Posts Tagged drug rehab

Cocaine Addiction Escalates in London

Posted by DrugFreeHomes in Drug Abuse Treatment, Drug Addiction, Drug Facts, Drug Rehabilitation, Drug Testing, Prescription Drug Abuse on October 10th, 2009

new-cocaine-vaccine_1

Britain has the highest number of cocaine abusers than any other country in the European Union – a report furnished by the Home Office (interior ministry) declared this.

The official figures showed that 12,354 adults were now receiving treatment for dependency on cocaine. The figures also indicate that 3 percent of all 15-69 years olds used cocaine in the previous year meaning that almost a million people had taken the drug – the highest number since data was first collected in 1996.

The workers of the finance sector have been worst affected and the major responsibility for this critical situation has been attributed to the constant stress and depression that has resulted from recession. Don Serratt, the Chief Executive of Life Works, said he has noticed a 25 percent increase in the number of people seeking treatment for alcohol or cocaine abuse in the past few months. American born Mr. Serratt was addicted to drug and alcohol but has maintained sobriety for the past 27 years.

“It has a lot to do with the current economic environment,” voiced Serratt. “Either they have been made redundant or (they have) fears around being made redundant or fears around lowered income because many of these people have high personal overheads,” he said. “Even if you keep your job but you are looking at making a fraction of what you made, it adds quite a bit of stress.”

The users generally did not admit that they were having a problem until their performance was affected. Thus it took nearly nine months for the problem to surface. He accused the firms for not being able to handle the problem and for not treating it seriously. “Most of them do not even have a drug or alcohol policy,” he said. A lot of firms even have no training to identify and to deal with addiction.

Britain’s economic crisis might be easing now but the situation regarding drug use might not improve with that ease.

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UK Anti-Doping Heads for a Start

Posted by DrugFreeHomes in Drug Abuse Treatment, Drug Addiction, Drug Facts, Drug Rehabilitation, Drug Testing, Prescription Drug Abuse on October 8th, 2009

anti doping

The first anti-doping body in UK is ready for a start from 14th December. The Sports Minister, Gerry Sutcliffe announced this initiative recently. UK Anti-Doping (Ukad) will be based at Cockspur Street in central London and will be headed by Chair David Kenworthy and Chief Executive Andy Parkinson. A well experienced senior team, who are being recruited, will also be a part of the body.

Two other novel initiatives that were also announced are – (i) A “Drug Cheats” hotline which may be used to provide information on doping or supply of banned substances in sports. (ii) An athletes’ committee which will enable Ukad to liaise with the athletes and understand the best ways to support them in future. The hotline will start operating after Ukad starts working. The number of the hotline has not been decided as yet but will appear in its website when Ukad begins to function.  

The Sports Minister said, “UK Anti-Doping will be up and running, as promised, by the end of the year. It is the latest step in our war on drug cheats and will ensure this country is leading the way on anti-doping. The integrity of sport must not be put at risk and fans need to be confident that the athletes they are watching are clean. With greater links with law enforcement agencies Ukad will help us catch cheats before they get to the start line.”

Mr.Sutcliffe also said that he had proposed the International Olympic Committee and the organizers of the 2012 Games that the athletes should agree to the terms of their rooms being searched anytime by anti-doping officials. This would be the first time that Olympic anti-doping officials will get the right to enter the athlete’s room unannounced and search them on suspicion of doping. But it is doubtful whether athletes will agree to it.

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Sports and Drugs (or should we say drug abuse?)

Posted by DrugFreeHomes in Drug Abuse Treatment, Drug Addiction, Drug Facts, Drug Rehabilitation, Drug Testing, Prescription Drug Abuse on October 6th, 2009

sports

Sports have been upheld as an alternative of drugs. Young people are encouraged to take part in sports activities since apart from being a constructive source of recreation, sports help to develop a sound mind in a sound body. But the irony is that drug abuse has been increasingly associated to sports – thanks to those who, in search of glory and fame, could do anything – even drugs just to be the winner. “What counts is not the winning but taking part,” is not acceptable. It is not just winning but the rewards that follow and this serves as the primary driving force to take drugs.

Drugs in sports act as performance enhancers. Such drugs, known as ergogenic drugs have been used by sports personalities for a long time. The instance of drug abuse has been reported since the start of the Olympics in Greece in 776 B.C. The competitors then were reported to have consumed certain chemicals that would increase their performance level and provide that extra edge over the others.

The problem of drug abuse became a threat to sports from the 19th century. Today doping is a common term that has affected all forms of sports – athletics, soccer, weight lifting, cricket and so on. I firmly believe that you don’t have to tax your memory to name some of the big names associated with sports of different sorts who have either been banned or atleast suspended for their misdemeanor.

Generally drugs are used for the following benefits:

  • Raising concentration level
  • Boosting up strength and power
  • Increasing endurance level
  • Speed acceleration
  • Enhancing aggressiveness
  • Improving fine motor co-ordination
  • Reducing anxiety, tremor and pain sensation

But the effects of ergogenic drugs could be extremely dangerous. Liver function, reproductive system, metabolic impairment and psychological effects are common. The anabolic steroids hinder the normal hormonal balance and feedback system.

Have faith on your capability, work hard and you can be the winner.

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Prescription Drug Abuse Needs Special Attention

Posted by DrugFreeHomes in Drug Abuse Treatment, Drug Addiction, Drug Facts, Drug Rehabilitation, Drug Testing, Prescription Drug Abuse on October 4th, 2009

prescription drug

The dangers associated with prescription drug abuse were brought to light in 2007 when a 24 year old man and a 13 year old girl overdosed within a spell of three months. Since then abuse of Rx drugs has reached alarming proportions. It is high time that the government pays special attention to the issue or else the loss that the country is sure to face in terms of youth potentials, is beyond imagination.

Inland Rep Mary Bono Mack told the members of the Western Hemisphere subcommittee that the nation’s domestic drug policy should give emphasis on the problem of prescription drug abuse – a problem which is growing beyond proportions. “Just because it’s sitting in the medicine cabinet doesn’t mean its safe,” she said before the subcommittee that had approved legislation that would create a commission to assess the effectiveness of U.S. counter-narcotics efforts.

The members of the legislation agreed to what Bono Mack said. Subcommittee Chairman Elliot Engel said, “For too long our country has been overly focused on the supply side of the drug trade, while paying far too little attention to what happens here at home.”

Bono Mack’s own son, Chesare is a recovering addict who first started taking Oxycontin, a painkiller, after the death of his father, former entertainer and Inland Rep. Sonny Bono. Chesare’s Oxycontin addiction later escalated to heroin addiction. This transition from prescription drugs to heroin is a common feature amongst this population.

A special drug-diversion unit is being formed by the Montana Department of Justice to fight against the growing problem in the state. The special unit will be funded by a $ 1.2 million stimulus grant through the U.S. Department of Justice. The team will comprise of six members – three investigators, a public outreach and education co-ordinator, a prosecutor and an administrative assistant. Their approach will include prevention, law enforcement and treatment.

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Beware of the Prescription Drug, Adderall – It is Addictive

Posted by DrugFreeHomes in Drug Abuse Treatment, Drug Addiction, Drug Facts, Drug Rehabilitation, Drug Testing, Prescription Drug Abuse on October 2nd, 2009

adderall

Prescription drug abuse has been a growing source of concern. Often the victims start using the drug without even knowing about its addictive nature. But gradually, with increased usage, the primary purpose of using it fades away and the person gets hooked to it.

Adderall is one such prescription drug, the use of which has gained tremendous popularity among college students as well as housewives. It is a Central Nervous System stimulant and students use it for staying awake at night during their exams. It also helps in reducing weight and is thus well-liked by women who like to shed that extra fat to get the swimsuit figure. The increasing demand for Adderall prescriptions amongst parents of college students coupled with a college culture that encourages its use is leading to a rise in Adderall addiction.

Adderall is a Schedule II drug and its annual sale is roughly $600 million. You need a prescription to get this drug since it has high potential to be abused and may lead to severe physical and psychological dependence.

The effects of Adderall are insomnia, lack of appetite, nausea and vomiting, palpitations, dizziness, changes in heart rate and blood pressure which usually increases but may also decrease in certain cases, headache, abdominal pain, digestive problems skin rashes and itching, weight loss, unexplained muscle tenderness, muscle weakness, flu like symptoms, toxic psychosis and psychotic episodes. Paranoia, hallucinations, feelings of hostility, excessive repetition of movements and formicaton (sensation of bugs and worms crawling under the skin) are related with long-term, excessive use of the drug. Overdose may also lead to cardio-vascular failure and convulsion.

Thus Adderall is not really a buddy as your friends might be portraying it. Don’t get lured by its temporary benefits since it might pave your way to the rehab centre in the near future.

For more information on the matter you can call The Atlanta Recovery Center of Georgia at 1-877-236-3981.

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Approaches of Primary Prevention for Drug and Substance Abuse

Posted by DrugFreeHomes in Other Addictions on September 28th, 2009

primary prevention

The use of substances has been a very common practice amongst people in all cultures since the earliest times. But today the pattern of abuse as well as the nature of substances has changed considerably thereby affecting the consequences.

Newer substances are being found. The present day youth can also design drugs! But citizens like us, who have taken up the challenge to combat against this hydra headed monster, are also finding out better ways of reaching out to people and sensitizing them against the issue and the results have been quite rewarding. 

Globally primary preventive activities are being adopted and implemented to control substance abuse. The approaches basically aim at reducing risk factors and strengthening protective factors at the individual and environmental levels. In order to make primary prevention effective the involvement of the government, communities and others is an absolute necessity.

The Individual Approach of primary prevention aims at imparting necessary knowledge and developing skills and resources which helps in bringing about a change in the attitude, beliefs and values of the individual. Peer Education has proved to be very effective since it involves young people both as receivers and providers of information.

Building social and personal/cognitive skills improves young people’s abilities to interact socially, clarifies values and enhances self awareness. Participation in group projects providing leadership opportunities, discussion of feelings, values and perception through role play motivate young people to resist social pressure and teach them skills like decision making, problem solving and goal setting. Developing vocational and livelihood skills can increase work opportunities and increase independence.

The Environmental Approach aims at developing positive social norms by providing a safe and supportive environment. Providing interesting recreational activities, participation in community service projects, etc. helps in social bonding which acts as a protective factor. Availability of adequate resources and referral system, involvement of key persons in the local community are prime factors in primary prevention.

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