Archive for March, 2010

Alcoholism: Signs, Detection and Treatment

Posted by Drug Free in Other Addictions on March 18th, 2010

Abuse of alcohol is one of the most persistent problems that society is facing. Since drinking is an accepted practice in today’s society, many tend to forget the dangers of drinking too much. The truth is that you don’t have to be always drunk to be considered as someone with a drinking problem. If your drinking causes problems in your family, work, school or relationships, then you have a drinking problem.

alcoholismSigns of Alcoholism

Alcoholism is related to a person’s tolerance for alcohol; this is the first and strongest sign for alcoholism. If you can drink more alcohol over time in order to experience the effects you used to with lesser amounts, then it is a sign that your tolerance for alcohol is growing. The second sign to watch out for are the withdrawal signs of alcoholism, which is a result of abstinence from alcohol for a period of time. These symptoms usually include anxiety, sweating, shakiness, insomnia, depression or headaches as a result of not drinking. Experiencing these may indicate that your body is already dependent on alcohol.

Alcohol Testing

Among the fastest and more accurate tests are the breath alcohol testers, which analyze the presence of alcohol in a person’s breath. This method of testing is usually used by mobile police officers to detect drivers who have been drinking since these breathalyzers are accurate and convenient. Other testing methods, such as urine testing, saliva testing, hair testing and blood testing, are also available.

Treatment for Alcoholism

You would probably get the best of help from alcohol rehabilitation centers, but there are independent programs available that cater to recovering alcoholics that encourage moderation and eventual cessation of alcohol intake. Recovery is a lifelong process. That is why it is important that, even after rehabilitation, further post-rehabilitation measures are taken.

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Drug Tests: At Home or In Clinic?

Posted by Drug Free in Drug Testing on March 17th, 2010

Drug TestThe choice between having a drug test done at home or in a drug testing facility usually goes down to 3 major factors: speed, accuracy and privacy.

Laboratory Drug Tests

Drug tests conducted in clinics, hospitals and other drug testing laboratories use basically the same method and instruments as drug tests done at home. However, laboratory drug tests use calibrated machines that measure the presence of substances to the tiniest detail it can measure. With a staff of highly trained professionals conducting the test and the use of high-tech instruments, a drug test conducted within the confines of a laboratory, from sample collection to analysis, may yield a more accurate result. Many companies requiring employees to undergo drug tests only honor those who go through a certified laboratory drug testing.

Home Drug Tests

As compared to laboratory drug testing, self-administered drug tests offer relatively faster results and may prove to be more economical. These drug tests can be administered in the comfort and privacy of one’s own home or office space. This means there would be no need to travel from home to the laboratory, which not only saves time and money but also allows for better protection of privacy. There are concerns, however, on the accuracy of results as self-collection of samples open opportunities for adulteration. Many companies have considered this concern and have shifted to using hair follicle samples or oral fluid (saliva) samples collected on-site by the drug testing provider’s trained staff to avoid specimen adulteration and ensure integrity of test results.

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Home Drug Testing: What’s the Real Score?

Posted by Drug Free in Other Addictions on March 16th, 2010

Home drug kits are widely available in the Internet. Because of this, parents have taken an active role in managing the threat of drug abuse in their own families. Home drug kits have made it possible for parents to test for drugs in the confidentiality and convenience of their homes. But some parents and professionals are alarmed, claiming that these home drug kits are dangerous and far too risky. What’s the score? Let’s take a look at the advantages and disadvantages of these home do-it-yourself drug kits.

drug testing kitAdvantages

Home drug kits provide private, convenient and fast results. Instead of having to go to a hospital or a testing facility, home drug testing can save you the time, money and effort of traveling to and waiting outside a laboratory. Sample collections can be administered by anybody and almost anywhere. The kits come with simple guides on sample collection and a hotline to call just in case you get confused. The instructions that come with these drug testing kits are generally easy to understand. Testing at home is often used by the parents to protect their child’s privacy.

Disadvantages

Although home drug kits are private and confidential, studies have shown that coerced drug testing of children by their parents often causes damages in the parent-child relationship, especially in instances of false-positive results. Substances like poppy seeds, antibiotics and even simple cough or colds medicine can create a false-positive result that may lead to unnecessary accusations when the child is actually innocent. Many are concerned of the risk of damaging their teen’s trust toward their parents, especially when the teen is innocent of taking drugs. This may be counteracted with drug tests that require you to only collect samples at home and send the sample to qualified laboratories, where trained professionals do the analysis.

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Fighting Common Drug Withdrawal Symptoms

Posted by Drug Free in Drug Abuse Treatment, Drug Rehabilitation on March 15th, 2010

Withdrawal symptoms tend to vary according to the kind of drug the patient has been taking. Most of these drugs, including tranquilizers, narcotics, amphetamines, nicotine and drugs for depression target the central nervous system and post different drug withdrawal effects on a person. There’s no really one way of narrowing down all the symptoms because these would also depend upon the physiological make-up of a person and how these chemicals react to it. There are, however, some commonalities:

drug withdrawalWeight Loss

Withdrawal from drugs usually affects the body’s appetite for food. Due to a constant craving for a certain drug, an appetite is overshadowed. It is important that someone is administering proper amounts of fluids and food to the patient. Intense withdrawal often leaves the patient incapacitated and unable to tend to his own needs.

Paranoia

Paranoia is a common symptom of withdrawal. This disrupts normal brain functions thus producing an obsessive thought process that may lead him to think that he is in danger. Some drugs scramble the normal functions on the brain to the point that it confuses the senses and perceptions. Some patients need only a mild sedative while others would require restraints.

Depression

Depression is a state of low activity and energy in a patient, usually accompanied with persistent sadness, insomnia, loss of interest in activities, and restlessness among others. This is common to withdrawal patients — the feeling of hopelessness and worthlessness. Just like paranoia, treatment for depression would depend on the severity of the sickness. This is very important to monitor for all withdrawal patients. Depression can lead to various dangers, including thoughts of suicide.

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Cough Syrup Addiction: Signs, Dangers and Treatment

Posted by Drug Free in Drug Addiction, Drug Testing, Prescription Drug Abuse on March 14th, 2010

An abuse of cough syrup that contains codeine and DXM (Dextromethorphan) is dangerous. Codeine, an opiate, and DXM, a psychoactive drug, are two very addictive substances. Cough syrup is a preferred substance to abuse for some because of its wide availability and low cost. Addicts drink these syrups undiluted or mixed with other drugs, juices or sodas.

cough syrupSigns of Cough Syrup Abuse

Cough syrup abuse often has similar effects with marijuana. It is known to produce auditory hallucinations and euphoria. Use of cough syrup causes other undesirable effects like depression, dizziness, high blood pressure, impaired judgement, nausea and panic attacks. Aside from these dangerous side effects, cough syrup also causes poor coordination, constipation and fatigue.

Deadly Risks of Cough Syrup Abuse

There is also a risk of overdosing which is one of the main causes of death of cough syrup addiction. Another risk is when the cough syrup with the ingredient DXM is mixed with other medications or ingredients such as “non-drowsy” antihistamines, SSRI antidepressants and the Yohimbe herb; they can produce a deadly cocktail.

Detection and Treatment

Cough syrup abuse is usually treated with abstinence and counselling. Rehabilitation is always a good option for recovering addicts since it offers a systematized method for recovery. Withdrawal usually includes a number of distasteful symptoms, depending on the extent of the addiction. Cough syrup abuse can also be detected through drug testing.

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Cocaine: Addiction, Detection and Treatment

Posted by Drug Free in Drug Abuse Treatment, Drug Addiction, Drug Rehabilitation on March 13th, 2010

Cocaine is one of the most potent drugs today. It is a powerful central nervous system stimulant that obstructs brain functions. As an effect, cocaine temporarily heightens euphoria that includes hyper-stimulation, lessens fatigue and affects the rational precision. Cocaine is taken in different ways including sniffing or snorting, inhalation, injection or smoking.

cocaine abuserDangers of Cocaine Use

Cocaine addicts undergo several side effects like agitation, nervousness and irritability. High doses or long standing use of cocaine often triggers paranoia among other psychological effects. Continued use of the drug produces a hostile paranoid behavior, which is a common factor leading to criminal tendencies. The external effects of cocaine use include dilated pupils, an increase in temperature, heart rate and blood pressure, and bloodshot eyes.

Detection of Cocaine Use

Cocaine is known to alter one’s personality and may drive a person to his extremes. It is important to watch out for the physical signs of cocaine abuse, such as an irritated nose, wounds in the arms, and sudden changes in personality among others since it may be difficult to spot drug paraphernalia or other evidences. A hair drug test can more accurately determine cocaine abuse. The user may not need to be in the laboratory. You may collect the samples and send them to a qualified laboratory.

Rehabilitation and Treatment of Cocaine Use

Treatment for cocaine use would vary on the extent of the addiction. A “crash” happens when an addict suddenly stops taking the drugs. A crash would cause extreme exhaustion, severe craving, irritability, agitation and dysphoria. Depression in a recovering patient usually worsens as the withdrawal reaches its peak. The person has a desire for sleep, and sleeps for an extended period of time. The person then undergoes a state called anhedonia, which may cause him to feel detached and find no pleasure from life. After about two weeks of stopping, the person usually returns to his usual self but will feel slight cravings for cocaine. This is why it is important to have a continued treatment even after withdrawal or rehabilitation.

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