The Difficult Road of Recovery from Alcoholism!

Posted by DrugFreeHomes in Alcohol Abuse on March 11th, 2010

Alcoholism is a very dangerous addiction; sometimes even a deadly one. And just like any other addiction, the road to recovery can be a difficult path. There is no foolproof guide to quitting alcohol, oftentimes the treatment is on a case-to-case basis especially for those who have extended alcohol addiction. But regardless of differences in methods and techniques, there is once common aim: stop drinking altogether.

beerGet Help!

Alcoholism is a subjective condition. There is no single way to deal with alcoholism; every case is unique and needs special attention. That is why it is important to seek professional help. Talk to a doctor or a therapist who actually knows what he’s doing and understands what you’re going through.

Find Accountability Partners

Accountability partners or sponsors are the people who support you throughout your recovery. Find people in your life that cares for you. It may be your spouse, your parents or your best friend. This is the person who shares with you your goal and determination and is able to keep you from harm’s way.

Commitment and Goal Setting

It is important for a recovering alcoholic to make a pledge towards recovery while setting goals for him. In most alcoholism trust groups, commitment forms that are signed to symbolize a contract are often used in order to have a reminder that is tangible. It is also as important to set goals for yourself, not only to monitor the progress you are making, but also to challenge yourself to accomplish more.

Don’t Give Up, Don’t Give In!

There will be times when you feel that the urge to drink becomes too much to bear. Stand firm. If you fall short, then don’t feel bad. Just do not give up!

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Prescription Drugs Abused by Teens

Posted by DrugFreeHomes in Prescription Drug Abuse on March 10th, 2010

Teen prescription drug abusers, or what they call ‘Generation Rx’, are a growing in number. Drugs that are usually obtained only with a proper medical presciption are being abused by children as young as 12 years old. Here are some common prescription drugs that are abused by the youth:

prescription drugsStimulants

These drugs are prescribed for patients who suffer from Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), asthma, obesity and narcolepsy. The drugs function to counteract feelings of weakness usually caused by fatigue, stress or alcohol. These drugs enhance concentration, alertness and energy and are often mixed with alcohol, which makes it even more dangerous. Teens usually abuse these drugs during activities that may need an extra push, like long examinations or competitive games. Examples of stimulants are Ritalin, Dexedrine and Concerta.

Painkillers

Painkillers can be either opium or morphine (narcotic) derivatives. These are prescribed to those suffering from chronic pain. Marijuana is also known to be prescribed to those who are dealing with cancer, which is medically proven to help administer pain. Vicodin is one of those painkiller drugs which are very potent and addictive. Among the listed drugs that are addictive are: Codeine, Hydrocodone, Oxycodone, Opium, Morphine and Fentanyl.

Depressants

These drugs are usually prescribed to patients who suffer from tension, sleep disorders and panic attacks. Depending on the dose, depressants act as a form of anaesthetic. These are usually called sedatives or tranquilizers, whose primary function is to slow down brain activity. Common prescribed depressants are Valium, Klonopin, Soma, Xanax and Ambien.

Unfortunately, while you should need a medical prescription to obtain these drugs, teens can easily access them online without presenting anything from the doctor. There are also people actually peddling prescription drugs in some universities.

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Teach Kids How to Manage Peer Pressure

Posted by DrugFreeHomes in Alcohol Abuse, Drug Addiction, Raising Healthy Kids on March 9th, 2010

Peer pressure is one of the most powerful forces that a teen encounters in his early life. It is very disturbing to see most children straying from classes to hang out with their friends. These behaviors can be attributed to peer pressure; involving activities as harmless as going to the mall to those much more dangerous like doing drugs. How do you, as a parent, prepare yourself and your teen to face these real and probably unavoidable challenges?

peer presureIt is important first to teach your teen key issues like drugs, sex and alcohol and help him to make a stand on them. Inspire your child to be an advocate of these things; teaching him how to speak up and let others know he’s not a pushover. Teach your child to visualize him handling difficult situations. Sometimes, scripting out the reactions to some invitations can really help out in knowing what to do in these situations. These things usually follow when you teach your child the qualities of leadership. Encourage him to stand up to what he thinks is right.

Difficult situations and peer pressure truly tests our teens in the moments that they forget the consequences of making rash decisions. Giving in to something totally deviant from your character often causes distress, even depression.

There will be repercussions to going against the interests of your peers; some of these consequences are often a very big deal to most teens. Peer pressure is disabling and often times, we feel like we don’t have a choice anymore. But always remind your child that there is always a choice, and doing the right thing is the best choice.

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Developing a Steady EQ for Healthy, Drug-Free Kids

Posted by DrugFreeHomes in Drug Abuse Prevention, Raising Healthy Kids on March 8th, 2010

Many parents commit the fault of disregarding the importance of developing the Emotional Quotient (EQ) of a child. As much as the IQ (Intelligence Quotient) of a child is crucial to his future, so is the development of a good EQ.

EQWhat is EQ?

EQ is the kind of intelligence that teaches the child to handle his society and its many pressures. Most children with low EQ grow up to be unable to handle stressful situations and decisions and often end up being immature and unwise. People with low EQ may react to pressures met during adolescence or during adulthood with aggression or extreme passivity, with peer dependence or social withdrawal, with drug abuse or with early sexual encounters.

Who teaches EQ?

Developing the child’s EQ relies heavily on the parents, or those who have direct interactions with the child. A child, even during his early years, learns from their principle teachers – parents or guardians –by observation and practice. It is common for a child to imitate what the parents or guardians do. When a child is learning only how to speak, they often pick up the words by association. To introduce certain objects to the child, parents often repeatedly refer to day to day objects; calling it out to them by name. In the same way, a child develops his personality on the basis of his direct environment.

Methods of Developing EQ

There is a time in the life of a child that everything that a parent says becomes truth for him or her. Children learn from the parents, that is why it is important for adults to be a good example. There are numerous EQ developing techniques out there that can be utilized, but there is no one method that works for every child. It is up to the parents or guardians to apply what is best for their child.

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When Someone You Love Uses Drugs

Posted by DrugFreeHomes in Drug Abuse Treatment, Drug Rehabilitation on March 7th, 2010

Discovering that one of our loved ones — parents, siblings, partners, children — is using drugs can be a very dramatic experience for those involved. It changes not only the life of the user, but also of the family member and close friends. Although it can be a very trying experience, it is important that we learn about the many indications of drug abuse and how to deal with them accordingly. Here are some reminders on what to do when a loved one is using drugs:

help drug abusersDo not forget about yourself. Finding out that a loved one is using drugs can tend to be a very stressful experience. Sometimes, it comes to a point where you forget your own needs. It is important that you also take care of yourself. Make sure to get the necessary support from people you trust.

Do not blame yourself. In all likelihood, drug abuse is never an indication of something you did wrong. Do not convince yourself that it is a consequence of negligence on your part. You are in a position where you can help, so don’t get caught up with blame and be a part of the solution.

Do not keep quiet. Don’t be afraid to voice out your concerns and to offer help. It is absolutely imperative that you act as soon as possible. The sooner you can get your loved one professional help, the smoother his recovery process would be. Sometimes, all that a user needs is somebody to dialogue with.

Do not pretend as if everything is okay. Drug addiction is a serious case and should not be taken lightly. It is important that you recognize the seriousness of the situation without having to panic or make rash decisions.

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Handling Drug-Related Stress

Posted by DrugFreeHomes in Drug Abuse Treatment, Drug Addiction, Drug Rehabilitation on March 6th, 2010

Stress and drug abuse have been closely interrelated with each another. For one, stress is among the major contributors or initiating factors to the use of alcohol or drugs, as well as one of the main reasons why recovering patients have relapses. Stress is also one major reason why smokers find it so hard to quit, or why they always find a reason to start smoking again.

stressStress in Withdrawal

Patients in withdrawal, especially from alcohol and nicotine, often undergo severe amounts of stress. What was once an outlet or a remedy for stress (smoking, drinking, etc.) has now becomes a severe source of it. Patients in withdrawal often undergo phases of depreciation and anxiety, which is interrelated with the body’s stress in withdrawal.

Child Stress

Children who undergo severe stress, like traumatic experiences or hostile homes, have more chances of being open to drug use. Studies have shown that there is a strong relationship between early life psychosocial stressors and an increase in anxiety, impulsiveness, drug use and depression in their adulthood.

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

A severely stressful event in one’s life often contributes to the abuse of drugs. Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a disorder that is a result of a person’s exposure or participation in a very terrifying and stressful event. Most PTSD patients often result to using drugs because of they cannot deal with the dramatic event in a healthy manner.

Stress Management

Recovered users who used drugs, alcohol or nicotine to help manage their stress will most likely need a re-evaluation in how they handle their stress. It takes a lot of time and patience for a person to be truly free from the psychological effects of addiction.

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