What Drives Alcohol Addiction?

There are many different factors that play a huge part in an alcohol addiction. Let's take the average American's lifestyle, for example. We'll name him John. John is born into a lower-middle class suburban household. His mom has various get-togethers with her friends, where the kids play while the adults have a few drinks and talk. His dad is a huge sports fan who goes out to the bars almost every night of the week to see or regale a “big game.” John goes to school with kids who have similar home lives. As he grows up, he sees alcohol in the grocery stores, in his home, in his friends' houses, on t.v., on billboards, in magazines. When John reaches high school, he joins his school's sports teams. Through these people and some of his other friends, John starts getting invited to parties. At those parties, everyone is drinking. He wants to fit in, so he grabs a red plastic cup and fills it at the keg. Before he knows it, he is out of control and loving it. John may or may not get into trouble with his parents or with the law. He will go to college and experience or of theses parties. He turns 21, and goes out for drinks with his already 21 year old friends, or his parents. After college, John might get married and become a big sports fan. Do you see where this is going? Alcohol is everywhere. It is something that is ingrained in our culture. But, if that is all it takes to become an alcoholic, why isn't everyone?

What really needs to be examined here is, what is alcohol dependence and what drives this addiction? When a person develops a destructive pattern of abusing alcohol, this is considered an alcohol dependence or addiction. This disease affects over 14 million people in the United States alone. Many people wonder if it is a hereditary disease, and how it is caused to begin with. There is no single origin of the dependence alcohol causes. It is viewed and treated as a mental disorder, being the result of a complex grouping of genetic, psychological, and environmental factors in a person's life. So, no, it is not always hereditary (although it can be), but a child with alcoholic parents or guardians is much more likely to become an alcohol addict simply because of the environment they grew up in.

If you think you have a problem with alcohol addiction or know someone who might, don't wait to contact an alcohol treatment center for help. There are so many great treatments out there to take advantage of. Many alcohol treatment programs focus on relapse prevention, short-term behavioral goals, and cognitive therapies. It is important to go to alcohol rehab and learn about ways to work through your alcohol dependence. Don't wait any longer to get the life you want back on track!

How Does Drug Abuse Alter The Brain?

The brain is the most important organ in a person's body. It is the control center for all activity and body function. So, one could see how participating in something that would alter this function could be extremely dangerous and detrimental to their overall well-being. Drug abuse can take a huge toll on the way a brain functions by altering the areas necessary for a life-sustaining purpose. There are three main areas that plainly show the effects of drug addiction: the brain stem, the limbic system, and the cerebral cortex. The brain stem controls the basic functions of life such as breathing, sleeping, and heart rate. The limbic system is located in the center of the brain and controls our ability to feel pleasure. Feeling pleasure is a reward system for continued behavior, such as eating. The cerebral cortex is the thinking center, which allows us to plan, problem solve, and make decisions, as well as process our senses (touch, taste, sight, sound, smell).

As you are reading what each part of the brain does, you can probably guess how the drug effects on brain function can cause addiction. Through the brain stem, drug abuse causes a disruption of one's heart rate and sleeping patterns. The limbic system is probably the most dangerous and highly affected system from drug addiction and brain function. Because it creates a reward system through pleasurable feelings – and taking certain drugs releases an extreme amount of pleasure chemicals (dopamine) – one can see how the limbic system could easily crave and rely on drug use to release pleasure chemicals. As for the cerebral cortex, this is what makes hallucinogens and other sense-enhancing or -altering drug so enticing at first. This is also why, under the influence of drugs, an individual cannot make good judgments or decisions.

So, specifically how do drugs affect those centers of the brain? There are four main communications that take place in one's brain: neuron to neuron, neurotransmitters, receptors, and transporters. Through neuron to neuron communication, each cell sends and receives messages in the form of an electrical impulse. Once this message is received, it is then sent on its way to other neurons. Neurotransmitters are the chemicals that carry theses messages. Once a neuron sends a message by way of neurotransmitter, the receptors receive this message, and proceed to forward the correct amount on to the next neuron. Transporters are located on the original cell that sent the first electrical impulse. They are sent out to bring back the chemical that they distributed, thereby recycling and shutting off the signal between neurons.

A drug addict will perceive this process a bit differently. Something that happens with amphetamine or cocaine is plainly shown between the neurotransmitters and the receptors. Instead of the brain sending out the chemical receptors, because of the drug use the receptors are blocked, which causes mass amounts of specific chemicals to flood the brain. Because the receptors are blocked, there is no way of recycling these chemicals, so they keep flowing until the drug stops the electrical impulse. Many other drugs, such as heroin and prescription pain killers mimic the structure of a natural neurotransmitter, which allows that drug to lock on to and activate certain chemicals while blocking others.

The reason why drug users keep using is because our brains are wired to ensure that we will continue with life-sustaining activities by providing a reward each time we do those things. Although drug use is by no means life-sustaining, our bodies and minds feel that it is once we are addicted because of the way our brain responds to the use. Our brain notes that something important is happening when we use drugs, and teaches us to do it again and again without thinking about it. After a short time, we cannot control this impulse. Dopamine is an extremely important chemical in our lives. If we don't feel it, we don't feel any reason to live and continue through our daily lives. Through drug addiction, a users dopamine levels are severely tampered with. Not only is the brain urging the individual to use because it is convinced it is an important activity, but a person needs dopamine to feel content, and normal, even.

If you have a drug abuse problem or have ever used drugs such as cocaine or heroin, this is what was/is happening in your brain. Over time it will cause addiction and you may have to go through intensive treatment and therapy to get your life and chemical levels back on track. Do not wait another day for this to happen. Call today and start your treatment.

National Mentoring Month

The beginning of January brings New Year's resolutions, celebration and the feeling of a new start. As this excitement wears off, it may be important to note that January also brings National Mentoring Month. During this month, people across America are being encouraged to get involved in local organizations by mentoring those who need it. The idea behind nominating a month for this purpose is to bring awareness to the issue. Many children and teens are not provided with an adequate support network. This network allows for an expansion of a person's thoughts and ideas, as well as helps to fill the basic need for human interaction. Mentoring can fill that gap.

Over the years, mentoring has been proven to be one of the most effective programs, not only in cost but in benefit and prevention as well. Basically, a mentor is a person who provides support, listens, and is a role model. Children that benefit the most from this program don't have anyone to look up to. They don't have anyone who actively listens to them and supports their ideas. For them, it can be so refreshing to finally have a friend.

Not only do the children benefit from having a mentor, but the actual mentors who work through national mentoring committees have reported that they get just as much, if not more, back from the experience as the kids do. Awareness month is very important because it allows a month of recognition towards the different programs around the nation, but these programs extend throughout the year!

Volunteers must be 18 or older to mentor. They can mentor as an individual, as a couple, or as a family. After the initial sign up, volunteers are required to get a background check, an interview and training. This information is used to find out what interests and hobbies the future mentor has and what child they can be paired up with. By matching children and their mentors based on common interests, these relationships will be about doing the things they love an learning from them.

There are many recommended things to be done during National Mentoring Month. Some are: become a mentor in your community, learn more about mentoring, partner with a mentoring organization, think about mentors in your life and post a tribute to them online, read the latest research and resources on mentoring, make a donation to a local mentoring organization, help children succeed academically through mentoring in school systems.

Ambrosia Treatment Center highly supports National Mentoring Month. Studies have shown that having someone in you life that you consider a mentor extremely reduces the probability of drug abuse and addiction. Ambrosia treatment focuses on providing a support network, which is something many addicts were not able to have in their lives. Through Ambrosia, support networks and mentors are created for recovering addicts after treatment. Awareness for mentoring is so important in today's society. Take some time to educate yourself about the numerous benefits of mentoring in your community. It is so important.

Drug Rehab Facility

Going through drug rehabilitation is one of the most difficult things that a person can experience. It is hard to know what to look for in any type of facility, much less one that will determine how to approach the long and winding road to sobriety. Not all drug addiction rehab facilities teach the same methods for dealing with substance abuse; therefore, it is import to find the treatment facility that suits the individual instead of the substance problem. Before a person decides on the drug and rehab center that they plan on going to, they should plan on asking the questions that they need answered.

There are many different drug rehab centers in America, and everywhere around the world. It is of the greatest importance to find a treatment facility that fits one's personal requirements. There are a variety of basic programs such as inpatient, outpatient, residential, and short-term options. The length of stay for the different programs depends on the severity and stage of the drug addiction. Inpatient programs are serviced by medical professionals whereas residential treatment facilities focus on other aspects of recovery. Outpatient and short-term options focus on treatment options that allow a person to get treatment and tend to their home lives with minimal interruption. Also, outpatient and short-term generally cost less than inpatient and residential treatment. The cost will vary depending on the type of treatment one will need for their addiction. However, the overall cost of substance abuse extends above and beyond the cost of a drug addiction rehab facility.

Drug abuse not only affects an addict's life, but also the lives of their families. Many family members do not realize how strongly drug abuse has affected their lives. For this reason, many programs cater to the family's involvement and include family-oriented therapy sessions. There are no shortcuts in drug rehabilitation; recovery is an ongoing and intensive process. All of the aspects that are combined to create a treatment program are meant to be integrated into the rest of their everyday lives. There are some programs that provide follow-up treatment, but most programs encourage the individual to take charge of their lives and live a strong and successful life of sobriety.

At Ambrosia Treatment Centers, a caring and compassionate team of medical and psychological professionals that are available to help those in need. There are intensive inpatient, outpatient and residential programs that focus on specific ways to help each person. Here, you will find a treatment facility that incorporates treatment for your body, mind and spirit.

Are Sleeping Pills Addictive?

Millions of people suffer from temporary or long-term insomnia. There are several prescription medications to help insure a good night's sleep. However, sleeping pills used in abundance can be detrimental to one's health and state of being. They can even become addictive. The main prescription sleeping pills are well known: Ambien (zolpidem), Lunesta (escopiclone), and Sonata (zaleplon). These are commonly referred to as Z-drugs, or hypnotics. The attractive effect from these kinds of drugs is the way they dampen arousal, thereby allowing sleep to set in and stay for an extended period of time (usually 8 hours).

When used as directed (and prescribed by a certified physician), most sleep medications allow for a very safe way of relieving insomnia. When used correctly, there is an extremely rare possibility of a physical or chemical addiction. However, when used frequently and/or in excessive doses, this type of addiction can occur. Also, as with any kind of drug use, sleeping pills can be exceedingly habit-forming, causing a psychological addiction. The user may develop a dependence on the substance, and begin to crave the constant and continual use. However, this dependence is different than an actual impulse to keep taking the drug.

There are many different ways to work with a physical dependence. Much of the treatment for the dependence of sleeping pills resides in the possibility of other psychological or behavioral therapies. Also, a major factor in the want to continue with the medication is in the way that insomnia returns after stopping the usage. This will prompt the individual to want to keep taking the medication. Some people are at a higher risk for dependence and possible addiction than others, as it is with any type of medication/drug.

It is common knowledge that Elvis Presley, Marilyn Monroe and possibly Heath Ledger died of an accidental overdose on sleeping pills, sometimes mixed with other substances. It is extremely dangerous to mix these drugs with any other substances, especially and most often, alcohol. For some people, sleeping pills can open doors to more dangerous and lethal substances like the abuse of OxyContin, Vicodin, and even heroin.

Sleeping pills, when used correctly, are extremely beneficial and helpful. However, the potential for abuse does exist. Often times, people who tamper with other prescription medications will start to try sleeping pills, or vice versa. It is common for addicts of other substances to abuse sleeping pills along with their drug(s) of choice. Even if this is not your or a loved one's problem, it is necessary to get help with any kind of dependence on any type of substance abuse. With sleeping pills, behavioral and cognitive therapies are extremely necessary. That is what you should look for in the treatment center that will help you with your addiction to sleeping pills. It is tough to break such a strong psychological habit such as a sleeping pill dependency, but it is always possible. If you think you have a problem, don't wait. Get help today.

Alcohol Rehab & Drug Rehab Insurance

Drug rehab and alcohol rehab provide treatment for individuals that suffer from addictions and substance abuse problems and have great potential to save lives. Addiction is a vicious cycle of drug abuse and alcohol addiction, and untreated, it can lead to untimely death, legal issues and numerous other problems in one's life. It is estimated that roughly 22 million people in the United States suffer from drug addiction and alcohol addiction, however the majority of these people do not receive the treatment necessary to recover from their conditions. Treatment can be costly, and unfortunately only about 4 million people actually end up going to rehab due to the lack of finances needed to cover payment. But as attitudes toward addiction have changed over the years, so have the policies regarding rehab insurance.

Alcoholism and drug addiction are considered by medical professionals to be diseases and mental health conditions that can be treated with recovery programs. In the past, drug and alcohol addiction were viewed as personal issues that should be handled by the individual with the substance abuse problem. Studies have shown that drug rehab and alcohol rehab can effectively treat these conditions and help save lives. By receiving treatment, addicts can effectively deal with their own personal issues that may be responsible for their substance abuse problems and learn the necessary tools that can be used in order to stay committed to their recovery. Addiction is not something that can be solved by exercising strong personal will power. It is a disease, and although it is incurable, it is treatable. Even if a person abstains from drugs or alcohol by their own accord, this does not necessarily mean that they are in recovery. Being a "dry drunk" can mean that you don't drink alcohol, but you have not properly dealt with the underlying issues that brought you to your addiction.

Drug addiction insurance and alcohol addiction rehab insurance are available for certain people, and it all might depend on their particular insurance policy. Not every company offers drug rehab insurance, but as we learn more about the nature of addiction as a disease, many insurance agencies are beginning to offer better coverage for treatment. Inpatient treatment at a rehab facility typically costs more than outpatient treatment. Although it is usually regarded as being much more effective in recovery, outpatient programs can also be helpful for individuals suffering from addiction. Some insurance policies may cover outpatient programs but will not offer coverage for inpatient rehab. In addition, sometimes insurance policies will offer partial coverage for treatment but not cover patients for the full cost.

Another thing to be considered about drug rehab insurance or alcohol addiction rehab insurance is how long the substance abuse problem has been occurring. Since addiction is now considered a disease, some insurance agencies may not cover rehab if it is a pre-existing condition. If an individual has a long history of alcoholism or drug addiction, they may not be covered as well as people with relatively newer addictions. However, this is not always the case and being unsure of your insurance policy should not prevent you from receiving the proper treatment needed in order to get better. Insurance agencies do offer coverage for a range of different addictions, and the best thing to do in plans of going to treatment is research what your own agency offers and what other types of coverage are out there. 

A New Generation Of Heroin Users

When heroin started becoming exceedingly popular, it was the early 1970's. People who did heroin generally lived in urban communities, spending $30 on a bag of 28% pure heroin. Today, almost anywhere in America, heroin can be found for as little as $4 for a bag of 80-90% pure heroin. That is cheaper than a six-pack of beer and stronger than it has ever been before. Exceedingly cheap and exceedingly pure, heroin is causing an addiction epidemic throughout America. In the 70's, an average heroin user was from 28 to 30 years old and lived in inter-city locations. Now, the average user is a middle-class teenager.

Massachusetts is an extreme example of what America is dealing with. More than 4% of the state's high school boys have reported their use of heroin. In Boston alone, the number of 18 and 19 year olds that have received emergency room treatment related to heroin use has doubled between 2000 and 2002. In 2003, Massachusetts saw 36,000 admissions into treatment programs regarding heroin abuse and addiction.

The most common “cause” of heroin addiction is reported to be work-related injuries. An individual may have gotten injured, and received a prescription for painkillers from a doctor. They then got hooked on these painkillers such as vicodin, oxycontin, and morphine, but these medications are expensive and have a time frame. When they couldn't afford these prescriptions, or weren't permitted to get them renewed, they turned to the cheaper, more available illicit drug – heroin.

There are many different treatment options available for those addicted to heroin. Most commonly opted for is the methadone or Suboxone treatment, which requires the supervised administration of a specific amount of a synthetic opiate into the addict's system. This allows them to function normally in society, while coping with their heroin addiction. However, in rural areas, this option is somewhat unrealistic. Methadone clinics are few and far between out in the country. Many recovering addicts are forced to commute hours just to receive their medication. Thankfully, there are treatment centers available in most areas that promote a 90+ day residential treatment option that allows for a complete stop of substance use and abuse. Holistic treatment is highly promoted for heroin addicts.

If you or someone you love is suffering from the seemingly never-ending battle with heroin, don't forget that there are options out there. Although the heroin epidemic is rising, that is no reason for you to lose yourself among the numbers. Get treatment, get therapy, and get out of that life. You still possess the power to define who you are. Don't let a substance take that power away from you. Call Ambrosia Treatment Center or any treatment center and start your path towards recovery.

The Most Addictive Drugs

Drug addiction ruins millions of lives. Approximately 23 million Americans are addicted to drugs and alcohol. Drug addicts suffer from a physical and mental dependency on the drug of their choice. Without being under the influence, they can go through withdrawal symptoms, which can include depression, anxiety, fatigue, shakiness, nausea, seizures, and even more severe symptoms that can sometimes be fatal. Drug addiction can occur with a wide range of different substances, but some drugs are more addictive than others.

Heroin

Heroin is a derivative of the poppy plant, and it is made by processing the raw opium that is collected from the flower's seed pod. Although most of the world's heroin comes from Afghanistan, where large amounts of poppies are grown, Mexico is the second largest producer of opium in the world. The heroin coming from Mexico is known as black tar, and it has high concentration levels of morphine.

Heroin is normally injected intravenously, although it can also be snorted or smoked. When consumed, users fall into a state of extreme relaxation and euphoria. It is a highly addictive drug, and it is one of the main reasons why people seek drug treatment. Heroin addiction can lead to rapid weight loss, heart problems, diseases through the sharing of needles, pneumonia, blood clots, liver disease and many other medical complications. Overdoses and death from overdose are common with heroin use.

Oxycontin

Oxycontin is an opiate, like heroin, and has similar side effects when used recreationally. Although it is intended as a prescribed medication for those suffering from chronic pain, oxycontin is frequently bought illicitly and abused by drug users. It comes in pill form but can also be crushed up, snorted, smoked or injected. Oxycontin addiction has, in recent years, become a major problem among drug users.

Cocaine

Cocaine is a stimulant and a highly addictive drug that comes from the leaves of the coca plant. Cocaine increases alertness and energy, produces feelings of euphoria, anxiety, paranoia and restlessness. In high doses, cocaine is dangerous and can lead to overdose and death.

The crack cocaine epidemic of the 1980s saw the drug at its most heightened level of popularity, especially among urban communities. Crack cocaine, which is a crystalline form of cocaine at a lower level of purity cut with other substances, is smoked through a pipe and is extremely addictive. It is relatively cheap and users can easily become hooked. Frequent cocaine and crack cocaine use can lead to cardiovascular and brain damage, among many other medical complications.

Ecstasy

Ecstasy, which is the pill form of the drug MDMA, is known as a club drug and was highly popular in the rave scene of the 1990s. Ecstasy pills often include a combination of MDMA cut with other substances, such as heroin, speed or methamphetamine. Taking ecstasy gives users feelings of euphoria, hallucinations, increased energy, and an increased intimacy with those around them. Because it releases massive amounts of dopamine and serotonin into the brain when consumed, ecstasy can be very addictive. Withdrawal symptoms from ecstasy include extreme depression, anxiety, mental and emotional fatigue, and anhedonia.

Every person and every drug user has a different chemical makeup, and everyone responds differently to different drugs. Some people may easily become addicted to cocaine because of its properties as a stimulant, while others may be drawn to heroin for its euphoria and relaxation. Whatever the case may be, drug addiction is a serious disease, and no matter what substance is being abused, drug treatment is typically the best solution to come clean and recover from addiction. 

Amy Winehouse Death Confirmed to Be Alcohol-Related

A coroner's report in London on Tuesday, January 8, 2013 confirmed that the death of Amy Winehouse was from alcohol poisoning. After the Grammy award-winning singer and London resident passed away at the age of 27 on July 23, 2011, the original coroner inquest was deemed inconsequential due to lack of qualifications. The coroner resigned in November of 2011 when her credibility was questioned after authorities learned that she had not been a registered lawyer in Great Britain for five years, a necessary requirement.

Winehouse was found dead in her home in London with empty bottles of vodka. The singer had struggled with drug abuse and alcohol abuse for years and had recently quit taking drugs and made attempts to stop drinking alcohol. In a widely public battle with drug addiction and alcohol addiction, Winehouse was able to get clean from her use of heroin, crack and marijuana, but struggled with maintaining sobriety from alcohol. According to sources that knew the singer, she had recently started drinking again after remaining sober for roughly two weeks.

Toxicology reports after Winehouse's death indicated that she had a blood alcohol content of 0.4, more than five times the legal driving limit of 0.08. At this high level of intoxication, medical professionals suggested that she most likely had a respiratory arrest. Consuming that much alcohol can have serious effect on the central nervous system, and the person will sometimes not wake up after falling asleep.

Winehouse rose to fame with the release of her 2006 album "Back to Black", which won a total of five Grammys. She had a distinct style and strong voice. Winehouse often worked with producer Mark Ronson in a genre of music classified as neo-soul. In addition to her drug and alcohol abuse problems, the singer also suffered from various health problems including seizures, emphysema and bulimia. There were no suspicions of foul play in her death, and it was determined that the consumption of alcohol was voluntary.

Stories like Winehouse's are not all that uncommon in the music industry. Drug abuse and alcohol abuse occur quite frequently among musicians, and drug overdoses and alcohol toxicity have been known to cause numerous deaths among members of the music scene. This can attributed to a variety of different reasons, such as the environment of playing in bars and venues that serve alcohol, the culture of drug use among people in the music industry, and the stress of playing onstage in front of large crowds. There have been many great musicians over the years that passed away too early in life due to complications resulting from drug and alcohol addictions.

Winehouse was known by those close to her as not only an extremely talented singer, but also an intelligent and determined individual. Unfortunately, she did not have a successful attempt at recovery and passed away early in what may have been a long and prosperous career and life. Her death demonstrates the power that drugs and alcohol can have over lives, and the importance in seeking treatment to get clean and stay sober.

Opioid Addiction Drug Produces Risk For Children

Buprenorphine, also known as Suboxone or Subutex, is a safe and effective prescription medication used to treat an opiate addiction. With the knowledge of the efficiency behind this drug, prescribed use has also increased dramatically. With the number of household prescriptions in the cupboards, children are bound to be exposed to its domesticated presence. Because the users of this drug are not always properly educated to the ways of storing such a serious drug, there have been many accidents where children come in direct contact with buprenorphine. These accidents resulted in serious injury and even rare cases of fatality. Physicians have become more aware of this problem and have started to carefully educate their patients about the proper storage and use of buprenorphine. 

As previously mentioned, buprenorphine is highly sufficient in the treatment of opiate addictions. Opiates are drugs such as morphine, heroin, and codeine. These drugs are used both legally and illegally for alleviating pain and inducing sleep. They are extremely effective in those areas, but unfortunately, they are also extremely addictive. If an addict completely stops their continued use of an opiate substance, they will suffer from serious withdrawal symptoms. To help with those symptoms and allow the individual to continue in their normal, everyday life, buprenorphine is administered in a way that allows the individual to slowly come off their reliance on the drug. Buprenorphine is provided in many different forms such as pills, tablets, and patches. It is critical that adults who are prescribed with this drug understand how dangerous it is for children and learn how to properly store it.

There are many dangers associated with the exposure of buprenorphine to children. If a child puts the drug in their mouth/sucks on the drug, that absorption is more intense when compared to immediately swallowing it. Buprenorphine has the potential to cause delayed and persistent respiratory depression in children. This respiratory depression can last for more than 24 hours following consumption. Even if the majority of the drug has been removed from the child's mouth, the risk still remains. In children who are younger than 6 years old, some effects of the ingestion of buprenorphine include drowsiness, vomiting, contracting of the pupil, abmormally fast heartbeat, agitation, and serious respiratory depression.

If you have a child that has been exposed to buprenorphine, call your local poison control center immediately – do not wait for symptoms to appear. To avoid accidental exposure to this drug, keep it in a locked box, bag, or cabinet for safe storage. This way it will be out of sight and out of reach of children. Keep buprenorphine in is original, labeled prescription container with child resistant closure. This way, the child will know what it is (if they are old enough to read and comprehend), or at least that it's not for them. Do not leave your prescription out on the counters or tabletops for later use. Store immediately after using. Discard all empty containers/film wrapping appropriately.

Buprenorphine is an extremely effective and important drug when used for the right reasons. However, in the wrong hands, it could be seriously harmful and even fatal. Take extra care when using this drug – remember that you are responsible for this medication.

Drug Intervention

Millions of Americans fall victim to drug and alcohol addiction each and every day. There are also millions of Americans who have overcome this devastating problem. Drug addiction not only destroys the lives of the users, it also destroys their families. A family may consist of brothers, sisters and parents, but more often, a family is made up of many close friends, relatives and even co-workers – the people who create a loving and caring support network. When addiction causes a person to lose control of their life, this network is the first to notice and the first to respond. It is important that these people create an environment of love and support, rather than one of hostility and hate. An intervention specialist can help to bring awareness to the addict and their family members on how exactly this can be done.

Addiction can control a persons life. This person may completely lose sight of who they are and who they want to be. It is devastating to love a person who can only function with drugs or alcohol in their system. It often seems as though an addict only loves their drug of choice and nothing else. Yet, no matter how off track they get, many addicts still believe they are in control of their lives and their drug use. Many addicts have a tendency to be completely unaware of just how much damage has been and is being done to their bodies. Because their friends and family watch this destruction unfold, they feel that it is up to them to do something to bring this individual back to themselves. This is called an intervention. An intervention is a selfless act done by a loved one to show an addict that they are cared about. This is often the first step towards the understanding of addiction – both for the addict and the loved one.

A drug intervention or alcohol intervention needs to be done with an expert or specialist. Many times, the addict is in extreme denial. They may not listen to what their loved ones have to say about addiction and treatment. They see substance abuse intervention as an attack on how they wish to live their life. Having a professional in this environment to help direct and focus the intervention can be very effective in helping the individual accept treatment and decide to change for the better.

Intervention for drugs and alcohol is a big step. This step shows how much the individual is cared for, and also provides a smooth transition into drug and/or alcohol treatment. An intervention is extremely important for an addict, of course, but it is just as important for their family and friends. It not only shows the addict that they need treatment, but it also allows their loved ones to better understand what the addict is going through and how to be supportive. It is never too soon or too late to tell and addict that you are concerned about their well-being.

Holistic Drug Rehab Florida

There are so many drugs out there and most of them affect the way a person's brain functions. Some of these drugs actually train the brain to crave more and more of the drug both mentally and physically. After an individual decides to get help for their drug addiction and address the alteration that the drug has made on their cognitive processes, they will admit themselves to drug addiction rehab. In drug rehab, they will experience the detoxification process that clears their physical system of the abused substance. Then they will take their next big step in deciding how they want to treat their addiction – either through residential, inpatient, or outpatient programs.

One of the residential options includes holistic drug rehab. This program focuses on ways to work through your addiction while concentrating the healing process in your mind, body, and spirit. In other words, it is a way to treat an addiction without the help of other substances. For example, a heroin addict would admit themselves to holistic drug rehab, go through detox, and then refuse a synthetic opiate treatment option, such as methadone or Suboxone. Instead, they would focus their attention toward bettering their body, mind, and spirit through activities like meditation, yoga, and therapy.

The holistic drug rehab Florida offers provides treatment options that are alternative to the traditional and mostly physical treatment. The techniques you'll learn in holistic drug rehab are ones that you will constantly use throughout your life. Specialized holistic programs include mindfulness behavioral therapy, motivational enhancement therapy, neuro linguistic programming, transformational therapy, acupuncture and/or massage treatment, exercise programs, and nutritional dietary education. 

During the detox portion of the drug addiction rehab, the participants will visit the spa weekly for whirlpool, steam, and sauna treatment. In regards to treating the body, exercise programs are implemented based on the individual and what they believe they are able to accomplish each week. Also, nutrition is brought to the patients' attention. They will learn how to eat healthily and how to extend this knowledge beyond treatment. As for balancing the mind, yoga and meditation are taught as a way to calm the mind and focus one's intentions.

Although holistic healing has been around for more than 5,000 years, it is sometimes considered a cutting-edge approach and has recently become a phenomenon among drug rehab Florida. This type of drug treatment attempts to incorporate much of the traditional ways with older, more spiritual and mindful ways of treatment. All of the techniques used in holistic drug rehab have a solid foundation of scientific evidence to back up the amazing and unbelievable health benefits that occur during and after treatment. By combining treatments focused on the body, spirit, and mind, holistic rehab can better treat the entire individual and ensure a promising and healthy recovery.

Dealing with an addiction and getting treatment is extremely hard. There are many decisions to make regarding what type of treatment will best suit you. If you are looking for a slightly alternative treatment option that allows for the development of the mind and spirit, you might want to think about trying a holistic drug rehab program. There, you will learn and experience techniques that are focused on broadening your spiritual concept and threshold. Most importantly, you must find a treatment program that works for you. Give holistic healing a try.

Drug Rehab Intervention

Many individuals suffer from drug addiction and have no idea how much their behavior affects their lives and the lives of others. Addictions can have serious impact on the lives of drug addicts, including legal trouble, financial hardship, and problems with relationships. Friends and family members are often directly affected by the behavior of addicts. As hard as it is for an addict to realize what they are doing and take steps toward drug addiction recovery, it can be just as hard for loved ones to confront an addict about their behavior and express their concern.

If you are a friend or family member of someone that you believe has a problem with drug addiction and may need to go to drug rehab, there are many things to take into account before confronting them. First, it's important to recognize the signs and symptoms of a drug addict. The neglect of responsibilities such as work, financial matters and school is a main indicator of drug use. The loss of interest in enjoyable hobbies and activities, erratic behavior, and the general loss of control over one's life and drug use are also major signs.

Drug addicts can be very deceptive, and it is often difficult to determine whether or not an individual has a problem. Even if they have built up a tolerance, take drugs in order to avoid withdrawal, and continue to use despite negative consequences, these are all symptoms that may only be recognizable by the user. Drug addicts will sometimes go to great lengths to hide their addictions from friends or family members. Often times, this is not out of deception, but rather out of not wanting to hurt loved ones by letting them know of their drug addiction. This type of behavior, and addiction itself, can be hard to understand if you are not an addict. It's important to remember that addiction is a disease, and it requires a lot more than will power to recover.

If the disease of addiction is left untreated, it can easily lead to serious health problems and even death. Unfortunately, many drug addicts continue to live with their addiction and do not receive the proper treatment for drug addiction recovery. In certain cases, when a loved one is in the serious throes of addiction and it causes serious concern among friends and family members, an intervention is the best option in order to save their life.

An intervention is an organized attempt by one or more people, usually friends or family members, to get someone professional treatment for their drug addiction. There are various types of interventions, but the standard intervention usually involves friends and family members and an interventionist or intervention counselor. Loved ones of the drug addict are encouraged to read letters describing how their drug use and associated behavior has impacted their lives and set repercussions that will occur if the individual does not seek treatment. This normally involves cutting them off financially, getting kicked out of the house, and even refusing to see or speak to them if they continue to use.

It is estimated that more than 80% of drug addicts involved in an intervention end up going to treatment. Although studies have shown that relapse can be higher when the subject is coerced to go to treatment through intervention, many drug addicts do relapse after their first attendance in drug rehab. Relapse is not the end of the world, and recovery is a lifelong process. If you and your family or friends have serious concerns about a loved one's drug addiction, and you are interested in doing in an intervention, you should contact an intervention specialist and see what your options may be. This can be a difficult and emotional situation to deal with, but it may save the life of a friend or family member in the end. 

Center For Substance Abuse Treatment

When someone falls victim to addiction, they and the people they love find themselves asking why. Why does addiction happen, and more specifically, why did it happen to someone they love? There is no right answer, but addiction is almost always a way of responding to pain. Perhaps that pain is physical, where the drug addiction would occur after consistent use of prescription medication, or self-medicating with other substances such as alcohol. But there are other types of pain that are just as prevalent. These can be caused by major traumas, or from some physical, mental, or emotional need that is not being met.

Fortunately, when a person suffering from a drug addiction or an alcohol addiction decides that it is time to take action, there is drug rehab and/or alcohol rehab available for any addiction situation. You will find that there are unmet needs in every person's life, but there are also very different circumstances as well. To fully understand your addiction, you must look at who you are and the things you need. In a substance abuse treatment center, you will find help. 

Florida is known to be a high drug trafficking area, as well as a place for vacationing. Ambrosia Treatment Centers are located in Florida because of how important it is to cover both of these bases – a beautiful retreat in a place where drug are prevalent. Here, the needs that first went unnoticed will be discovered and figured out. You can feel whole and healthy without your method of “escape.” In substance rehab, you will learn how to repair your life with the help of certified clinicians and therapists. You will not regret changing your life for the better, but you will regret never filling the empty holes within yourself. In a substance abuse treatment program, you will find a network of people who are attentive and who you connect with on a level you never thought you could reach. They will listen and that alone will help. Many of these people you will network with have gone through very similar situations to the one you are in. At Ambrosia and many other drug and alcohol rehab centers, a family program is also offered so that your family can become educated in ways to support and follow your recovery process.

Substance abuse treatment is not something that can fit an agenda and be treated in a specific way. Each recovery is different for each person, just as each addiction is different for each person. At Ambrosia Treatment Centers, individualized substance treatment is one of the main focuses. It really makes a difference when you understand why and how you became addicted. From there, you can uncover the ways to fill your unmet needs and begin a new, healthy and productive lifestyle. It is important that you work with a center for substance abuse treatment during the majority of your initial recovery process because your immediate needs may change frequently from one stage to the next. Find a rehab center that fits your needs and stick to it!

Alcohol Rehabilitation Centers in Florida

Alcohol addiction is a serious condition. Many people, and some alcohol addicts, do not realize just how serious it can be. Not only can it harm the internal body, but it can also lead to drunk driving, extreme depression, and sometimes suicide. Florida is a prevalent state for drug trafficking and abundant alcohol use. This is probably because of its accessible coast and proximity to Latin America. According to a national poll, 60% of teenagers have reported to have been drunk before turning 18, and 20% of suicides in the United States are alcohol related. Alcohol is the number 3 cause of death in the United States. Luckily, the alcohol rehab Florida offers is ample and widespread.

Being trapped in an alcoholic cycle can kill every ounce of motivation that an person has left. They may find themselves abusing (physically and/or verbally) their family members until the people they love the most don't even recognize them. They will take and take and take from their loved ones until they have nothing left to give. They will drink to forget themselves. They will drink to forgive themselves. And before they know it, they have fallen down the deep, dark tunnel of alcohol addiction.

But there is hope. No physical addiction is permanent. Of course, you will be drawn to that substance and must use your dedication and will power to realize that you are better than the temptation, but there will be a point in your rehabilitation program when you stop for a moment and realize, “I am not addicted any longer.” It will be one of the most liberating experiences of your life. Alcohol addiction is an ongoing process and residential treatment is the most effective way to start out. In a residential program, you will receive 24-hour care in order to fully meet your medical and emotional needs. To help create a relaxing care facility, rehab Florida provides amenities such as swimming pools, libraries or reading rooms, and gardens. These are meant to help relieve stress. Almost all alcohol rehab facilities will have family rooms, or places that encourage open sharing. In a rehab facility, you will meet people who are going through similar situations. It is important to connect and network with these people. Communication is a vital part of living a sober life. Often times, there will be workshops that will educate the alcohol addict with knowledge about his or her addiction. There will also be workshops focused on personal life goals and meditation.

At Ambrosia Treatment Centers, you are treated as an individual. Once admitted, you will receive 24-hour care, a dual diagnosis evaluation, important counseling sessions, 12-step program, relapse prevention track, health education and exercise, individualized treatment, family counseling, psychiatric and medical evaluations, pain management, holistic programs, and aftercare planning. Not only does Ambrosia offer treatment, it also offers a supportive community that is ready to help you with your addiction. You will be able to be heard and understood.

The rehab centers Florida offers will pull you out of the bottom of that tunnel and realign your life. You can change who you are. You can change for a loved one or your family, but most importantly, you can change for yourself.

Discover the Truth about Addiction

Addiction is a disease that affects millions of people every day. Although most addicts do not realize the consequences of their addiction, their physical and mental dependency can cause serious problems in their life, including financial stress from spending all their money on substances, negativity in relationships with friends and family due to changes in their behavior, and health problems from their frequent use and abuse.

It is estimated that more than 23 million Americans are addicted to drugs and alcohol. There are many different drug recovery and alcohol recovery programs and treatment centers available for those wanting to get clean, but unfortunately most alcoholics and addicts do not receive the treatment or rehab necessary for proper recovery. Many do not have enough money to go to drug addiction recovery or alcohol addiction recovery, since it can be expensive. Others simply refuse to go and continue on with their addiction, living in denial.

Addiction is a disease that affects both the mind and body. When a person is addicted to drugs or alcohol, their brain becomes preoccupied with using, and they become dependent upon the substance in order to function in normal everyday life. Physical dependencies can develop, and when an addict has reached this level of addiction, they will go into withdrawal if they are not constantly using. Depending on the severity of the addiction and the type of substance being abused, withdrawal symptoms can include depression, anxiety, insomnia, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, convulsions, seizures and even cardiac arrest. At their most severe, withdrawal symptoms can be fatal.

When an addict has reached such high levels of mental and physical dependency, rehab is usually the best option for getting sober. If they are not properly treated by medical professionals during the detox process for severe withdrawal symptoms, they can die. In drug recovery and alcohol recovery, alcoholics and addicts are administered medications to curb these symptoms. After they have detoxed, they will then participate in various assessments, discussions and therapy sessions with treatment professionals in order to learn about how to deal with their addiction and the problems which led them to start using in the first place.

Although professional drug treatment can be costly, there are other options for alcoholics and addicts that want to get sober. Drug rehab insurance is available through certain providers, and it can cover most of if not all of treatment received. Support groups and recovery programs such as Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous have also proven to be extremely effective in treating addiction. They are free, and they have saved millions of lives over many years. The most important thing in getting clean is a commitment to recovery and the personal desire to stay sober and free from drugs and alcohol.

Addiction is a disease. Although it is not curable, it can be treated. Whether through inpatient rehab, outpatient treatment, or support groups, recovery is attainable for those that are willing to admit defeat to their addiction and work through the programs. This can be a difficult thing to do and scary to even think about, but in the long run, it could end up saving your life. Recovery is not a one-time deal. It is a lifelong process, and even though it may seem like the hardest thing in the world at first, it gets easier and better every day. 

Early-Life Strokes Tied To Drug And Alcohol Abuse

A stroke is defined as the rapid loss of brain function due to a disturbance in the blood supply to the brain. This disturbance can cause permanent neurological damage, and may result in death or complete physical debilitation. High blood pressure is one of the common variables that put most people in danger of having a stroke. Studies have shown that doing drugs over a long period of time will most likely cause high blood pressure, which may result in a stroke or other health complications. Also, amphetamines and other stimulants cause blood pressure to rise intensely for a short periods of time. This may cause an instantaneous and fatal stroke.

Often thought of as a condition of the elderly, more and more young adults are suffering from strokes. Researchers have begun to look into this epidemic and found a common, and somewhat unsurprising factor. The common factor among many of these cases is drug and/or alcohol addiction and abuse. Even if the drug use does not cause an instant problem, excessive drug abuse can put users at a higher risk than an average person, and at an earlier time in their lives. Substance abuse is common among young adults experiencing a stroke, and it is advised that patients who are younger than 55 years of age should be routinely screened and counseled in regards to substance abuse. 

However, some drugs like cocaine and methamphetamine especially, cause a serious, instant and life-threatening stroke when use in excess. This happens because the drug creates a cut-off of blood to the brain, constricting the blood vessels in a very short time. There have been cases where a stroke has occurred, even in young, healthy adults with no other stroke risk factors (smoking, high blood pressure, family history, etc.,). The only way to successfully avoid a stroke when you are young is to avoid using illicit substances. If you have an addiction, seek help immediately from a certified facility.

Every year, close to 800,000 people in the U.S. have a stroke. Almost 5% of that population is between the ages of 18 and 44. Strokes are most commonly the result of a serious, long-term illness or disability – this includes substance abuse and addiction. One in five of the individuals who suffered a stroke used illicit drugs, and over half were smokers at one time. 13% had used drugs or alcohol 24 hours prior to their stroke.

Some of these numbers may seem on the small and insignificant side, but if you or a loved one is addicted to drugs or alcohol, these numbers become very important. Drug treatment is of the utmost importance when dealing with an addiction. The only way to avoid suffering from a stroke at a young age is to stop engaging in risky behavior such as drug use, and to stay healthy!! At Ambrosia Treatment Centers and other treatment centers all over the world, healthy habits are taught along with exercise programs and education. Do not wait to start treatment, begin your road to recovery today!