Definition
Addiction is a dependence on a behavior or sub-stance that a person is powerless to stop. The term has been partially replaced by the word dependence for substance abuse. Addiction has been extended, however, to include mood-altering behaviors or activities. Some researchers speak of two types of addictions: substance addictions (for example, alcoholism, drug abuse, and smoking); and process addictions (for example, gambling, spending, shopping, eating, and sexual activity). There is a growing recognition that many addicts, such as polydrug abusers, are addicted to more than one sub-stance or process.
Description
Addiction is one of the most costly public health problems in the United States. It is a progressive syndrome, which means that it increases in severity over time unless it is treated. Substance abuse is characterized by frequent relapse, or return to the abused substance. Substance abusers often make repeated attempts to quit before they are successful.
In 1995 the economic cost of substance abuse in the United States exceeded $414 billion, with health care costs attributed to substance abuse estimated at more than $114 billion.
By eighth grade, 52% of adolescents have consumed alcohol, 41% have smoked tobacco, and 20% have smoked marijuana. Compared to females, males are almost four times as likely to be heavy drinkers, nearly one and a half more likely to smoke a pack or more of cigarettes daily, and twice as likely to smoke marijuana weekly. However, among adolescents these gender differences are decreasing. Although frequent use of tobacco, cocaine and heavy drinking appears to have remained stable in the 1990s, marijuana use increased.
In 1999, an estimated four million Americans over the age of 12 used prescription pain relievers, sedatives, and stimulants for "non-medical" reasons during one month.
In the United States, 25% of the population regularly uses tobacco. Tobacco use reportedly kills 2.5 times as many people each year as alcohol and drug abuse combined. According to 1998 data from the World Health Organization, there were 1.1 billion smokers worldwide and 10,000 tobacco-related deaths per day. Furthermore, in the United States, 43% of children aged 2-11 years are exposed to environmental tobacco smoke, which has been implicated in sudden infant death syndrome,low birth weight, asthma, middle ear disease, pneumonia, cough, and upper respiratory infection.
Eating disorders, such as anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating, affect over five million American women and men. Fifteen percent of young women have substantially disordered attitudes toward eating and eating behaviors. More than 1,000 women die each year from anorexia nervosa. A 1997 Harvard study found that an estimated 15.4 million Americans suffered from a gambling addiction. Over half that number (7.9 million) were adolescents.
Top 5 Steps Reasons why Interventions Fail
A successful intervention can lead a person you love toward a drug rehab treatment program that can help them improve their lives and bring happiness and relief to those around him. However, many interventions fail because the families of those afflicted by drug addiction do not know how to lead a successful intervention. Certain factors must be in place and followed in order to get the addict to a drug rehab. Treatment may seem impossible if the addict isn't willing to seek help. However, a formal intervention will work if done in the proper way.
After spending time interviewing several interventionists and intake counselors from various drug rehab treatment programs, I have come up with the top 5 reasons why an intervention would fail:
1. Failure to use a Professional: This may sound pitch for interventionists, but the plain fact is that most family members are not accustomed to confronting and addressing problems easily amongst themselves. They may carry guilt from the past, bring up unresolved and unrelated issues and the entire situation may turn into a screaming match which results in nothing but pain for everyone. Interventions can get so ugly that the exact opposite effect occurs, that the addict refuses help and swears off his family and jumps deeper into his own self-destruction.
Many drug rehab programs have staff trained to facilitate an intervention, or can refer you to one. These individuals guide the intervention towards the ultimate goal, which is to get your loved one to a drug rehab treatment center. They bring an unbiased opinion to what is bound to be an emotional and difficult situation for those involved and are able to see things far in advance and can lead the way towards success.
2.Wavering from the Determined Goal: Ultimately, you want your loved one to check into a drug rehab. Treatment is the only option if you are even considering an intervention, not meetings or to let him do it on his own. Do not lose focus on this once the intervention starts and make sure that all involved are willing to do what it takes to make this happen. Sometimes the addict will shift blame to other family members and try to take on the role of a victim. This can be a powerful tool of manipulation as there may be truth or guilt connected to it. Once this happens, family members start to negotiate with the addict or doubt themselves. This will have disastrous effects on the success of the intervention.
Regardless of what "dirty laundry" may come out on the table, the fact of the matter is that the addict is the one that needs help the most and although everyone may have problems in life, the addict is the one who the focus must be on. He may do or say terrible and hurtful things to get our of the intervention and back onto drugs and that must not happen.
3. A Family Divided: Involve all members of the family in the intervention planning, providing they are there to help. Ensure that everyone who will be attending is in agreement with the ultimate goal of getting the addict to a drug rehab treatment center. If one family isn't on board, he may secretly tell the addict about the intervention in advance or may take sides with addict, thus weakening the argument for treatment and ensuring a failure. If the family members doing the intervention are bitter towards each other, the addict can turn the entire meeting into a circus of finger-pointing in order to escape the situation.
"see her baby on the street" or a father who knows his son or daughter "can't survive on their own". If the addict knows that the parents will cut him off but the grandparents will ALWAYS take him in no matter what, the leverage is lost. If all family members have the same goal in mind and stick together, the better chance the intervention has of succeeding. After all, the idea is to HELP the addict, right? Enabling someone to continue their lifestyle of self-destruction is hardly help but a silent condoning of it.
4. Failure to have an Immediate Plan of Action. Prior to the intervention, make sure you have a plan of action that will actually get your loved one to a drug rehab where he can be treated for his addiction. Often the addict will agree to go to treatment "later" after he "takes care of a few things". Offer to take care of those things for him so that it is one less thing to worry about. He may make excuses as to why he can't go now; his job is too important or his school is almost done. In fact, he may convince you that his considerations are valid and it can seem like there really is no way her can go.
However, you must not let that happen. The odds are against him that he will actually make it to the drug rehab treatment center. Have a plane ticket, a ride, and an escort ready to get him there within 24 hours after the intervention takes place. You may be able to stretch this time to 48 hours at the VERY LATEST, but make sure the addict has close supervision the entire time. I spoke to several parents who were devastated after they allowed their child to put off treatment until some "important things" were taken care of, only to find their child had overdosed. Not one of these parents felt that it was worth it to wait to get the addict into treatment and all of them regretted not doing whatever they could to get their child into the drug rehab. Also, none of them foresaw the danger the addict was really in.
5. Inadequate Research of Drug Rehab Treatment. There are many types of drug rehab treatments out there and it is important to research which one will best help the addict in your life. Once you have made a decision, get in contact with the drug rehab treatment center and let them know about the intervention and you can often get some great advice. Have some of their literature on hand during the intervention, so the addict realizes that drug rehab is not prison, but simply a place to change your life.
However, every drug rehab program has rules, and rightly so. Learn what they will allow and not allow. For instance, some programs do not allow cigarette smoking. If the addict smokes, this program would not be a good choice. If the intervention is on the right track, having this information immediately available will help speed the process along.
An intervention can seem overwhelming and frightening to the family of an addict and should not be underestimated. However, it can be successful if the reasons above are resolved and the corresponding steps above are followed. There is hope in getting your loved one into a type of a drug rehab treatment program that changes their lives for the better. For more information on interventions and a successful drug rehab center, visit us at:
And since it's their Agents Job to find them a Rehab Center, they should start caring about their clients, instead of their kick-backs from the same old Painful Way of Detox, by weaning them off for 30 days and Mental Group Therapy. Also, what about Privacy from Paparazzi?...This is really Post-Op from Physical Addiction
Drug rehabilitation is a multi-phase, multi-faceted, long term process. Detoxification is only the first step on the road of addiction treatment. Physical detoxification alone is not sufficient to change the patterns of a drug addict. Recovery from addiction involves an extended process which usually requires the help of drug addiction professionals. To make a successful recovery, the addict needs new tools in order to deal with situations and problems which arise. Factors such as encountering someone from their days of using, returning to the same environment and places, or even small things such as smells and objects trigger memories which can create psychological stress. This can hinder the addict's goal of complete recovery, thus not allowing the addict to permanently regain control of his or her life.
Almost all addicts tell themselves in the beginning that they can conquer their addiction on their own without the help of outside resources. Unfortunately, this is not usually the case. When an addict makes an attempt at detoxification and to discontinue drug use without the aid of professional help, statistically the results do not last long. Research into the effects of long-term addiction has shown that substantial changes in the way the brain functions are present long after the addict has stopped using drugs. Realizing that a drug addict who wishes to recover from their addiction needs more than just strong will power is the key to a successful recovery. Battling not only cravings for their drug of choice, re-stimulation of their past and changes in the way their brain functions, it is no wonder that quitting drugs without professional help is an uphill battle.
Despite the fact that 12-step drug rehabilitation programs have extremely low success rates, many addicts and alcoholics flock to this modality of drug treatment. Why? The reasons are simple. Many 12-step drug rehabilitation programs receive state funding, and consequently, the required meetings are free. But is it a true concept that drug addiction is a disease, a concept that 12-step drug rehabilitation programs are based upon? Most importantly, does this belief actually aid the addict in overcoming addiction?
These 12-step drug rehabilitation programs spread the word that there is "No known Cure," and, in actuality, this belief contributes to the high relapse rates among members. Here's why. If an addict believes that he suffers from a disease that is incurable, his belief system is already preset for failure. This belief sets up the revolving door of recovery and relapse that plagues 12-step drug rehabilitation programs.
In 2003, the Baldwin Research Institute published an article on its website titled Alcoholism: A Disease of Speculation that asserts the idea that addiction is NOT a disease. The article states: "The disease concept has proven to be far more damaging to the substance abuser then anyone could have predicted. Therapists claim the disease concept helps the patient to understand the seriousness of [his/her] problems. But in reality, this idea has backfired. The disease concept strips the substance abuser of responsibility. A disease cannot be cured by force of will." And yet, this is exactly what 12-step drug rehabilitation programs expect of their members.
Not only does the addict believe that he must abstain from drugs by sheer force of will, but he also believes that his addiction is a "disease," an ailment outside of his control. With such beliefs that contradict each other, it's no wonder so many addicts relapse under this form of drug rehabilitation. Because of the faulty foundation, 12-step drug rehabilitation programs offer no real solution for the addict seeking control over his life.
Drug rehabilitation should provide a foundation where the addict believes he can overcome his addiction, where he believes that he can be helped. He needs to know that his will and his power are enough to be free of drug addiction.
Drug Rehabilitation programs that offer a true solution to drug addiction do exist. By stripping away the belief that addiction is a disease, these drug rehabilitation programs can return the addict to a healthy state. There is no incurable disease to combat. Not surprisingly, these alternative drug rehabilitation programs have a much higher success rate than the standard 12-Step drug rehabilitation program.
Addiction
JS Online: Survey shows rise in baby boomers’ illicit drug use
From the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel comes an article about the rise in drug use among baby boomers. Drug use among baby boomers rose 4.1% in 2007, states the article.Rapid_Drug_Detox_Baby_Boomer_Graph
Other interesting facts from the article include:
* “Among boomers aged 50 to 54, illicit drug use increased from 3.4% in 2002 to 5.7% in 2007”
* Boomers aged 55 to 59 showed a significant increase in illicit drug use over a five-year period.
Interestingly, while illicit drug use in baby boomers increased, drug use among those aged 12 to 17 actually decreased during the 5 years the study was done.
To read more about this survey, please visit the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.
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Posted in Addiction on October 1, 2008
Prescription opioids in home put children at risk - Yahoo! News
Keeping up with the theme of children and teens being overexposed to prescription drugs in the home, an article from Yahoo! News surfaces that touches upon research that shows that opioids in the home are putting children at a greater risk than previously thought. Don’t let your child become the next opiate detox patient. If curiosity lead them there, you lucky to land here. We can Rapid Detox You Painlessly & Passionately with Empathy.
Some facts from the article:
* The number of deaths due to poisonings with [prescription medications] nearly doubled between 1999 and 2002
* Among the 9,179 children for whom opioid exposures had been reported to RADARS (Researched Abuse, Diversion and Addiction-Related Surveillance), 8 died, while 43 suffered serious effects. The children ranged in age from newborn to 5.5 years old, while most were 2 years old. Ninety-nine percent of the children ingested the drug; 92 percent of cases occurred in the child’s home; and 6 percent took place in another person’s home, suggesting that opioids were discovered during toddlers’ exploration of their environment.
To read more about the Opioid findings, read Yahoo! News.
Posted in Addiction, Uncategorized on September 30, 2008
Buprenorphine Drug Treatments: Trading One Bad Habit for Another.
A new trend is emerging that is leaving drug addicts that set out seeking treatment in worse conditions then they were before they started treatment: doctors prescribing opiates as a solution for drug addiction treatment.
What is Buprenorphine Treatment:
Methadone and OxyContin have been trendy methods of Drug Addiction Treatment for the past few years. These “treatment” methods call for heroin addicts to be placed on a prescription drug of Methadone or OxyContin in order to lessen withdrawal and craving effects associated with abruptly stopping drug usage. What happens, however, is that dosages of Methadone need to be steadily increased in order to get the full effect of the drug, ultimately reaching the point where drug addicts become addicted to the treatment drug. The addiction to the treatment opiates then leads to illegal means of acquiring those prescription drugs.
Buprenorphine Treatment is a similar “treatment method” to Methadone and OxyContin. With Buprenorphine, drug addicts are prescribed orange pills which dissolve under the tongue in order to relieve addicts’ cravings for narcotics. The thing to remember, though, is that Buprenorphine is an opiate.
Buprenorphine Treatment Abuse:
In recent months, Burprenorphine has become one of the most popular and requested street drugs, mostly by drug addicts who were prescribed the opiate as a treatment option and now need a higher dosage than their doctor will prescribe.
Health officials have seen patients crushing and injecting Buprenorphine pills, eventually leading to overdose and relapse situations. A recent report by The Sun investigated abuse of the drug, which included illegal street sales.
Explore Your Treatment Options.
If you or someone you care about has made the decision to seek drug addiction treatment, please research all of your options before deciding on which treatment is best for you. Realizing that your body can easily become addicted to drugs - even opiate drugs that are being prescribed by doctors – early in the research process will help ensure a successful treatment journey. Don’t trade one bad habit for another!
Posted in Addiction, Methadone, OxyContin, Uncategorized on August 28, 2008
Success Story: Mark in Florida,
For the first time in 5 years, Denise is free, sober, clean, clear, and happy. After struggling with an opiate addiction he tried to get clean using subutex and suboxone, only to become addicted to them as well. After treatment, now Denise says, “I feel as though I have finally been released from my personal prison of using.”
Read More About Denise’s Story and Experience…
Posted in Addiction, Success Stories on July 24, 2008
Pain Killers & Heroin: Is there a difference?
According to a National Survey (2006), almost half of the American public knows a friend or family member with a pain killer addiction. Furthermore, the majority of them are not aware that what they are really addicted to is an opiate. This makes pain killer abuse equal to that of a heroin addiction.
Heroin is a semi-synthetic opioid created from morphine, a derivative of the opium poppy. This opioid compound acts the same way as endorphins by creating a feeling of happiness, well-being, and euphoria. The similarity of heroin addiction to pain killer addiction lies here, in the opiates contained in these substances. Because opiates are addictive substances, the misuse and abuse of pain killers very often leads to a serious addiction.
Although many take opiate based drugs as pain killers, the start of an opiate addiction may be psychological. Individuals may think that by taking their pain killers they can have a better day or become less stressed. Such careless use of these drugs comes with a high price, both substances, will lead you to dependence, tolerance and withdrawal stages. More often than not, a pain killer addiction leads into the use of heroin.
Withdrawal symptoms for these addictions may appear at different time intervals, but the results are the same. They both include vomiting, shaking, stomach pain, depression, suicidal thoughts, horrible cramps, aching bones, restlessness, insomnia lasting days to weeks, runny nose, loss of appetite and sweating.
The recreational use and abuse of pain killers is not to be taken lightly. The dangers of an opiate class drug are very apparent and proven. It is important that you are educated on the dependency of opiates should a doctor prescribe them, use as directed and with caution. Seek the advice of a professional if you start to experience withdrawal symptoms or suspect an abuse problem.
Posted in Addiction, Heroin on June 16, 2008
New York Heroin Use Increases, Warning of a Growing Nationwide Trend.
New York City:
Recent studies have shown that heroin use is growing in New York City as an increased amount of the opiate is smuggled into the city. In fact, drug treatment center admissions for heroin addiction outnumber all other drugs in the city.
The rise in heroin use in New York tells a chilling tale of drug use nationwide. SAMHSA (The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) reported a nationwide rise in heroin users from 136,000 in 2005 to 338,000 in 2006. All of this while abuse of prescription opiates such as Methadone, OxyContin and Vicodin also continues to rise nationwide. These latest number prove that opiate abuse and addiction continue to be a major problem in America and a problem not easily solved.
Posted in Addiction, Heroin on June 12, 2008
Success Story: Elaine in Pennsylvania
Two of our latest success stories come not from the patient, but from their family members. It is important to remember that drug addictions never affect just one person.
In Pennsylvania, Brenda’s son had been an addict for over 12 years. After 7 failed attempts at rehab, he turned to heroin. Several more rehab attempts and a sober house later, Brenda’s son found himself severely sick and turning back to drugs.
Wanting to stop, he finally researched all Types of Addiction Treatments and decided that Rapid Opiate Detox was for him. He chose
V.I.P. RAPID DETOX IN LAS VEGAS
Elaine and her son’s life were restored, “The kindness of the Nurses and Doctors and the program, I will always keep them in my prayers for giving back my son to me.”
Posted in Addiction, Heroin, Success Stories on June 3, 2008
Identifying Addiction in the Workplace:
People are the core of a company. Without healthy, productive, capable employees a business cannot succeed. Chemical dependency can dramatically affect an employee’s ability to contribute to the success of a business. Substance abuse in the workplace creates problems such as increased absenteeism, on-the-job accidents, errors in judgment, legal expenses, medical insurance claims, illness rates, and decreased productivity and employee morale. Depending on the nature of the individual’s work, public safety can be jeopardized.
Because an addiction impacts every facet of a person’s life, the problem must be addressed at many different levels, including the place of employment. The benefits of addressing addiction and getting treatment for employees who need it are widespread. Improved job performance, motivation, morale, and increased overall customer satisfaction are just some of the results.
Symptoms of addiction in the workplace:
1. Change in work attendance or performance
2. Alteration of personal appearance
3. Mood swings or attitude changes
4. Withdrawal from responsibility or associate contacts
5. Unusual patterns of behavior
6. Defensive attitude concerning the object of addiction
If you have reason to believe an employee is having a problem with alcohol or any drug, gambling or other compulsive behaviors, call a counselor.
Posted in Addiction on May 2, 2008
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