Could your depressed teen turn to drugs?

A NIDA educational pamphlet. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
If you have a teenager that is struggling with depression, be forewarned there is a good chance your teen could seek drug use as a means to self medicate. While some parents may believe alcohol consumption and drugs are a rite of passage for many teenagers, those teens that suffer from mental distress are more likely to become addicted to alcohol and mood altering drugs. Once these drugs are used there is a great risk of a lifelong addiction.

"An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure" is an old saying that rings true with depression, teens and drug use. If you notice that your teen is showing signs of depression the sooner you get them treated by a qualified medical professional the better your chances will be at steering your teen away from drug abuse and a lifelong drug dependency on alcohol and other drugs.

Become educated with the reality of depression and do not assume your teens prolonged depression is something your teen can just "snap out of." Clinical Depression is an illness of the brain that is measurable and usually the result of factors like heredity, chemical imbalances and childhood trauma.

New one month shot for addiction approved by the FDA, shows promise

Logo of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (2006) (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

This is a once a month shot that is reported to be a great help to those addicts currently struggling with various addictions. The drug is also available as a 6 month implant for a latter phase in the overall treatment of the addict.

The name of the drug is called Vivitrol and reportedly assists an addict by blocking the “high” the user gets if they have a relapse. This is particularly good news for those who have a high risk of relapse due to being unable to remove themselves entirely from former triggers that often are responsible for relapse.

The drug was tested years ago in a pill form with no real measurable success due to the fact the users were not remembering, or opting not to take the pill. This caused scientists to go back to the drawing board to find a better alternative. Alkermis, Inc. created a longer lasting version to the original pill. A recent study tested this new approach on over 200 opioid addicts in Russia and results revealed that over half of the participants stuck with the therapy during the 6 month trial.

Long term recovery for addicts

It's about getting through today....

There are many milestones in addiction. It may be easy to become overwhelmed when an addict in recovery looks at life without addiction for days, weeks, months and years. However, the best way to deal with sobriety is to worry about today.

That doesn't mean forgetting about your struggle, or that there won't be challenges ahead, but getting through one day at a time, is the big achievement for an addict in recovery. Don't get caught up in the the fact that you are giving up your 3 six packs a day of beer, or your "x" amount of hits a day. All you have to do is stay clean "today."

It may seem over-simplified, but that is the goal. At the end of each day, you've survived, and you did it, one step at a time, which is better than never taking any steps at all.

Families, keep your addicted loved one that is in recovery focused on getting through each day, not the week or the month of the year. Focus on the now. Today they are sober, when tomorrow comes, we start again, and the longer you stay sober, the better your chances are at a full and long sober life.

One thing that also bears mentioning. Many addicts don't realize just how quickly the quality of their life starts changing once they become clean and sober.

True story: A crack addict and alcoholic went into treatment. Within two weeks of exiting treatment was able to purchase a new truck, return to work, and within two years bought a new home.

Now this may not be typical for everyone, but it just goes to show how fast your life can improve when you are able to look at it clean.

The biggest gift of staying clean is that you family can finally love you, and you can receive and feel it. You're no longer a slave to the craving, and you can feel again.



 





 

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Addiction help and support for families still needed

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

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• The amount of gray matter you have plays a role in addiction

Questions from our readers: What are the statistics for overcoming Heroin addiction?

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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:

1. 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.
   
   
2. 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.
   
   
3. 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.”
   
   
4. 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.
   
   
5. 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. 
    
   
6. 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.

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Suboxone treatment for addiction to opiates

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There is a drug being administered for the treatment of many addictive pain killers that has some promise. This drug is Suboxone (buprenorphine and naloxone). Traditionally in the past many drugs used to treat addiction to opiates were harsh themselves such as methodone, and ultimately result in a new addiction that must be dealt with. Those living in South Carolina currently addicted to opiates should know there are a wide variety of treatment centers available, see the *links at the bottom of this article for more information.

Suboxone appears to be different in this regard because it has what is referred to as a built in “ceiling effect” which simply means that even if the drugs dosage is increased, it will not improve the effects which make it very difficult if not impossible to become addicted to. Overdoses that are typically seen that are associated with this treatment are due to the patients use of multiple drug intoxication.

Suboxone competes with heroin or opiate painkillers for the same receptors in the brain, alleviating the withdrawal symptoms without producing a “high.” Additionally, there is some evidence to suggest that buprenorphine is effective as an antidepressant. Suboxone comes in both pill and film form and is available by prescription only. Some side effects of the drug are drowsiness, vomitting and respiratory depression. For more information on this treatment, see: Suboxone.
*South Carolina Rehab Information

Related articles by this author:

• A & E's show Intervention takes a look at Norco addiction 
• Recovering addicts and depression during the holidays 
• Addiction to Klonopin 
• Top five articles on prescription drug addiction 

A & E's Show Intervention takes a look at Norco addiction

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Recently the drug Norco was featured on an episode of A & E's popular show Intervention. In this episode,a young addict named Christina was not only addicted to Norco but also crystal meth. Many may not be familiar with the drug Norco referenced in this episode but it is classified as a narcotic pain reliever. Norco contains a combination of acetominephen and hydrocodone, and is subject to abuse if taken inappropriately.

Norco is also known as the following, Anexsia, Co-Gesic, Hycet, Liquicet, Lorcet, Lorcet Plus, Lortab, Maxidone, Norco, Polygesic, Stagesic, Vicodin, Xodol, Zamicet, Zolvit, Zydone. Norco is for moderate to severe pain.

The acetominephen in the drug alone is not a very powerful painkiller however, when combined with hydrocodone it has the ability of increasing the hydrocodones effect. Norco contains the highest dose of Hydrocodone and the lowest dose of acetaminophen.

Prolonged or inappropriate use of Norco can cause physical dependence, and tolerance to the drug can develop. Norco can cause side effects that impair reactions and thought processes. Care should be taken when driving or performing other tasks that require you to be alert. Norco can pass through breast milk and may be harmful to fetuses. The opiate can cause addiction, withdrawal and breathing problems in newborn babies.

A & E Follow Up: Christina

Related articles by this author?

• Recovering addicts and depression during the holidays 
• Handling the holidays with an addicted family member 
• Will Steven Adler be the next celebrity to succumb to drugs? 

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.

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• 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.

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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

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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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• What is a functioning alcoholic?
• Tips for recovering alcoholics during the holidays

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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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.

Addiction to Klonopin

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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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• Addiction to Ambien
• 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

Addiction to inhalants

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Addiction to inhalants

All too often addiction to inhalants becomes overshadowed by other drugs like meth and crack cocaine. However, inhalants are just as deadly and even scarier, because they are easier to obtain due to the fact many are sold in many retail stores for other purposes. If you live in South Carolina and are suffering from inhalant abuse, or have a loved one suffering see: State Rehab Information - South Carolina

What are inhalants?

Inhalants are a broad range of drugs whose volatile vapors are taken in via the nose and trachea. Most inhalant drugs that are used non-medically are ingredients in household or industrial chemical products that are not intended to be concentrated and inhaled. A small number of recreational inhalant drugs are pharmaceutical products that are used illicitly.

Categories of inhalants - volatile solvents, aerosols, gases, and nitrites

Side effects of using inhalants

Short term adverse side effects of abusing inhalants include dilated pupils, palpitations, breathing difficulties, disorientation, headaches, nausea and a chemical smell on the breath. In extreme cases they can include death from suffocation or heart failure, as well as vivid hallucinations and a tingling sensation in the extremities.

Long term side effects of using inhalants

• Bone marrow injury

• Heart damage

• Lung damage

• Liver damage and/or cirrhosis

• Kidney damage

• nerve cell damage

• Brain shrinkage
   
  
• Addiction and tolerance
  
  
• Withdrawal
   
• severe weight loss
   
• Muscle weakness
   
• confusion
  
  
• lack of concentration
   
• Poor coordination
   
• Irregular or rapid heart palpitations
  
  
• Irritability
   
• Depression
   
• Reduced ability to make rational decisions 
   
• Dementia
  
  
• Lost sense of touch
   
• Deafness
   
• Blindness
   
• Reproductive complications

Sudden Sniffing Death Syndrome:

Sudden Sniffing Death Syndrome is the result of someone (usually a youth) sniffing inhalants. While it can occur with any variety of Inhalants, it has been reported largely due to the abuse of air conditioning coolant, butane, propane, and the chemicals in some aerosol products as well. Sudden Sniffing Death Syndrome can and does result in sudden cardiac arrest. The Inhalant causes the heart to beat rapidly and erratically, thus causing cardiac arrest in the user.

Related articles

• Will Steven Adler be the next celebrity to succumb to drugs?
• Addiction to Ambien
• Morphine Abuse and Treatment

Morphine Abuse and Treatment

Morphine is an opiate drug used to treat severe pain. It is generally not prescribed to patients outside of a hospital setting because of the fact that, morphine is highly addictive, even in small doses. Morphine is used for the relief of both short-term and long-term pain, in a medical setting, morphine is used to treat:

• Extreme pain relief
• Pre-surgery anesthesia
• Severe cough relief
• Chronic diarrhea
• Shortness of breath

Morphine exists as white silky crystals, cubical masses of crystals or white crystalline powder. It is soluble in water and slightly soluble in alcohol. As with any addiction, if an addict wants morphine, there are a number of ways to get to it, most of them are illegal. Warning signs of that you or someone you care for may be abusing morphine are:

• Blurred vision
• Double vision
• Involuntary eye movement
• Slurred speech, fainting or uncoordinated muscle movements
• Tremors or seizures
• Memory loss
• Hallucinations, abnormal thinking or exaggerated sense of well being
• Extreme agitation

Although it may be difficult to think about what it would be like to confront a family member about addiction, it is even more difficult to bury that loved one: morphine addiction can kill any addict from the health risks involved. Morphine makes you a different person, and that person is not warm, funny or safe. While morphine can initially make you feel more pleasant, the effects quickly wear off. Besides the dangerous effects morphine has on your body, withdrawals or even high doses can make you anxious, irritable, angry, violent or even psychotic. Identifying morphine abuse is just the first step, the next step is getting treatment and to a safe place.

Questions to Ask a Morphine Rehabilitation Center

Most people who call with questions initially focus the services and therapy strategies offered by the morphine rehab center. The following are some questions on this topic to help get you started:

• Before I come to your center, do you conduct a preliminary assessment or evaluation to get a better understanding of my needs?
• Do you provide detox services, and are they medically supervised?
• Do you offer medication as part of treatment, if appropriate?
• Do you have a primary philosophy that you work with, such as 12-step or faith-based?
• What types of therapies do you offer, such motivational counseling and cognitive or behavioral therapies?
• How is the treatment plan developed?
• What does an average therapy day/week look like?
• Do you allocate time in the treatment plan for group and individual therapy, education sessions, opportunities for reflection and support groups?
• Do you provide services related to addiction, such as treatment for co-occurring mental illness or social, vocational or legal services?
• How often do you assess an individual’s treatment plan to ensure it meets changing needs?
• What are some of the ways that you encourage people to stay in treatment long enough to increase their chance for success?

These questions serve as a good start for your investigation of a morphine rehabilitation center. Learn more about morphine abuse at Morphine Addiction Help.

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