love can’t make them stop, nor can their love for you make them stop. Sadly an addict becomes blind to love, as their need to feed the addiction grows, their craving for the drugs or alcohol is the most powerful motivating factor. The sober loved one is buried deep within, and is trapped inside begging for sobriety, your love has to be in the actions you take, not in affection or words or financial help.

4. Regain control- Many times you find yourself losing the grasp of the situation with an addicted loved one. Just when you think you’ve made a difference you discover that you have been made a fool of. Gain control of the situation by making sure you are not contributing to the problem. Make sure you do not fall for the manipulations that will be thrown your way. Addicts use guilt, past mistakes, pity and even physical intimidation to get you to succumb to their wants. If your addicted loved one is doing this, it is time to make your move. Contact your local drug rehab programs and get the guidance and help you need. If you have to call the police. A night in jail is a lot better than a night in the morgue. At least you get out of jail.

5. Stop blaming yourself- The longer you blame yourself the more time you waste in making the right decisions for yourself or your loved one. Blame is best overcome when you take positive action in getting the addict off of the drugs and substances that are killing them. We can’t go back and change the past, all we can do is move forward, onward, and upward. No matter what you blame yourself for, it will pale in comparison to the guilt you feel when it is too late.

6. Be prepared to walk away- Sometimes the only way to survive an addicted loved one is when you have to say this is it. This means handing the problem back to the addict and you walking away. It may seem like something you could never do, but there are support groups out there to turn to that can give you the tools and strength you need to stand again and be happy, whether the addict gets sober or not. Two lives can’t perish because of one. That is the ultimate success of addiction, to take as many lives down as possible. Now when it is a child, we can’t “walk away” but we can keep placing them into treatment, and making sure they face the consequences for their actions. If it means jail time, do it. Drug use, buying and selling are all illegal activities. If all else fails, contact your local police department for some advisement in this area. Some police departments have their own “scared straight “ programs that may be just the wake up call your minor may need to snap them into reality.

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Support for addiction in the family

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Loving an addict is painful, there are just no simple ways around the issue. Whether it is your spouse, your child, or a friend, the pain and isolation you feel is overwhelming. For many, the shame associated with having an addict in your family is also a key factor in why so many families wait so long before they actually take the steps to seek treatment. If you suffer from addiction and you live in South Carolina please see: Addiction Treatment Centers in South Carolina.

Traditional means of support might include sharing your story with friends, family and even the family priest, or pastor etc. The courage it takes to actually air ones dirty laundry is immense and in most cases it will be seen that way by those you decide to turn to for support. Pulling outsiders into your own personal shame and hell is not easy and there will be some that will avoid you altogether. Getting people to support you while not judging is even harder to do. Where can one go and simply find help and courage, support and strength? One must first seek support through groups like Narconon, Al-Anon, Alcoholics Anonymous, Codependents Anonymous, and for young people-Alateen .

Fortunately there are many valuable resources online and locally that many can turn to in this difficult time. Loving a person that is addicted to drugs and alcohol is a painful and sad life. Often we feel alone in our pain, our devastation and grief. The grief we feel is second only to what we feel when we lose a loved one, and perhaps the two aren't totally unrelated.

There is pain, fear, denial, anger and hurt. Once you take the action you need to get well yourself, you will heal from within. Once the healing you experience begins to take firm root, resolve becomes the next step. It takes a lot of courage to ask for help, and a lot of courage to find it. Stand strong. Stand firm, and don't give up.

For support and help see:
Narconon Centers
Al Anon Meetings
Alcoholics Anonymous
Co Dependants Anonymous
Alateen
Drug Addiction and Alcohol Support
 
For information and support on various drugs and addiction, see:
The Addicted Family

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• Addicted to chewing and eating ice

Addicted to chewing and eating ice

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Believe it or not, chewing excessive amounts of ice is not only damaging to your teeth, but it also is a real condition called Pagophagia. Pagophagia is a form of pica , and this is the name of this particular type of condition. There are some indications that chewing copious amounts of ice is the result of an iron deficiency called anemia.

Treatment for this type of addiction may be in the form of addressing the iron deficiency. An iron deficiency test can be taken by visiting your doctor and having blood drawn to ascertain the iron levels in your blood. However, if anemia is ruled out then the treatment necessary may involve going to see a specialist in the field of OCD. OCD stands for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and this could be the culprit. Other causes that have been cited for ice chewing and eating including stress.

Chewing ice, while not necessarily life threatening, can have terrible consequences to your teeth and can in some cases crack your teeth causing permanent damage. Addressing the problem early assures you will have a better smile tomorrow. Keep in mind as well, that many people suffering from one form of Pica, often suffer from another so be sure to make sure that you address each and every addiction and/or compulsive behavior you may have to assure you do no long term damage.
For help with your Pica, see: Eating disorder referral

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Addicted to eating corn starch

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If you suffer from addiction and you live in South Carolina please see: Addiction Treatment Centers in South Carolina.

Any time you are addicted to any substance there is usually an underlying issue at hand. When you are addicted to consuming non food items the condition is called Pica.

Pica is a condition marked by the continual eating of non nutritive items and the list is long and varied. Eating disorders like Pica need to be medically addressed, and it is usually a red flag of a deficiency in your bodies delicate mineral balance. If you are addicted to eating corn starch then you certainly need to address the problem with your family doctor who may be able to treat your condition or refer you to a specialist that can help.

 In many cases a person suffers from more than one addiction, even in Pica there is a chance you are eating other items which aren't commonly thought of as appropriate for a diet. Simple blood tests can be examined to see if there is an underlying deficiency that can be addressed. In some Pica cases, the patience addiction or craving leads to intestinal blockages, and serious health consequences.

A person that is engaged in any form of Pica needs to understand that even seemingly non dangerous or toxic items are not always manufactured in sterile conditions, nor are they regulated by the Food and Drug Administration. Many non nutritive items manufactured in factories have impurities and trace contaminates that you may not want in your body.

Some trace contaminants can be insect parts, mice excrement and body parts, traces of chemicals used in pesticides as well as petroleum based products. If your body is subjected to these long enough there could be health issues as a result. For help with your Pica, see: Eating disorder referral

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Dealing with more than one addiction

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If you currently reside in South Carolina, there are many treatment centers that aid in dual addictions like the ones discussed in this article, to find help, do not wait another day, see: Addiction Treatment Centers in South Carolina. Also visit : South Carolina Drug & Alcohol Rehabilitation, SC Alcohol Abuse Treatment Programs and Centers .

It is difficult to deal with one addiction, however when one suffers from a multitude of addictions, it is important to get the right treatment and diagnosis to ensure success. Research shows that there are a high degree of addicts that are suffering from multiple addictions. One report indicates that almost forty percent of all addicts have more than one addiction problem. There are multiple disorders usually occurring as well such as mental disorders. The mental or emotional ailments that frequently co-exist with drug abuse problems are depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorders, along with other psychological conditions like schizophrenia and personality disorders.

In many cases, and addict rarely starts out an addict, but is first a person struggling with a non drug/alcohol related condition. These conditions can be either of a mental, physical, emotional, or psychological nature. To alleviate the symptoms, many opt to self medicate using alcohol, pain killers, or mood altering drugs to help in coping with or relieving some of their condition. There is information on clinics that specialize in dual diagnosis therapy, the number to call is : 1-866-515-5032.

For additional information and support see: The Addicted Family.

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Crystal Meth Addiction

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This article is to provide information for those using or considering using the drug Crystal Meth. Methamphetamine is a powerful central nervous system stimulant. The drug works directly on the brain and spinal cord by interfering with normal neuro transmission. Neurotransmitters are chemical substances naturally produced within nerve cells used to communicate with each other and send messages to influence and regulate our thinking and all other systems throughout the body.

Problems that arise from the use of Crystal Meth include:

1. Paranoia
2. Anxiety
3. Confusion
4. Hallucinations
5. 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.
   
   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

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Detoxing naturally for the recovering alcoholic

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It is so important that a newly recovering alcoholic take care of themselves properly to assure a long sobriety and good health. A natural juice fast is good for the recovering addict. It is recommended that you do a 2 to 3 day juice fast initially.

1. Avoid solid food for two to three days. During this time you can drink as much non alcoholic fluid as you like.
   
2. Light exercise is always recommended, such as swimming, and walking as this process helps to rid the body of the toxins associated with alcohol.
   
3. Drink plenty of freshly squeezed juice. If you can, it is ideal to invest in a juicer and make your own. If possible, natural organic vegetables and fruits are the best. Make sure to wash your fruits and vegetables thoroughly before juicing. There are great juices on the market as well, such as V8, etc.
   

With most fasting and detoxes it is always good to consult with your doctor beforehand. Good luck and for more information on substance abuse and supportive information, see: The Addicted Family.

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Information on the drug LSD

Image via WikipediaLSD can become a  serious matter, and as with all hallucinogens can be dangerous, if you live in South Carolina and know of someone that is in need of treatment, please see: Addiction Treatment Centers in South Carolina. Also visit : South Carolina Drug & Alcohol Rehabilitation, SC Alcohol Abuse Treatment Programs and Centers

What are the street names/slang terms for LSD?

Acid, Doses, Hits, Microdot, Sugar cubes, Tabs, Trips

What exactly is LSD?

LSD is the most common hallucinogen and is one of the most potent mood-changing chemicals. It is manufactured from lysergic acid, which is found in ergot, a fungus that grows on rye and other grains. It is known to induce hallucinations in the user which depending on the dose may have an effect for as long as 72 hours.

What does LSD look like?

LSD is usually found on "blotter" paper (paper that is perforated into small squares). The squares or "tabs" may have be colored or have images printed on them. Liquid LSD is a clear liquid, usually in a small container, tube or flask. LSD can also be found in thin squares of gelatin.

How is LSD used?

LSD is taken orally. Gelatin and liquid can be put in the eyes.

What are LSD's short-term effects?

The effects of LSD are unpredictable. They depend on the amount taken, the user's personality, mood, and expectations, and the surroundings in which the drug is used. The physical effects include dilated pupils, higher body temperature, increased heart rate and blood pressure, sweating, loss of appetite, sleeplessness, dry mouth, and tremors. Sensations and feelings change much more dramatically than the physical signs. The user may feel several different emotions at once or swing rapidly from one emotion to another. If taken in a large enough dose, the drug produces delusions and visual hallucinations. The user's sense of time and self changes. Sensations may seem to "cross over," giving the user the feeling of hearing colors and seeing sounds.These changes can be frightening and can cause panic.

What are LSD's  long-term effects?

Some LSD users experience flashbacks, recurrence of certain aspects of a person's experience without the user having taken the drug again. A flashback occurs suddenly, often without warning, and may occur within a few days or more than a year after LSD use. Most users of LSD voluntarily decrease or stop its use over time. LSD is not considered to be an addicting drug because it does not produce compulsive drug-seeking behavior like cocaine, amphetamines, heroin, alcohol, or nicotine.
Can you die from LSD?
In certain circumstances LSD can cause death from self-injury or recklessness and this is not an uncommon occurrence which still makes this drug a potential danger. LSD is often mixed with amphetamine derivatives, methamphetamine, caffeine, phencyclidine, pseudoephedrine, all of which are cardiotoxic and will kill you thousands of times faster than LSD alone will.

 

For more information on this and other drugs, support, and treatment options see: The Addicted Family.

Residency programs to be accredited by the American Board of Addiction Medicine

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Ten programs accredited by the American Board of Addiction Medicine aim to train physicians from a variety of medical specialties.

About 20 physicians will begin training this summer in the first 10 residency programs to be accredited by the American Board of Addiction Medicine.
The programs are designed to provide doctors from a variety of specialty backgrounds with comprehensive training in the identification and treatment of patients with substance abuse issues.
Ultimately, the ABAM hopes to become a member of the American Board of Medical Specialties and have the residency programs accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education.
For now, the focus is getting the training programs under way, said Kevin Kunz, MD, MPH, president of the ABAM and the ABAM Foundation.
"Addiction medicine is a specialized field of practice open to all physicians from all medical specialties," he said.
Continue reading here: First addiction medicine residencies to begin in July

Mental illness and alcoholism

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It has been suggested for some time that many untreated mental illnesses are a common factor behind alcoholism. Studies often show that many homeless alcoholics fall prey to alcoholism due in an attempt to self medicate or lessen the symptoms of depression and other types of mental illnesses. If you suffer from addiction and you live in South Carolina please see: Addiction Treatment Centers in South Carolina. Also visit : South Carolina Drug & Alcohol Rehabilitation, SC Alcohol Abuse Treatment Programs and Centers

A new report shows that alcohol dependence is four times more likely to occur among adults with mental illness than among adults with no mental illness (9.6-percent versus 2.2-percent).  Based on a nationwide survey conducted by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) the report also shows that the rate of alcohol dependency increases as the severity of the mental illness increases. Read the rest of this article here: Adults With Mental Illness Are Four Times More Likely To Develop Alcohol Dependency Than Adults Without Mental Illness

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Dr. Drew Pinsky discusses the personal anguish of Jeff Conaway

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Many knew of the addictions that Grease star Jeff Conaway struggled with after viewing him on the now well known show “Celebrity Rehab.” However, according to Dr. Drew Pinsky, many did not understand the severity of the childhood trauma Conaway struggled with in his youth. 

 

As reported in People Magazine, Jeff Conaway, who died on Friday at the age of 60, often spoke of his longtime battle with drug and alcohol addiction, he "was a terribly complex case with chronic pain, opiate addiction and severe childhood trauma," says Dr. Drew Pinsky, who had worked with the actor over the past few years. Conaway's family has waived their HIPAA privacy rights, to allow Dr. Pinsky to talk to PEOPLE about Conaway's medical history.
"One of the deeply moving aspects of Jeff's case was the profound trauma he suffered during childhood," says Pinsky. "He described these events on [Celebrity Rehab], but viewers somehow did not really understand the profound, painful grinding quality of what he lived through." It is important for many to know that most addictions of any kind have a root in some sort of trauma relating to the sufferers life. There are few instances where addiction is an isolated occurrence that has no bearing on a past trauma, or many past traumas. Understanding, patience and compassion should be applied before handing out critical harsh judgements.

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The Addicted Family Plight

Loving an addict is a painful existence. Whether it is your spouse, your child, or a friend, the pain and isolation you feel is overwhelming. Sadly, the shame associated with having an addict in your family is also a key factor in why so many families shy away from not onl y sharing their plight, but seeking additional help and support.

Traditional means of support might include seeking advice from friends, family and even the family priest, pastor etc. However, like so many come to realize, the courage it takes to actually air ones dirty laundry is hiding behind the embarrassment, and guilt. Pulling outsiders into your own personal shame and hell is not easy. Getting people to support you while not judging is even harder to do. Where can one go and simply find help and courage, support and strength? One must first seek those things from within.

Continue reading here:
The Addicted Family Plight

How to Identify The Alcoholic In Your Family

Image by mutsmuts via FlickrAlcoholism is an addiction just like any other drug..
When I was growing up, my only concept of an alcoholic was a homeless wino on the street sipping out of a paper bag. Little did I know at the time, how wrong I was. This is my experience with an alcoholic loved one. Usually there is a parent or a relative in the family that is an alcoholic too..


A Family Affair

Most alcoholics come from a long genetic background of alcoholic forefathers. I don't know if I would call it a physical disease or a disease of inheritance. That is for the experts to figure out. I do know that more often than not, you don't have to look far in a family tree to find the link. My alcoholic loved one had a parent that was an alcoholic, and like most suffering from this, a dysfunctional family to boot. If you have an alcoholic with this kind of a background, you will literally feel outnumbered by the past influences, and you are.

A Pattern In the Chaos
In my own opinion the most difficult alcoholic to deal with is what they call the "functioning" alcoholic. These are the ones that continue to remain gainfully employed, continue to conduct their affairs, pay their bills etc. The reason they are so difficult is because they fly under the family radar for years. They usually don't drink every day, but have designated drink time that usually starts on the weekend. It takes a long time before you may feel this is a problem with this individual, and by then, you are well into the pits of hell. Look for the repeated habit of drinking. If they let very little interfere with their drinking ritual this is a red flag. If you notice a big reluctance on their part to "not drink" on these designated days, you will know you are dealing with an alcoholic. You will hear them downplay their addiction with "I only drink on the weekends", and " I just drink to relax after a long hard week", or "I'm not hurting anyone". Early on, they may agree to drink less, but believe me, this is a ploy to get you off of their back. When the weekend arrives, if they have to, they will hide it. Look for this pattern in their behavior.

Pick Your Battles
If you are lucky enough to have sober time with your alcoholic loved one, this may be the only time you have to talk to them on any rational level. Surely you have figured out by now that any argument you have with them over the drinking whilst they are "under the influence" is a waste of time. Not only will they not "hear" you, you also risk verbal assaults, physical assaults and the alcoholic will use the "fight" as an excuse to drink more. Despite seeming to be oblivious to their immediate surroundings, the alcoholic has complete control, over YOU. They know how to manipulate, downplay, wield guilt, and work on your sympathy. Keep in mind, trying to reach them when they are sober is better, but chances are, they will shut you down and out. Functioning "alkies" can always use the fact that they work and take care of their responsibilities as justification and validation that there is nothing wrong with them.

Keeping It in the Closet
You will find that you spend a good deal of time either lying for this person, or making excuses for them. Because you love them you may try your best to protect them from outsiders, and other family members. You suffer silently in this secret world your loved one has imprisoned you in. You find yourself using the same excuses to others that your loved one uses on you. "He's not a drunk, he just likes to relax on the weekends"..You become your alcoholic loved one's enabler and ally. The question is, ultimately are you protecting them? Or are you hiding from reality, because you aren't prepared for what may mean an end? Through the countless arguments you have probably ascertained that this "loved" one will probably not give up drinking for you. Your love, or the loss of your love is no longer a threat to them. They can let go of you, are you prepared to possibly let go of them? Most of the time it's our own inability to let go of the alcoholic that compels us to keep hiding their dirty little secret.

One is the Loneliest Number
Alcoholics, even weekend drinkers, and functional "alkies", will eventually find themselves isolated from their family. They drink alone, and spend hours doing it. They don't seem to mind the withdrawal. They never seem to know the hurt they cause. There is a huge invisible wall between you and them. They chose one side, you have chosen the other. Look for isolation and withdrawal from everyone. Do not be pulled into their world by drinking with them and do not allow them to tell you that "you are pulling away from them". They have pulled away, only its right in front of you. When you are able to get them to come to family functions, you will notice they disappear a lot, are usually seen walking around with some unknown beverage. You will at some point notice they are acting differently. You find yourself whisking them away before they make a scene. Now, you are isolated from everyone too.

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