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American singer Whitney Houston performing on Good Morning America (Central Park, New York City) on September 1, 2009. (Photo credit: Wikipedia) Los Angeles Coroner's spokesman Craig Harvey announced today that the autopsy report of Whitney Houston concluded that the singer in fact was using cocaine, and that the singer also had heart disease. Death was due to drowning while under the influence of cocaine in the singer's system.
It was widely reported that Ms. Houston had staff members that would not allow the singer to bathe under any circumstances. Now it becomes apparent that the real reason may have been that this "drowning" may have happened in the past. One can also speculate that the singer may have dismissed many of her former aids and assistants because she relapsed.
Image via WikipediaWhile there is a vast amount of information out there on addiction, including televisions shows devoted to helping addicts get clean, there is a great need still for support and help where the family is concerned. Addiction is a family disease/disorder. Families often are caught in a vortex of confusion, pain, fear, shame and guilt when they live within the circle of an addicted loved one. For so many there is a need to protect the addict and a legacy of secrecy is formed.
Families may try desperately to solve the problem on their own with no outside help. Many times to spare themselves and their loved one any embarrassment or shame. However, nothing could be more damaging for the addict or family. This subtle form of enabling may seem an option, but handling something so immense can
rarely be battled without bringing in outside help.
Once this is realized, and help can be gotten for the addicted loved one, what now happens with the family? Families need to address the dynamics of their lives that may have played a part in the addiction. This is no means a blame game, but it is important to identify problem areas that existed. There may be many factors that brought your family and your addicted loved one to this point in their lives. In most families, there is an enabler, an abuser, a user (whether it is drugs, prescription meds, or alcohol), the one in denial, the victim.
In some families there may be one individual that plays several of these roles. Either way, if these members are going to continue to exist in the recovering addicts life, it is imperative that their life changes right along with the addicts, otherwise, the chances of ongoing sobriety is compromised. This why families need support just as much as the addict does. For more information contact: Treatment Solutions Network Family Support
A new study reveals that there is new hope on the horizon for those suffering from heroin addiction. Formerly the usual treatment for addressing addiction to heroin was treatment with methadone or Subutex. These particular treatments mimic the effects a drug user might experience when using Morphine and are also addictive in their own right.
Many recovery programs in fact have been formulated to help the former heroin addict get off of the chemical dependance of methadone. With this risk involved, it was imperative and is imperative that ongoing effects be made to find alternative ways to treat drug addiction. Naltrexone implants are the latest effort in finding a new treatment for heroin dependance and early studies are showing some success.
The new treatment is intended to target those who need to overcome their heroin addiction without resorting to a treatment that has the potential to become addictive as well, (methadone). Naltrexone works completely different from traditional methadone treatments by completely blocking the effect heroin and morphine substances have on the addict. Naltrexone not only blocks the effects of heroin and morphine, but induces a sense of calm in the patient. The blocking effect of this new treatment lessens cravings and physical dependency as well.
Well there are many variable factors that must be taken into account when looking at someone's ability to overcome any addiction. There is a significant risk of relapse for addicts of Heroin and other substances if the following situations are in place:
Returning to the same lifestyle
In almost every recovery process an addict has to make huge changes in their lifestyle. In some cases an addict has to make radical changes which may include disconnecting from old friends, changing jobs, and avoiding or cutting off ties with family members that regularly use drugs, and alcohol. Some addicts choose to move from their homes and/or their state in order to assure their continuing sobriety.
Maintaining friendships with users and dealers
Addicts usually can not maintain friendships with anyone associated with their former life that were directly a part of their descent into addiction. This means friends, partners, dealers, family etc. Continuing connections with these individuals almost always results in a relapse with an addict.
Financial dependance on former enablers
Enablers do almost as much damage as a drug dealer does to the addicts ability to stay clean. Enablers should stick to offering emotional support and encouragement only and can not get back into the enabling role where they support the addict financially. It is too easy for both addict and enabler to slip back into the old habits. Enablers often need counseling themselves to help them come to grips with their very specific reasons that they choose to continue helping an addict in their illness. Many times enablers lack the proper tools and understanding to be able to suddenly quit helping an addict. Enablers are often caught in some sort of addiction themselves to the addict and their lifestyle and cutting off from that addiction for the enabler is often very difficult as well. This is why addiction is referred to as a “family disease.”
Failing to continue with counseling and recovery programs
Once an addict is released from treatment they return to life and leave the safety of a controlled setting. This is where the real challenge begins in their success story. Many addicts will not maintain their sobriety when they stop attending counseling and recovery programs. Add this to a lack of familial support, goals and lifestyle change and you have all the necessary components to assure relapse.
Exposure to old triggers The first six months in an addicts life are the most precarious. Returning to old haunts, passing by familiar stomping grounds, seeing the same friends they got high or drunk with are all known triggers for relapse. Triggers must be avoided at all costs especially early in the recovery. There may be circumstances that force an addict to still encounter certain triggers beyond their control. In these cases it is imperative that the addict have a strong support system and maintain contact and attend meetings and aftercare programs regularly to help them with this problem.
Lack of strong support with family and friends
It can't be said enough, recovering addicts need a strong support system for their success. This may mean a certain amount of sacrifice on everyone's part. Sacrifices may mean avoiding drinking or certain activities yourself that may affect an addicts ability to stay clean and sober. Family gatherings generally have to be alcohol-free, even if your addict has never been an alcoholic, many that relapse simply switch to a new substance to become addicted to.
We live in harsh times, and for children that have to survive these days safely they have to be informed about drugs early in life. While many schools may have anti drug programs implemented, many do not. Let's face it, the once a year "Say No to Drugs" program isn't going to get it. When our youth have to not only face the dangers of drugs on the streets, but often are exposed to them at home, we have to make every effort, every day to protect them from this death sentence of drug addiction.
1. Rally the troops
Get support locally, from your church, your teachers, your neighbors and your family. Have group discussions with your family and the children encouraging everyone to share experiences with the children. 2. Bring it up
Avoiding talking about drugs, or even letting your kid stop you in your tracks with rolled eyes and sighs, is not an option. Whether they realize it or not, by keeping the forum open, you have set the topic free and once they realize you are willing to talk to them and tell them what you know, they will be more likely to open up. 3. Use tools
There are many books, and DVDs on the perils of drug addiction, and use. Watch these with your children and discuss it afterwards. Many libraries have books etc. that you can use to help with your child. If not there are many available online for purchase. 4. Ask Questions
Your child may already know a lot more than you think. Ask questions, pay close attention, sometimes it's what they aren't saying that is the most important. 5. Start early
If you think your children are too young to learn about the dangers of drugs, think again. Most addicts state that they began using and abusing drugs and alcohol by age 12. However there are studies showing that children are beginning much sooner than that in homes where the abuse is already taking place by adults. Why is this relevant to your child? Well these same children go to school with your child and they may introduce your child to drugs even earlier. 6. Get smart
The only way you are going to be really effective in keeping your child safe is when you become educated yourself. Read, research and study all you can. Learn what signs to look for, what symptoms to be on the alert for, and what behaviors can be red flags. If you don't know what you are talking about, it is only a matter of time before your child realizes it, and there goes your credibility. 7. Get real
If you, or a family member is addicted to drugs, whether they are legal prescription medications or not, or if you or a family member has a drinking problem, your child is at a high risk of developing this disease. Protect them at all costs. Many family members that are under the influence abuse children physically, emotionallly, and sexually. 8. Play it safe
Your child will develop a closer relationship to you and be more willing to communicate openly when they feel safe to say what they are thinking and feeling. Getting angry, or talking too much without letting your son/daughter have their say will only discourage them from opening up. They need to know they are safe to talk about anything with you without fear of retribution or punishment. 9. Don't sugar coat
You may feel like softening this topic up for your youngster by saying "drugs are bad, they make you sick," or "you can go to jail for using drugs." However, children can and should know the truth about drugs. Drugs can and will kill, and the only way to be safe is to never start using them. Period. Be blunt, be direct. It's too serious and too deadly to worry about delicate terms and phrases. 10. Get help
If you suspect your child is already abusing drugs and alcohol you must get help NOW. With drug abuse, there may be no tomorrow and so often there isn't. Contact your pediatrician, family doctor, or go to the emergency room if you notice any signs of drug use. The sooner you tackle the problem the better your chances are at being successful.
Do not be fooled, this seemingly safe product is a killer in disguise when taken orally or snorted. One of the latest assaults on our society today is the easily obtainable bath salts which is sold on the market legally.
What are bath salts?
Bath Salts also known as Mephedrone, are manufactured in China and has a very similar chemically to cathinone compounds that are in a plant found in eastern parts of Africa. The effects of using bath salts are very similar to the highs from Methamphetamine and Cocaine. Users routinely crush the tablets and snort the powder from bath salts.
How is it addictive?
The most dangerous aspect of bath salts is the fact that the addiction can happen almost immediately after use. Addiction can happen with the first usage of bath salts. The use of bath salts has been linked to suicide, and can mimic symptoms of mental disorders like Schizophrenia. Users become disoriented, delusional and often hear voices in their head. With continued use, these side effects become more severe and prevalent, putting the user and those around them in danger. One should never assume that bath salts are a mild form of drug, as it is just as dangerous and lethal as any other drug currently found on the streets. In fact because it is readily available in the market place and can be purchased legally, addiction is far easier to come by. Those with an addicted loved one must seek help immediately. Because this is a relatively new “high” it may be a while before public awareness fully takes a hold of this new epidemic.
Bath salt addiction symptoms:
Extreme cravings-
Addiction can be immediate. As such many users suffer from extreme cravings.
Suicidal thoughts – Users are at risk of suicide and accidental death while under the influence o f bath salts. Because of the severe hallucinations that result from this drug, impaired judgment often places the user and family members at risk of death. Many users become suicidal when faced with the reality of their addiction. Violence or aggression – Radical changes in behavior while under the influence of Bath salts often take place and does not exclude violent behavior, psychotic episodes and extreme aggression. Hallucinations – One powerful symptom associated with bath salt use is the disconnect between that which is real and that which is imagined. It is very common for users to hear voices, and in many cases these voices encourage the user to destructive acts against themselves and others. The users also see things that are not there and often interact with these imagined objects, and/or beings. Users also may experience the sensation of being touched, or feeling as though something is crawling all over their body and under the skin.
Insomnia- Many bath salt addicts will suffer from insomnia in part to the other side effects and symptoms mentioned in this article like paranoia, delusions, and hallucinations. Many will not sleep for days due to the distorted realities the bath salt presents.
Rapid heart beat and rise in blood pressure – The effect that bath salts have on the heart and blood pressure can be so extreme that physicians often struggle finding the appropriate sedative dosage to give those in Emergency rooms for their bath salt addiction. Even high doses of sedatives have been ineffective as a treatment for this symptom. In some cases the patient must be anesthetized with general anesthesia medications Fever – It has been reported that some users of bath salts have had fevers racing well beyond 104.
Weight loss – As with most addictive drugs, weight loss is a common side effect and addiction to bath salts often over time result in a dramatic drop in weight.
Paranoia – Users of bath salts often are paranoid of their surroundings and of people much like those suffering from mental disorders, and addicts of other harmful drugs.
Make no mistake, this drug is deadly.
Here are some available resources specific to bath salt addiction:
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American singer Whitney Houston performing on Good Morning America (Central Park, New York City) on September 1, 2009. (Photo credit: Wikipedia) Los Angeles Coroner's spokesman Craig Harvey announced today that the autopsy report of Whitney Houston concluded that the singer in fact was using cocaine, and that the singer also had heart disease. Death was due to drowning while under the influence of cocaine in the singer's system. 
