The Cause of Relapse

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Why Addicts Cannot Stop Using Drugs or Alcohol
This section contains vital information that you need to know in order to fully understand drug and alcohol addiction. Once you understand addiction, you will see how simply it can be overcome. It would be best if you could read this section several times to get a full understanding of the cause of relapse. There are two basic causes for continued addiction;

The first of these is the long term effects of drug residuals in the body. The Mental and Physical cravings caused by drug residues which remain in the body, even long after a person quits using the drug, simply drives the addict to use more of the drug. This cause of continued addiction is thoroughly addressed and treated with great succes on our program.
The second of these causes is the "Biochemical Personality". This is the "way of thinking" that is caused by drug addiction and the lifestyle an addict adopts to get drugs and live with a drug habit. This cause of continued addiction is also specifically addressed with great success on our program.
These two situations are linked with one feeding the other, and both must be recognized and dealt with before a person can fully be free from the addictive effects of drugs.

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Drug Residues: What they are and how they work
The addict can "just say no" a thousand times, but it only takes saying "yes" one time to start the cycle of addiction again.

Several decades ago, the biochemical aspect of drug addiction were discovered. This biochemical breakthrough has led to the most successful approach to rehabilitation in existence.

In essence, when a person uses drugs over a period of time, the body becomes unable to completely eliminate all traces of them. The traces that remain are stored in the fatty tissues. Called "drug metabolites", these traces re-enter the system and trigger cravings for the drug along with the "Biochemical Personality" traits that are a non-optimum way of life.

Left unhandled, these manifestations will haunt a person for years even if they have sobered up. Left untreated, they can trigger a serious relapse.

These unresolved symptoms and manifestations, whether physical or mental in origin, create an underlying low-level type of stress which cannot be completely ignored by the addict. The addict can "just say no" a thousand times, but it only takes him saying "yes" one time to start the cycle of addiction again.

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Drug Residues Remain in Fatty Tissues
Drugs are broken down in the liver into substances called metabolites. Although removed rapidly from the blood stream, metabolites can become trapped in the fatty tissues. The one thing in common-and the problem that needs to be addressed-is that these drug residues remain trapped for years.

Tissues in our bodies that are high in fats are turned over very slowly. When they are turned over, the stored drug metabolites are released into the blood stream and reactivate the same brain centers as if the person actually took the drug. The former addict now experiences restimulation of a drug episode (or "flashback") and subsequent drug craving. This is common in the months after an addict quits and can continue to occur for years, even decades.

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The Cycle of Quitting, Withdrawal, Craving And Relapse
When the addict initially tries to quit, cells in the brain that have become used to large amounts of these metabolites are now forced to deal with much decreased amounts. Even as the withdrawal symptoms subside, the brain "demands" that the addict give it more of the drug. This is called drug craving.

Craving is an extremely powerful urge and can cause a person to create all kinds of "reasons" they should begin using drugs again. He is now trapped in an endless cycle of trying to quit, craving, relapse and fear of withdrawal.

Eventually, the brain cells will again become used to having lowered drug metabolites. But, because deposits of drug metabolites release back into the bloodstream from fatty tissues for years, craving and relapse remain a cause for concern.

Left unhandled, the presence of metabolites even in microscopic amounts cause the brain to react as if the addict had again actually taken the drug and can set up craving and relapse even after years of sobriety.

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Handling the Drug Metabolites
Narconon utilizes a combination of exercise, induced sweating in a sauna, and nutritional supplements to eliminate the traces of drugs, or metabolites, stored in the fatty tissue.

No drugs of any kind are used at Narconon, such as "addiction substitute drugs" like methadone.

The results of this phase of the program are:

Reduction or elimination of drug and alcohol cravings.
Reduction or elimination of many symptoms associated with drug addiction and alcoholism. These can include depression, irritability, and fatigue.
Ability to think more clearly.
Improved memory and attention span.
Increased energy.
Increased sense of well being.
Enthusiasm toward Life.

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Handling the "Biochemical Personality"
After successfully eliminating drug traces from the body, we move through a series of specialized study courses that complement and expand on each other to help the addict recognize the old addiction life-style and thought processes.

These unique cognitive and objective therapies are followed by life skills training, delivered in easily understood phases designed to complement and expand on each other.

The California drug rehabilitation program is complete when the former addict recognizes and accepts responsibility for old habit patterns and "reasons why". The person's relationships with and understanding of himself, his family, friends and environment are fully examined and rehabilitated.

On the person's own self-determinism, and with no physical or mental "hooks" into past cravings and behavior, he or she is no longer an addict and has regained his or her own true nature.

As so many California drug rehabilitation program graduates say, "The future is once again accessible, and anything is possible."

Call 1-877-212-2070 today to speak with a Certified Chemical Dependency Counselor today.

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How to Get Started

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1.  Stop searching endlessly for a treatment program and take the time to read through this web site and learn the facts about drug addiction and our treatment program.

Regardless of what program you choose, by reading this web-site you will gain valuable information about addiction and gain an education on drug rehabilitation. With this knowledge, you can make the right choice to end the cycle of addiction. Our staff would be happy assist you in finding the right drug rehab center to suit you.

2.  Contact Our Rehabilitation Counselor.

Simply pick up the phone and call 1-877-212-2070 to speak with one of our many rehabilitation counselor's about an assessment for yourself or a loved one. This is the fastest and easiest way to get started.

3.  Use Our Online Assessment Form.

If you feel uncomfortable speaking with a counselor at this time, then please use the online assessment form below so a counselor can contact you by e-mail. Please provide as much information as you can. Make sure you include a phone number where you can be reached and the best time you indicated to contact you. Also include an e-mail address where a counselor can reply to your request in a timely manner. We always attempt to call those who reach to us for drug rehab program information as quickly as we can. We often call within minutes of your sending the form, so please be aware that you may receive a phone call from a number you may not recognize if you have caller ID.

You need to realize that this will likely be one of the most important decisions you will ever have to make regarding addiction treatment. You want to make sure you make your decision after gathering as much information as possible. In this way, your final decision will give the addict the best chance at regaining the drug free life they really want.

 

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This process produces spectacular results by removing the root causes of future physical drug restimulation. Research has established that many types of drugs, such as cocaine, heroin, Valium, PCP, amphetamines (crank, crystal, meth, ecstasy, etc.) alcohol and medicinal drugs such as narcotic painkillers, tranquilizers and sleeping pills, can remain in the body for years. Over time, these residues can become stored in the fatty tissues of the body. When this happens, these stored residues can be released making it difficult, if not impossible, for the addict or alcoholic to remain drug-free.

The program utilizes an exact regimen of medically supervised exercise, intensive sweating in a dry sauna, in combination with plenty of fluids and nutritional supplements in order to reduce the drug residuals in the body. These residues, if not removed, can trigger future drug cravings and depression. A vital step in the successful rehabilitation of substance abuse is flushing out these accumulated residues so that the addict no longer experiences any adverse effects from the drugs he has taken. The results of this process can be spectacular. In many cases, completion of this portion of the program results in greatly reduced cravings for drugs, or the complete elimination of these cravings entirely. Mental alertness and clarity of thinking improve while drug-induced depression often vanishes.

"For the past decade, I have studied the results obtained with the New Life Detoxification method. While this detoxification method is strenuous, it is easily and safely accomplished under the supervision of trained personnel. Students, with histories of moderate to extremely heavy substance abuse, show a marked improvement in alertness, clarity of thought and general health by undergoing this treatment. Most report a substantial reduction in their craving for drugs or alcohol. Published scientific studies of the technique have shown it successful in reducing the variety of toxins and contaminants in the body tissues. I highly recommend its continuing use as an effective tool in the treatment of addictions."  Call 1-877-212-2040 to speak to a counselor today.  There is a solution....

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Drug rehabs are facilities that treat addictions in a structured setting. There are many types of drug rehabs which use varying methods of treatment. Which approach is best? That depends on the specific individual problems and issues that are presented by the person needing alcohol or drug treatment. Generally no specific type of treatment is thought of as the best. The best approach is a combination of treatment types. Some of these are as follows
Medical model
12-Step model
Social model
Cognitive behavioral
Behavior modification
Holistic Approach
Spiritual Approach

For info on all types of alcohol and drug rehabs
 call (toll-free)  800-380-6812 to talk to a
Certified Addictions Counselor today!!!!!

It is important to remember that no single treatment is appropriate for all individuals. A combination of the above approaches is most effective in alcohol and drug treatment. Treatment modalities must be matched to the individual to have long-term effectiveness. The goal is first to remove alcohol or drugs from the immediate setting then to return the individual to productive functioning in the family, workplace, school, and society.

For treatment to be effective, it must address all areas that need attention. Many people who are drug or alcohol abusers also have emotional or psychological problems as a result of their use. These persons also tend to have legal, medical, and social problems as well. These issues must be addressed for long-term recovery to occur.

During the course of treatment, an individual must be continually assessed for changing needs. During the course of one's stay a person may require varying types or levels of care. This is determined by continues monitoring of progress. For example an individual may require medication at certain times during treatment or extra individual meetings with a counselor to work out difficult issues.

Commonly asked questions:
If you are seeking treatment for yourself or a loved one with a chronic drug or alcohol addiction problem, you should be educated on the subject of chronic drug or alcohol addiction in order to make an informed decision about the correct treatment option. The following facts and information are provided to fulfill this need. We hope you find it helpful.   Call Treatment Solutions 24/7 at 1-800-380-6812.
Chronic drug and alcohol addiction is a constant and unrelenting effort to obtain drugs or alcohol in order to alter the feelings and perceptions of the person using them. Simply put, if an individual is basically happy with their life and has the ability to identify and solve problems where they exist, they are far less likely to abuse drugs or alcohol. Drug and alcohol abuse is a symptom of other underlying problems. The individual abuses drugs and alcohol in an attempt to relieve themselves of the underlying problem. Of course the underlying problem goes undetected as their chronic drug or alcohol use consumes the life of the abuser and the loved ones affected by his or her detrimental and chaotic behavior.
Why can't a chronic drug or alcohol abuser just stop?
Another facet of drug or alcohol addiction is that the brain adapts to the presence of drugs or alcohol and makes adjustments chemically. Because of the chemical changes in the brain due to the constant use of drugs or alcohol, when a chronic drug or alcohol abuser attempts to halt his/her drug or alcohol use, the brain signals the individual that the substance is needed to function. This is a major cause of drug and alcohol cravings both physically and mentally.
All drug and alcohol abusers experience drug or alcohol cravings for some period of time after ceasing drug or alcohol use. Drug and alcohol cravings will diminish over time as the individual discontinues the use of drugs and alcohol and the brain function returns to normal. This process can take several months.
Should a chronic drug or alcohol abuser attend a treat program close to home?
Drug and alcohol addiction typically involves habitual routines in the environmental scope of the individual, i.e. the locations of their drug or alcohol use, the people they associated with in the activities of drug or alcohol use, etc. Drug or alcohol addiction is not just drug and alcohol use, it revolves around people and things in their immediate environment which help to trigger the addictive behavior. The abusers location & routines of drug and alcohol use further trigger drug and alcohol use. It is the constant and seemingly unstoppable drug or alcohol use and the hopelessness of day to day existence which perpetuates the problem and inhibits the native desire to stop ruining their life through the use of drugs and alcohol.
The above factor should not be over looked when considering a treatment center location. The first 2 weeks of treatment are always the most difficult & There many factors at work to make this so. In addition to what has been covered above, a more basic factor is this; people are creatures of habit. Even overwhelmingly positive & beneficial changes in life, such as the birth of a child or a new job does not guarantee the individual will have no thoughts of missing past negative activities such as, drug or alcohol use, drug or drinking acquaintances and other associated activities. Factually this is the normal reactive auto response of most human beings; to do what they are familiar with; good or bad. It is not really that they yearn for these things, it is just all that they have known for some time. If the abuser is close to home when overwhelming feelings manifest themselves, there is a good chance he or she will leave and get back to what they know, drug addiction, as it is not very far away . Due to these factors, attending a drug rehab close to home is seldom the correct treatment option for chronic drug or alcohol abusers. It is extremely therapeutic to be distanced from their former association with drug dealers, bars, the cabinet where the alcohol was kept, the cigar box where the cocaine was stored, etc. All these triggers make the task of sobriety seem insurmountable to the chronic drug or alcohol abuser as these triggers continuously stimulate a reminder of their past addictive behaviors.
For individuals with a severe drug or alcohol addiction problem, choosing a long term inpatient treatment program is another key to a successful outcome.
By providing a new, safe trigger free environment, distanced from past negative associations and surroundings for an extended period of time, the chance for success increases dramatically.  Call 1-800-380-6812 for more information.

 

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What Is Alcohol Abuse?
Alcohol abuse differs from alcoholism in that it does not include an extremely strong craving for alcohol, loss of control over drinking, or physical dependence. Alcohol abuse is defined as a pattern of drinking that results in one or more of the following situations within a 12-month period:

Failure to fulfill major work, school, or home responsibilities;

Drinking in situations that are physically dangerous, such as while driving a car or operating machinery;
Having recurring alcohol-related legal problems, such as being arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol or for physically hurting someone while drunk; and
Continued drinking despite having ongoing relationship problems that are caused or worsened by the drinking.
Although alcohol abuse is basically different from alcoholism, many effects of alcohol abuse are also experienced by alcoholics.
What Are the Signs of a Problem?

How can you tell whether you may have a drinking problem? Answering the following four questions can help you find out:

Have you ever felt you should cut down on your drinking?
Have people annoyed you by criticizing your drinking?
Have you ever felt bad or guilty about your drinking?
Have you ever had a drink first thing in the morning (as an "eye opener") to steady your nerves or get rid of a hangover?
One "yes" answer suggests a possible alcohol problem. If you answered "yes" to more than one question, it is highly likely that a problem exists. In either case, it is important that you see your doctor or other health care provider right away to discuss your answers to these questions. He or she can help you determine whether you have a drinking problem and, if so, recommend the best course of action.

Even if you answered "no" to all of the above questions, if you encounter drinking-related problems with your job, relationships, health, or the law, you should seek professional help. The effects of alcohol abuse can be extremely serious-even fatal-both to you and to others.

 

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What Is Alcoholism?
Alcoholism, also known as "alcohol dependence," is a disease that includes four symptoms:

Craving: A strong need, or compulsion, to drink.
Loss of control: The inability to limit one's drinking on any given occasion.
Physical dependence: Withdrawal symptoms, such as nausea, sweating, shakiness, and anxiety, occur when alcohol use is stopped after a period of heavy drinking.
Tolerance: The need to drink greater amounts of alcohol in order to "get high."
People who are not alcoholic sometimes do not understand why an alcoholic can't just "use a little willpower" to stop drinking. However, alcoholism has little to do with willpower. Alcoholics are in the grip of a powerful "craving," or uncontrollable need, for alcohol that overrides their ability to stop drinking. This need can be as strong as the need for food or water.

Although some people are able to recover from alcoholism without help, the majority of alcoholics need assistance. With treatment and support, many individuals are able to stop drinking and rebuild their lives.

Many people wonder why some individuals can use alcohol without problems but others cannot. One important reason has to do with genetics. Scientists have found that having an alcoholic family member makes it more likely that if you choose to drink you too may develop alcoholism. Genes, however, are not the whole story. In fact, scientists now believe that certain factors in a person's environment influence whether a person with a genetic risk for alcoholism ever develops the disease. A person's risk for developing alcoholism can increase based on the person's environment, including where and how he or she lives; family, friends, and culture; peer pressure; and even how easy it is to get alcohol.

 

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How does cocaine produce its effects?

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A great amount of research has been devoted to understanding the way cocaine produces its pleasurable effects, and the reasons it is so addictive. One mechanism is through its effects on structures deep in the brain. Scientists have discovered regions within the brain that, when stimulated, produce feelings of pleasure. One neural system that appears to be most affected by cocaine originates in a region, located deep within the brain, called the ventral tegmental area (VTA). Nerve cells originating in the VTA extend to the region of the brain known as the nucleus accumbens, one of the brain's key pleasure centers. In studies using animals, for example, all types of pleasurable stimuli, such as food, water, sex, and many drugs of abuse, cause increased activity in the nucleus accumbens.

 

Cocaine in the brain - In the normal communication process, dopamine is released by a neuron into the synapse, where it can bind with dopamine receptors on neighboring neurons. Normally dopamine is then recycled back into the transmitting neuron by a specialized protein called the dopamine transporter. If cocaine is present, it attaches to the dopamine transporter and blocks the normal recycling process, resulting in a build-up of dopamine in the synapse which contributes to the pleasurable effects of cocaine.

 

Researchers have discovered that, when a pleasurable event is occurring, it is accompanied by a large increase in the amounts of dopamine released in the nucleus accumbens by neurons originating in the VTA. In the normal communication process, dopamine is released by a neuron into the synapse (the small gap between two neurons), where it binds with specialized proteins (called dopamine receptors) on the neighboring neuron, thereby sending a signal to that neuron. Drugs of abuse are able to interfere with this normal communication process. For example, scientists have discovered that cocaine blocks the removal of dopamine from the synapse, resulting in an accumulation of dopamine. This buildup of dopamine causes continuous stimulation of receiving neurons, probably resulting in the euphoria commonly reported by cocaine abusers.

As cocaine abuse continues, tolerance often develops. This means that higher doses and more frequent use of cocaine are required for the brain to register the same level of pleasure experienced during initial use. Recent studies have shown that, during periods of abstinence from cocaine use, the memory of the euphoria associated with cocaine use, or mere exposure to cues associated with drug use, can trigger tremendous craving and relapse to drug use, even after long periods of abstinence.

Be especially scrutinizing as you determine the drug rehab program that meets your specific needs. This site has listings of drug rehab programs and treatment centers, alcohol rehabilitation programs, teen rehabs, sober houses, drug detox and alcohol detox centers.

Please call (877) 729-0760 to find the right drug rehabilitation center for you or your loved one.
  

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How is cocaine used?

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The principal routes of cocaine administration are oral, intranasal, intravenous, and inhalation. The slang terms for these routes are, respectively, "chewing," "snorting," "mainlining," "injecting," and "smoking" (including freebase and crack cocaine). Snorting is the process of inhaling cocaine powder through the nostrils, where it is absorbed into the bloodstream through the nasal tissues. Injecting releases the drug directly into the bloodstream, and heightens the intensity of its effects. Smoking involves the inhalation of cocaine vapor or smoke into the lungs, where absorption into the bloodstream is as rapid as by injection. The drug can also be rubbed onto mucous tissues. Some users combine cocaine powder or crack with heroin in a "speedball."

Cocaine use ranges from occasional use to repeated or compulsive use, with a variety of patterns between these extremes. There is no safe way to use cocaine. Any route of administration can lead to absorption of toxic amounts of cocaine, leading to acute cardiovascular or cerebrovascular emergencies that could result in sudden death. Repeated cocaine use by any route of administration can produce addiction and other adverse health consequences.

 

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What is Cocaine?

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Pure cocaine was first extracted from the leaf of the Erythroxylon coca bush, which grows primarily in Peru and Bolivia, in the mid-19th century. In the early 1900s, it became the main stimulant drug used in most of the tonics/elixirs that were developed to treat a wide variety of illnesses. Today, cocaine is a Schedule II drug, meaning that it has high potential for abuse, but can be administered by a doctor for legitimate medical uses, such as a local anesthetic for some eye, ear, and throat surgeries.

There are basically two chemical forms of cocaine: the hydrochloride salt and the "freebase." The hydrochloride salt, or powdered form of cocaine, dissolves in water and, when abused, can be taken intravenously (by vein) or intranasally (in the nose). Freebase refers to a compound that has not been neutralized by an acid to make the hydrochloride salt. The freebase form of cocaine is smokable.

Cocaine is generally sold on the street as a fine, white, crystalline powder, known as "coke," "C," "snow," "flake," or "blow." Street dealers generally dilute it with such inert substances as cornstarch, talcum powder, and/or sugar, or with such active drugs as procaine (a chemically-related local anesthetic) or with such other stimulants as amphetamines.

 

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What is Cocaine?

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Pure cocaine was first extracted from the leaf of the Erythroxylon coca bush, which grows primarily in Peru and Bolivia, in the mid-19th century. In the early 1900s, it became the main stimulant drug used in most of the tonics/elixirs that were developed to treat a wide variety of illnesses. Today, cocaine is a Schedule II drug, meaning that it has high potential for abuse, but can be administered by a doctor for legitimate medical uses, such as a local anesthetic for some eye, ear, and throat surgeries.

There are basically two chemical forms of cocaine: the hydrochloride salt and the "freebase." The hydrochloride salt, or powdered form of cocaine, dissolves in water and, when abused, can be taken intravenously (by vein) or intranasally (in the nose). Freebase refers to a compound that has not been neutralized by an acid to make the hydrochloride salt. The freebase form of cocaine is smokable.

Cocaine is generally sold on the street as a fine, white, crystalline powder, known as "coke," "C," "snow," "flake," or "blow." Street dealers generally dilute it with such inert substances as cornstarch, talcum powder, and/or sugar, or with such active drugs as procaine (a chemically-related local anesthetic) or with such other stimulants as amphetamines.

 

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