Archive for February, 2010

Effects of Alcohol to Breastfeeding Moms and Their Babies

Posted by Drug Free in Alcohol Abuse, Raising Healthy Kids on February 16th, 2010

One of the most prevalent breastfeeding taboos is drinking while breastfeeding. It is never a good thought that a nursing mother should be drinking at all. It poses many threats to the baby’s physical as well as mental development. What really are the effects of breastfeeding when under the influence of alcohol?

drinking and smoking pregnant womanDisrupted Sleep

Breastfeeding after alcohol consumption on a regular basis affects the baby’s sleeping patterns. While alcohol is known as a downer or a sedative for most drinkers, for babies it is quite the opposite. It disrupts the baby’s sleep making him agitated.

Less Breast Milk

Alcohol consumption also reduces the volume of the mother’s breast milk, making the release and availability of breast milk lesser by a considerable amount.

Liver Problems

Babies that are still developing their livers can experience serious problems if they were exposed to even the slightest alcohol content. Their livers are just not ready to take any amount of alcohol and thus can be damaging to the liver and its development.

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)

Breastfeeding and drinking alcohol increases the chances of SIDS. Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, or sometimes called crib death, is a sudden death of a baby that is highly unexpected considering medical history and may remain unexplainable even after a forensic autopsy.

Slow Development

Studies have showed that alcohol consumption before breastfeeding causes a slow gain in weight for babies. It may retard the baby’s mental growth, inhibit motor skill development or lead to hyperglycaemia which could lead to several complications.

So, if you’re a drinker, you need to sober up once you decide to become a parent — for your baby’s health and proper development.

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Common Signs of Cocaine Abuse

Posted by Drug Free in Drug Addiction, Drug Facts on February 15th, 2010

Cocaine is a powerful and addictive central nervous system stimulant. With its intense and potent euphoric effects, the drug user can easily become addicted to cocaine after a short period of time. Upon taking it, it intensifies alertness, restrains appetite and sleep while giving off pleasurable sensations. Users often take it for performing physical and intellectual tasks more efficiently.

Here are some slang terms or names for cocaine: big C, blanco, blow, blast, Bolivian, Charlie, coke, Columbian, girl, heaven, happy powder, Mama Coca, mojo, nose candy, Peruvian, pimp, she, sniff, snort, snow, toot, trails, white lady and stardust.

However put, cocaine is very dangerous and can be lethal to its users. It is known to cause heart complications including irregular heartbeats, strokes, heart attacks and respiratory failure. Other effects include depression, violent tendencies and a loss of sexual function.

Here is a list of known signs that someone may be abusing cocaine:

cocaine• Sudden weight loss
• Bloodshot eyes and dilated pupils
• Periods of depression
• Runny nose
• Decline in personal appearance or hygiene
• Respiratory infections
• Distorted sleep patterns
• Loss of interest in social engagements and relationships with friends and family
• Loss of interest in food, sex and other productive and pleasurable activities
• Paranoia, hallucinations and delusions
• Impatience and irritability
• Relentless or sometimes destructive need for money
• Euphoria
• Hyper-alertness
• Panic
• Use of small spoons, mirrors, razor blades, rolled paper money
• Use of small bottles with screw-top lids, plastic packets for storing

You may also use home drug tests to be certain about cocaine abuse. They can be very convenient to use, highly effective and totally confidential.

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Ecstasy: Dangerous, Deadly, Unnecessary

Posted by Drug Free in Drug Addiction on February 14th, 2010

Sometimes called X, XTC, Adam or the Lover’s Speed, ecstasy has been an ever present threat in underground social events. But what it is exactly?

ecstasyEcstasy is a drug taken that heightens physical and sensual experience. Although it has its dangers most of its users are surely aware of, the X pill has still been prevalent in underground parties and club raves. Ecstasy is a disabling drug that causes the user to lose crucial levels of consciousness. The drug’s incapacitating power often lead to many accounts of rape, theft and even death; mixing ecstasy with other party elements like alcohol or marijuana can be a deadly cocktail.

If you find yourself to be in a situation where you or someone you know had somehow accidentally taken ecstasy, it is important to be around people you trust. Ecstasy renders a taker vulnerable. It is important that you stay with company and get medical help ASAP.  If the taker is vomiting while laying down, make him or her sit up or stand with his head down. Make sure to keep cool and encourage the taker to breath normally and to be calm as well. Ecstasy has a heating effect to the brain, and most of ecstasy-related deaths are caused by dehydration.

Ecstasy is an illegal drug and is definitely not necessary to have a good time in a party. Be smart! Make sure to be safe, and avoid any contact with illegal substances that will put you to danger.

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Common Health Effects of Smoking Marijuana

Posted by Drug Free in Drug Addiction on February 13th, 2010

Marijuana has been one of the most prevalent drugs out there. Compared to other drugs like ecstasy or steroids, marijuana exists to be one of the most accessible and most popular drugs in the black market. Marijuana’s direct and long-term effect to the brain and body has a very wide variation because of its complicated chemical make-up, but there are still side effects that are common to most heavy marijuana users.

Here are some known effects of marijuana to the body and brain:

marijuana smokingPsychological Health

Studies have showed a relationship between marijuana use and an increase in depression, schizophrenia, suicidal thoughts and anxiety. Although scientists cannot be conclusive to whether or not the user has these symptoms even before the drug use, there is basis to believe that the marijuana intensified an already existing case.

The marijuana is known for its effect to a person’s disposition. The pleasure center of the brain produces an instant easygoing attitude that prevents the user to acknowledge potential threats. It also has been known to lower the resistance to negative outside influences and an impairment of the user’s judgement.

Health of Heart and Lungs

There have been studies that found that the risk of heart attack quadruples within the first hour after smoking marijuana. The hypothesis being that marijuana causes an increase in heart rate and blood pressure thus causing a reduction in the body’s capability to carry oxygen.

The smoke from the marijuana joint also increases the risk of cancer. Marijuana, when smoked on a habitual basis, can lead to serious pulmonary consequences. In the short run, there might be a restriction in breathing, increased coughing and a lowering of resistance against diseases of the lungs such as pneumonia.

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Quick Guide to Alcohol Detoxification

Posted by Drug Free in Alcohol Abuse, Drug Rehabilitation on February 12th, 2010

Withdrawal from addiction is a road that is filled with many temptations, trials and tribulations. Alcohol abuse is a major problem for families and relationships in so many levels. If you’re drinking causes problems in your life (marriage, job, school, etc.), you need to detoxify – not as soon as possible, but NOW. First, you need to acknowledge the problem so you can start the road to recovery. Here are a few reminders as you journey towards full detoxification:

alcohol abuse1. Do not be afraid to seek professional help. Talk to a therapist, physicians, a pastor, even a trusted family member for encouragement and wisdom. Take the initiative and look for treatment centers.

2. Get help to make an outline plan to stop drinking. A deadline would be very helpful to visualize your goal.

3. Get rid of anything with alcohol found at home. Don’t give it away; drain it in the toilet or the sink. Stock your refrigerator with healthy alternatives like fruits, vegetables, fruit juices and the like.

4. If you’re going to detoxify, don’t do it alone. Always have someone you trust to be there for you in case something happens.

5. What out for physical symptoms like nausea, loss of appetite, headaches, sweating and tremors. Also be careful for psychological symptoms like depression, fatigue, insomnia, irritability, anxiety and mood swings.

6. Remember that detoxification is only the first step towards recovery. True recovery is a complete and utter separation from drinking alcohol. It is important to have accountability partners who keep your plan in check.

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5 Shocking Celebrity Drug Abuse Revelations of 2009

Posted by Drug Free in Alcohol Abuse, Drug Addiction, Drug Rehabilitation, Steroid Abuse on February 11th, 2010

Celebrity status and drug abuse have often been somehow linked for years, even decades, now. Here’s our  list of the most shocking drug revelations for the year 2009.

drug abuseAndre Agassi

Yes, that would be the Andre Agassi who won eight Grand Slam singles tournaments and an Olympic gold medal during his very successful career. In his autobiography “Open” which was published in November of 2009, he admitted to have used crystal meth during his tennis playing years. Crystal meth or methamphetamine increases alertness and vigor, and is known to produce euphoria in high doses.

Michael Jackson

The shocking MJ death was a result of “acute propofol intoxication in combination with the use of sedatives”. Jackson who was scheduled to have a concert tour died of propofol intoxication in his sleep. His personal physician, Dr. Conrad Murray, who administered propofol to the King of Pop, has already been charged with involuntary manslaughter.

Steven Tyler

Front-man Steven Tyler checked himself in to a drug rehab facility on December of 2009 for abusing his prescription pain medication drugs. The 61-year-old rock star of the famous Aerosmith is allegedly making plans to leave the band after his recovery.

Whitney Houston

Whitney’s appearance in the Oprah Show shocked the world with her revealing confessions of her drug abuse. She even had her own Marijuana Rock Cocaine recipe: “You put your marijuana, you lace it, you roll it up and you smoke it.”

Lindsay Lohan

Not so shocked? Well, she’s been all over the news for quite some time now that her name has almost become a staple in the world of celebrity drug scandals. The year 2009 was no exemption for our little drama queen; being in and out of rehab for years mostly for alcoholism and abuse of prescription drugs.

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