Drug Rehabilitation
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:
Do 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.
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.
Stress 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.
4 Common Myths on Drug Abuse and Rehabilitation
Posted by DrugFreeHomes in Drug Abuse Treatment, Drug Addiction, Drug Facts, Drug Rehabilitation on March 4th, 2010
There’s a lot that most people don’t understand about the struggles of drug addiction. In fact, there are numerous misconceptions that most people have with drug use and treatment. Here are some of them:
Myth 1: There should be no drug relapses after completing a drug rehabilitation program.
Drug addiction is a persistent disease and getting out of rehab is only the first step to recovery. There are many factors that contribute to a relapse for a recovering addict. The best that thing that can be done is to not to give up because recovery usually takes a long time to achieve. Sometimes it even requires multiple treatment measures before absolute sobriety is attained.
Myth 2: One can quit drugs on his own if he truly wants it.
Withdrawal is a dangerous process that often leaves the patient extremely vulnerable. Some people think that they do not need to be treated and that they can stop using when they really want to. The truth is it is extremely unlikely for a person to be able to successfully detoxify by sheer willpower alone. Research has shown us that long-term drug abuse alters a person’s brain to a level that makes it almost impossible for him to abstain from the drugs.
Myth 3: Illegal drugs are more dangerous than those that can be bought in pharmacies.
Not all dangerous and addictive drugs are illegal. There are some over-the-counter drugs and prescription drugs which are used by some to get high, like cough syrup, painkillers, weight loss pills, etc. The fact is this — it does not matter if they are obtained over-the-counter or bought under the table; if drugs are abused, then they are dangerous.
Myth 4: One should be at “rock bottom” to need drug rehabilitation.
People tend to think that addicts need to hit rock bottom first before they can start absolute recovery. This is a dangerous way of thought. Drug users are better off if they start fighting the addiction during the early stages.
Quick Guide to Alcohol Detoxification
Posted by DrugFreeHomes 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:
1. 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.
5 Shocking Celebrity Drug Abuse Revelations of 2009
Posted by DrugFreeHomes 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.
Andre 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.
How to Deal with Your Spouse’s Drug Problem
Posted by DrugFreeHomes in Drug Addiction, Drug Rehabilitation on January 24th, 2010
The sacrament of matrimony – where a couple exchanges vows and say the two life-changing words “I do” – is perhaps the peak of everyone’s romantic fantasies. It is perhaps everybody’s secret wish to have a happily ever after with the one that they love. For some, it may work for a few years, but then reality starts to sink in. Life becomes more of a rollercoaster after that, and the challenges that come may change you in a lot of ways. If life as husband and wife wasn’t difficult enough, compound that with your spouse’s drug problem – what you do then?
If your partner has a drug problem, it may be very difficult for you to understand why and how it happened. You may feel depressed at finding out about the habit, since you may feel that your partner no longer finds happiness or satisfaction in your company, seeking the artificial “high” of drugs rather than the joy of having a real and constant companion.
This same drug problem may also very well be the reason why your marriage can fall apart. People can do crazy things under the influence – things that they might live to regret afterwards. They may become more violent as the addiction grows stronger. This violence may be turned against you or your kids, and this is something that you most probably don’t want to happen.
Learn to address the problems behind your spouse’s drug addiction. Get therapy for his addiction and counseling for the both of you. It may be a painful process to go through, but persevere; it’s not an impossible goal to complete. Take it slow, but also make sure that your resolve to get through this phase of life remains intact, this determination may also be the very thing that can save your marriage.
