Why Are Women Less Likely to Seek Treatment?

When it comes to substance abuse issues, there are certain differences between men and women. In recent decades, more research has been done on the subject, and new information has come to light concerning gender-specific alcohol addiction and drug addiction matters. Studies have shown that men are more likely to develop drug and alcohol problems than women, due to a variety of reasons. Another aspect of gender-related substance abuse differences is that women are less likely than men to seek drug treatment or alcohol treatment for their addictions.

Women and the Social Stigma of Substance Abuse

One of the main reasons why women are less apt to seek rehab treatment for substance abuse than men is because there exists a social stigma for women that have drug or alcohol problems. It is more socially acceptable for men to take drugs or drink alcohol in excess than women. Because of the differences between body mass and other physical traits, women typically drink less than men when they do drink, and overall they drink less frequently.

Aside from the fact that overall, women drink less than men, there are certain mental, emotional and interpersonal issues that men may not face. Family responsibilities and economic issues have a lot to do with why women are less likely to go to rehab treatment. Being a mother, earning less money overall than men, and the shame or embarrassment they may feel from being in drug rehab or alcohol rehab all factor into the equation.

Overall, women are judged more harshly when they develop drug or alcohol problems. Going to drug treatment or alcohol treatment admits to the rest of the world that they do indeed have a substance abuse problem, and many women are afraid of facing the criticism associated with them going to rehab. What is interesting however, is that even though women are less likely to have substance abuse problems, once they begin to drink or take drugs their problems progress more quickly than men.

The Benefits of Rehab

Although many women may fear the harsh judgment they might face from going to rehab treatment, what is most important is that drug rehab is a positive thing. Even if people will criticize a woman for going to rehab more than a man, this should be the least of one's worries if they have a drug addiction or alcohol addiction. Rehab treatment saves lives, but unfortunately many people do not receive the treatment they need. It is estimated that nearly 25 million Americans have problems with substance abuse, yet only 3 to 4 million ever go to drug rehab or alcohol rehab.

As more research is being conducted, and because of the fact that drug addiction and alcohol addiction are now considered to be diseases, going to drug rehab or alcohol rehab is becoming much more common. Having to drop everything and be committed to a facility for months at a time can be difficult, but there are also many other options that do not involve inpatient treatment. Outpatient treatment that allows patients to return home after they participate in rehab programs and support groups such as AA and NA have proven to be extremely successful and effective alternatives to residential drug treatment.

MTV's Buckwild Stars, Drugs and Death

Buckwild, a recently produced MTV reality show about youngsters in Sissonville, WV has seen some rough times lately. The program focused on a group of friends living in a "holler" in West Virginia and chronicled their partying and shenanigans. Get-togethers typically involved four-wheeling and late nights, and the show was a hit for MTV. Unfortunately, the stars of the show have recently had to deal with one cast member being arrested twice for drug charges and another being found dead in his automobile.

A couple months ago, 24 year-old Buckwild cast member Salwa Amin was arrested on two counts of heroin possession with intent to deliver. She was freed on a $100K bond but was recently arrested again for violating the terms of her release. She is currently incarcerated and was put back in jail on April 1^st. Heroin possession is a serious drug offense and she is potentially facing multiple felonies and prison time. In addition, having an Intent to Deliver charge adds to the whole legal mess and makes for even more severe repercussions

In other news from the Buckwild crew, cast member Shain Gandee was found dead in a vehicle with his uncle and a friend in Kanawha County, WV early Sunday morning, March 31^st, 2013. Apparently the three individuals left a bar late Saturday night at 3:00 am to go four-wheeling, a pastime that was featured highly on the MTV program. According to authorities, they responded to calls of a distressed vehicle and arrived to find the three men dead in the vehicle, which was partially submerged. The deaths were ruled as accidental, and they quoted carbon monoxide poisoning the reasoning for their death.

Although they have not officially stated whether or not alcohol was a main factor in their deaths, they were leaving a bar at 3:00 am. Gandee was only 21 years old. It is unfortunate for tragedy to fall on his family, especially when he was so young. He was known as a "magnetic personality" and he was highly featured throughout the filming of the show, which was in its first season. Although plans were in the works for a second season, MTV has not stated whether or not they will continue production of the show after this recent tragedy.

Unfortunately, drugs, alcohol and celebrities tend to go hand in hand. Not to say that every famous person has substance abuse problems with drug addiction or alcohol addiction, but history has shown that numerous celebrities have had problems with drugs and alcohol. Whether they pass away at a young age, end up in legal trouble or getting too far gone substance abuse, it is quite common for actors, musicians and other famous persons to have drug issues. Fame brings a lot of pressure, which many tend to deal with through drinking or doing drugs. And people in that position also are around a lot of substance abuse, which can negatively influence them.

If you ever saw the Buckwild show, you may remember Shain Gandee as a goofy, fun-loving personality with a passion for life, a big heart, and lots of love for his friends. It's sad to see anyone go, especially at such a young age, and especially to a person that touched so many lives. And getting locked up for drug charges is no favorable fate either. Many celebrities and members of the cast have expressed prayers, thoughts and concerns for family members and friends of individuals in the Buckwild cast. 

Opiate

Opiates are drugs that are derived from opium, or the poppy plant. There are many synthetically, or man-made, opiates as well. This includes codeine and morphine, among others. These drugs, both natural and synthetic, are highly addictive and can produce a physical dependence in the user in as little as one use. When opiates are used for a long-term period, if they are stopped abruptly and not tapered off, they can cause the body to suffer very serious withdrawal symptoms. Drug addiction rehab can help.

Most modern prescription painkillers are opiates. This is causing a very dangerous addiction epidemic on prescription medications. Heroin addiction and abuse is also on the rise, due to the similar effect this opiate provides on the mind and body. Opiates have been used for pain relief since long before people knew how they worked and what consequences they brought along. These drugs are derived from the white, milky substance that can be separated from the poppy plant's unripe seeds. This substance would dry into a sticky, brown gum that could and would be eaten. Over time, people discovered that instead of eating the extracted opium, they could smoke it. This produced a very strong high, or euphoric feeling. During the Civil War, morphine (a derivative of opium) use got way out of hand. Although it was obviously addictive, it worked extremely well for war wounds and fast-paced action, so the addictive qualities were swept under the rug. Finally, scientists went back to work and produced time-released opiate medications like Vicadin and Oxycontin. If these medications are only used for a short period of time and are not abused, they can act very well as pain relief. However, these drugs are widely and highly abused, and usually result in a serious addiction.

Having an opiate drug addiction is a serious health risk. When this drug abuse occurs, a “high” is achieved, which is the main attraction for the drug addiction abuse. Because of the addiction to opiates, the user ignore all of the negative consequences that can occur. Opiate addiction can cause respiratory failure, high blood pressure, heart attack, coma, and even death. Many individuals who suffer from this drug addiction also suffer extreme psychological dependence and problems because of opiates. They may feel the need to take opiates just to feel normal.

This addiction, like most, is not curable. However, through the right treatment center, any addiction can be worked with. Any individual can overcome their dependence, either chemical or psychological or both, on drugs and alcohol. Statistics show that relapse is very common for individuals with an opiate addiction. Relapse is never anyone's fault, and it only encourages the abuser to remember why they need to live a sober life. Many addicts do not want to go to treatment because they are dreading the withdrawal. However, withdrawal is rarely fatal, just extremely uncomfortable. For those who need it, medications such as methadone or Suboxone are available to help lessen the pain and uncomfortability of withdrawal. If you or a loved one are suffering from an addiction to opiates, you are not alone. There are many out there just like you who are getting help for their problem. Join them!

Adult ADHD?

ADHD or ADD (or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and Attention Deficit Disorder) is classified as a childhood developmental problem. It is characterized by the inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsiveness found in the children who are afflicted. Recent studies have asked, Is it possible that ADHD can stick with children into adulthood? It is now known that approximately sixty percent of kids with ADHD don't grow out of it by adulthood. This translates to about 8 million adults, which is around four percent of the U.S. population.

The symptoms of adult ADHD include having difficulty following directions, remembering information, concentrating, organizing tasks, and/or completing work within a time limit. If left untreated ADHD can cause behavioral, social, emotional, and academic problems. There are many medications in existence used to treat ADHD and are very useful. However, many of them have slight addictive potential. A few examples of these prescription medications include Concerta, Adderall, and Ritalin. The best and most sustainable way to treat adult ADHD or ADD is through behavioral treatment, such as life-coaching and therapy.

Adderall is the most common drug used to treat adult ADHD in recent years. It is a combination of amphetamine and dextroamphetamine – a central nervous system stimulant. It is also very commonly abused for recreational purposes. When the drug is not taken as directed, or is taken for too long, a tolerance can develop. After a tolerance develops, dependence and Adderall addiction can set in. Many people begin to use Adderall if they have a stressful job or are struggling with school work management, but there are healthier ways to manage one's time.

Ritalin is another very commonly abused drug that is traditionally used to treat ADHD. It consists of methylphenidate, or a psycho stimulant. In this way, Ritalin is very similar to other stimulants such as cocaine and other amphetamines. When it is snorted or injected, these stimulant effects are almost exactly like that of cocaine. Even when used correctly, a Ritalin addiction can set in. After taking this drug for a long time because of how it is helping, the patient can begin to develop a tolerance to its effects and begin to up the dosage (with or without the doctor's recommendations). Soon after, an addiction will occur because of the dependency that this drug will command from the brain.

ADHD prescription drugs are highly addictive, as many prescription drugs are. As the number one drug problem in America, prescription drug abuse is not a light subject. If you or a loved one has a substance abuse problem with prescription medication, do not hesitate to call and get help and information. Because it is a medication, many people think that even by abusing it, the medication will help them down the line. This is not true. Medications like Adderall and Ritalin are dangerous and can cause serious health problems down the line if they are not addressed early on. Get help today.

Ambrosia Treatment Center Understands Addiction

Everyone needs to be understood, and being understood is a common need that often goes unmet. Understanding is essential in all parts of a person's life, and so when that person is suffering from addiction, it can be hard to reach out and ask for help. Understanding is all the more necessary for those who are unable to pull themselves from the depths of their addiction, for those who are unable to see the light of reason and purpose. The staff and participants at Ambrosia Treatment Center both understand and can help with a situation that involves drug or alcohol addiction.

Drug addiction is commonly thought of as a lifestyle choice. However, this is not so. No one would choose to give their free will, and ultimately their life, to drugs and alcohol. This is why drug and alcohol addiction rehab centers exist. The staff and patients at Ambrosia Treatment Center know this and create a safe and comfortable environment to convey how addiction is no one's choice or fault. They will provide the addict with a safe living area and a strong support network of people to talk to and learn from. This strong network of people is very important in understanding one's own addiction and how addiction works in general. Through group therapy sessions, individual therapy sessions, and other community activities, an addict is able to see how similar their situation is to someone else's. When this is realized, a person opens up, no matter the specific details. They may begin to feel comfortable and understood. They may begin to realize that they can grow from their addiction. They may become stronger than ever before.

Often, it is surprising to some that their spirituality seems to grow when they successfully complete drug addiction rehab. This is because they have allowed their bodies and minds to be free from what they thought they absolutely needed to hold on to. After the realization hits them that they don't need drugs and alcohol to survive, they feel like a new and wonderfully strong person – and they are! Ambrosia takes so much pride in knowing that their drug addiction rehabilitation programs are truly helping people take root in sobriety and grow as strong, drug-free individuals.

If you or a loved one is looking for a treatment center that will help you no matter what your situation is, Ambrosia Treatment Center might be the one for you. Don't hesitate to call Ambrosia at any point in your addiction, or at any time of the day. Ambrosia is more than happy to help. With a 24-hour hotline, Ambrosia will answer any of your questions and concerns regarding drug and alcohol abuse and addiction. They are dedicated to helping each and every person reach their goal of sobriety. Although it is ultimately up to you to make the decision to live a sober life, Ambrosia will stop at nothing to help you along the way.