Prescription Drug Addiction Treatment

Prescription drugs can be very effective in treating certain conditions, however they are often abused by users for non-medical reasons. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, it is estimated that roughly 20% of people in the United States have taken painkillers for recreational or self-medicating purposes. There are hundreds of different prescription drugs on the market today that can be abused by prescription drug addicts, ranging from stimulants to sedatives, and including brand names such as OxyContin, Vicodin, Adderall and Xanax. In the past couple of decades, it has become increasingly easier to obtain pills without a prescription, especially with the advent of online pharmacies that will ship prescription drugs right to your door.

There are a variety of reasons why people take prescription drugs. Painkillers such as hydrocodone are used to treat physical trauma and injury, whereas benzodiazepines are used for patients with anxiety, and stimulants that include methamphetamine can be used to treat attention deficit disorders. Although patients suffering from certain conditions can benefit from taking certain prescription drug addicts, they are often abused for their intoxicating effects. Prescription drug addiction has become an increasingly serious problem in recent years, and thousands of people check into drug rehab treatment each year to treat their diseases of addiction.

In addition to their properties for treating pain and certain mental or emotional disorders, many prescription drugs also have side effects of euphoria, which is why drug addicts often abuse them. High-strength painkillers especially can induce feelings of ease and contentment when abused. Amphetamines, on the other hand, can give the user feelings of increased energy and alertness, similar to using cocaine or crystal meth. Prescription drug addiction is rampant in today's society, and it can often lead to the abuse of harder narcotics such as heroin when painkillers become too expensive.

In some situations, taking prescription drugs in order to treat certain conditions can lead to drug abuse, and eventually addiction. Although it may not be the intention of the patient to become hooked on prescription drugs, they often succumb to the addictive and euphoric qualities of the drugs and develop a prescription drug addiction. In these situations, prescription drug addicts may not be able to quit on their own and might require drug rehab treatment in order to get clean.

Rehab has proven to effectively addictions to prescription drugs, alcohol, narcotics and other substances, and it is often the best way to get sober and stay sober for many addicts. Drug addiction can easily take control of one's life, leading to numerous problems involving their work, relationships and financial affairs. Addiction is a disease, and when someone is in the throes of a serious drug addiction, they become focused on one thing and one thing only: getting high and staying high. It can be sad, painful and stressful to watch the ones you love be addicted to drugs or alcohol, and sometimes they need help in order to get better. It can be extremely difficult to get through to a drug addict or alcoholic, and often times drug treatment professionals are the best persons for this job. If you are suffering from a drug addiction, or you feel that someone you know may have a problem with drugs or alcohol, contacting a licensed rehab professional may the best thing you can do in order to save your life or the life of one you love and care about. 

FDA Panel Votes Against Pure Hydrocodone

Hydrocodone is one of the most widely abused painkillers on the market. It is prescribed to patients with moderate to severe chronic pain. In addition to its pain-killing properties, it also gives users feelings of euphoria. Hydrocodone is an opioid derived from the poppy plant, and is sold by prescription as OxyContin, Vicodin, and other brand names. Prescription painkillers can be extremely habit-forming, and millions of people have painkiller addictions to drugs such as OxyContin. Although hydrocodone can be effective in treating patients who have undergone surgery or suffer from some other physical trauma, many people develop drug addictions to these potent painkillers and abuse them on a regular basis.

In December of 2012, an FDA panel of government health experts voted against the approval of a stronger version of hydrocodone. They determined that even though the more potent form of the painkiller could effectively reduce pain in patients that were prescribed the drug, it could also worsen the nationwide epidemic of painkiller addiction. It is estimated that roughly 10% of the US population is addicted to painkillers such as hydrocodone. In 2008, more than 15,000 Americans died from opioid overdose. Drug addicts that use painkillers often mix them with alcohol or other drugs as well, which can be a deadly combination of substances.

The FDA panel voted almost unanimously against Zohydro, the newer and stronger form of hydrocodone manufactured by Zogenix, Inc. Drug addiction and drug abuse were among the main reasons in the decision against the painkiller, based on studies and research conducted by medical professionals. It is estimated that 25% of individuals that are placed on opioid medication will eventually develop an addiction. Even when patients are prescribed painkillers such as Vicodin, Codeine or OxyContin legally, they can easily become addicted to the painkillers. Once their prescription runs out, they may be forced to buy the drugs illicitly in order to support their habit.

Prescription painkiller addiction has been referred to as a national epidemic, and it often stems from legal use with a prescription from a doctor. When drug users cannot get a proper prescription, they will buy drugs illegally on the street, forge prescriptions or even resort to theft in order to procure the drugs. Prescription painkiller abuse often leads to heroin addiction, since it can be easier to buy heroin illegally than obtain a prescription and buy painkillers legally through a doctor.

The science of prescription medications is always advancing, and new drugs are constantly flooding the market. It is important to have panels of health experts vote on the validity of such drugs in order to protect the overall well-being of the general population. OxyContin is basically synthetic heroin, and to develop a drug even more potent could be dangerous. Medical companies are already working on creating a timed released form of hydrocodone in order to curb the rampant abuse of the drug. Currently, drug addicts can simply crush up pills and snort, smoke or inject them in order to get a big high all at once. With a time-release mechanism, this could be prevented and keep the drugs as their intended use of medication for pain.

Drug treatment and drug rehab are very effective for individuals that suffer from addiction, and going to a treatment center can sometimes make the difference between life and death for some addicts. Recovery and sober living are attainable for anyone out there with real intentions to turn their lives around and get clean. Painkiller addiction affects millions of lives, and with drug treatment there is a way to get past it and lead a healthy life. 

What are the Keys to Drug and Alcohol Recovery?

Drug addiction and alcoholism are more than just mere problems or bad habits. They are diseases that can take control of lives when drug use and abuse start to increase and become a regular everyday occurrence. Drug and alcohol addiction usually begin with recreational use. Partying on the weekends and getting high or drinking with friends may seem like normal activities for young adults and teens, until use begins to increase. Once an individual starts to take or drink more and more to achieve the same effect as when they started, they begin to develop tolerance and dependence, which ultimately lead to addiction.

Alcoholics and drug addicts become so used to being intoxicated that their body and mind crave the substances and need them in order to function normally. Without drugs or alcohol, they will go through withdrawal. Withdrawal symptoms can range from mild to severe, depending on the amount of drugs or alcohol being consumed. Symptoms include anxiety, depression, sleeplessness, irritability, sweating, shaking and even seizures which can lead to cardiac arrest. With certain substances, especially alcohol, withdrawal can be fatal if the symptoms are not properly treated by medical professionals. When individuals suffering from alcoholism or drug addiction want to get sober, drug rehab and alcohol rehab are most often the best solutions for treating their disease. In a controlled environment, recovering addicts can be monitored and treated with certain medications that will soften their withdrawal symptoms and potentially save their lives.

Although drug rehab and alcohol rehab can be extremely effective in treating the diseases of drug and alcohol addiction, it's up to the addict to commit to their recovery. If they do not have a serious desire to get clean in order to better their lives, and they feel that they are there only because they have to be, they will most likely not have a successful recovery. Even if they never take drugs or drink again, recovery is a physical, mental and emotional process that must be taken seriously in order to work. There are various methods for treating patients in alcohol recovery and drug recovery, such as group therapy, one-on-one assessments with treatment professionals, and psychiatric studies that are meant to get at the root of the issues that led to addiction in the first place.

Most addicts take drugs and alcohol to self-medicate for some deep underlying traumatic experiences or stress-inducing situations in their life. They may not realize that they are trying to numb themselves and forget the issues that are driving their addiction. When in rehab, treatment professionals will work with recovering addicts to uncover these issues, open them up, and teach patients how to deal with them in a healthy fashion, without taking drugs or alcohol. It's important that drug addicts and alcoholics in recovery fully participate in this process, otherwise they will not get all they can from treatment and learn how to effectively deal with the problems in their life without taking drugs or alcohol.

Another key to drug and alcohol recovery is sticking to a healthy routine and using the tools learned during treatment to deal with life's problems after leaving the facility. Drug rehab and alcohol rehab are not easy fixes to addiction. Alcohol and drug addiction are incurable diseases, but they can be treated. Upon leaving treatment, it's up to the individual to stick to their sobriety, resist the temptations of drug and alcohol, and stay focused on their recovery. This may require a lot of changes. Some recovering addicts may have to find new jobs, new friends, and new places to hang out that do not involve drugs and alcohol. It may seem hard at first, but in the long run, they are minor changes in the lifetime recovery of an alcoholic or addict. 

Dual Diagnosis Treatment Facility

Dual diagnosis refers to someone who has both a drug/alcohol addiction and a mental illness. In recent years, many studies have been done in attempt to further the knowledge and reasoning towards co-occurring diseases. Because of the way the two diseases – drug addiction and a psychological disorder – interact with each other, it can be challenging to determine which symptoms are caused by which disease. Drug use may mask the symptoms of a mental illness, such as schizophrenia, or mental illness can cause drug use symptoms to become less intense or altered in some way. These studies have shown that 37% of alcohol abusers and 53% of drug abusers in America have at least one other co-occurring serious mental illness. Also, of all Americas diagnosed as mentally ill, 29% abuse drugs and/or alcohol. These numbers are astounding. Because dual diagnosis is so common, medical professionals are making a huge effort to learn about and help those in need.

Dual diagnosis treatment can be more complex than basic drug rehab because of the way both the substance and the mental illness are affecting one's body. These are two extremes, and sometimes two extremes can exacerbate each other, making it extremely difficult to differentiate between the two. Drug relapse is very common when working with dual diagnosis. Merely detoxifying one's body and attending therapy just will not suffice for many people who suffer from mental illness along side their drug addiction. If they receive just the traditional drug treatment and alcohol treatment, they are not going to treat their coexisting condition. This condition may be the root of the cause of drug and alcohol abuse. By not treating a mental illness, you may be setting yourself up for a relapse, whereas by not treating the drug addiction, you may be allowing the psychiatric condition(s) to become more pronounced. With these two difficulties being so intertwined, it is important to treat both of them completely.

Because dual diagnosis is a complete bond of two very different medical conditions, a person suffering from both cannot expect to admit themselves to a mental health facility and also receive treatment for their drug addiction. Adversely, one cannot admit themselves to a traditional drug treatment center and expect their psychiatric issues to be treated as well. A dual diagnosis patient needs to receive specialized care focused toward treating both a drug addiction and a serious mental condition. Fortunately, dual diagnosis drug rehab centers are known for being very detailed and organized in order to help patients receive proper assessments of their individual condition. This will not only help a person to decipher which symptoms are cause by what, but it will also allow for a better and faster treatment.

It is not that dual diagnosis treatment is harder to handle than regular drug and alcohol addiction treatment, it is just more mentally complex. Dual diagnosis facilities have a strong focus on excelling in areas where a traditional drug treatment facility might fail for specific individuals. Where some people suffering from dual diagnosis might have trouble staying on the path to recovery, dual diagnosis facilities are there to provide new light.

Withdrawal Symptoms From Alcohol

Alcohol withdrawal is considered to be the worst form of withdrawal over any other substance, including heroin. At their most severe, withdrawal symptoms can include seizures, cardiac arrest and hallucinations. If proper treatment is not received when an individual is going through alcohol detox it can even be fatal. Alcohol addicts experience withdrawal when they reduce or cease drinking after extended periods of excessive alcohol consumption. Most people do not fully understand what alcohol detox is, and how serious and dangerous it can really be. With the proper alcoholism treatments withdrawal symptoms can be pacified with the necessary medications in a controlled environment.

If you are considering tapering off or stopping your alcohol abuse, it is important that you understand what detox is and what to expect when going through withdrawal. Typical symptoms that people suffering from alcohol addiction experience when going through detox and withdrawal include agitation, nausea, vomiting, sweating, irritability, anxiety, diarrhea, restlessness, weakness and insomnia. At a minimal level these symptoms, although undesirable and uncomfortable for the individual going through alcohol withdrawal, are tolerable. Detoxification from alcohol improves with time, and usually the first few days are the hardest. Once your body overcomes the shock that comes with the cessation of alcohol, you can begin to recover. With severe alcoholics however, medical treatment is sometimes necessary.

Alcohol addicts that routinely drink excessive amounts on a regular basis can experience very severe withdrawal symptoms if they decide to stop or reduce their drinking. At its worst, the detoxification process can include delirium tremens (DTs), the most severe stage of alcohol withdrawal. When someone with an alcohol addiction gets to the point of the DTs, they have hallucinations, extreme confusion, and their central nervous system goes into a state of hyperactivity. Since alcohol is a suppressant, it subdues the central nervous system. When alcohol consumption stops, an alcoholic's mind and body are not used to functioning without alcohol, and the central nervous system essentially goes into a state of shock. This is when seizures and cardiac arrest can occur.

At this stage of alcoholism, one should go to an alcohol rehab center for their detoxification process. At a treatment facility, their detox can be supervised by medical professionals, and they can be administered certain medications to curb the severe symptoms associated with their withdrawal. The most common meds used to treat severe alcohol withdrawal are benzodiazepines, such as Valium and Xanax. Going to an alcohol rehab facility or toughing out alcohol detox on your own can mean the difference between life and death. Most cases of alcohol withdrawal are treated as outpatients, but in the most extreme cases, alcoholics are taken in and treated as inpatients so they can be supervised.

Most people do not realize how dangerous alcohol detox can be. If you have been suffering from alcohol addiction from an extended period of time and you are thinking about getting sober, it is in your best interests to first consult the advice of a doctor. Depending upon the severity of your alcoholism, it may be recommended that you be admitted to an alcohol rehab treatment facility to undergo the detoxification process. 

Methamphetamine Horrors

Crystal meth is a psychoactive drug that has sparked an epidemic over the last few decades, especially in rural areas where meth labs can easily be set up and operated without notice. Meth is made using relatively inexpensive and easy-to-find chemicals such as phosphorus from match heads, pseudoephedrine found in common over-the-counter cold medications, and ammonia from fertilizers. Labs can be set up in one’s garage, basement, or trailer with little to no experience, and anyone with basic instructions can illicitly manufacture methamphetamine. It is both inexpensive to produce and cheap to purchase, making it the drug of choice for many addicts.

It is very easy to become addicted to meth due to the drug’s positive psychological effects of euphoria and increased alertness and energy. Users will often take it for days on end with little to no food or sleep. Crystal meth addicts can become so engulfed by their drug addiction that it takes over their lives and can have extremely adverse physical and psychological effects. Physical self-destruction can occur quite rapidly with meth addicts, and examples are most notably depicted in the Faces of Meth campaign. Faces of Meth was designed to deter people from using meth by showing mug shots of individuals who had been arrested twice or more for violations involving methamphetamine. These photographs can be horrifying as they show the physical deterioration that occurs with drug abuse in those who are addicted to methamphetamine.

One of the side effects of drug addiction to meth is a loss of appetite, which is apparent in these mug shots. Upon their initial arrest, these people appear normal and healthy, but as their addiction progresses, their faces become gaunt with hollow cheeks due to undernourishment. Because they do not eat, their body begins to consume muscle tissue and healthy fat, leaving them looking frail and older than their actual age. Acne is also common among meth addicts due to lack of proper hygiene from being under the influence of the drug for extended periods of time. In addition, addicts also frequently pick at their face because of the common sensory hallucination of having bugs crawling underneath their skin. Telltale signs of meth addiction include sores, scabs, and scarring from constant picking.

Another physical effect apparent in people with methamphetamine drug addictions is meth mouth. When a user smokes meth, their mouth becomes extremely dry, the blood vessels in their gums shrink, they crave food and drinks that are high in sugar content, they grind their teeth, and they typically do not practice healthy oral hygiene. All of these symptoms of drug abuse can lead to the rapid deterioration and falling out of teeth. In addition, meth is made up of a combination of extremely caustic chemicals, which can also contribute to dental corrosion. All of these negative physical effects of meth addictionleave users appearing to be much older than they really are, which is shown by the photos that are taken years and sometimes just months apart.

The horrors of methamphetamine are clearly evident in the Faces of Meth, and the campaign, although deemed ineffective by some, intends to prevent people from ever trying the drug in the first place. Because of the drug’s highly addictive qualities, first-time users can easily become hooked and fall into an ugly spiral of drug abuse and addiction. Sometime the best option for these individuals who are so deep into their addiction is to get professional help. Going to drug rehab may be their only way out, and the only path that can save their lives. Drug rehab provides millions of people with a new chance at life and recovery from drug addictions that may otherwise lead to imprisonment or death.

Methamphetamine Horrors

Studies On Oxycodone Addiction In Florida

Drug abuse is a difficult situation to recover from. Some drug addictions are more serious than others. One of the more serious ones includes oxycodone addiction. Oxycodone is often referred to as OxyContin. It is a pain reliever used for severe pain. One may become addicted to oxycodone because of a serious chronic pain condition that oxycodone is medically used for, but one may also seek out this drug purely for recreational abuse. Either way, an addiction to oxycodone, similar to may opioid addictions, affects the way a person responds to pleasure and pain. It retrains a person’s brain to only feel at ease when under the influence of the substance.

Oxycodone abuse has continued to increase, year after year. In 1994, about 4,000 people were admitted to the emergency room as a result of oxycodone use. These numbers skyrocketed in 2002, where over 22,000 people were admitted for the same thing. An oxycodone addiction is a very significant one. Once a person becomes addicted, it is difficult for them to stop without the medical intervention of an opiate synthetic such as Suboxone or methadone. Oxycodone has great medical use and high promise for pain control, unfortunately though, it also promises high tolerance levels and an addicting sense of euphoria.

Oxycodone can be found in cough medicine and pain killers. It is usually taken orally and is commonly abused among opiate addicts and prescription drug addicts. Prescription drug abuse is the most common drug abuse in America, especially in Florida. In 2010, 90 out of the top 100 physicians that prescribe oxycodone are located in Florida. Oxycodone addiction can ruin a person. It can take everything they have and everything they care about a wash those things down the drain. Having a drug addiction of any kind is expensive and it will ruin you. Florida has an abundance of pain clinics, both legitimate and illicit, which has contributed to the amount of prescription drug abuse throughout the state. Fortunately, there have recently been laws passed on this topic that limit pill distribution and seek out illicit distribution (pill mills), specifically oxycodone substances. These laws have started showing great success on the crackdown of pill mills.

Recent studies have uncovered the awful truths about the number of overdoses, deaths and overall effect that oxycodone has had on the state of Florida alone. Because of this research, overdoses by oxycodone have decreased about 17% since 2010. Even so, prescription drug abuse has produced a large amount of addicts. When a person has an oxycodone addiction, they often feel as though their life depends on having the drug in their system at all times – like they can’t survive without it. The first step toward sobriety is admitting that you have an addiction and that you can and will stop being addicted to prescription medication.

Because prescription drug abuse is so common throughout the nation, specifically in Florida, there are many, many treatment facilities available to help an oxycodone addict with the problems they have and will have to face in the future. Ambrosia Treatment Centers can provide the individualized care that you need to recover from an oxycodone addiction. If you or a loved one are suffering from prescription drug addiction, get help immediately.

Studies On Oxycodone Addiction In Florida

Heroin Withdrawal Treatment

There are many different heroin detoxification options to rid one’s body of the substance. These treatment options include medical detox (rapid detox), ultra rapid detox, methadone, buprenorphine(Suboxone), and naltrexone. These physical treatments for addiction are highly encouraged to be followed by psychological treatments such as behavioral therapies and support groups. To choose how to detox from heroin is based on each individual; no one form of treatment will work for everyone. Some people choose only physical detoxification, while others choose only therapy and group sessions, or do both. However, it has been statistically shown that in general, the greatest success comes from combining methadone or Suboxone detox with behavioral therapies and participation in support groups.

The most common form of heroin addiction treatment is medical detox, also known as rapid detox. In this type of program, an individual will be under medical supervision and use medications to minimize the severity of withdrawal symptoms. Here, there will be 24 hour observation and supervision to ensure comfort and safety. Usually, medical detoxification programs will use Suboxone or methadone to ease the transition away from the initial opiate addiction.

An option similar to medical detox is ultra rapid detox. This can be extremely dangerous, but very accommodating to one’s life plans. The idea is that the opioid addict is placed under anesthesia and given medication to speed up the withdrawal process. They wake up and recuperate for a few days, and then head back to their regular lives now that the worst is over. However, people have died because of the physical toll ultra rapid detox takes on one’s body. It is far more expensive, both in monetary value and one’s life, than the safe and more common medical detox.

To explore a different perspective of heroin addiction treatment, methadone has been proven to be the best way to keep people free from opiate relapse. Instead of subjecting oneself to the exhausting and uncomfortable effects of opioid withdrawal, methadone is a legal opiate that allows a person to function normally in society. By taking methadone, one would be using a form of opiate substitution therapy. Because taking large doses of methadone can lead to intoxication, individuals who choose to use methadone must travel to a methadone clinic everyday for their supervised dosage. Methadone helps to avoid drug cravings, and people who use methadone must participate in therapy because this will help them decide if they want to stay on the drug indefinitely, or if they would like to gradually reduce their dosage until they are able to quit completely. However, quitting methadone is described as having a worse withdrawal period than heroin. Many users will decide to transition to buprenorphine, orSuboxone.

Suboxone functions similarly to methadone, as it also deters drug cravings and withdrawal symptoms.Suboxone contains two active ingredients: buprenorphine and naloxone. Buprenorphine causes the brain to react as it would to opiates, but naloxone stops the euphoric high feelings that make opiates attractive, thus making abuse of Suboxone unattractive. It is arguable that Suboxone does not work as well as methadone in blocking the withdrawal and cravings, but Suboxone does allow much more freedom as far as having a prescription and not needing to be under medical supervision for each dose.

Naltrexone is another option. This drug binds to the opiate receptors in the brain and blocks all activity in that area. This is used to discourage people from using heroin after they receive their preferred form of detox, as it does not block any withdrawal symptoms or drug cravings. However, if the drug addictwishes to continue their use of heroin, they can simply stop taking Naltrexone.

A heroin addiction is one of the hardest addictions to treat. Withdrawal symptoms will begin to show within around 12 hours of the last dose. These symptoms will reach a peak of intensity after about 2 or 3 days and last for over a week. Signs and symptoms of opioid withdrawal include symptoms similar to the flu – runny nose, watery eyes, goose bumps, chills, nausea, loss of appetite, muscle cramps, diarrhea, vomiting, shaking, and profuse sweating. There will be other symptoms as well, including dilated pupils, panic, tremors, irritability, and jitters. Although the symptoms of opioid withdrawal are rarely dangerous, the detox period an individual will have to go through during a heroin addiction is extremely hard to do alone. It is important that a heroin addict finds the treatment program that fits their needs so that they can receive the medical attention they need.

New Jersey Drug Rehab Centers

Deciding on a drug rehab center in any environment and situation can prove to be very difficult. You or a loved one may be struggling greatly with a drug addiction, and taking a step towards recovery can be an exhausting experience. In many situations of drug addiction, you may not recognize yourself. If you have hit rock bottom, you may have realized that you do not want to be a person that connives his or her way through life. Fortunately, there are many, many options all over the United States that allow for an opportunity of a substantial and lasting recovery. If you don’t want to be that person, you don’t have to. You can regain your footing and pull yourself back into the reality you need. Some people find that leaving their home environment is the best thing to do, while others find that they need the support of their friends and relations around them and choose to get help from a rehab center near home.

In places such as Florida and New Jersey, drug use and abuse is very abundant. There are airports and seaports that facilitate drug trafficking in these states, even though much of this has decreased since the raising of security after 9/11. Where drug use is prevalent, fortunately so are drug addiction rehab centers. Focusing on New Jersey specifically, drug rehab can be found all over the state and exists to help you or a loved one recover from their addiction. When you are looking for the right drug rehab in NJ, start by contacting a wide variety of different rehab centers. This way, you can discuss your needs with the facilities to see which one you respond the best to, and which one fits your individual needs. After you decide on the addiction rehab in NJ that suits you, you can start traveling down the road to recovery.

Cocaine is a very commonly used drug, and it is the most commonly abused drug throughout the state of New Jersey. New Jersey has always been considered a dangerous area to live, in part because of the amount of drug trafficking and use. Crack cocaine is used in impoverished inner city locations and heroin is attracting many young adults due to its availability, price, and quality. Heroin is one of the most common addictions that people check themselves into addiction rehab in NJ for. Prescription drugs, methamphetamine, and club drugs are very commonly used as well. Overall, nearly 18% of New Jersey citizens between the ages of 18 and 25, and 6.27% over age 26 are using illicit drugs at least once a month.

Ambrosia Treatment Centers offers a facility in New Jersey, although they are based in Florida. If you want to start new, try Florida for a treatment program, but if you want to stay in the familiar area of New Jersey, look into the NJ treatment options. Regardless of what you decide, drug rehab in New Jersey or elsewhere, it is extremely important that you embark on your cleansing and intensive journey towards a sober life.

New Jersey Drug Rehab Centers

Inpatient Drug Rehab Treatment

When someone has an addiction to drugs or alcohol, sometimes the most effective way to get their lives and physical and mental health back in order is through treatment. There are many different programs available for drug addicts and alcoholics. For some who have serious addictions that are taking control of their lives, inpatient treatment is often recommended. Depending upon the individual and the inpatient rehab treatment center they attend, the drug rehab treatment or alcohol treatment they will receive can vary greatly. There are many different programs aimed at helping individuals recover from their addictions, and they involve a variety of different exercises and sessions with licensed treatment professionals.

Before anyone considers going to inpatient drug treatment or alcohol treatment, it is important first to fully understand what is inpatient treatment. Before being accepted into an inpatient rehab treatment center, you must undergo a series of assessments and evaluations that measure the severity of your addiction and also focus on the emotional or mental issues that may be driving your alcoholism or drug addiction. Some people may be referred to outpatient treatment instead of inpatient treatment. The decision is based on the criteria gathered from the evaluations and the diagnosis of the substance abuse counselor.

There are many benefits of inpatient treatment over outpatient treatment. For severe addicts and alcoholics, some of these benefits may be necessary in order to stay clean during their recovery process. In an inpatient rehab treatment center, the patient is there for 24 hours a day, and often for months at a time. During this period, they are under the direct supervision of doctors, nurses, psychiatrists and psychologists. Being in such a structured environment allows for much less of a chance for relapse. In outpatient treatment, recovering addicts still have to face the constant temptations of daily life – triggers, stress, peer pressure, and others that may provoke a relapse. While on an extended stay at a treatment center, the alcoholic or addict can focus solely on their recovery and not the everyday stress presented from the outside world.

In addition to the benefits of isolation in inpatient drug treatment and alcohol treatment, patients are also under constant medical supervision. This can be crucial in the most severe cases of addiction. When an individual develops such a strong dependency on drugs or alcohol, their body can go into shock during the detoxification process. Depending upon the excess of their addiction, this shock to the central nervous system from stopping the use of drugs or alcohol can be extremely detrimental to one’s health, and even fatal in some cases. Under the constant monitoring of medical professionals, those in treatment can also be sent to the hospital for instant medical care if necessary. Sometimes being in a controlled environment during the rehab and detox process can save a recovering addict’s life.

It is common for drug addicts or alcoholics to refuse treatment because they feel that it is a failure on their part that they could not get clean on their own. These feelings of regret and shame for their drug oralcohol abuse do nothing but feed into the vicious cycle of addiction. It is important for anyone with the desire to get sober and free from their addiction that treatment can be a second chance at life and an opportunity to move on and lead a healthy and happy life in the future. Denial does nothing but fuel the fire of addiction, and admitting defeat is the first step toward recovery and living a life that is not controlled by the preoccupation with drugs or alcohol.

Inpatient Drug Rehab Treatment

Florida Addiction Treatment Centers

Deciding to get treatment for a drug or alcohol addiction is one huge step in the right direction. Treating an addiction is very complicated thing to do. Many times, people will opt for a treatment center very close to their home, but this can sometimes be detrimental to their progress. Staying close to home means that you are also staying close to all the people, places, and substances that got you in to trouble in the first place. Many people travel to Florida to escape and realign who they want to be. Althoughaddiction treatment will be extremely challenging no matter what, trying to get sober in the same environment that you became addicted is like trying to run up and icy slope. Some people can manage, but most can’t. For those who can’t, Florida is waiting.

Although many people run to Florida, drug addiction is also very common in Florida (as it is anywhere in the world). Florida became the state for addiction treatment almost by coincidence. Many drug traffickers used Florida as a port because of the way it is surrounded by water. Fortunately, there was a crack-down on drug trafficking after 9/11 and much of that problem has been diminished. However, drugs are still a big issue in Florida. Cocaine, specifically crack cocaine, has been a constant problem. It is one of the most addictive substances in Florida, and in 2006, a total of 2,056 deaths were the result of cocaine use. Florida may harbor some of the trafficking sites of cocaine, but as a result, has built an extensive community focused on helping addicts get their lives under control.

Now, a beautiful state with much opportunity for escape awaits. The drug rehab Florida provides is one of peace and tranquility. Cost to coast, tropical palm trees sway with the wind to offer a sanctuary of the elements. You will be surrounded by sandy beaches, sunshine, and wide open waters. I’m sure you can see why a place such as Florida would allow for some serious emotional and mental recovery. Ambrosia Treatment Centers is only one out of the many, many treatment facilities available in Florida. At Ambrosia, you will find a confidential and comfortable place to allow yourself to begin the journey to recovery.

Much of the addiction treatment in Florida focuses on holistic healing. This is because of the wayFlorida truly reaches past the pains and cravings of addiction and helps you connect with your inner self. At Ambrosia Treatment Center, a spiritual focus is offered to encourage addicts to see themselves in a new light. Often times, people who admit themselves to a facility providing addiction treatment in Florida have lost their sense of self-worth. They feel hopeless and desolate. Ambrosia is available to lend a helping hand to those in need. Most individuals who find themselves suffering from an overwhelming addiction do not realize that it is not their fault. They are lost in a realm of guilt and denial. At Ambrosia Treatment Centers, those things are openly recognized and addressed. Spiritual development is considered in all aspects of the psychological, emotional and physical self. This part of you is just waiting to be brought to your attention. It is available to help you help yourself. Ambrosia is available to allow realization of your spiritual self to make itself known, helping you recover fully.

Florida Addiction Treatment Centers

National Drunk and Drugged Driving Prevention Month

This time of year brings about holiday cheer and the reunion of family and friends. It is a time of joy, fun and celebration. In lieu of the holiday season, December has become an important month for other reasons as well. It is also drunk and drugged driving prevention month. Around the holidays, bars and restaurants are busier, parties are attended, and drinking is encouraged. Because of this, December is the month chosen for awareness towards drunk and drugged driving prevention.

It is common knowledge that drunk driving is common around this time of year, but drugged driving is a new concept for some. Like drunk driving, drugged driving presents extreme and deadly risk for everyone on the road. In 2010, 1 in 3 drivers who were killed in a motor vehicle crash tested positive for illicit or prescription drugs. Everyone at Ambrosia Treatment Center joins the staff and administrator David Strickland of the National Highway Safety Administration (NHTSA) in observing prevention this month and working to stop drunk and drugged driving all year.

Because December is National Drunk and Drugged Driving Prevention Month, it is a time to bring awareness towards the consequences of drunk and/or drugged driving and preventative ways to avoid these consequences in the future. A few important tips geared toward preventing fatalities and accidents this December (and always) are 1) designate a sober and responsible driver before parties and celebrations begin 2) never serve anyone underage 3) plan parties that provide non-alcoholic beverages and refrain from serving alcohol for the last few hours of the party and 4) be prepared to help people get home if need be.

The idea behind making December the month of drunk and drugged driving awareness is meant to deter people from taking part in risky activities that would lead to drunk and drugged driving. December is the month with the highest amount of drunk and drugged driving incidents. To show your support, avoid both driving and letting friends and family drive under the influence. Also, displaying a red ribbon (the symbol of substance abuse prevention) on your vehicle will shown support for drug awareness. We ask you to turn your attention to preventing drunk and drugged driving accidents and plan ahead this December, and always.

National Drunk and Drugged Driving Prevention Month

Alcohol Relapse Prevention

Alcohol addiction is an addiction that is often overlooked but can, and often does, result in fatality. These fatalities have made alcohol one of the top three causes of preventable death in the United States. It is challenging, to say the least, to fight an addiction as habit-forming and socially acceptable as alcoholism. Fortunately, because it is so common, there are many alcohol treatment options available. However, about 90% of alcohol addicts will fall victim to an alcohol relapse after recovery.

There are many factors that play a part in an alcohol relapse. Individuals who suffer from severe alcohol addictions may find themselves having a harder time staying sober. Many people experience cravings to alcohol in different ways, and depending on how an addiction is handled, treated and  followed up on, a relapse may or may not occur. Often times, a person will underestimate the intensity of their addictionand ignore the warning signs. In their mind, the idea of drinking alcohol may be held in a euphoric sense – a constant but ignored temptation. It is unhealthy to deal with anything in that way, more so something as dangerous as an alcohol addiction.

The goals of relapse prevention are fairly straightforward: to identify the behavioral choices that steered the individual toward recovery in the first place, create an outline of options to help manage the difficulties you will encounter while staying sober, and lastly create a plan for maintaining a sober lifestyle. To create this plan, an alcohol addict must recognize all of the intricate details that point toward their possible alcohol relapse. These details are usually very personal and going to an Alcohol Anonymous group meeting can be very helpful to know that you are not alone in your fight against alcohol relapse. There are two main factors that will draw an addict back to their addiction: direct and remote. Direct factors consist of things such as people, places or events associated with drinking alcohol. Remote factors are linked to internal triggers such as dysfunctional thinking patterns, behaviors, or feelings.

Creating and participating in an alcohol relapse prevention program will hone in on these factors as they are individual to you and what you’re going through. Having this plan will help you identify these problems, but more importantly, how to deal with and recognize them when they are bearing down on you at the turning point of your recovery. If you feel that you are in need of a treatment program or are at risk of an alcohol relapse, create a relapse prevention plan with a sponsor, therapist, counselor, or someone who you trust and who knows you well. You will not regret staying sober, but you will regret falling off the wagon on your way to a productive and healthy life.

Alcohol Relapse Prevention

Crack Cocaine Addiction

The powdered form of cocaine has always been associated with the wealth and glamor of the middle and upper class. However crack cocaine is a much more addictive and grungy drug associated with anorexic-looking inner city abusers of poverty and crime. Cocaine in the form of crack is called “crack” because of the cracking or popping noise it makes when heated up and smoked. It is very common in inner city poverty areas due to its convenience, availability and low cost. When crack is consumed, it takes effect on the entire nervous system (both central and automatic) almost immediately by mimicking the neurotransmitters that control these systems, causing high levels of stimulation.

Smoking crack sends extremely large amounts of cocaine to the lungs, allowing an overflow of dopamine, a pleasure chemical in the brain, to flood the body. This results in an intense and very brief sensation of euphoria and empowerment before a steep downhill plummet into deep depression. Normally the crack abuser will frantically look for another “bump” to escape the looming depression that is caused by crack. The cycle will continue and the user will become addicted in a short amount of time.

The side-effects of crack cocaine use can cause an increase of blood pressure, heart and breathing rates, nausea and vomiting, anxiety, hyper activity, convulsions, lack of appetite, decrease in the need for sleep, damage in the nasal septum and lungs, and can even cause heart attacks and strokes. The use of crack cocaine causes drug addiction extremely rapidly. This is because the body absorbs it quickly. Immediately after the intense high subsides, the user will experience strong feelings of depression. They will instantly want to use the drug again. Frequent users of this drug can be irritable, have a decreased attention span. They can also suffer paranoid psychoses, hallucinations and violent behavior.

Crack cocaine drug addiction is extremely prevalent in users. Even with short-term use withdrawal symptoms will shortly follow the drug abuse. Of course, these symptoms will be much more pronounced in long time cocaine drug addicts. The withdrawal symptoms that will occur will include very intense drug cravings, irritability, hunger, anxiety and paranoia. Because of the physical and psychological intensity of cocaine withdrawal, it is near impossible to stop using crack cocaine without medical attention of some sort.

There are treatment programs available to help with the process of realigning one’s life. If you or a loved one is addicted to crack cocaine, there are treatment options available. Florida treatment facilities can help you learn about drug addiction and the havoc it causes to your life. There are dedicated professionals here to help you steer your life back on track.

Crack Cocaine Addiction

Alcohol Abuse

Alcohol is extremely abundant in today’s society. It is culturally accepted that when a person turns 21, they will go out to bars and drink with their friends. Even before age 21, young adults and teens feel a want or a pressure to start drinking socially. Because it is so prevalent, it is also hard to tell when and why alcohol use becomes alcohol abuse. The effects of alcohol abuse are not hard to identify, but people who have a dependence of alcohol will not want to acknowledge these effects. They will continue to usealcohol even if their work, medical, or home life is suffering greatly.

The facts about alcohol can be quite surprising to some. Most people develop an alcohol dependencebetween ages 18 and 25. The symptoms of abuse will probably alternate between periods of abusing to periods of the abstinence of alcohol. During the periods of abuse, the effects of alcohol can be quite detrimental, not only to the individual but also to the individual’s family as well. There is a strong relationship between drinking and domestic violence. Also, children of at least one alcoholic parent are at higher risk for becoming dependent on alcohol as well. These children are also more receptive to negative feelings, stress, aggression and alienation. In general, people who suffer from alcohol dependence will probably experience some sort of depression and/or antisocial behavior.

To look closer at the actual substance of alcohol, rather than the psychological effects it can produce, we’ll dive a little deeper into the facts on alcohol. When alcohol is consumed, it travels through the bloodstream and into the body’s tissues. Depending on how much the individual weighs, how much he/she has eaten that day, and what age they are will affect the way alcohol interacts with their body. When alcohol is consumed in small amounts, it may cause dizziness, excessive talking and “party behavior.” In larger amounts, slurred speech, nausea, vomiting, and an hangover (headache, nausea) will ensue after the alcohol wears off. Those are only the short-term effects. The long-term effects can get scary. Later on down the road leading to alcoholism, alcohol abuse can cause irreparable damage to the liver and the brain. It has been studied and shown that women suffer the long-term effects much faster then men do.

Alcohol dependence is a scary and unpredictable thing. If you feel that you or a loved one is suffering from a dependence of alcohol, do not hesitate to get help. In moderation, alcohol can be used healthily in a social setting, but when alcohol is abused, you may have the start of a chronic illness on your hands. Treatment for alcohol dependence does work, and it is available for anyone who feels out of control with their alcohol use.

Alcohol Abuse

Alcohol Addiction Treatment

Alcoholism is a serious disease that affects more than 15 million Americans on a daily basis. Just as withdrug addicts, there are many different types of alcoholics. Some may just have a few drinks every day, while others may drink from morning until night. Again, there are some alcohol addicts who may only drink on the weekends, but when they do, they consume beverages in mass quantities. Alcohol affects people differently. Some people develop a physical and mental dependence and need it to function normally.

Not only can it can be hard to define exactly what is an alcohol addict, it can also be hard to determine whether someone actually is an alcoholic or not. In many situations, people get up, work their daily jobs and do everything else that normal people do. However, they are either constantly under the influence of alcohol, or they immediately drink after dealing with all responsibilities and obligations. Either way, one thing is true of alcoholics. There is a constant preoccupation with drinking in their minds and in many cases they are physically dependent on alcohol. When not under the influence, they may experience irritability, anxiety and even shakiness. These are all symptoms of withdrawal and they can occur on a small scale every day until the person consumes alcohol.

Alcohol dependence occurs when a person is so use to being intoxicated on a regular basis that their body has physical cravings for alcohol and they experience consistent urges to drink. Alcohol dependence and alcoholism go hand in hand, and they are both past the point of alcohol abuse. While abuse may refer to occasionally drinking more than you should abuse and dependence refer to doing so on a frequent and/or regular basis. Once a person has reached this point, treatment is necessary. Although some people can stop drinking entirely or cut back on their drinking on their own. For some it is out of their control. Once an individual begins to suffer from health problems, or face negative consequences in their financial and social matters, it could be very well be because alcohol has taken control of their lives. In these cases, it is usually the best idea to seek professional help.

Alcohol addiction treatment can be very effective for many different people. Although alcoholism is a disease that is incurable, it can be treated with the proper daily management. One can keep themselves from going back to drinking. Alcohol treatment does more than just simply address the issue of drinking too much. The proper treatment will provide participants in the program with the necessary tools to deal with the problems that brought them to drink in the first place. These tools are implemented through a combination of group therapy sessions, counseling, and alcohol education classes. In many cases, a 12-step program such as Alcoholics Anonymous is also part of treatment, which can be very effective.

In the most severe cases, patients are admitted into alcohol detox to flush the alcohol from their system. Patients at this state drink in such large quantities that when they abruptly stop, their body goes into a state of shock. Withdrawal symptoms can be very dangerous and can include anxiety, nausea, depression, insomnia, sweating, shaking, delirium tremens, seizures, high blood pressure and even cardiac arrest. At its worst, severe alcohol withdrawal can be fatal. Drug treatment centers have teams of doctors, nurses, psychologists and psychiatrists that not only monitor patients’ physical wellbeing, but are also there to treat emotional and mental symptoms and ensure that patients are headed in the right direction in their recovery.

Alcohol Addiction Treatment

What is Alcohol Abuse?

Alcohol abuse differs from alcoholism but often leads to becoming addicted to alcohol. Alcohol addiction occurs when there is a physical dependency on alcohol, and a person needs to drink in order to get through the day and/or function normally. It is estimated that there are more than 12 million alcoholics in the United States. At least 6% of the American population are alcoholics.

There is no definite cause for alcohol abuse and alcohol addiction, but there are many contributing factors that are taken into account when diagnosing someone as an alcohol addict. There are certain questions that drug and alcohol treatment professionals ask people when trying to find out if someone is an alcoholic or not, but the reasons for addiction are not always the same. It has been stated that a person’s family history is a strong indicator if someone is or is not an alcoholic, and if you have at least one parent that suffers from alcohol addiction, you are more likely to suffer from the same issues.

Alcohol abuse often starts at an early age and some reasons for its occurrence include peer pressure, low self-esteem, stress, and emotional problems such as depression and anxiety. In addition, if someone is exposed to alcohol frequently and has easy access to beverages such as wine, beer or liquor, they are also more likely to develop a drinking problem. Certain lifestyles are synonymous with drug and/or alcohol abuse, such as the professions of musicians, servers and bartenders. In part, this is due to the fact that these individuals are working in an environment that is surrounded by alcohol, and they can also be stressful situations. Those who have high-stress jobs, and people who make large incomes are also more apt to drink on a regular basis.

If you drink more than 15 drinks per week, or if you drink more than 5 drinks in one sitting, this has also been linked to defining alcohol abuse. Alcoholics drink despite the negative consequences of their drinking, including problems with relationships, finances, and work. There are numerous issues that have been related to alcoholism, but the fact of the matter is that alcoholics drink simply because they drink. It can be said that high stress, genetics, and other problems can be related to cause heavy drinking, but anyone can experience these issues, and not everyone abuses alcohol.

When a person becomes physically dependent on alcohol, their body becomes so used to being intoxicated that they feel the consistent urge to drink just to function. This is known as a functionalalcoholic, and these people often work regular jobs, have successful careers and well-developed relationships, but they still drink. There is no definite way to recognize an alcoholic, and they often hide the alcohol abuse so as not affect others.

Unfortunately, alcohol is so ubiquitous in the United States and other countries that it is hard to escape, and many succumb to the temptation of abusing alcohol on a regular basis. In addition, many alcoholics continue to drink, because if they suddenly stopped, they would be subject to the many different negative effects of alcohol withdrawal, such as anxiety, irritability, insomnia, nausea and even seizures that can lead to cardiac arrest or death. There are a variety of prescription drugs that are used to treat these symptoms, such as benzodiazepines and other medications that reduce the urge to drink. If you are worried that you may be an alcoholic or abuse alcohol on a regular basis, it’s important to realize that alcoholism is a disease, and it can be treated by medical professionals. Many people suffer from this disease, and you are not alone in your struggle. There is help out there for everyone.

What is Alcohol Abuse?

Drug Abuse And Addiction

Drug addiction and abuse is a double-edged sword. It is the cause of ruin for an individual’s life, and abuse increases the chances of addiction the more it is utilized. Many people do not understand an addiction to drugs, even when they are the victim of an addiction themselves. It is often thought that anaddict simply lacks the moral standing or willpower to say no, or to quit. This is rarely the case. Addictive drugs actually change the brain in ways to confuse the receptors and harbor compulsive tendencies.Drug addiction should be approached at the angle of a complex, chronic disease that requires diligence and patience to overcome and stay sober. Drug abuse will never be cured because it will be an every day challenge to stay clean, but drug abuse can be successfully treated. With help and treatment, those who suffer from addiction can lead healthy and productive lives.

More often than not, initial drug use is voluntary, but this does not ever make drug addiction a specific persons fault. There are many different scenarios where an individual can become addicted. Prescription drugs are one of the most addicting substances in the world because of the way the change a person’s brain in response to pain and pleasure. Even with recreational drugs such as heroin, cocaine, and club drugs, an addiction forms because of the affect that these substances have on a person’s self-control and impulsive behavioral centers in the brain. There is a question of the nature related to drug abuse: is a person more likely to do drugs because of the way their brain works, or does drug use simply occur by chance/environment?

There are two types of addictions – physical and emotional, body and mind. Each person is affected by sides of the double-edged addiction. A physical addiction can be arguably easier to treat because it is simply ridding one’s body of the drug and tending to the withdrawal symptoms that will follow. The tricky part comes with the emotional addiction and nearly inevitable changes to the brain. How do you coach a person back to real pleasures when they have experienced a strong cognitive dissonance relating drugs and pleasure? Of course the pleasure felt while one is on drugs lacks the true qualities of life, but yet, the individual is so “high.” These feelings create a confusion that is endless, at first. It is a dangerous feeling and when an individual starts to lose the feelings of reality, they start to lose control of themselves. Fortunately, there are amazing people out there who can offer counseling and discovery as to why the individual is attracted to such unrealistic pleasures and how to bring reality back to them in a way that the addict will understand and respect.

Drug Abuse And Addiction