Prescription Painkiller Addiction
Get drug rehab help for addiction to hydrocodone and oxycodone - Call 1-877-212-2070 now!
National Surveys on Drug Use and Health indicate that the nonmedical use of prescription pain relievers (analgesics) among persons aged 12 or older did not differ significantly among the years between 2002 and 2005. The number of persons who used prescription pain relievers nonmedically for the first time in the past year of the survey also did not differ significantly - - with 2.3 million persons initiating use in 2002, 2.4 million in 2003, 2.4 million in 2004 and 2.2 million in 2005.

Combined data from 2002 to 2005 were used to examine the patterns of nonmedical prescription pain reliever use in general and the nonmedical use specifically of oxycodone and hydrocodone products. Oxycodone products include Percocet®, Percodan®, Tylox®, OxyContin®, and other pain relievers containing oxycodone that respondents specified that they used nonmedically. Hydrocodone products include Vicodin®, Lortab®, Lorcet®/LorcetPlus®, generic hydrocodone, and other pain relievers containing hydrocodone that respondents specified.

An annual average of 4.8% of persons aged 12 or older (11.4 million persons) used a prescription pain reliever nonmedically in the 12 months prior to the survey.

Of the persons aged 12 or older who first used pain relievers nonmedically in the past year, 57.7% used hydrocodone products and 21.7% used oxycodone products.

Additionally, there has been an increase in recent years in the number of people being prescribed methadone for chronic pain relief. Methadone is one of the most addictive and deadly prescription drugs available. It is also one of the most difficult painkillers to withdraw from, as the lingering effects of methadone can remain for months causing joint aches and soreness as well as delayed sleeplessness.

 

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Benzodiazepine Drug Addiction

Get drug rehab help for Xanax addiction - Call 1-877-212-2070 now!

Benzodiazepines (Benzos) are one of the most commonly abused and addictive prescription drugs. Benzodiazepines are a class of central nervous system depressant drugs commonly prescribed for short-term treatment of anxiety or insomnia. Proprietary names for drugs in this group include Valium, Xanax, Librium, and Halcion.According to the Drug Abuse Warning Network (DAWN), nearly 1.3 million emergency department (ED) visits in 2004 were associated with drug misuse/abuse. Nonmedical use of pharmaceuticals was involved in nearly 500,000 of these ED visits.

Benzodiazepines were present in more than 100,000 emergency department visits associated with nonmedical use of pharmaceuticals. Benzodiazepines include alprazolam and clonazepam.

From 1995 to 2002, drug abuse related emergency department visits involving benzodiazepines increased 41%.

Nearly half of the drug abuse related emergency department visits involving benzodiazepines were the result of suicide attempts.

Suicide related visits involving benzodiazepines have been stable since 1995, but visits attributed to drug dependence and drug taking for psychic effects have been increasing.

Of the 23,000 admissions in SAMHSA's Treatment Episode Data Set (TEDS) that involved benzodiazepines, only 19 percent were for primary benzodiazepine use; 81 percent were reported as secondary to the use of alcohol or another drug.

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Ecstasy Addiction
Get drug rehab help for MDMA addiction - Call 1-877-212-2070 now!
According to SAMHSA's 2003 National Survey on Drug Use & Health, about 2.1 million persons aged 12 or older (0.9%) reported using Ecstasy at least once in the past year.

Almost all (97.5%) of the persons age 12 or older who used Ecstasy in the past year also reported past year use of alcohol compared with 65.2% of those who had not used Ecstasy in the past year.

Over 90% of past year Ecstasy users reported also using other types of illicit drugs in the past year compared with 13.8% of the those who did not use Ecstasy in the past year.

About 22.8% of the past year Ecstasy users used one other illicit drug, 50.3% used two to four other illicit drugs, and 17.9% used five or more illicit drugs during the past year.

Recent female hallucinogen initiates were more likely than recent male hallucinogen initiates to have used Ecstasy (49.5% vs. 37.7%).

 

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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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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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Depression is another factor that keeps an addict harnessed in his addiction. Depression is the source of a constant and significant amount of discomfort that prompts continued drug use. It is also the second major barrier to recovery for those seeking treatment for their addictions.

Some of the traditional medical- and psychiatric-based programs diagnose and treat the depression an addict is experiencing, claiming that it is the fundamental cause of the person's drug or alcohol problem. Psychotropic medications are usually prescribed for depression but simply mask symptoms. They do not bring about a cure. When the medications wear off, depression returns, often magnified. The presence of mind-altering drugs and worsening depression makes the recovery process more difficult, if not impossible.

In most cases, depression actually manifests itself after the person becomes addicted, not before. The cause of the depression is linked to the damage done by the drugs themselves.

There are physical, social and mental factors at work creating the depression and lethargy (laziness, sluggishness and apathy) experienced by addicts. On a physical level, most addicts are in a declining or poor state of health. While they are high, they are in a euphoric, pain-free state of mind. They are numb to the damage being caused by their drug or alcohol use. When they become sober, they have no energy and their minor aches and pains intensify. They are physically spent as a result of the severe nutritional deficiencies that accompany long-term drug or alcohol use.

Socially, the person's quality of life has declined to a low level. The addict is so obsessed with finding drugs or alcohol and using them so he can function that he can't focus on anything else. Consequently, jobs are lost, businesses are destroyed, marriages break up and children are neglected. On a mental level, they have difficulty finding joy or happiness in anything while they are not under the influence. At some point, an addict surrenders to the idea that they must be high to experience any emotions, they must be high to celebrate an accomplishment, to escape sadness, to solve problems, enjoy sex, have meaningful relationships, work or play. The addict truly believes and operates on this principle, numb to the fact that the quality of his life and relationships with others are actually on a down trending spiral.

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The search for a drug rehab can be frustrating. When a person truly attempts to make the best decision possible about the drug rehab that will be partially decide the fate of someone they love, they discover that all drug and alcohol programs are not created equal. Differences like:

• Facility location
• Type of treatment approach
• Length of stay
• Medical Assistance On Site
• Residential treatment
• Inpatient treatment
• Detox facilities
• Addiction counseling offered
• Treatment of special populations
• Long term drug rehab
• Short term drug rehab
• Treatment after discharge
• Follow up after discharge

• Holistic treatment methodology

 

At the top of this list actually should be the program's success rate. In other words, how many people who complete the drug rehab actually go on to live a drug free, enjoyable and productive life. This above all else should be the guiding factor that decides where someone you love should start their recovery.

Our counselors are trained to assist you in deciding which program will help your loved one achieve long term sobriety among the many options available. Call 1-877-212-2070 today to get the process started.

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The search for a alcohol rehab in Texas can be nightmare. When a person truly attempts to make the best decision possible about the alcohol rehab that will be partially decide the fate of someone they love, they discover that all alcohol treatment programs are not created equal. Some of the factors associated with this choice are:

• Facility location
• Type of treatment approach
• Length of stay
• Medical Assistance On Site
• Residential treatment
• Inpatient treatment
• Detox facilities
• Addiction counseling offered
• Treatment of special populations
• Long term alcohol rehab
• Short term alcohol rehab
• Treatment after discharge
• Follow up after discharge

• Holistic treatment methodology

 

At the top of this list actually should be the program's success rate. In other words, how many people who complete the alcohol rehab actually go on to live a drug free, enjoyable and productive life. This above all else should be the guiding factor that decides where someone you love should start their recovery.

Our counselors are trained to assist you in deciding which program will help your loved one achieve long term sobriety among the many options available. Call 1-877-212-2070  today to get the process started.

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Dear Friend;
Enclosed is some valuable information on finding the best possible rehab for a loved one, if we can help in any way, feel free to call any time a caring counselor will be there to assist you.  Call 1-877-212-2070 for more information.

Best Regards;

A Caring Counselor

SELECTING THE BEST REHAB

Selecting a drug rehab center is one of the most important and difficult decisions you will make in your lifetime. Few of us know what to look for in a quality rehab program and not all drug rehabilitation centers are alike. Each drug rehab has its own program options, staff qualifications, credentials, cost, and effectiveness.
Asking appropriate questions when you call a drug rehab for information is important and you should expect to receive clear answers.
Before you make any decisions-ask questions and get the facts!
Does the drug rehab offer a variety of programs?
Alcohol and drug addiction is a disease that progresses through predictable stages. It takes a trained health professional, often a doctor specializing in addiction medicine, to make an accurate diagnosis and prescribe the most appropriate treatment.
A drug rehabilitation treatment center should offer a variety of treatment programs that meet individual needs. Programs may include inpatient, residential, outpatient, and/or short-stay options.
The difference between inpatient and a residential treatment center is that inpatient services are provided by a licensed hospital, while residential programs usually do not meet the same rigorous standards of medical care.
The length of stay depends on the severity and stage of the disease.
How much does a drug rehab center cost?
"How much does it cost?" is often one of the first questions asked.
The price tag for drug abuse & alcoholism treatment is presented in many different formats. You need to know what is included, what will be added to your bill as a fee-for-service program, and what services your health insurance will cover. This makes it extremely difficult to compare prices by simply asking the question - "What does it cost?"
If you are seeking the best value for your treatment dollar, remember: Price can be meaningful only in the context of quality and performance.
Is the drug rehab treatment program medically based?
There is an advantage to including on-site medical care in a Drug Rehab. Physicians and nurses provide 24-hour hospital services to monitor and ensure a safe withdrawal from alcohol and other drugs. In addition, a medical staff specializing in addiction medicine can oversee the progress of each individual and make necessary adjustments to the treatment plan.
Medical credentials and accreditation can also be important. For example, a chemical dependency Drug Rehab that earns JCAHO accreditation (Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations) meets national standards for providing quality medical care. Appropriate state licensing is also an important consideration.
Be sure to ask which medical costs are included in the price of treatment at the drug rehab.
What is the degree of family involvement in the treatment program?
Drug abuse and alcoholism affects the entire family, not just the alcoholic/addict. Quite often family members do not realize how deeply they have been affected by chemical dependency. Family involvement is an important component of recovery.
Drug Rehabs vary in the degree and quality of family involvement opportunities. Some offer just a few lectures and others offer family therapy. Ask if there is any time devoted to family programs and if group therapy is included.
Does drug rehabilitation include a quality continuing care program?
There are no quick fixes for the diseases of drug abuse and alcoholism. Recovery is an ongoing process. The skills one learns during intensive rehabilitation treatment must be integrated into everyday life and this takes time.
Some drug addiction treatment programs will offer a follow-up program but only in one location which may make it difficult to use.
Drug rehabilitation treatment programs should include a quality, continuing care program that supports and monitors recovery.
The decision to enter a drug rehab program can be a very difficult and painstaking process. If you are confused by the many choices offered on this drug rehab site, please call one of our treatment center specialists at 877-212-2070.
CALL 1-877-212-2070 FOR MORE INFORMATION TODAY!!!

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So much is said about the process of rehab but what about life after rehab treatment is over? It is important to bear in mind that recovery from a life of drug or alcohol abuse is not something that happens overnight but rather, it is a lifelong process. In order to help you  keep in control of your life and to abstain from using drugs or alcohol, here are some helpful tips:

1. Make meetings and aftercare an essential component of your life. Through committing yourself to aftercare therapy you will reap all of the necessary benefits such as finding the support and encouragement you need to get on with your life. It will also help you to stay centered, focused and grounded in your new reality. Two of the most common causes of relapse include a lack of aftercare and being overconfident.

2. Keep yourself as busy as possible. You have left an unhealthy lifestyle behind and now need to find new healthier ways to spend your time. Increase your belief in your self by finding gainful employment. Ask your sponsor and/or your new friends you have met through the program what sort of activities and hobbies they can recommend.

3. Take good care of yourself. Be determined to get yourself into a healthy routine of eating well balanced meals. Get plenty of exercise and plenty of sleep. When you are feeling discouraged or upset, reach out to others who know you, love you and are there for you. Do not let stress push you to the point where you start using again. Remember the H.A.L.T. theory, do not get to Hungry Angry Lonely or Tired.

4. You have a relapse prevention plan for a reason. Use it. Do not ignore the recommendations of the plan, especially in the first year. Follow the plan to the letter. Constantly refresh your mind with what the plan is made up of. This is an essential element of your healing and recovery. Do not dismiss it.

5. If you slip once, don't allow yourself to fall back into the black hole of drug or alcohol use. If you slip up once, don't automatically assume that it is all over and that you are hopeless. Fight the urge to fall back into the habit. Be strong with yourself. Call your sponsor and talk the situation out with him or her. Figure out what caused the slip up and how it can be avoided in the future. One small mistake does not constitute an abandonment of the program or a life of sobriety.

Call 1-877-212-2070 if you need help or want to talk to a counselor.

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