Jun 27 2008

Programs, Options, Recovery Resources on Addiction

Published by C.King, M.Ed. under Addiction Articles

Millions of Americans are right now being treated for addiction. In the case of alcoholism, majority of the treatments was never verified by clinical trials, but nevertheless has been effective – these include medications; social, psychological, and behavioral methods; and self help groups – all designed to achieve abstinence from drinking alcohol.

Facilitation Therapy (12 Steps)

This is a peer-support approach that encourages people to become involved in a 12-step program complementing professionally supervised therapy. There are programs like Women for Sobriety, SOS, Smart Recovery, and Alcoholics Anonymous that provides individuals with a supportive and encouraging environment.

These support group meetings usually fosters your spiritual, mental, and physical health. They focus on abstinence and discipline.

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy

Comprising of therapeutic approaches, cognitive-behavioral therapy will help you relieve your alcohol dependency by letting you acquire the skills not just to cope, but also to change your drinking problem behaviors.

A therapist will try to understand what needs are being filled by drinking, and then work with you to find new ways in addressing your needs which does not include drinking. During the therapy sessions, you will be taught essential skills to:

· Change friendships or social outlets to focus on something else other than drinking
· Manage emotional vulnerabilities and negative moods
· Recognize what will trigger your urge to drink

Motivational Enhancement Programs

These programs are designed to raise your awareness regarding the impact that alcohol has in your life and in the life of your family, co-workers, and society in general. You will be encouraged to accept personal responsibility for your actions in the past and then make a commitment to change your future behavior.

Therapists can help you accept and understand the benefits of drinking abstinence, review current treatment options, and design a treatment plan that you can commit to.

Behavioral Couples Therapy

This approach combines alcoholism recovery with repair or improvement of couple relationships. There are different strategies used if both couples are alcoholic or if only one spouse is alcohol dependent. In the latter case, the therapy will provide training on support and communication strategies to the non-alcohol dependent partner to facilitate sobriety and treatment.

If you are alcohol dependent, your partner’s participation can truly increase your treatment success. Along the way, you strengthen your relationship.

Drugs and Physician Intervention

You can also receive counseling from physicians and trained nurses to help you with your alcoholic addiction. Some drugs might be prescribed such as Disulfiram, Naltrexone, and Acamprosate. Even though these drugs can reduce alcohol drinking, it is still recommended that you enter into a prop up group or aftercare program to prevent relapse.

Research supports the use of drugs (since it effectively decreases alcohol craving), but it must be combined with the use of behavioral therapies to successfully recover from addiction.

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Jun 24 2008

Drug Dependency Among Professionals

Published by C.King, M.Ed. under Addiction Articles

The problem of drug addiction has become so prevalent in the past few years that it has become a cause of alarm for governmental agencies as well as ordinary people in society. To date, there are millions of people using illicit drugs in the world. An accurate statistics has yet to be determined because of the nature of substance abuse as something illegal. Drug dependence is a physical and also a psychological disease that affects the user and society. Drug dependence stems from the feeling of the user that its continued use could produce a feeling of well-being. A physical dependence on drugs is manifested through the heavy tolerance of the user and subsequent withdrawal if the drugs are not used.

Drug dependence have long since stopped from being a mere street thing with tattooed gangs dealing and using them. It has now reached over to the clean and manicured lawns of the suburbs across the country. More and more people are using them on a daily basis. Even more troubling is the regular use of professionals of drugs. There are various reasons for this and some of them are the following:

Stress reliever
People who are in the professional field like doctors, lawyers and teachers are the most stressed people in the world. Pressures from work, family and outside commitments often lead to breakdowns and physical manifestations of headaches, body aches, hypertension and other cardiac problems. Drugs like tranquilizers and analgesics often have a calming relaxing effect. Most of these substances are legal and can be obtained over-the-counter making professionals more dependent on them.

Increased energy
Because of the stress and pressure of work and family as well as the fast-paced society that we live in today leads to lack of adequate sleep and rest. Recreation becomes a non-priority with people engaging in work-related activities more and more. Stimulants (coffee in its most innocent form) have the effect of increasing energy affording professionals more work time even without rest. Other often resorts to marijuana and uppers to help them go through another workday.

Pain reliever
Professionals, because of the high demand of their work often have to contend with physical pain which they depend on drugs to alleviate it. Painkillers are the first line of defense and the more that they are used even for the mildest pains, the more addictive it becomes. Doctors and those in the medical profession have the ready access to drugs and they are the most likely to develop drug dependency. They are also often the ones who are led deeper into addiction through the use of higher dosages and controlled substances like morphine.

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Jun 20 2008

Working the Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous

Published by C.King, M.Ed. under 12 Step Programs

Bill Watson and Dr. Bob Smith first tried to find a solution for the scourge of alcoholism through the setting up of a program called Alcoholics Anonymous in 1935. It has since grown to millions of members since its inception. The group is guided by the twelve step program which was formulated by Watson and Smith. Working the twelve step program involves six principles for an alcoholic to properly control his or her alcoholism.
Here are the Principles and some discussion:

Admitting that one cannot control one’s addiction or compulsion.

Admission, as any psychologist would tell is always the first step in solving your problem. Having identified the problem and realizing that this is something that you have will enable you to deal with the problem more thoroughly. The twelve step program strives to treat the underlying problem of alcoholism not only for the member to retain sobriety in a long-term basis but also to make their lives better as a whole, without alcohol dependence.

Recognizing a greater power that can give strength.

The second step is a matter of belief. The member must learn to accept that there is something bigger than himself or herself that can help them overcome alcoholism. This area explores the possibility of external influences vis-à-vis mental and physical influences. During the steps involved here, two minutes is suggested for discussions and fifteen minutes for speaker meetings.

Examining past errors with the help of a sponsor (experienced member).

A sponsor for the member is taken into account which in the AA Big Book is described as a helper is needed to “walk day by day in the path of spiritual progress”. Sponsors are people who have considerable experience in recovery who can help guide the aspirant in terms of spiritual progress. Members who are new to the program are encouraged to find a sponsor who can join them in literature discussion, meditation and/or study.

Making amends for these errors.

This part begins the problem-solving process by listing down resentments, turnarounds, fears, sex and assets. Members are guided on how to find ways to overcome these through analysis and positive thinking.

Learning to live a new life with a new code of behavior.

After careful analysis of the underlying causes of the alcoholism and finding the root of the problem, healing begins during this stage. The number one code should be sobriety and the member is given advice as well as him giving personal input on how this can be attained on a permanent basis and making him or her aware of the consequences if this code is violated.

Helping others that suffer from the same addictions or compulsions.

Paying it forward is required in this program. Graduates can move on to become sponsors for aspirants or moderators in speaker meetings and discussions. It is advisable to always have a support group even if you have graduated from the program.

For more help on alcoholism visit us at Recovery Works or The Sober Village.

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Jun 13 2008

The Effects and Remedial Measures of Crack Cocaine and Gambling

Published by C.King, M.Ed. under Addiction Articles

Cocaine - what is it?
Cocaine is an illegal drug which is used in most inner cities. This drug is widely used. Crack cocaine and powder cocaine are the two products of cocaine. The powder cocaine is regarded as the drug of middle class families and is always associated with good money.  The punishments for possessing crack cocaine is severe than that for possessing powder cocaine.

Crack cocaine - What is it?
The chemical cocaine is crack. When the cocaine is chemically processed to remove the hydrochloride it cracks or snaps due to heating and smoking so it is usually called as crack cocaine and the name of the process is called as freebasing.  Crack is usually sold in small cylindrical glass and in small quantities (300-500mg). Each of these vessels can be used for 2-4 inhalations which last for 10 to 20 minutes. Its wide availability, ease of concealment and low cost has increased its use. The powder cocaine is usually mixed with sodium bicarbonate or ammonia, which can be snorted or smoked.

What does it do?
Crack disturbs the central nervous system and the autonomic nervous system. It increases the neurotransmitter’s level which creates a heightened sense of pleasure, euphoria and increased energy.

The Human Brain and Addiction
The brain is one of the most vital organs of our body. It is the center of command. For a normal human the brain weighs about 1400gms. The brain has different centers which are designated for different purposes. Lobes which are present in the brain process the information that is sent by the sense organs for instance the occipital lobes receives information from our eyes. The thinking center is called the cerebral cortex which is at the top of the whole brain. Here all the information like language, math and strategies are processed. It is also responsible for survival, memory and things like appetite and thirst. The brain stem at the base controls the heartbeat rate, breathing, sleeping and it also does things which we can’t even think of.

How does our brain communicate?
The brain communicates through special cells called neurons. These brain cells send and receive messages. The messages are in the form of an electric impulse and it travels along the axon of the neuron. A chemical compound called neurotransmitter is released at the end of the axon and then it travels to the other neurons. Then the messages are processed and the chemical is released back, reabsorbed to the sending neurons. Our brain releases different kinds of neurotransmitter depending upon the kind of work we do.

How does drug influence our brain?
The drugs we use have similar shape and size as that of the natural neurotransmitters. These drugs inside our brain cause to start an unnatural chain reaction of electrical charges, which causes the neurons to release neurotransmitter of their own kind. Some drugs act like a pump which causes to release more neurotransmitter, which creates feelings of high pleasure.

What are the side effects and remedial measures?
The side effects of crack cocaine are deadly. Some of them are increased blood pressure, increased heart rates, increased anxiety and hyperactivity, nausea sensation and vomiting, decrease in appetite and easily vulnerable to heart attacks and strokes. When the person uses overdoses for a long period of time, the blood will have certain amount of poisonous toxics forever. Because of crack being rapidly absorbed by the blood, it induces the user to consume more. Moreover consuming this drug causes the user to be depressed and it also induces to consume more which may lead to mental instability. Crack cocaine is usually combined with a number of impurities which always makes the presence of side effects and toxicity. It’s very difficult to improve health without medical treatment. Many of the individuals who use crack cocaine experience withdrawal symptoms when they stop using it because of the addictive nature of the drug.  Feelings like intense cravings, irritability, hunger and anxiety prevent the persons from stopping from using crack.

Gambling Addiction
Does genetic component have influence on gambling addiction?
There are no genetic, physical or psychological influences found for becoming an addict. It is proved from the research that no chromosomal defect has satisfactorily linked to gambling and does not run in families.

What is the treatment for gambling addiction?
There is no certain cure for gambling addiction. It may take years to get rid of gambling. The individual must attend counseling. Alcohol and smoking must be strictly prohibited. They should be treated with drug therapy. Moreover pure determination and strong desire of the individual himself to stop his activities can be the only cure. A major lifestyle change is required to prevent the worst behavior to re occur.

What are the addiction treatments available for crack cocaine?
The crack cocaine is a powerful addictive drug and even with a short time usage the individuals become so addictive that they start to experience withdrawal symptoms like depression and irritability when they stop using it. The individuals are unable to improve their health without medical help. The person must undergo counseling for a long time to come out of addiction.

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Jun 07 2008

Holistic Drug and Alcohol Rehabilitation

Alcohol and substance abuse rehabilitation can be defined as a psychological as well as medical treatment which enables to eradicate a person’s dependency on psychotropic substances such as alcohol, heroine, marijuana, cocaine etc. The ultimate goal of Holistic Addiction Treatment Program is to prevent a person’s addiction and thereby bringing him/her back to the normal life.

Addiction is normally classified into two types- physical dependence and psychological dependence. Physical dependence means the body will demand more doses of the alcohol/drug due to excessive usage. Without the drug the person cannot function normally. Detoxification will be required for physical dependency and the Holistic Addiction Treatment Program has all facilities to provide detoxification. Detoxification helps to bear the withdrawal symptoms.

Psychological dependency means the person is mentally addicted to alcohol or other psychotropic substances. Through individual counseling, twelve step programs, encouraging the patient to avoid the friendship of addictive persons etc., psychological dependency can be cured, which is an important part of the treatment in the Holistic Addiction Treatment Program.

Holistic Addiction Treatment Program involves various other treatments to cure the addiction of alcohol or other psychotropic substances. This includes in-patient and out-patient treatment, psycho-emotional therapy, bio-nutritional therapy, neuro linguistic programming, balance restoration, dialectic behavior therapy, physical therapy, individual as well as group counseling, transformational therapy, drug awareness education, and stress management.

Rehabilitation should not involve pharmacotherapy as it does not show much effect in the treatment. Not only does not have any effect but also makes the situation worse. That is why Holistic Addiction Treatment Program is following a natural treatment method to recover the addicts.

Traditionally the treatment of addiction includes counseling which acts a basis of higher level of treatment. Counseling helps to know at what stage of addiction the patient is now and the type of treatment required. Holistic Addiction Treatment Program has a group of expert psychiatrists to perform the function of counseling. Addicts usually may have a chemical imbalance which makes the recovery process, a tough one. Through balanced diet and nutritional supplements you can restore your original health to which the Holistic Addiction Treatment Program is giving much importance.

Emotion regulation and stress management are other effective techniques of rehabilitation used in the Holistic Addiction Treatment Program. It is the emotion which induces the person to use the substances of abuse. From common substances of abuse like tobacco, cigarette etc it leads to a wider array.

Holistic Addiction Treatment Program considers addiction a disease and treatment will be according to that. This type of treatment requires the patient to admit his addiction, changing the pattern of their entire life style, a supportive environment to the patient to remain sober.

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May 31 2008

Alcohol Addiction and Rehabilitation

Published by C.King, M.Ed. under Addiction Articles

What does addiction mean?
When a person has lost control over the drug or drinks he or she uses, then it is called as addiction. Besides alcohol or some illegal drugs, people get addicted to cigarettes, medications and even glue. Addiction can often be psychological, physical or both. The need to have the specific substance or drug is the most significant sign of an addiction.

Addiction to Alcohol – Alcoholism
The persistent use of alcoholic beverages despite health problems and negative effects is generally known as alcoholism. Medically, alcoholism can be described as a disease that results in continued use of alcohol despite negative consequences. It is basically the inability to understand the negative consequences of alcohol consumption. Alcoholism, as per the American Medical Association is the primary chronic disease that is characterized by loss of control over drinking, use of alcohol despite negative effects and even distortions in thinking.

What are the primary and secondary effects of alcoholism?
It induces the sufferer to drink at times and in damaging amounts. This is perhaps the primary effect of alcoholism. The impaired ability to have control over drinking is the secondary damage due to alcoholism.

Even after the health problems start, it is common for an alcohol addict to drink well. The health problems that are related to excessive alcohol consumption are pancreatitis, increased chance of cancer, liver cirrhosis, polyneuropathy, heart diseases epilepsy, alcoholic dementia, sexual dysfunction, nutritional deficiencies and also death from all kind of sources.

How does alcoholism affect socially?
The consumption of alcohol during duty hours can lead to loss of employment and thus creating financial problems. The intake of alcohol at inappropriate times can cause legal consequences, which includes criminal charges for tortuous behavior, public disorder, and drunk driving. The behavior due to reduced judgment of a drunken person can lead to the imposition of civil penalties on that person. The impact caused by an alcoholic’s behavior can be significant. The mental impairment of a drunken person due to increased consumption of alcohol can affect the surrounding family and friends. This could lead to domestic violence, divorce and marital conflict. As a result, the emotional development of the alcoholic’s children can be drastically affected.

What are the issues related to alcohol withdrawal?
When an alcohol addict stops drinking, he may find very difficult without alcohol. The person may feel very uneasy. This is known as withdrawal. The withdrawal from alcohol differs very much from that of other types of drugs due to the fact that it could be fatal directly. If mismanaged, a healthy alcoholic could die due to the direct withdrawal effects. The production of a neuroinhibitor known as GABA could be very much reduced due to heavy consumption of alcohol. When the consumption of alcohol is stopped abruptly, it leads to a condition where both GABA and alcohol to be in inadequate quantities in the system as a result causes the firing of the synapses in uncontrolled manner. This manifests as convulsions, hallucinations, seizures, shakes and even heart failure. These are together referred as delirium tremens. A medically directed detox can be used to control all these withdrawal problems.

What impact does alcoholism have on society?
The general perception of the health problems related to long-term alcoholism is that it is detrimental to the society. The most important factor for causing vehicle accidents, head injuries, assaults and violence is the use of alcohol. It causes pain induces suffering and causes money problems to alcoholic affected and others around the person. Fetal alcohol syndrome is an incurable condition caused by consumption of alcohol by a pregnant woman. Due to its wide impact on the society parliaments and governments have formulated alcohol policies to control the problems of alcoholism.

How to treat Alcoholism?
Since there are many perspectives for alcoholism, treating an alcohol addict is quite varied. Persons approaching alcoholism as a disease or medical condition suggest differing treatments than those who approach it as one of social option. The main focus of treatment is on aiding people to stop their alcohol consumption. It is then followed up with life training and social supporting so as to help them withstand a return to use of alcohol. Alcoholism treatment should prevent a relapse since alcoholism encourages a person to continue consumption of alcoholism. Detoxification is an example of this kind of treatment. It is then followed by combination of providing support through introducing to the self-help groups. The treatment to alcoholism is based on zero tolerance approach and harm reduction approach.

How effective is the treatments?
As far as the effectiveness of the treatment is concerned, it varies widely. When the effectiveness of alcoholism treatment is taken into account, the rate of success should be based on those who enter the program, but not on those who complete the program. Qualification of success is the completion of the program. So the success rate among the persons who complete the program is nearly 100%. It is vital to consider not just the success rate, but also the relapsing rate. A year after the completion of the rehabilitation program the results show that roughly a third of the alcohol addicts are sober, 40% of alcoholics have improved substantially but still consume occasionally, and a quarter of the persons have totally relapsed.

Rehabilitation Program – A Good Treatment
The integral part of the rehabilitation program is the detoxification, which is abrupt stopping of alcohol consumption coupled with replacing drugs having same effects in order to prevent alcohol withdrawal. The detoxification is followed by group therapy and psychotherapy. Detoxification treats physical effects and psychotherapy deals with psychological issues related addiction to alcohol. The next step is rationing and moderation programs. Then, providing the medication, which is the vital part of the rehabilitation program. It is considered as part of the treatment for alcoholism. The medication includes medications for withdrawal and detoxification known as Delirium treatments, and medications for long – term usage.

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May 25 2008

Family Addiction Recovery Resource Groups

Published by C.King, M.Ed. under Addiction Articles

There are millions of people whose lives are filled with chaos caused by the excessive drinking of someone close to them. Every day can be marked with distress, bitterness, sadness and fear as they keep watch of themselves versus the consequences of drinking.

There are sober forums, sober resources, face-to-face help on substance abuse and alcoholism offered online such as The Sober Village. The online support and services and live help are for codependents where they can opt for counseling, therapy, and treatment and rehab options.

Al-Anon: A worldwide fellowship of family groups who are relatives and friends of alcoholics with common experiences, strength and hope to solve the problem of alcoholism and addiction. They believe that there’s no better prescription than learning to face the problem until it loses the power to prevail in one’s life.

Alateen: Part of the Al-Anon fellowship for young people to share and discuss difficulties caused by their parents’ drinking habits. They learn ways to cope, support, encourage and help each other. They are taught to emotionally disjoin themselves from the problem while continuing to love the person, that they are not the cause, but they can only control themselves.

Nar-Anon: A worldwide non-professional fellowship of relatives and friends whose lives have been affected by a person’s addiction. It is a mutual support recovery program to share experiences and resolve their common problem.

The diagnostic processes are adapted from AA, giving them a sense of well-being and opportunity to change and overcome the parlous situation.

1) The Twelve Steps: It is all about admission of the wrongs, searching one self’s moral inventory, restoration, making amends and believing in one authority, God; prayer, meditation and spiritual awakening and to live as He wills it.

2) The Twelve Traditions: It talks about one self’s common welfare with the purpose of helping families of addicts, not to divulge in any endorsement for money, to be self-supporting, to be responsible to those they serve, remain non-professional and anonymous with God or a Higher Power at the center of their endeavor.

3) The Twelve Concepts of Service: Talks about responsible service, good leadership, the key to harmony, the right to be heard, spiritual foundations and delegation of authority.

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May 21 2008

Fast Facts on Chronic Drug Relapse

Published by C.King, M.Ed. under Addiction Articles

Fact 1: The possibility of going back to their destructive behavioral patterns haunts all recovering drug addicts.
Fact 2: Chronic Drug Relapse is one of the most common post-drug rehabilitation issues facing addicts, yet is the most misunderstood.

Drug addiction is a path towards disaster and can only come to an end with a commitment and a desire to better one’s life and stave off drug use. But even when a hundred percent is dedicated towards total recovery, setbacks-called relapses are bound to happen.

A drug relapse is relatively common during addiction treatment therapy, usually during instances when the addict feels isolated, angry, sad, or guilty, or whenever thoughts about going high again entertain him, thereby a craving for going back to old behavior patterns heightens.

Although this phenomenon is not the outcome we would wish for the recovering addict, it is considered as something that comes along with drug addiction recovery. It is believed to be the most difficult challenge for drug addicts.

The most extreme form of drug relapse is Chronic Drug Relapse, a phenomenon that can have potentially disastrous effects on the addicts recovery process. Chronic Drug Relapse is characterized by a powerful irrepressible craving, need, and desire for drug intake which can last for months or even years after the addict stops taking them.

Steps that can help the recovering addict from launching into relapse do exist. One of these is to stay away from former companions who may influence the addict to go back to his old drug using life.

Another is to keep the mind productive and refrain from discussing the positive effects of drug use. This will rouse interest and may trigger drug use cravings. The best way would be for the addict to speak out once he senses a craving for drug use to a support group. The recovering addict needs to surround himself with people who can provide him with helpful insights and who understands his situation, a group that knows his goals and is supportive once he starts to steer away from them.

Drug addiction counseling will also contribute significantly. This is the perfect avenue for former drug users to point out what made them start to use drugs, whether it was influenced by family or friends, a job loss or the death of someone important. From thereon the addict can start to develop more healthy coping strategies that will help them overcome these problems with the goal of pursing a more meaningful and fulfilled life as core.

While addiction counseling, drug treatment and rehabilitation all lead to the road to recovery, it is the addicts sole decision whether to walk away from, or towards the light.

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May 18 2008

Alcohol Triples the Trouble

Published by C.King, M.Ed. under Addiction Articles

Today, alcohol is being used as a badge of sorrow. The main determinant of how mournful you are is how many glasses of vodka you can down, or how many bottles of beer you can empty. But does this rather popular, and not to mention, costly process of coping with grief really helpful? Or does it just double, or triple the trouble?

A study conducted by Japanese researchers from the University of Tokyo was published in the US academic journal, Neuropsychopharmacology. The study debunked the old-age myth that alcohol can drown sorrow through intensive scientific research. Ethanol, which is the intoxicating substance found in alcohol was proven to do little to speed up the process of forgetting, instead, it only locks the bad memories in place.

The researchers gave mild shocks to laboratory rats that caused them to freeze in terror and curl up. A group of rats were then injected with ethanol or saline. The researchers found that rats that have been injected with alcohol freeze up far longer than their alcohol-free counterparts. If we apply this to humans, the bad memories that people tend to drown out through alcohol-drinking actually remain longer.

Aside from doing nothing to erase your bad memories, alcohol can also give you more trouble. Drinking too much when your system can’t take it causes you to be intoxicated. It can significantly and dramatically slow your response time, and impede your vision, hearing and feeling. When drunk, you are unable to control most of your bodily actions, and you get up in the morning with celebrated stories of how you acted so stupid and silly the night before.

Alcohol takes over your central nervous system and when it does, seemingly easy tasks, such as driving will become an arduous chore that can be life-threatening to you and to the people around you. When you drink and drive, you can also get into trouble with the cops. Drinking will never get you far from any form of solution to any of your problems. Alcohol will only add insult to injury. It never helps, and it can be really costly too.

When you feel down or overwhelmed with problems, never seek alcohol to solve them. Instead, face your issues and be brave enough to take the necessary steps that could get you out of your misery. Do not turn to drinking sprees, they can’t solve anything. Face your troubles by yourself or seek out support. You are far stronger, wiser and braver than alcohol can ever be.

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May 13 2008

Painkiller Addiction Cycle

Published by C.King, M.Ed. under Addiction Articles

It’s not just meth or heroin or even marijuana that’s becoming a grave threat to society. Even pain killers have joined the list.

The increasing abuse and addiction of pain killers which are supposed to provide relief from chronic pain is common today. According to studies made in 2002 by the National Household Survey on Drug Abuse, more than two million people in America take pain killers illegally every year.

Painkiller dependency begins following the occurrence of common injuries or certain pain relief requiring health conditions and surgery. These may include having slipped and fallen, having strained a muscle, headaches or migraines, or diseases like arthritis. Having been in a car accident or recovery from surgery also requires one to take in pain killers to ease off discomfort from muscle pains and aches.

Whether it is acute, chronic or traumatic pain, medications are necessary in order to manage the pain. But the problem with this is that what starts out to be a tool for providing relief from discomfort or soreness will prove to be fatal once painkiller dependence persists.

From weeks or months after recovery from a surgical procedure or an injury is achieved, some patients continue to rely on the drug to relieve them from pain instead of learning to get by without it. Patients will then take higher doses than what was originally prescribed, because the initial dose is now believed to be inadequate for pain management. Thus, a higher dosage is deemed appropriate in order to achieve desired pain relief level.

The result? Pain does not cease, it increases as well as the need to frequently take in more amounts of painkillers. Painkiller addiction or abuse starts to progress, which will prove to be fatal for the user. Lethal effects include a damaged liver and the plausibility of going into shock once painkiller abuse is abruptly stopped.

Pain killer addiction is not a surprising phenomenon, since pain killers are classified under the label opiates. Opiates are drugs that while chemically designed to cause receptors in the brain to block pain, also produce feelings of euphoria.
Once the addiction sets in, the user is trapped. What seems so harmless at first becomes potentially lethal.

There are advanced treatments being produced for Opiate Dependency. A new drug called Buprenorphine has been released into the market. It is a controlled substance that provides pain relief but is less addictive, allowing total withdrawal from all types of prescription drug use without having to replace the old addiction with another.

Following this drug therapy, pain killer users should be provided with special care so these cases do not escalate any further.

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