Ozzy Osbourne still fighting drugs and alcohol

Ozzy Osbourne (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

For those struggling with alcohol and addiction, know you're not alone when it comes to the very real threat of relapse. Ozzy Osbourne of Black Sabbath, still fights the fight every day and recently publicly stated that he did have a year and a half long relapse with drugs and alcohol.

This family certainly has had its recent problems but all the money and success are no guarantee that sobriety lasts forever.

What does need to last forever is the determination and commitment to get back on the sober path of the addict. Amid recent rumors that Sharon was divorcing Ozzy Osbourne, Ozzy publicly stated that he was sorry to his family for his recent relapse and made sure he set the record straight that he and his wife Sharon Osbourne were not "divorcing."

 We wish him success in his efforts and may his family receive continued support along the way to help them too.

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.

Actor/Comedian Russell Brand speaks to British Government on drug addiction

Russell Brand (Image via RottenTomatoes.com)

While many celebrities battle addiction with a public sometimes only hearing about their problem after they are deceased, some like Russell Brand do come forward and share their insights. Tuesday,
Russell Brand told the British government his thoughts and feelings on addiction. As a former heroin addict that has been arrested numerous times, Brand stated that addiction should not be treated as a criminal issue but as an illness.

Citing psychological, spiritual and emotional problems as the cause for his own addiction, Brand pressed the issue that once a person is an addict the “status” of the drug is irrelevant to the user and that the only real help is “abstinence-based treatments” for addicts. "If you have the illness or disease of addiction or alcoholism, the best way to tackle it is not use drugs in any form whether it's state-sponsored opus like methadone or illegal street drugs," Brand said.

Whether you're a fan of Russell Brand or not it is very hard to argue the logic behind his words and the fact that he is stepping forward to try and effect positive change for addiction is always a good and needed thing. 

Celebrities are not obliged to come forward and tell their story, nor are they obliged to go to the government on their own time to help with the problem of addiction. When they use their celebrity status in a positive way, we as a society should always be happy to listen, Kudos to Mr. Brand. We appreciate your coming forward and sharing your personal stories and insights. Those who have been addicted are the best ones to help find the answers. Their perspective is a true one based on experience, and their on going efforts to be sober are an inspiration to those hoping to one day, be on that side of the fence again..living sober.

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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

Related articles

• Does an addict choose to be addicted?
• Suboxone treatment for addiction to opiates
• Bath Salt Addiction and why it can kill you
• Ways to keep your kids from falling prey to drugs and alcohol
• The amount of gray matter you have plays a role in addiction

New study shows promise in treating heroin addiction

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Black Tar Heroin

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.

To read more on the studies involving using this new treatment see: Promising Treatment for Heroin Dependency

Related articles

• Suboxone treatment for addiction to opiates
• Bath Salt Addiction and why it can kill you
• Does an addict choose to be addicted?

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.

Related articles

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• Ways to keep your kids from falling prey to drugs and alcohol
• Suboxone treatment for addiction to opiates
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• Christmas gifts for recovering addicts

Bath Salt Addiction and why it can kill you

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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:

Crisis counselor: 1-800-207-7598

Free: Online Assessment

Solutions Recovery's 24-Hour Addiction Helpline at: 1-800-771-8599

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

Whitney Houston: Another celebrity tragedy

Image via WikipediaIt can not be stated often enough, that an addict can fall prey to prescription drugs just as easy as any other street drugs.  In the right dosage, that which is meant to heal can also be a poison.

Dr. Drew Pinsky stated passionately on CNN how important it is for those recently in treatment as Whitney Houston was, to abstain from alcohol which witnesses claim to have seen the songstress drinking just prior to her untimely death.

Dr. Pinsky reiterated that an addict is never "cured" of the illness, and  once a person meets the criteria needed to be admitted into treatment for drug abuse, they can never drink, smoke, inject or use any chemical that alters the mind. Period.
There seems to be a misconception out there about what a recovering addict can and cannot do in terms of lifestyle choices once they complete treatment. The truth is, once an addict, you are an addict for life. Why?  There is an actual condition of the brain that will cause an addict to become addicted to any chemical substance they use. See: The Amount of gray matter your brain has plays a role in addiction

Other related articles:

• Celebrities that paid the price of addiction in 2011 
• Does an addict choose to be addicted? 
• Top five articles on prescription drug addiction 

Addicts and choices

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The popular television show, Intervention took a look recently at the story of Suzon and uncovered a supermom turned crack addict. Through out the show we saw Suzon struggle with addiction, and with different family members. In one segment of the show Suzon's mother made a statement that needs taking a look at, where she confronts Suzon by telling her she is "choosing" drugs over her mother, and her family.

An addict chooses?
To clarify for those who do not understand addiction, an addict, only makes one bad choice deliberately, and that was the first time they chose to do drugs. Once addicted there is no choice. The definition of addiction: a compulsive physiological and psychological need for a habit-forming substance. Notice there is no mention of choices. It does not define addiction as: when a user chooses drugs instead of all things. To have a choice is to have control. Addiction strips the user of the control.  To have a choice, is to not be addicted. Addiction in itself eliminates options like "choices" and this is what family and friends must understand. Their addicted loved one made one bad choice, the addiction took over  from that point and now the addict can no longer have control over the impulse, the physical craving.

Guilt strengthens addiction
Making the addict feel guilty by telling them they are choosing drugs over their family is likely only to make the addict feel worse which then in turn makes them crave the drug more so that they can escape the bad feelings they have over the guilt. It is more important at this stage for the family to make the choices that must be made, and that is Intervention. Once an addict is clean they will naturally feel all the guilt and hurt they hid from. It is far better they deal with it sober than still under the addiction's grasp. If you need to, take the most drastic steps necessary. This may include having your addict arrested.

The choice is yours
If you love your addicted family member there is the ability to control what happens in your life and the life of the addict if you are prepared to make the changes that might have to come about. This means choosing an intervention, offering consequences for the addicts refusal and taking control over your own issues. Suzon's mother was a clear case of co-dependency and seeking help for herself was the best choice she could have made.  If you, as the family or friend of the addict is willing to make these choices, you have the control to shape what happens in the future for all concerned. Seek help, get support, become informed about what addiction really is, and understand that addiction is not addiction until the ability to choose has been taken away from the user. Drugs are like that jealous, abusive, selfish lover, promising all things wonderful in the beginning, but in reality, they isolate, numb, demand exclusivity, ruin outside relationships and kill both the spirit and the soul of the other person.

Related articles by the author:

• A & E's show Intervention takes a look at Norco addiction 
• Handling the holidays with an addicted family member 
• Suboxone treatment for addiction to opiates 

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 
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• 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 
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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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• Celebrities that paid the price of addiction in 2011
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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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• Addiction to Klonopin
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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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• Alcohol's effect on the body
• Amy Winehouse's death due to alcohol poisoning
• Harry Potter star opens up about alcoholism
• Mental illness and alcoholism

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.