New Studies Show Long-Lasting Effects of Meth Addiction

Drug addictions can have long-lasting effects on a person's mind and body. Even years after a person has become sober, they may still experience the temptations of drug use, and their brain may function differently because of it. Quitting drugs and becoming sober is a process, and it is difficult. A drug addict cannot simply wake up one day, decided to abstain from drugs, and go on to lead a normal life. Recovery can take years, and even after becoming sober, the effects of prior drug use can come to haunt recovering drug addicts.

Long-Term Effects of Meth Addiction

Recent studies conducted by the University of Florida have revealed that even long after people that are addicted to meth quit using the drug, their brain may still function differently. From research done on lab mice using the crystal meth drug, researchers found that mice that had been given the drug had impaired brain activity and problems remembering things two weeks after stopping use. Two weeks in the life of a mouse is equal to about a year in the lifespan of a human, indicating that even one year after stopping the use of meth, recovering addicts may still suffer from impaired brain activity.

In addition, researchers attributed this impaired brain activity to withdrawal. Even one year after quitting people with drug addictions to crystal meth can still suffer from withdrawal symptoms. This can be disconcerting to hear for meth users that are trying to become clean and sober. Withdrawal can be dangerous and painful, especially from a drug as harsh as crystal meth. In recent years, meth use has become a nationwide epidemic. It is cheap and relatively easy to manufacture, and it is highly addictive. Withdrawal from the drug can include symptoms such as irritability, anxiety, depression, nausea, and insomnia. Depending upon how long a person has been using the drug and how much they have been taking influences how serious their withdrawal symptoms can be.

Drug Addiction & The Brain

When people develop substance abuse problems, their brain chemistries change. The patterns in which their brains function are altered due to the increased levels of serotonin and dopamine that are released upon drug use. As discovered by the researchers at the University of Florida, this can have long-term effects on a person's brain activity. They stated that the way that a meth addict's brain functions during recovery and long after becoming sober is similar to that of a person with Parkinson's disease.

These findings further strengthen the argument and idea that drug addiction is a chronic disease, and recovery can be a lifelong process. Even years after a person with meth addiction has gone to rehab treatment and participated in the standard drug rehab programs, they may still suffer from the consequences of their drug use. The best way to avoid this is to simply not use drugs in the first place. Drug prevention programs, especially at a young age, are essential in teaching young people the dangers of drug addiction. Not only can meth addiction and other drug problems ruin lives, they can also have serious effects on recovering drug addicts long after they have ceased use. 

Drug Addiction Treatment Research

The principles of drug addiction are sometimes very unclear. What causes addiction? Why are some people addicts, while some aren't? How do you deal with dual diagnosis (a mental health disorder and a substance abuse issue) in a successful way? These questions cannot be answered simply, just as drug addiction cannot be treated simply. In order to approach the difficulties that result from drug addiction, drug addiction treatment is designed in a way that focuses specifically on certain aspects of the addiction and the consequences that follow. Addiction research is largely evidence based, which is reassuring to those who are taking part in drug rehab treatment. However, there are many professional researchers working on new methods of treatment and new ways for successful recovery. Of the existing drug addiction rehab treatments available, research has show two very successful methods: Pharmacotherapies and Behavioral Therapies. 

Pharmacotherapies are mainly used for opioid addiction, tobacco addiction, and alcohol addiction. In this type of therapy treatment, an addict is given different drugs to allow full recovery by lessening their dependence slowly but surely. Opioid pharmacotherapy is widely controversial because it is viewed as simply replacing one opioid for another more acceptable form of opioid. However, research has shown that taking the opioid prescriptions such as methadone and buprenorphine, an opioid addict can hold a steady job, avoid crime and violence, and reduce the risk of HIV through injection. For alcohol addiction, there are many different drugs that allow for a more comfortable withdrawal period. There are also some that, when taken, will cause the user to feel very ill if they drink alcohol. This is helpful for highly motivated persons, or in high-risk situations, such as parties where alcohol will be present. All of these drugs that allow for comfortable and reasonable changes in a person's lifestyle have been shown to work significantly better with the help of behavioral therapy, but it is also shown that with most addictions, what matters most is getting help.

Behavioral therapies have always been shown as the most helpful, probably because of the way they compel a drug user into approaching their abuse through the idea of complete treatment. They are forced to confront their problems – not only problems with drug use, but in the rest of their lives as well – and thus choose to modify their attitudes toward drug abuse. Many addicts will increase their life skills in drug rehab, relating to stressful situations and the cravings for drugs. There are numerous behavioral treatments as a result of positive study results. A few of the most common and successful are cognitive-behavioral therapy, motivational enhancement therapy, the matrix model, 12-step programs, family behavior therapy, and behavioral therapies primarily for adolescents.

Through a drug and alcohol addiction assessment given by a treatment center, you will be able to join the therapy situation the best fits your needs and your life situation. Do not wait to get help – find treatment that works for you. Drug addiction is a scary thing to deal with, but you don't have to do it alone.  

Addiction Abuse

Addiction and abuse are commonly confused and therefore discussed in the same way. Although they are both very dangerous and similar in that way, there are also many things that differentiate the two. Addiction is a state of physical or psychological dependence on a potentially harmful drug. A person who has an addiction will continue to use the addictive substance despite the adverse consequences that it is causing in their lives. Sometimes these detrimental effects can take place in the workplace, at home, or seemingly everywhere in a person's life. This is where abuse differs from addiction. Drug abuse is generally considered to be excessive and/or illegal drug use. When this drug use begins to severely affect an individual's personal and/or professional relationships, it is very important that they seek help for the drug abuse that has become an addiction.

Often used in excess, alcohol is a drug that best demonstrates drug addiction abuse. Alcohol abuse is very common, especially among the young population (ages 18-30). But, when this abuse and source of new found freedom gets out of hand, addiction may creep in – perhaps unknowingly at first. Alcohol abuse can quickly lead to alcohol addiction abuse. Some people are more receptive to this change, whereas others have more control over their drinking habits. This does not mean that they are better or worse as individuals, it just means that some people are more susceptible to drug addiction and abuse because of the way their brains are built and function. This is not limited to alcohol addiction – it is applicable for all drug abuse situations.

Abuse and addiction tend to go hand in hand. Addiction abuse is basically the relationship that drug use has with a person's brain. Some people have addictive personalities, where they feel that once they start doing something that they like, they have to keep doing it, no matter what. Obsessive and compulsive are words that usually accompany people with addictive personalities. However, a person does not need to be naturally inclined toward addictive tendencies, nor does this mean that they will end up addicted to drugs if they are so naturally inclined. Anyone can become addicted to drugs if they begin to abuse them. Some drugs are more addictive than others, and each person reacts differently to specific drug use.

There are many different factors that affect the outcome of drug use and abuse. Some people and some drugs are more likely to produce addicts. If you or a loved one feel that your drug use has surpassed normalcy and become abuse or addiction, do not hesitate to get help. It is not your fault, but it is up to you to change your life. Finding a treatment center that speaks to who you are, and acknowledges how each addiction is unique, will help you fight your addiction. Through a treatment center like Ambrosia Treatment Center, you will become acquainted with your drug addiction in a way that allows you to work past the cravings and the triggers. You will become strong enough to maintain your sobriety – but, it all has to start somewhere. Call today.

Rehab Center For Alcohol

Alcohol addiction has been studied for decades, and even today researchers are beginning to learn more and more about the condition as a physical and psychological disease. Alcoholism was first considered to be a disease and classified as such in 1956, due to the way it alters an abuser's mind over time. However, alcohol abuse as a disease and not a “bad habit” has been discussed as early as the 1800's. Through research, it has been widely accepted that 40-50% of the disease is caused by genetics, which leaves 40-50% up to a person's environmental influences. Also through research, it has been concluded that although excessive and continual drinking can damage a person's brain function and thinking patterns, much of this can be completely stopped, and in some cases, it can even reversed to an extent. One of the easiest and best ways to go about realigning an individual's priorities is through an addiction rehab center.  A rehab center will force you to look beyond the walls you have built up.

When a person first hears “addiction rehab center” they might initially think of drug addiction such as heroin, meth, crack cocaine, and other hard drugs. They may not realize that commonly accepted drugs such as marijuana, some club drugs like ecstasy, and even legal drugs such as alcohol can also be linked with addiction. It can come as a shock that these commonly used and abused drugs, namely alcohol, can lead to the altering of brain function, and thus, physical and psychological addiction. Many times, people do not even consider alcohol a drug. For this reason, a drug rehab center may offer a specific alcohol addiction treatment program. Also for this reason, there are many alcohol rehab centers that focus only on alcohol dependence.

A rehab center, drug or alcohol, has the responsibility to educate its patients. It is extremely important that an addict understands how and why addiction happens. It is important for them to know that addiction is not their fault. It is completely out of their control. However, attending rehab is one of the few things an addict can do to regain that control. Alcohol rehab will be able to speak specifically to alcohol addicts about the underlying reasons behind their chemical dependence, whether it be genetic, environmental, psychological, or a combination of these characteristics. It will also provide information and knowledge about how to live a healthy and productive lifestyle – something that many addicts, regardless of their specific drug abuse, have a lot of trouble with.

If you or a loved one find that you are struggling with alcohol addiction, do not hesitate to discover the help of rehab. Rehab will allow you to admit your problem without judgment. It will allow openness and compassion to reach you, and you will be able to spread that understand through yourself and out into the world. Don't wait to get the help you need today.

Drug Dependence

Drug dependence is characterized by a preoccupation with using and obtaining drugs, and the necessity to get high in order to function normally. At this stage, drug addicts can be controlled by drugs, and the things that they used to enjoy in life, such as spending time with family and recreational activities, start to lose importance. Surprisingly, many people are able to maintain a job, family and other responsibilities while being addicted to drugs. Others fall hard to the power of drugs and either end up homeless, deceased or going to rehab.

How Drugs Affect the Brain

Dependence to drugs has a lot to do with how drugs affect the brain. When people take drugs, certain chemicals are released into the brain that alter the way that cells process, send and receive information. With certain drugs such as heroin and marijuana, chemicals in the drugs are so similar to the natural chemicals in the brain that they are received the same way. However, since they are altered, receptors in the brain process the information differently, creating a high. The chemicals in the drugs are basically tricking the brain into processing the information the same way and this can produce overwhelming feelings of euphoria.

With other drugs, such as cocaine and methamphetamine, large amounts of dopamine are released into the brain. Dopamine has an effect on the reward center of the brain and is associated with pleasure, other emotions, and movement. The brain has its own natural way of releasing dopamine through other pleasurable activities, and altering this process can have negative long-term effects. After repeated use, a person becomes so used to receiving large amounts of dopamine at once that the normal amount is no longer sufficient. To compensate, they seek out more drugs and continue to get high. Just as with drugs like heroin and marijuana, the brain begins to respond differently to the altered messages, and the normal process that occurs in the reward center is altered.

Withdrawal & Dependency

At this stage, a person develops a drug addiction, and the drug user begins to feel mental withdrawal symptoms when they are not on the drug. These symptoms include depression, anxiety, lack of motivation, irritability, and the lack of interest in activities or the inability to feel pleasure from normal activities without being high. Depending upon the drug being used, physical withdrawal symptoms can also occur. The most common symptoms are nausea, tremors, cold sweats and can be as severe as seizures and cardiac arrest.

Young Drug Use & Dependency

Studies have shown that people who experiment with drugs and alcohol at a young age are much more likely than those who begin drinking or taking drugs at age 21 or older. According to the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University, 90 percent of Americans that have a dependence to drugs started smoking marijuana, drinking alcohol, or taking other drugs before age 18. With this in mind, the best way to treat drug addiction is through prevention. By teaching young people about the dangers of drug abuse and drug dependence through educational classes, they can learn about how drugs affect the brain and body. Through showing the severe and often disturbing effects that substances can have on a drug addict, young people will have a better idea of what they may be getting themselves into and hopefully think twice about using drugs. 

Florida Drug Rehabs

Drug and alcohol abuse continue to be a problem all over the United States, but recent research shows that drug addiction in Florida may be a larger problem than in other areas of the country. Roughly 8 percent of Florida residents admitted to using illicit drugs at least once in the past month, however this rate is probably lower than the actual number of drug addicts and drug abusers. The rate of drug deaths in the state of Florida is higher than the national average. It is estimated that 16 per 100,000 deaths in Florida were due to drugs, whereas the overall national rate is 13 per 100,000.

Prescription drug abuse is the fastest growing drug epidemic in the United States, and crystal meth has also proved to be a serious issue of concern. Rates of meth lab seizures increased nearly 150% in Florida in recent years, and the drug is relatively easy to manufacture with products that can be purchased over-the-counter at regular supermarkets and farm supply businesses. In addition to illicit drug use, alcoholism is also a major problem in Florida and throughout the rest of the United States. It is estimated that roughly 10 percent of the American population are alcoholic, and the disease accounts for millions of deaths every year.

There are many different options for people that struggle with addiction to drugs and alcohol, and there are thousands of Florida drug rehab centers that can help people get their lives back on track with proper treatment. Drug rehab programs vary from center to center, and people can choose to do either inpatient or outpatient treatment. With inpatient treatment, patients will be required to live at the facility for anywhere from 45 to 90 days, while participating in group and individual therapy sessions and receiving counseling.

In outpatient treatment, patients can still live their daily lives and receive treatment without having to live at the rehab center. Many find this situation to be ideal since having to commit to living somewhere and receive intensive drug treatment care can be out of the question for some. Patients in outpatient treatment still attend therapy sessions and learn effective ways to deal with stress and other factors that may attribute to their drug abuse. Some drug addicts may require inpatient treatment in order to completely remove themselves from unhealthy environments and situations where they are frequently tempted by drugs.

Drug addicts suffer from the disease of addiction, and it can be difficult to treat them with proper care. In certain cases, drug abuse is so deeply engrained in their entire existence that it seems near impossible to imagine a life without drugs. Drug addiction is not curable, but it can be treated. Drug rehab treatment centers can teach people how to live without drugs, help them detox, and provide them with the necessary tools to deal with stress and other complications of everyday life. With the help of treatment professionals, drug addiction can be treated, and people can be offered a second chance at life. 

Treating Methamphetamine Addiction

The production and use of methamphetamine has been on the rise since the 1990's, especially in rural Midwestern communities. This epidemic caught many treatment centers and hospitals off-guard, and was thus termed untreatable. However, there are so many people suffering from methamphetamine addiction that researchers have recently begun to take a closer look at this highly damaging substance in hopes to uncover new possibilities for treatment.

To discover how to treat an addiction like methamphetamine, the course of the addiction must be studied, starting at the beginning. Getting hooked on meth is easy, according to addicts across America. Some people smoke it for the intense rush it produces. Others take it orally or snort it for functional reasons. When used in this way, it acts as an appetite suppressant used for weight loss purposes, or for a boost in energy that can last for more than 12 hours. This extended high happens because of the way methamphetamine reacts with the nerve cells in the brain. Meth actually attaches to this chemical nerve cell, causing dopamine to cascade throughout the brain. The chemical dopamine is generally associated with feelings of pleasure and euphoria, but too much of this chemical can result in aggression, irritability, and schizophrenic-like behavior. The abuse of methamphetamine is also linked to serious medical complications such as heart damage, stroke, and psychosis. The most frightening result of methamphetamine abuse is by far the long-term neurological damage that is unlike any other drug addiction result.

Through research, scientists have discovered that the neurological damage caused by methamphetamine addiction is done mostly to the dopamine centers and transporters. Because of the addiction, a meth addict's brain does not register that dopamine transporters are necessary – the brain has become accustom to having a regular dose of methamphetamine to release a flow of dopamine for an extended period of time. But, what does this decline in dopamine transporters mean for the addict and their recovery? Studies have shown that former meth users have an average of 24% loss in the total number of dopamine transporters in their brain structure. This loss has been linked to the cause of slowness in motor skills and poor performance on verbal and memory tasks. The higher the loss of these transporters, the higher the damage in necessary brain function. This same loss in dopamine transporters is reported in Parkinson's disease patients, but these patients experience this loss on a larger scale. 

When the abuse of methamphetamine traveled to the rural communities of the Midwest, treatment centers in those areas deemed the addicts untreatable. These centers had never really been exposed to the treatment of cocaine or heroin, and so meth was seemingly impossible to treat. However, many of the treatment facilities in larger urban settings have done the best they can to treat meth addiction, and have concluded that it is very treatable. The physical withdrawal is not as severe as a person might expect, but the psychological withdrawal is beyond intense. A methamphetamine addict may feel an inability to experience pleasure because of the very low levels of dopamine being produced in the brain. According to a rehab center in L.A., this inability can last for months, and many patients experience a relapse around six months into their recovery.

The only currently available treatment that is proven to work for methamphetamine addiction is behavioral therapy. However, there are hundreds of treatment centers and thousands of patients taking part in different types of treatment in order to discover the best method for treating a methamphetamine addiction. There is never a complete loss of hope. The misconception of meth being untreatable has been proved false time and time again. Meth may be dangerous, but there is hope of a healthy recovery.

Addicted To Drugs?

Being addicted to drugs is so extremely difficult to deal with. If you feel completely alone, it is even more challenging. There is a lot of dedication, hard work and commitment that is required to even think about beginning treatment.  Having said that, it is also beyond rewarding to experience those hardships and know that you are better than your addiction. When my friends ask me what the most valuable lesson was that I learned through my drug addiction, I always say, becoming educated was the most important thing. Learning how my addiction works and why I had no control over it was a turning point in my recovery. Some might call that the “breakthrough.” 

What was it, exactly, that I learned to make me feel confident in my choice of sobriety? Well, I was addicted to cocaine. When I first went to drug treatment, I felt like it was not really worth anything. I knew what I wanted out of life, and it was to be happy and have fun with my friends. But there was still some part of me that disagreed about how I was doing that. And so, to remedy this internal conflict, I started going to different drug treatment programs to see if anything they talked about resonated with my beliefs about what life is all about. One of the treatment programs had a meeting where they would all share specific stories about what the individuals have done in their past, or what they want to do in their future. One of the meetings started a discussion about how some recent research was opening up the idea that people's brains are actually built in a way that is more receptive to addiction, especially to cocaine addiction. When I heard this, it blew my mind. At these meetings, the participants are encouraged to describe how they are powerless to their addiction. That never really made sense until I discovered that my brain could be finding ways to encourage my cocaine addiction. I really was completely powerless to my addiction. 

Throughout more and more educational therapy and behavioral therapy, I found ways to work around my natural inclination to fill the gap of cocaine cravings. I am able to live a happy life, filled with fun times with my friends, and I don't have to be high on cocaine to enjoy it! It is a wonderful, wonderful thing to know that although you are powerless, you can still prevail beyond addiction. Being addicted to drugs makes it hard to stop, but it is possible with the help of a treatment center. I can attest to that! If you know you are addicted or that you might become addicted if you stay on the track you're on know, do not hesitate to at least get information about drug addiction. Becoming educated is the best thing I ever did for myself, and I want people to know that. Get help today.

What is an Addiction?

Millions of people struggle with addiction every day - drug addiction, alcohol addiction, even addiction to certain behaviors such as sex or gambling. They can take over lives and make people lose all control. For the purpose of this article, we will focus mainly on addiction to mood-altering substances such as drugs and alcohol. When a person continues to drink or use despite the consequences of dependence, including mental and physical harm, they have an addiction.

Addiction Rehab Centers

Many people with addictions can regain control of their lives by attending support groups and addiction centers, but unfortunately some do not end up getting the help they need. Drug addiction centers help people detox in a clean and healthy environment under the supervision of treatment professionals. After the detoxification, they will participate in a series of evaluations and therapy sessions intended to target and address what may be attributing to their substance abuse problems. These issues often include unresolved emotional issues, stressful situations and past traumatic experiences.

Alcohol addiction

Alcoholism is one of the most common addictions. Since drinking alcohol is socially acceptable, legal and widely accessible, many people give in to the temptations of drinking. What may start out as social drinking or occasional partying often turns into full-blown alcohol addiction. At this point, people have no control over how much or how frequently they drink, and alcohol takes over their lives. They can become both mentally and physically dependent on alcohol and need it get through the day.

Drug Addiction

Since there are so many different types of drugs, there are many different kinds of drug addictions. People can become addicted to over-the-counter medications, prescription pills, illicit substances such as cocaine or heroin, or anything that alters their mood. In recent years, crystal meth addiction has become an increasingly large problem due to the relatively easy process of manufacturing the drug and its low cost. The present-day crystal meth problem is comparable to the crack cocaine epidemic of the 1980s.

Dependency & Withdrawal

When people become dependent on drugs or alcohol, they can go through withdrawal symptoms that occur when they are coming down or do not have access to the substance of their choice. The most common symptoms include irritability, anxiety, depression, headaches and intense cravings, but they can also be as severe as tremors, seizures and cardiac arrest. Many alcoholics and drug addicts will continue to drink or use in order to avoid going through withdrawal. The process of detoxification can be both difficult and painful, but it is a necessary step in recovery.

Recovery from drug and alcohol addiction is possible, even in the worst cases. There have been many miraculous stories of people bouncing back from the worst addictions, many of which have been highlighted by celebrities that chose to share their tales of recovery. These stories can be inspiring to people that want to get clean but are scared of what life would be like without drugs or alcohol. It can be a scary thought, and many people think they can control their addictions, but this is usually not the case. Recovery is possible and addictions can be beat, but it requires patience, persistence and the deep inner desire to change for the better. 

Drug Rehab Centers In Florida

Drug abuse is already a dangerous situation, but drug addiction is a very serious matter. Someone who has a drug addiction is often in serious danger and should seek professional help. Luckily, professional help is available, and many professionals work very hard to see that those in need are able to receive the treatment that they need. Most treatment is considered to be rehab, or rehabilitation. This is the transformation of a person back to a healthy state. When drug addiction is present, a person is seldom very close to being healthy. A rehab center is a great place to experience a new way of life, one that is not riddled with the troubles and difficulties of addiction. Drug rehab can change lives in ways that many, especially those addicted to a substance, could not have thought possible.

For those interested in drug rehab, Florida residents in particular have many options available to them. Whether it is the calm, breezy atmosphere of the area, near the oceanfront, or the warm and sunny weather, many are attracted to this area, especially in times of hardship. It is a beautiful place to come for a vacation. Vast amounts of people visit each year to visit the beaches, the Florida Keys, the Everglades, or theme parks such as Disney World near Orlando. Everyone can sense a strong attraction to the state, whether they are native to the state or not.

A rehab center is a place of safety and security, where one can be in the right atmosphere to be healthy again. Rejuvenation, when it can be achieved, is truly a blessing to experience. Especially for someone experiencing a hardship such as drug addiction, it can completely change a life for the better. One who is transformed by drug rehab will be able to experience an entirely new life, a life that focuses on the individual's health and safety, and his or her ability to contribute to society as a whole. After rehab, many can view life in an entirely new light. They are able to recognize that the drug no longer benefits them in any way. They have broken free of linking the substance to their survival instincts. While it is not always this direct for drug addicts who have gone through rehab, this is the underlying principle. Drug addiction is no longer after rehab. A former addict will be able to realize how the drug is pleading to the brain, and in many cases be able to shut it out completely.

Drug rehab centers exist everywhere, and many of them are able to treat a wide variety of addictions and situations. Certain rehab centers can have a unique approach to how they go about their business. Some include a holistic approach to treatment, offering multiple gateways to a successful recovery. The best of these find approaches that are healthy and long-lasting, leading to not only recovery, but a sustainable and enduring state of health and well-being. Often, the patient will feel more at ease in such a facility, as the treatment is more personalized, catering to the individual's needs, as well as being more relaxing and therapeutic. It is certainly more enjoyable to attend a treatment that includes daily massage therapy!

One rehab center Florida has to offer is our very own Ambrosia Treatment Centers. We are one of the drug rehab centers in Florida that makes an effort to cater to each individual's needs. For example, if a drug addiction causes the patient severe physical damage in some way, a massage can assist the healing process in many ways. We do our best to make each patient comfortable and care for each concern while the treatment process occurs. This helps to ensure a happy and healthy recovery from drug addiction.

Rehab Center

A lot of things happened to me when I started using drugs. I was what they called a poly-drug user. This meant I used pretty much anything I could get my hands on. But, I had friends with money. I didn't huff Lysol or smoke spice or anything like that, even when I was a kid. I always did the hard stuff. First, it started with heroin in my twenties. I was on and off with that, but I really liked to party. I started to use more amphetamines like cocaine, crack cocaine, meth, and a variety of prescription drugs. Not many people can say they have used heroin and not become severely addicted. For some reason, I can. However, I was extremely addicted to club drugs and the whole party scene. I had little knowledge of the detrimental side of drug use, but I knew that heroin was considered one of the really, really hard drugs. If I wasn't immediately addicted to that, I could withstand anything, right? Wrong. I would use any type of amphetamine given the chance. Adderall, coke, speed – any and all kinds of uppers – you name it, I'd use it. But, meth was by far the most attractive to me.

After a while, my best friend asked if maybe I wanted to get some help for my constant drug use. I had only been using meth for under a month. I was surprised at how easy it was to say that, yes I did. I went to a local non-profit drug addiction rehab center and asked for information about their different drug rehab programs. Upon reading, I found that many rehab centers have drug and alcohol rehab, and some are only an alcohol rehab center. I guess I didn't realize that alcohol was such a problem either. For me, my world revolved around the drugs that got me really high and focused. That's why I liked meth so much – it got me a high like that for the longest time. When I wasn't high, like when I was reading the information about the different types of rehab that the nonprofit drug and alcohol rehab center had to offer, I felt so extremely depressed. I could barely stand it. I didn't really feel crazy or insane or anything, just very, very down. 

When my friend came to me and approached me about my drug problem – my drug addiction – I felt so relieved that someone cared enough about who I was. I felt respected. Instead of joining a full-blown rehab program, I decided it might be best to attend some of the drug rehab meetings, similar to Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), that the drug rehab center had to offer. That way, I could take a look at what I would be getting into. After I started going to those meetings, they became the mood elevator that I really needed. Like alcohol rehab, these meetings that are focused specifically for amphetamine addicts take a look at how to forgive and ask for forgiveness. These meetings have helped me learn and focus on a brighter future.

I know that not everyone is as fortunate as I have been in my drug addiction. The stories that many of my new friends tell at our meetings opens my eyes to a better understanding of what drug addiction is, why people become addicted, and all sorts of different ways on how to handle that addiction. Without drug rehab, those people would not be able to tell me those things. Those things are the words I needed to hear to be able to pull myself out of the drug haze that I was covered in. Not everyone reacts to drugs the same way. If anyone out there finds themselves in a situation of dire need and lack of direction, drug rehab can pull you from the depths of your addiction. Don't hesitate to say, “Yes, I need help.” I didn't, and I couldn't be more grateful for where I am today.

What To Expect At An Intervention?

Those who have a drug addiction generally follow a pattern or cycle to their drug abuse. With an intervention, that cycle is broken. This can be a devastating, earth-shattering, but most importantly eye-opening experience for the addict. The whole point of an intervention is to educate the addict and their loved ones about addiction and how to handle it in a productive way. Drug and alcohol intervention allow an addict to regain the life that they thought was lost forever. Surrounded by the people that they love and care about, an addict is more likely to know that they are not alone, and that they can beat this addiction and successfully live a healthy and sober life.

There are two main drug and alcohol addiction intervention styles that exist (but there are much more out there). This does not mean that the drug intervention has to be strictly one or the other, but it does show that there is structure required to successfully have an intervention. It is important that the family receives professional help with a drug addiction intervention in order to achieve their goal of showing their loved one that he/she has a problem and needs help. Sometimes, self-lead interventions can cause serious issues with trust and boundaries within the family. They can sometimes veer away from progress. That is why these intervention styles exist – to help promote a successful recovery.

The most common intervention style is the Johnson Institute Model. It allows for the addict to realize that they don't need to destroy their lives, or hit rock bottom, to get the help they need. Through the Johnson Model, the family and friends of the addict can confront he/she about their negative and unhealthy behavior. Each person doing the confronting will explain how the individual's addiction has impacted their lives. The main focus of this type of drug intervention is to get the addicted individual the help they need.

A close second in popularity, the Family Systems Model does much of what the Johnson Model does, but in a way that strongly considers the needs of the families affected by the addict's destructive behavior. This model supports the family through counseling, which empowers them to detach themselves from the addict's negative cycle of abuse. The Family Model is extremely helpful in addressing the immediate needs of the family.

Although both of these models address the situation of an intervention in different ways, with the help of a certified intervention therapist, you and your loved ones can personalize the situation of drug addiction intervention in your own way and to your own benefit. If you feel that it is necessary, you can address both the needs of the addict and the needs of the families involved. Either way, it is extremely important that you get help for any type of situation where the abuse of drugs or alcohol are present. Do not wait to get the help you need.

The Possibility Of A New Drug For Opioid Addiction

Opioid addiction is a tremendously challenging affliction, and because of this, pharmaceutical companies are always striving to find the most effective medications for patients. Recently, a new drug has been released to be reviewed by the United States Food and Drug Administration sometime this spring. The FDA states that this new drug, Probuphine, will get Priority Review. It is estimated that around 2.3 million Americans have an opioid addiction, and that nearly 750,000 Americans are currently on medication regarding their opioid addiction. Probuphine may allow those addicts to live a more effective and productive lifestyle, while battling their addiction.

The hope is that an opioid addict can merge from daily treatments to bi-annual treatments. Medications that are currently being used, such as methadone or different types of Buprenorphine tablets, must be taken daily to work effectively. Probuphine, if it is approved, will offer a new option. Rather than being taken daily, it is dispensed every six months. By being placed under the skin, usually on the upper arm, Probuphine is able to deliver the drug Buprenorphine slowly and consistently to the body over the months. As Buprenorphine is delivered to the blood, cravings for opiates will be prevented and addiction may even be reduced.

So, why the new drug? As the numbers of prescription drug abuse shoot upwards, medical professionals are attempting to find ways to prescribe effective medicine to their patients safely. There have been multiple clinical trials that have affirmed Probuphine's safety and effectiveness. With medicine that must be taken at home, there is always a risk for under- or over-medicating. With an implanted drug like Probuphine, there is a uniform and uninterrupted method of drug distribution. This also reduces the risk of taking more medication than necessary, or trying to give/sell the medication to those who do not have a prescription.

The idea behind this drug is to allow for a safer and more effective way of distributing medication for the treatment of opioid addiction. Not only does it hope to be safer for the individual patient, but also for the common good. If Probuphine is approved this spring, millions of Americans will have a chance to see if this method of medication will help them with their addiction.

Opioid addiction in all forms can be treated. If you are looking for a quick and easy solution, you won't find one. However, medical professionals are trying to make medications that are safe and effective, but you as an addict still have to be completely dedicated to living a sober and productive life. Although it is hard, sometimes the best thing to do is to attend a rehab center, such as Ambrosia Treatment Centers, and get completely clean and sober with no reliance on drugs whatsoever. To do that, there is a holistic health program, and other treatment programs that use holistic ideals. Don't wait for the easy way out of your drug addiction. Get the treatment you need today. 

Signs Of Addiction

There are many different signs of drug addiction. There are signs that the addict can identify within themselves, and there are signs that others can identify in an addict. Signs of addiction can be physical as well as mental, since both the body and mind work together. It is very important to recognize drug addiction and/or alcohol addiction within yourself. If you feel that you are abusing drugs or alcohol and that you may be addicted, do not hesitate to get the information you need, and seek help immediately.

The signs of drug addiction are not hard for the people around the addict to see (except if they themselves are also addicts). People who are close to an individual that is abusing drugs may notice that there is a drug abuse problem faster than the individual who is on their way to becoming addicted. Some of the signs of possible addiction that other people may notice before you do include intense irritability, lack of interest in things you once liked, the forming of an entirely different friend group, and depression and/or anxiety. Those who care about you are more likely to notice these things before you because they are able to perceive your actions from an outside point of view. Some of the signs you will notice may include mood changes/swings, lack of interest in anything but drug use, distancing of those who care about you, and the constant need to get high or at least know when that situation will occur next. This is unhealthy behavior that requires medical and professional attention.

The signs of alcohol addiction are similar to those of drug addiction, but are also unique because drinking is very acceptable in today's society. One of the main differences is that you may not begin to accept that you may be addicted until you hit “rock bottom” or feel that you have nowhere else to turn. However, the ones closest to you will definitely notice significant changes in your behavior. They may notice that you have become depressed or anxious when you are not drinking. You may become angry for no reason, and yet feel completely justified in your actions. You may become abnormally violent. These people will not notice that you may get shaky or feel sick when there is no alcohol in your system – only you will notice that.

Drug abuse and alcohol abuse are serious matters that greatly affect not only you, but the ones you love. The people you care about may be able to see that you have a problem, even before you do. It is very important for you to be self-aware and notice how your behavior is affecting other people. If you feel that you are addicted to drugs or alcohol, get help from a rehab center. The certified staff will help you understand how your actions affect those around you. They will help you get back on your feet and become the person you want to be. Don't hesitate to change the way you are if you're not happy. Listen to the signs of addiction that are making it clear to you that you need help.

DEA & NIDA Block Medical Research of Marijuana

The debate over the beneficial uses of marijuana as medicine has provoked much controversy in recent years. Many people believe that medical marijuana can be extremely effective in treating certain conditions and their symptoms, such as cancer, glaucoma, and AIDS. However, the Drug Enforcement Agency and the National Institute for Drug Abuse have made it difficult for researchers to obtain marijuana in order to conduct research by placing tight restrictions on the availability of the drug.

In the past few years, eighteen different states and Washington DC have passed medical marijuana laws, and Colorado and Washington both legalized the limited recreational use of marijuana. But federal laws have not changed, and both the DEA and NIDA have blocked substantial medical research on the issue. President Obama recently indicated that he may push for the decriminalization of the possession of marijuana under federal law however, until this occurs it may remain an obstacle for researchers to conduct studies on the subject.

Marijuana & Drug Abuse

Because extensive research on the benefits of marijuana has been blocked by the DEA and NIDA, a federal court recently determined that marijuana should remain a Schedule I drug, meaning that it has no real medical value and a high risk for drug abuse. Marijuana is a drug, and just as with any other drug it has a potential for abuse. However, when compared to other substances that are much more harmful and addictive, such as prescription painkillers, alcohol and tobacco, the use of marijuana may not be nearly as dangerous.

Prescription medications such as OxyContin, Vicodin, and Xanax are highly addictive and can cause users to overdose. But government agencies have allowed research to be conducted on these medications in order to prove their effectiveness. It is estimated that roughly 100,000 Americans die each year from prescription medication abuse. Marijuana has been proven to be non-toxic and does not lead to death from overdose.

Other legal substances like alcohol and tobacco that are used for recreational purposes lead to an additional 450,000 deaths each year, yet they still remain legal. In addition, these substances cannot be used for medical purposes. Smaller studies on marijuana, which have been supported by agencies such as the National Cancer Institute and the Institute of Medicine, have shown that marijuana can be effective as a medicine. In order to prove this on a federal level, restrictions on the drug must be loosened in order to allow for more research.

The use of marijuana can lead to drug addiction, and many individuals do go to rehab each year because of their addiction to marijuana. Just like other drugs, it has impacts on a person's brain, and it can cause them to have cravings and drug abuse issues. However, thousands of people go to rehab treatment for alcoholism, yet it still remains legal and widely accessible. Marijuana may not be beneficial for everyone, and its medical uses may be limited, but in order for the federal government to arrive at a reasonable and agreeable decision on the matter, it may be in their best interests to fund proper research on the subject. 

Alcohol Has Lasting Effects On The Brain

It has always been noted that the drinking age is set at 21 due to the completion of brain development, but studies have shown that the brain actually finishes developing around the age of 25. Recent evidence suggests that excessive alcohol use has a negative and lasting effect on the brain. Disorders that are commonly linked to alcohol related brain damage are a result of continual alcohol abuse starting at a young age. The disabilities of memory and learning loss that can follow a lifetime of alcohol abuse may be physical and/or psychological, and there is no doubt that they will have a notable effect on the user and their community. Because it is hard to identify an alcohol addict before they are addicted, it is similarly difficult to get early treatment for the resulting brain disorders. 

The best way to avoid detrimental changes in brain function is to use alcohol only in moderation, or not at all. The age where the most change in general brain function occurs is in young adults under 25. Although the drinking age is 21 years old, the hippocampus and front structures of the brain are not fully developed until approximately age 25. These areas of the brain work with memory and learning capabilities. Through excessive alcohol abuse, young adults' brains are structurally changed by notably shrinking, and there are some significant changes to the white matter tracks.

Research shows that the age at which a person starts drinking regularly is a pivotal point in their future complications with alcoholism. However, research has also shown that the legal age for drinking does not affect this epidemic. This is because young adults will most often find ways to get alcohol regardless of what age they can legally buy it. In Australia for example, the legal drinking age is 18 years old, but health reports have shown very similar alcohol related brain damage to that of the United States.

The only way to treat this disease is to prevent the cause – alcohol abuse – completely. Researchers have emphasized early intervention at an early age being the key. In a person's young adult years, their brains are much more susceptible to change, development, and also damage. By recognizing and confronting the signs of risky drinking behavior in young adulthood, the specific brain damage caused from repetitive, excessive, and extended drinking can be prevented.  It is a tragedy that many young people suffer for their lack of education about what can happen in the future. Memory and learning ability loss caused by alcohol is preventable, and potentially reversible if  it is caught early on. If you or a loved one feel as though you may have developed or are in the process of developing an alcohol dependence, do not hesitate to get some sort of treatment. The worst thing you can do is live in ignorance and suffer the consequences later on. 

Signs & Symptoms of Alcoholism

Alcoholism is a chronic illness that affects millions of people around the world. It is estimated that nearly 18 million people in the United States are alcoholics, and millions more participate in the abuse of alcohol. Alcohol and alcohol abuse can have serious negative impacts on the emotional, physical and financial well being of individuals that drink on a regular basis and on those that occasionally drink more than they should.

What is Alcohol Abuse?

Alcohol abuse differs from alcoholism however; people who are alcoholics do abuse alcohol. Alcoholism occurs when people develop a dependency on alcohol and have difficulty functioning without it. People that abuse alcohol do not necessarily depend on it to get by, but they do drink more than the amount recommended by medical professionals. Binge drinking is a common problem among Americans of all ages and involves drinking more than four or five drinks in one sitting.

There are numerous alcohol effects that occur with drinking a large amount and the abuse of alcohol. Impaired judgment, slurred speech and the impaired ability to drive or operate heavy machinery are among the most common signs of alcohol abuse. When people drink in excess for extended periods of time, they also put themselves at increased risk for multiple health problems, such as liver disease, heart problems, kidney failure and other medical complications. The effect of alcohol not only intoxicates the person consuming the alcohol, it also greatly affects their overall health and wellbeing.

Indicators of Alcoholism

In some situations, alcoholics will go to great lengths to conceal their drinking habits and keep them from friends and family members. It's not always easy to identify when someone may have a serious drinking problem, but the chronic abuse of alcohol often creates many different problems in one's life that can be difficult to keep hidden. Changes in behavior, financial problems, the loss of interest in normal activities and isolation from loved ones are all signs that are typically associated with a drug or alcohol problem.

In the past few decades, extensive research has been conducted on the subjects of alcoholism and drug addiction, and it has been determined that addiction is a disease. This means that there are certain factors, such as genetics and biological predisposition that are out of the direct control of an individual over their own addictive behaviors. This does not give addicts and alcoholics the freedom to go on in their addiction without taking responsibility for their actions, but it does mean that beating an addiction takes a lot more than mere will power.

Alcoholism is a disease that cannot be cured, but it can be treated. Through attending drug treatment classes and therapy sessions, alcoholics can recover from their disease and go on to live sober and healthy lives. However, the temptation to drink and the threat of falling back into the cycle of addiction may always be present. To recover from the disease of addiction can be very difficult. It takes determination, commitment, and the true inner desire to make positive changes. But with a positive mindset and help from drug treatment professionals, sobriety is attainable.  

Why Should I Go To Drug Rehab?

Drug addiction can be a confusing affliction, and it is something that has affected millions of Americans over the years. Drug rehab is a very important step for understanding what drug addiction is and how it affects you and those around you. Today, drug abuse is seen as a disease, and rightly so. Because excessive drug use targets the brain in ways that encourage compulsive use, a person may find that becoming sober is impossible to do on their own. Also, many people who suffer from a chemical dependence or physical drug addiction are suffering from a psychological addiction as well. In addition to their compulsive drug use, many addicts discover that they are also afflicted with another co-occuring diagnosis. This is generally referred to as dual diagnosis.

In order to understand drug addiction, one must accept that it is a disease and not a personal choice. It is a common misconception that those who are addicted to drugs are addicted because that is their lifestyle. Although it is often true that the initial taking of a drug is a person's choice, the end result is never a way someone would choose to live. So, why would a person be living that way, doing the things they are doing, if it is not by choice? Because chemical dependence begins to form. Addictive drugs interact with a person's brain in such a way as to encourage the constant and continual use. The drug attaches to or mimics the natural receptors in a brain cell, causing it to change in an unnatural way. With this change is an overwhelmingly pleasurable feeling (the high that accompanies addictive substances), which signals to your brain that doing drugs is a good thing when, in fact, it is quite the opposite. Going to a rehab center will help you learn about this process, and help you to find healthy ways to deal with the drug cravings that will ensue because of these mixed brain signals.

Often times, drug addiction is co-occuring with another disease such as depression, anxiety, or bipolar disorder. Dual diagnosis is very commonly overlooked when dealing with a drug addiction on one's own. This is because you may not realize that you have an additional and different problem. Drugs tend to mask the symptoms of another disorder, or vice versa. For example, you may be afflicted with both anxiety and an addiction. Because of the anxiety, you are always on edge, and with alcohol in your system, you can feel courageous and bold. However, this is process of self-medicating is very unhealthy. By using drugs to self-medicate for another disease, you are merely worsening your overall situation. In a specialized treatment center, this problem can be completely assessed, and you can be treated in your entirety – not just for your substance abuse issue.

You may be thinking, “Well, what is drug rehab and what can it honestly do for me that I haven't already tried?” Rehabilitation is extremely important in drug treatment of any kind. You will be astonished at the quality of the help and the expertise of the physicians and therapists who you will work with. Drug abuse is one of the most difficult problems to face, especially alone. At a drug treatment center, you don't have to go it alone. Not only is the staff there to help you, but your peers are there to provide support as well. They are all going through similar situations like yours. Don't wait to get the help you need – get your life back on track!