While mental or emotional conditions may lead to an addict’s first use of a substance, a full-blown addiction is a clinical, neurological disease. Just like other clinical diseases such as cancer, heart disease, and diabetes, addiction can afflict anybody. The physiological processes that take a person from casual use to tolerance, to dependence are the same for everyone. Here are the steps a person’s brain takes in developing an addiction:

Dopamine Release

Most drugs cause the human brain to release dopamine, a neurotransmitter which creates a euphoric sensation, relieves pain, and provides a sense of well-being. Dopamine is part of the same feedback mechanism which compels humans to seek food, sex, and most other pleasurable things. When a person has an experience that leads to a dopamine release, the brain creates physical, neurological pathways which compel similar behavior in the future. Unfortunately, this happens even when that experience is as harmful as drug use.

Tolerance

Users may be compelled by their neurological pathways to continue taking a drug, but they will eventually develop a tolerance to it. In its attempts to mitigate the effects of a foreign substance, a frequent user’s body will down-regulate its dopamine production in response to a given drug. Therefore, that user must take higher and higher amounts to feel the same euphoric effect. A chemically altered brain still seeks that powerful euphoria, however, so a cycle of ever-higher dosage sets in.

Dependence

Though the human body at first “fights” a drug by developing a tolerance, brain chemistry will eventually change. If the use of a drug is repeated frequently enough, the central nervous system begins to accept it. Dopamine production is again down-regulated, and the brain now relies on the drug to stimulate certain receptors necessary for normal bodily functioning. In fact, the brain of a drug user at this stage actually starts to perform “normally” while under the influence of the foreign substance. Removing the drug from the body shocks the brain and leads to strong compulsions for the drug.

Addiction

What many people call a full-blow addiction is simply a severe case of dependence, characterized by certain behaviors. Addicts constantly crave drugs to the point that they lose control of when and where they get high, and they will ignore the physical, social, and emotional consequences of their abuse.

Relapse

Since addiction is a permanent neurological condition, relapse is common and even expected among recovering drug abusers. Many addicts struggle through seemingly endless cycles of drug use, intensive treatments, and relapse. People who have never experienced an addiction may view relapse as a sign of weak will, but it far more akin to the often unpreventable relapses experienced by cancer patients.

Everyone from every walk of life is susceptible to drug and alcohol addiction. If you or someone you love is struggling with substance abuse, make the decision to confront the problem and seek help. Click the links below for a toll-free, confidential consultation with one of our trained specialists. We are standing by around the clock to help you.

Marijuana abuse has reached epidemic levels in the United States, and the problem is only getting worse. In fact, discussion and controversy regarding marijuana use have become pervasive throughout American society. Congressmen and women continuously legislate on medical marijuana issues, activists fight for and against its legalization by petitioning their various governments, and social sites such as Facebook and Twitter are rife with users’ opinions on the matter. In addition, government efforts to stop the trafficking and possession of marijuana and other drugs leads to frequent arrests of people from every walk of life. Hundreds of thousands of non-violent drug offenders fill jails across the country, most of them serving time for marijuana-related charges. A complete understanding of this problem is crucial for creating marijuana legislation which truly serves the needs of United States citizens.

Despite significant law enforcement efforts in the United States and abroad, marijuana is the most popular illegal drug in the world. Its use also carries a much higher level of societal acceptance than cocaine, heroin, and other narcotics. In the United States, large-scale efforts at legalization over the past decade are a testament to this acceptance. Popular media also reflect this tolerant attitude, as marijuana use is often taken lightly and joked about in movies, music, and stand-up comedy in a way that narcotics use is not.

A 2010 survey reported that United States teens now use cannabis even more than they use tobacco. Most researchers cite the now-widespread availability of the drug, as well as changing attitudes surrounding its use, as reason for this phenomenon. Additionally, many adolescents believe marijuana to be far less harmful to their health than cigarettes or chewing tobacco, especially concerning issues of habit forming and physical dependency. Overall, this study brings new and interesting concerns to light. Since today’s teens will be the leaders of government and industry within a few decades, common attitudes and public policy regarding marijuana use may drastically change.

Aside from its prevalence amongst teenagers, marijuana use is gaining popularity with senior citizens. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration reports that cannabis use tripled among people aged fifty-five through fifty-nine from 2002 to 2008. Many speculate that this trend is a result of these seniors’ upbringings in the 1960s, an era during which drug use was rampant and widely accepted among young people. In addition, some seniors use marijuana to treat glaucoma, joint pain, and other ailments which commonly afflict the elderly.

It can be difficult to assess the risks of marijuana use among United States citizens because research on the topic is so scarce. Even the few studies that have been done are too controversial to use because of their various funding parties’ alleged biases. Despite these difficulties in research, recent studies suggest that consistent, heavy use of cannabis can make existing mental and emotional disorders even worse. In fact, people with these types of conditions may even develop a physical dependency on the drug, although most proponents of its legalization assert that it is non-habit-forming. Whether or not marijuana is harmful, the criminal consequences for its possession can be life-changing, often devastating a convict’s job options, social connections, and education. If you are concerned about the consequences of using marijuana, for your own sake or for a loved one, click the links below for a free, no-obligation consultation.

The effects of Methamphetamine

As a stimulant methamphetamine causes a user to stay awake and alert for long periods of time. It was used during war to assist pilots to fly longer missions and ground troops to last longer on the battlefield. Methamphetamine is also known to affect the moral compass of the user. Users often feel little or no emotion when inflicting harm on others. This contributes to its use during war time, as troops become effective killing machines while using the drug. Meth has similar effects to cocaine but is often many times more potent.

Methamphetamine affects the brain

The effects of meth are caused by an increased production of dopamine in the brain. Dopamine is naturally produced by the body and is responsible for pleasurable feelings, it is released after exercise and while eating foods. Meth causes an abnormal amount of the drug to be released into the brain. Prolonged use of the drug damages the cells that produce dopamine and more of the drug must be taken to achieve the same result. This is a primary reason why methamphetamine is so addictive. The body becomes dependent on its use. When a person stops using the drug there is no longer enough dopamine being produced naturally by the body and the result is deep depression and an inability to function without the drug. Most users cannot go long without using the drug again. The powerful effects of the drugs are too much of a temptation when the user is unable to cope with day to day life.

Methamphetamine abuse can lead to psychotic behavior

Prolonged use of Methamphetamine can lead to psychotic behavior which can include hallucinations, paranoia, and violent outbreaks. Users often experience the delusion that bugs are crawling under their skin which leads to deep sores caused by scratching. The drug is often used in binges in which the user does not eat or sleep for days and continues to use the drug until a physical or mental breakdown causes them quite using the drug.

Methamphetamine users abuse the drug to escape a real problem

Many methamphetamine users begin using the drug to escape a problem in their lives. While using the drug people feel unstoppable, liked by everyone and popular with their friends. Meth causes a type of hyper reality in which the party never ends. It completely blinds the user to their real life problems. Meth users ignore their health and do not eat or sleep for days at a time. Many users end up in jail because of their behavior.

Meth users form small tight communities

Meth users sometimes form small communities among themselves. These groups form tight emotional bonds, intensified by the drug, which often become stronger then family ties. These groups of people behave as a family. They use together and often only leave each other when they must sleep or eat. The group becomes focused entirely on find ways to get the drug. These groups ore usually short lived lasting only months, but the attraction to the feeling of belonging is very hard for the meth user to ignore.

Types of Meth

Meth comes in many forms and varies in quality depending on how it was made. Originally meth was made to take by snorting the drug up the nose. This kind of the drug is often called crank. It is usually low quality and made in home with crude labs and even cruder ingredients. The drug in this form can be very damp and smell like ether.

Another form of the drug is Ice. Ice is a very pure form of the drug which may be snorted, smoked or injected and is made in industrial laboratories. The purity of the drug causes addiction to happen much more rapidly. Ice looks like broken pieces of quartz and is pure white, blue or green.

There are many substances similar to meth which is often sold as the drug. These drugs are not as potent and the user may need to take a large amount in order to achieve anything close to the same effects. This can become dangerous when the drugs are toxic to the body. Death or permanent damage may occur from improperly made drugs.

Summary: There are many reasons why meth is so addictive. The effects it has on brain chemistry create a situation which requires the user to take more of the drug just to feel normal. The psychotic effects of the drug cause loved ones and family members to distance themselves from the user cutting off all hopes of support. The drug masks a person’s real problems and seems to make them go away. Then users form small groups which replace the family and allow the drug use to continue until a point is reached when the user is absolutely bankrupt, physically and emotionally. The many different types of meth makes it very easy to find on the street and the effects of the drug create an almost perfect environment for addiction to occur.

1. Decision

In all things in life, the first step to anything is to make a decision. Once you have made the decision to quit using drugs you know you’re on the right track and can find support to help you continue on that path. Sticking to that decision may be a bit more difficult but making it is the most important step. Once you’ve made the choice, there are further steps and tools you can use to help you stick with that decision and continue moving forward.

2. Courage

It takes a lot of courage to step up and take control of your life. It takes a lot of courage to admit to others, and to yourself that you are an addict, you’re having troubles, and you need help. Developing that courage is a crucial part of recovery and the quicker you’re able to develop it the easier things will be. We all have inner courage; it’s just a matter of finding it and bringing it to the surface. Sit quietly with yourself and ask yourself some serious questions about what you really want in life. You’ll find that when you really want something, the courage will rise up to help you get it.

3. Communication

Learning to communicate with others is an important skill in your recovery. First of all, as addicts, most of us forgot how to communicate effectively, or we simply never learned the skill in the first place. Setting boundaries and learning how to stand up for yourself is crucial. Without these boundaries in place it is easy to fall back into the trap of substance abuse. We also need to learn to say yes to things that are healthy for us. Another great thing about learning to communicate is that we can start sharing our story and hopefully help others around us with what we have learned.

4. Forgiveness

When I was addicted to cocaine I had a really hard time dealing with things that had happened in my past and there were certain people in my life that I was very angry with. I had held onto that anger for a long time and it was eating me up. When I learned to forgive it set me free. Not only was I able to forgive the people that had hurt me and the circumstances of my life that I was angry with, but I was also able to forgive myself. Without the ability to forgive yourself and others it will be very difficult to move forward.

5. Triggers

All addicts have something that sets them off. Sometimes more than one thing will do it. Maybe it’s hanging out with certain people, maybe it’s when something bad happens, or maybe it’s just a certain time of day. The important thing to do is to identify what these triggers are. The more you are aware of what might set you off the easier it will be to avoid the triggers, or find alternatives that will aid you in avoiding drugs.

6. Separation

This idea falls in step with Triggers. There are certain people that, as addicts, we tend to flock toward. The old saying, ‘birds of a feather flock together,’ is very true. To prevent relapse it is crucial that you separate yourself from the people who will drag you down. Your old circle of influence is not going to be helpful in your recovery and you will need to find new friends that will support you and guide you in your new lifestyle.

7. Activity

Being active and busy is very important in staying away from drugs. I found that when I was struggling with relapse I usually went back to it because I was simply bored. Keeping busy and occupied will help prevent the boredom and keep you interested and engaged in activities that are much healthier for your mind and body. Join a book club, find a sport or volunteer somewhere. There are thousands of options.

8. Health

After destroying brain cells and causing all sorts of health problems due to substance abuse it’s important that you focus on your health. There are certain foods you can eat that will help restore brain health, as well as supplements you can take. Mental health is important too. You may want to find someone to talk to, or focus on keeping yourself happy by finding humour in things. Journal writing can be helpful for mental health as well.

9. Connection

Reconnecting spiritually is very important. We are all part of a connection here in this universe and finding that connection will help to keep you centered and grounded. I believe that spirituality looks different for every person; and you just need to find what that looks like for you. Explore, ask questions, or find other people who you’d like to connect with. You’ll eventually find your center and you’ll feel much better about yourself and the world around you.

10. Your Best

In all things, all you can ask of yourself is that you do your best. What that looks like from a day to day basis could change dramatically. Some days you may not even be able to get out of bed. Other days you may feel great and you’ll be able to get heaps of things done. The important thing is that you’re honest with yourself in that you’re giving 100% all of the time.

Good treatment is not fueled by the mind. It is fueled by the heart. Good treatment is not necessarily complex and intellectual. The process can be incredibly simple (though elegant). Good treatment is, however, extraordinarily difficult to provide every day. That is because good treatment requires that those who provide it consistently bring great energy, great commitment, great attention and great love to their work every day. And the nature of teams is that frequently when one team member falters so does the entire team. It is also the nature of love that it doesn’t matter much if those providing treatment have a general love of the alcoholic and addict.

What matters is if those providing alcoholism treatment can love the unique alcoholic or addict sitting right in front of them–the alcoholic who is vomiting in the recovery room; the addict who can think of nothing but how to extinguish the craving and the dark voices inside, the patient who complains about everything, the know-it-all “Big I” who can tell us how to run our treatment center and who can work out treatment plans for every other patient in treatment, the patient who can’t quell the shakes sufficiently to drink a cup of coffee without help, the patient who can’t yet find the path to the dining hall, the patient who desperately needs a bath or clean clothes or a tooth brush.

Good treatment for these maladies is simple but requires we love as St. Paul would have us love. You know the words… Love is patient. Love is kind. Love is not jealous, it does not put on airs; it is not snobbish. Love is never rude. It is not self-seeking. It is not prone to anger; neither does it brood over injuries. Love does not rejoice in what is wrong, but rejoices with the truth. There is no limit to love’s forbearance, its truth, its hope, its power to endure.

So.. .if we want to make our treatment better we don’t have to make it more complex. We do the basics of good treatment better. We do the simple but effective things well, over and over again. We do the difficult things with as much passion as the easy things. We love each person entrusted to our care even when they are at their most unlovable. Good treatment is simple to provide. It is just difficult to provide. You can’t take time off.

Sometimes people think that if something is simple it has no value. But simplicity is valued in most of our human endeavors by the most brilliant of our species.

In the field of epistemology, there is the concept of Occam’s razor which asserts that all other things being equal the simplest theory is the most likely to be true.

In religion, the Quaker’s believe in the testimony of simplicity which instructs its adherents to simplify one’s life in order to focus on things that are most important and disregard or avoid things that are least important.

In science, the principle of parsimony holds that the explanation of a phenomenon which is least involved is of superior value to a more involved one.

Of all the substances that a person can detox from, alcohol is the most dangerous. This is a disturbing figure considering that; “It is estimated that only 10 to 20 percent of patients undergoing alcohol withdrawal are treated as inpatients, so it is possible that as many as 2 million Americans may experience symptoms of alcohol withdrawal conditions each year.” This means that alcohol is not only the most commonly abused substance; it is also the substance that the most people detox from at home. Unfortunately, many people who attempt this outside of a treatment center will be so overwhelmed by the symptoms of Acute Withdrawal Syndrome that they will return to drinking in order to alleviate the pain and discomfort caused by the detox process.

When a person detoxes from alcohol in a non-medical setting they expose themselves to significant risk. Symptoms of Acute Withdrawal Syndrome set in approximately 8 to 12 hours after the last drink and can continue for as long as 2 weeks. During this time, symptoms may include vomiting, diarrhea, insomnia, tremors, hallucinations, grand mal seizures, delirium tremens, and dangerously high blood pressure. Because of these symptoms, detox from alcohol should always occur in a medical setting.

Valium and Xanax belong to a class of drug known as benzodiazepines. These drugs are used to treat a variety of conditions but had a significant potential for abuse and addiction. This is troublesome considering that in some cases of alcohol addiction; benzodiazepines are used to treat the patient during the detox process. Detox from benzodiazepines can be dangerous, with symptoms ranging from panic and anxiety attacks, hostility and anger, respiratory depression and suicidal thoughts and tendencies. Without management of these symptoms in a professional treatment facility, fatal complications as a result of the detox process are possible.

Detoxing at home from other drugs like heroin, methamphetamines, ecstasy, marijuana, cocaine and others generally do not have potential for deadly side effects, but nonetheless can be temporarily debilitating. This includes insomnia, vomiting, diarrhea, agitation, restlessness, chills, cramps, and many other symptoms – all of which can be easily managed in a medical detox facility. If you or someone you love is suffering with an addiction, don’t attempt detox alone! Please use one of the below links to get immediate assistance.

Before we begin a discussion on the subject, it is important to understand the essence of Alcohol Misuse. This is a condition where the individual has consumed more than adequate quantities of alcohol. This affects his system in more than one ways. Medically, the experts would categories the abuse in different section for better comprehension of the condition and treatment of the individual.

When alcohol is consumed in more than permissible contents, it causes problems in the body. The individual is at a higher risk of developing additional health problems. Liver problems, cancers, ulcers, etc. are known to occur in most cases. Physical problems include conditions such as heart problems. The heart becomes weak and its activity suffers, leading to even attacks in some cases. At the metal level, psychological problems can occur. Generally, it is a notion amongst youngsters that consumption of alcohol can help deal with circumstances. They tend to drink in order to forget their problems and run away from situations. This affects their psychology. In many cases, these people are depressed. Alcohol Misuse further worsens the depression. The individual may then need psychiatric treatment as well.

Moreover, although alcohol consumption begins as a social activity, it is known to affect the social circuit when consumed in excess. The reason for this is the individual’s personal traits. He may tend to domestic violence or other such acts. These behaviors are detrimental to one’s personal life. On the professional front, concentration, sincerity and alertness are known to suffer.

The signs of alcohol misuse are evident and clear. If you are suffering, chances are that you have felt the need to cut down on your habit. You might even notice that more and more people are criticizing your habit. On a personal front, a feeling of guild may develop. Nevertheless, you always feel the urge to have the hard drink. If this is the case, you must seek help immediately. Your life can be improved. If you hesitate to discuss the matter with your peers or family, you can talk to your doctor. Alternatively, there are doctors online who can help you to deal with the crisis along with securing your anonymity.

If these symptoms are seen in your friend, then you must help him. Confrontation may be difficult, but important. They may tend to become forgetful. Their ability to work also decreases. In such a condition, you should take action and try to alleviate his or her life before it is too late.

5. Saving Lives Behind the Wheel. All the people who enroll in these informative classes will learn of all the dangers of drinking while driving (DUI Classes). Alcohol related car deaths are completely man-made disasters that can be avoided by information and education. The chances of being in an alcohol related car accident goes down significantly after taking alcohol awareness classes.

4. Enabling Reality. When an individual is given information about all the issues using alcohol can cause, it may push them into the realization that they do actually have a problem with drinking alcohol too often. Most of the heavy drinkers will deny drinking to much and to often even if they know they are lying. They do this because if they don’t deny the idea of being an alcoholic they won’t be able to drink anymore. By enrolling in online classes that teach alcohol awareness, that stigma can be erased and a new you that you can be honored and even proud of will be on the way to being produced.

3. The Ease of Classes. Many people trick themselves into thinking that the classes are going to be all work and pain. In reality, the classes are all about you and how to make you better in the most effective way possible. The modern choices of alcohol awareness classes don’t confine to a small group or even a large informal group in an audience like seating. The comfort and ease can be done in your favorite chair with your laptop. Don’t despair because things seems to hard, these classes are really all about you and how to make you happy again.

2. Proper Care. Many people who drink on a regular and everyday basis do so to fight off some form of depression. Drinking is by its very nature a system and emotional depressant, don’t drink to fight depression, it will only lead deeper into that abyss. Find help for you drinking and, in part, for your depression, by seeking help through alcohol awareness classes. Alcohol had taken depressed individuals right over the edge, including greats like Heath Ledger more recently using large amounts of sleeping pills and alcohol. Medications prescribed for various sicknesses and illnesses can be safe but when mixed with large amounts of liquid courage the end result may be disastrous. Much could have been avoided by taking a 12 hour alcohol awareness class online

1. Set the Example. For all of us with children, setting the example for our kids can mean the difference between them taking their first drink at 14 or taking it at 21. Taking an alcohol awareness class with your kids may seem like a drag to them through your eyes. However, even as they moan and groan about the the idea of taking one, especially with mommy or daddy, they’ll know deep down they’ll learn something interesting and have that example and knowledge to carry and pass on to their children. Set the example in your family and you will be remembered and appreciated.

The great benefits if using a treadmill have been well documented for quite a few decades now. We all know about how treadmills are widely and successfully used to help people lose weight, lower blood pressure and strengthen the heart. But that doesn’t mean more surprises won’t come along in regard to what a treadmill can do for you.

New Study
Most people probably haven’t heard about a study researching the use of treadmills to reduce cravings for marijuana. This particular study came out of Vanderbilt University.

The Treadmill/Marijuana Study
The researchers used twelve participants. In order to participate in the study an individual needed to be a daily user of marijuana, and needed to be completely disinterested in giving it up or even reducing use. I’ve found that people who choose to smoke it are not engaged in an internal struggle to cut down or give it up like cigarette smokers often are. I only mention that as a way of observing that it was probably pretty easy to find participants.

Results of the Study
All twelve of the participants exercised on a treadmill ten times for sessions that ranged from ten to thirty minutes over a time-span of fourteen days.

The average amount of marijuana smoked was around six joints per day. The researchers created a treadmill workout for each individual, based on each one’s current state of conditioning. They designed the workouts so that each participant achieved sixty to seventy percent of their top heart rate during the treadmill exercise session.

After the full two week session, the craving for and use of marijuana was reduced by fifty percent on the average. Most of this reduction occurred in the first week of exercising.

While it is highly unlikely that pot smokers are going to run out and buy a treadmill to reduce their budget for bud, this discovery is beneficial to anyone who needs to “start stopping.” This could be because of job restrictions, or just because a person decides they want to quit.

If running on a treadmill can reduce marijuana use in someone who doesn’t want to quit or and doesn’t want to reduce their consumption, imagine how useful it would be for someone who did decide to stop: a drug-free, completely healthy way to help yourself do it.

I wonder if it works with cigarettes and nicotine addiction. Why doesn’t one of you cigarette smokers jump on a treadmill and try it and then let us all know?

As the number of teens using illicit drugs, tobacco and alcohol is increasing, the number of drug related issues is also increasing. Though the government and community leaders are designing numerous strategies, lack of right timed interventions is resulting in the advancement of drug abusing habits in teens. Detection and confirmation along with correction of these unhealthy habits at the right time is thus very important to help teenagers from getting destroyed due these unhealthy habits.

This article discusses about few essential steps, which help in stopping your teen from becoming a long-term victim of the above mentioned unhealthy habits.

Teens are vulnerable to unhealthy habits: Chances of adopting unhealthy habits such as smoking, alcohol or illicit drugs are more during the teenage, as this is the transition phase of life in which a child advances from childhood to early adolescence. At this stage the social interactions increase and the teen will have more exposure to situations such as increased drug availability, drug abusing peer group and social activities involving drugs, which may enhance the risk of abusing drugs, tobacco and alcohol.

Identify the symptoms of unhealthy habits: A teen can be suspected of adopting these unhealthy habits by observing few symptoms which he exhibits both physically and behaviorally. Few physical symptoms include red and watery eyes, changes in eating habits, unusual sleep times, needle marks on the body, and excessive sweating. Some behavioral symptoms include confused and paranoid behavior, lying about their activities, physically and orally abusive and disrespectful, avoiding family matters, change in personal grooming habits and sudden drop in grades at school. On identifying these symptoms, immediately confirm the habit to take further action.

Intervene at the right time – conduct drug tests: These unhealthy habits can pose serious health issues. Hence, they should be confirmed immediately on identifying the above mentioned symptoms. Parents or school authorities can check for illicit drug, alcohol or tobacco abuse in teens by using drug testing kits available in the market. Besides ensuring privacy, they also give accurate, fast and reliable results. Early detection and confirmation of these habits will help in taking preventive measures to protect the teen from further abuse.

Educate about harmful effects of unhealthy habits: Teens often tend to take risks by experimenting with unhealthy substances. They generally ignore the severe consequences of these behaviors. It is the responsibility of the parents, teachers and community leaders to educate teens about the harmful consequences of these habits. Conducting an open talk with the teens to make them aware of the ill effects of these habits is necessary. Also, explain them about the tragic lives of drug abusers, as real life experiences are more convincing in prevention of future substance abuse.

Encourage healthy lifestyle: As a corrective measure in the process of treating a drug abusing teen, encourage him to adopt a healthy lifestyle. This is the critical step that ensures the total well-being of the teen. A teen can develop healthy lifestyle by involving in regular physical exercise, having a healthy diet and engaging in extra-curricular activities including meditation. This will make the teen stay more relaxed and happy, thus avoiding the need to abuse the drugs.

The effective way to stop unhealthy habits in teens is to detect and correct them. Follow these steps as soon as possible in order to save them from the harmful consequences of these habits.