Monday 22 May 2017

Marijuana Rehab Centers

Monday 15 May 2017

How To Quit Smoking Weed Cold Turkey Or Slow Taper?

Are you on the lookout for some ideas on how to quit smoking weed cold turkey or slow taper technique? Marijuana is quite similar to other drugs abused, there are also withdrawal symptoms that could affect the user if he or she decides to quit smoking weed.

Withdrawing from marijuana use using the cold turkey technique isn’t advisable because of the harmful side effects that it could bring, both physical and mental. The best and safest way to quit marijuana use is slow tapering technique. Or course, it’s still a wise move to consult a doctor and a drug specialist to ensure your marijuana withdrawal symptoms are controlled and provide lesser discomfort.


Step-by- step guide to help you quit marijuana

If you have finally come to terms that marijuana use isn’t good to your health and life, the following steps will help you get off marijuana sooner.

• Make a decision now to stop smoking weed and focus on the next move that will help you succeed on this goal.

• Change your daily routine. If you used to mingle often with your old peers who also smoked weed excessively, this is a perfect timing to make changes on your daily schedule. Find other activities that will keep you busy and away from temptation to smoke again weed.

• Keep a healthy lifestyle. Withdrawing from marijuana has side effects like lack of appetite, stomach cramps and for you to remain strong during the withdrawal process, it would be beneficial if you live a healthy life by eating foods rich in vitamins and minerals such a B complex, vitamin C, calcium and magnesium. See to it you exercise regularly to boost your energy levels.

What to expect if you quit smoking weed?

Quitting smoking weed can be a struggle, especially if you already developed dependency to this drug. Among the common withdrawal symptoms that a regular user of marijuana will experience are:

• Anxiety
• Feeling of fatigue
• Loss of appetite
• Mood swings
• Night sweats
• Sleeping difficulty (insomnia)


These withdrawal symptoms can vary depending on the amount of marijuana smoked or ingested as well as the duration of usage. They can be managed on your own, but if you have existing health problems, it would be safe to undergo drug rehab treatment in a rehab facility. Why? With the supervision of doctors, medical staff and therapists, they can monitor the withdrawal symptoms and provide appropriate care and treatment.

Now that you have a clear idea on how to quit smoking weed cold turkey or slow taper, you can now choose wisely where to start your withdrawal process from marijuana use. Leaving behind your addiction to smoking weed will not only help you bring back your health, but also give you chance to start a new life free from drugs.

There are many ways to head on with your goal of quitting smoking weed such as following a healthy diet, combined with daily exercise workout and seeking professional advice from the experts in drug and addiction treatment.

Monday 10 April 2017

How The Heroin Epidemic Grew And The History Of It?

The abuse of heroin doesn’t only affect ordinary individuals. In fact, the deaths of some celebrities are linked to heroin abuse like the death of Hoffman, Oscar winner whose autopsy report stated that he died due to the intake of mixed substances heroin, cocaine, amphetamines and benzodiazepines.  With the alarming growth of heroin users, it’s crucial that everyone is informed about this type of drug, where it originated as well as the treatments recommended to solve the addiction problem of the society.

History of Heroin

Heroin originates from the poppy plant, scientific name “Papaver somniferum”. During the 3400 B.C. this plant is also referred as “joy plant and was generally used for medicinal purposed to relieve pain. Back in the centuries, this drug is mixed in teas, food, smoked, snorted, injected as painkiller and even used in trading of goods due to its euphoric effect. Heroin is also used then to numb the pain of wounded soldiers during the American Civil War.

It was during this period that misuse and abuse of heroin started and eventually led to the heroin epidemic.  In 1803, Friedrich Sertuerner, a German national attempted to make the opium addictive ingredients insignificant, did an experiment on this substance and came up with morphine. During this period, medical professionals like physicians believed that morphine is safe and non-addictive. It was in 1827 that a German company started the production of morphine for commercial use. In 1843, Dr. Alexander Wood from Scotland introduced a method to administer morphine and that is through injection. Women in this period are the large number of users of opium and morphine.

In 1891, the first incident of death reported by “speedball” is due to the mixing of heroin and cocaine where Dr. Ernest von Fleischl died because doctor Sigmund Freud gave a prescription of cocaine to Dr. Fleischl to cure his addiction to morphine.


In 1895, Heinrich Dreser of Germany experimented in changing morphine chemically in his desire to change the side effects and addiction linked to morphine and opium. This led to the production of Heroin at the company where he worked, the Bayer Corporation. The drug is introduced as painkiller that is much effective that morphine with no addictive elements. In fact, heroin is then believed to be a source of cure to opium and morphine addiction.

The St. James Society in the US learned about this cure and begun the campaign of giving free samples of heroin through the postal mail to fight morphine addiction. In fact, there are others who also supported this campaign to put an end to opium and morphine addiction like the Sears Roebuck catalog offering heroin and needles in a case for purchase. But, their exaltation on heroin was only for a short period because in 1902, physicians started to argue that withdrawing from heroine is also a struggle and provide discomfort similar to morphine withdrawal. It was in 1905 that heroin was banned by the US Congress. It was also at this time that heroin addiction has grew rapidly at an alarming level, making it an epidemic case.

Trade of Heroin

In 1900s, more restrictions are done for this drug where opium import used for production of heroin is banned. Although, this restriction helped in some way to control the epidemic, it has not stopped the production, export, abuse and addiction to this drug.  In fact, many individuals are more willing to try it without any knowledge of the risks involved.

Treating addicts using heroin as part of the treatment is not allowed in clinics at that time and were sanctioned by law. During their shutdown, users are forced to get the drug illegally. In 1925, an estimate of 1.7% population of US are addicted to heroin and that’s why there was a huge demand of the drug. In1948 to 1972, use of heroin has become an epidemic where its focal point was in New York City. Due to its growing number of users, the then-President Nixon came up with a solution by creating the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) in 1973.

Vietnam is the major producer of opium production and the others countries on the list are Laos, Thailand and Burma referred as the “Golden Triangle”. These major producers were eclipsed by the “Golden Crescent” in Afghanistan. At present generation, the South American and Mexican drug cartels are regarded as the major suppliers of heroin in the marketplace.


Opiate abuse and treatment

Heroin, morphine and opium are not the only types of opiates abused by Americans. Opioids such as Percocet and Vicodin (hydrocodone), OxyContin (oxycodone), Opana (oxymorphone hydrochloride) are also abused. Based on the nationa survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), around 10.9% of the Americans from the age bracket of 18 to 25 have already abused opiates and other prescribe medicines like painkillers in 2012.

Among the common forms of treating heroin addiction is the methadone maintenance treatment option. This form of treatment is quite similar to those treatments given in clinics in 1924 treating heroin addiction. Methadone, a Schedule 2 narcotic drug which is a class of opiate introduced in Germany in 1939. It is now used to treat patients with opiate addiction on clinics that provide methadone to addicts for 12 months. This treatment can cover a period of years where the goal is to withdraw addicst from methadone slowly.

Methadone treatment has its own downside because it is generally given as outpatient, so there is a chance that the patient will go back to his or her drug addiction like heroin while at the same time taking methadone, which could eventually be highly dangerous as compared to those who are simply withdrawing from heroin addiction.

The most workable treatment solution to solve drug addiction is the inpatient treatment where detoxification and various treatment sessions that will form as part of the rehabilitation are done in safe, secured and well facilitated residential rehab center. The whole treatment program aims to combine medical, holistic and other therapies to help the person with addiction problem reach full recovery.

Tuesday 14 March 2017

Select a Right Drug Addiction Treatment Center to Overcome Addiction

No one can deny the fact that millions of people today need help to get out of alcohol or drug addiction symptoms. Not only adults, even teenagers also get involved with drugs and alcohol. In most of the cases, the addiction pertains to substance abuse and addicts never realize that they need treatment to overcome their problem of addiction. Getting addicted to any drug is easier but quitting the addiction requires much more than a strong will.
 
 
Well, there are many alcohol or drug addiction treatment centers that offer a wide range of services catering different types of needs and conditions. They cannot benefit the patients until patients realize that they need help. Drug addiction treatment center design their treatment programs on the basis of general addictions. In order to obtain effective results, it is recommended to choose the right treatment center.

One of the most important things that you must consider when looking for a drug addiction treatment center is their approach to treating addicts. Rather than going for a group treatment, it is better to choose the center that offers one to one treatment programs tailored according to individual needs. The environment is another factor that plays a significant role in finding the appropriate drug addiction treatment center. Check out whether the environment of the center is adaptable or not.
 
 
Some people expect to get instant recovery from addiction, but it is not like that. Addicts need to keep patience and make sure that the treatment center you are considering to receive treatment services has proper tools and facilities to help you overcome your problem.

Sunday 19 February 2017

Hollywood Rehabilitation Center: Dangers Of Drugs Or Substance Addiction

Are you or a loved one suffering from drugs or substance addiction? Perhaps, reading the dangers of drugs or substance addiction below shared by the Hollywood Rehabilitation Center will convince you to put an end to this addiction problem now.

Physical side effects of drugs or substance abuse
• Potential damage to organs (heart, lungs, liver, brain)
• Hormonal imbalance
• Can lead to cancer (nicotine or steroid use)
• Development of birth defects to unborn child
• Gastrointestinal disease
• HIV or AIDS (injected drugs)

Depending on the level of drugs or substance taken, the dependent may also develop alarming medical concerns that could lead to a chronic case or worst long-term or permanent damaged like neurological dysfunction (mental condition).


Mental or emotional side effects of drugs or substance abuse
• Feeling of depression
• Anxiety
• Loss of memory
• Agitated
• Mood swings
• Paranoia
• Psychosis

The mental or emotional state of a person who has addiction problem is greatly affected and eventually could result to one’s death, either overdose, failure of heart to perform or brain to function leading to coma.

Can addiction problem affect the social life of the person?

Addiction is a growing problem of the community because it can generally affect the social life of the person suffering from drugs or substance abuse. Among the social problems that may arise if a person is suspected with addiction problem are:

• Loss of self-esteem
• Loss of relationship with loved ones
• Feeling of loneliness may develop over time
• Social anxiety may occur
• Suicidal thoughts
• Feeling aggressive towards others (friends and family members)

What are the possible legal consequences of an addiction problem?

Whether you are into drugs or substance abuse, there are possible legal consequences that you will have to face when caught in use or in possession of large quantity. Below are the legal consequences that you or anyone with addiction problem has to deal with in the near future:

• Facing civil lawsuits like illegal distribution of drugs or substance.
• Being sentenced to go to prison for the maximum period of 40 years if caught in possession of prohibited drugs or substance in huge quantities.
• Involvement to crime related activities like stealing to fund for your bad vices like drugs or drinking.
• Paying large fines due to a third party claim leading to settlement like driving under the influence of alcohol and causing major damage to another car or vehicle or worst physical injury to another driver or pedestrian.
• Loss of civil right to vote
• Possible restriction to live or reside in a particular area
• Driver’s license suspension


How to treat the addiction problem?

According to the Hollywood Rehabilitation Center addiction problem at any level is treatable and it usually encompasses the following procedures:

Detoxification

This is the initial step of an addiction treatment program done at a hospital or any rehab treatment facility where they have the presence of highly trained medical professionals who have the ability to perform detoxification procedure. Here, the admitted patient with drug or substance overdose or addiction is required to undergo detox.

Inpatient or outpatient treatment programs
After detoxification, patient is recommended to undergo various treatment programs, either as outpatient or inpatient. In most cases where a patient with serious medical condition has to be confined and be an inpatient while undergoing one-on-one counseling, group therapy sessions and other programs designed to teach drug or substance dependents life skills and coping skills that will help them achieve full recovery.

Aftercare treatment programs

Even if the patient succeeded in completing the rehabilitation treatment program at the Hollywood Rehabilitation Center, he or she is also advised to continue the recovery support by attending various aftercare treatment programs like private counseling with a counselor or group session that will be there to give advice and prevent a relapse from happening while on the recovery process.

Monday 9 January 2017

Residential Alcohol Treatment Centers: Discover The Different Stages Of Alcohol Addiction

Alcohol addiction is among the growing problems of our society. It could affect anyone and the addiction to alcohol doesn’t happen overnight. In fact there are at least five different stages that a person addicted to alcohol could undergo according to the residential alcohol treatment centers.


Stage 1 – The experimental stage

This is the initial stage of alcohol addiction, the experimental stage where an individual becomes curious and tempted to assess his or her limits on the amount of alcohol he or she could consume. People at this stage see drinking alcohol as a way to feel good, to release some tension from building into their system or more often as a form of socializing. If you are experiencing this kind of motivation to drink certain amount of alcohol, be more wary becomes the amount of alcohol you can take may gradually increase.

Stage 2 – The regular stage

This next stage of alcohol addiction is when a person has already formed this alcohol drinking as part of a daily routine. It already becomes a habit. During the regular stage the person is already become tolerant to the amount of alcohol he or she could handle, so expect the increased in consumption. There are cases where drinkers at this stage don’t see this habit as an alarming sign because there are still few side effects visible.

Stage 3 – The risky stage

When the person has already incorporated alcohol drinking as part of his or her daily routine, this could lead to the risky stage where the person may find it hard to address whether alcohol drinking is risky in nature or not. At this stage, the person’s overall behavior is already becoming affected, making him or her insensitive, unmindful of his or her actions like in driving or when dealing with family members. Most of the individuals who have already advanced to the risky use of alcohol may experience depression, anxiety, change sleeping pattern, unable to focus on work or handle family issues or problems.

Stage 4 – The dependency stage

As the person continues to drink more alcohol, he or she becomes totally dependent where his or her daily function depends on it. Here, the person feels overpowered with the desire to drink alcohol and shows signs of behavioral problems and can be dangerous.

Stage 5 – The addiction stage

This is the final stage that a person who is heavily dependent on alcohol becomes addicted and abuses the substance. Among the alarming signs to watch out with a person suffering from alcohol addiction is when he or she becomes physically and psychologically dependent on alcohol. At this stage, the person views drinking alcohol as a growing need rather than pleasure. As the problem to alcohol addiction escalates to a higher level, the person can acquire life threatening illnesses such as live disease, heart disease and worst brain damage. The only solution that could solve this addiction problem is to seek the professional services of a residential alcohol rehab facility.


Should you seek treatment for alcohol addiction?

Yes, at whatever stage you are in with your alcohol problem you need to be properly diagnosed. Why? This is your first step to achieving recovery and bringing back normality to your life. Remember, the longer you engage yourself to drinking alcohol, regardless three to four glasses per day, you could be on your way to total dependency. Don’t let your life go to waste to excessive drinking, know which stage you are right now to your alcohol drinking and if you strongly feel this has gone too far, contact  residential drug rehab center to discuss your problem and the possible treatments you need to undergo.

I do hope the above stages of alcohol addiction will help you come to realize that you must put an end now while your addiction haven’t totally done severe damages, both on your physical and mental state. Remember, alcohol abuse will not only be detrimental to your health, but also to your relationship to people you love and work. Don’t be afraid to admit that you need professional help to resolve your addition to alcohol. Talk to a family member, friend or anyone whom you trust on how they can be of assistance for your rehabilitation treatment.

Monday 28 November 2016

Increase Dopamine: A Natural Safe Alternative To Drug Addiction

Dopamine can mean different things to each person, from Alzheimer disease to a Taylor Swift song to drug addiction, dopamine affects different people in Portland, OR in different ways. Whenever your experience intense pleasure, be it from using drugs, having sex, exercising or listening music – dopamine is at work.

It’s essentially a neurotransmitter, a chemical in brain that is task with transmitting signals from one nerve cell to another. It’s the chemical behind our most convert desires, our feelings of love or lust. It keeps us focus. It motivates us. It allows us to make smart decisions and resist certain urges. It brings out our competitive side and gives us that “you can do it!” push to help us accomplish our goals. Dopamine makes us happy and allow us to enjoy life to the fullest.

Unfortunately, there are many ways in which a person can unknowingly deplete their dopamine levels and when this happen feelings of depression and anxiety may set in. In addition to specific health conditions, excess use of psychostimulant or illicit drugs are some of the most common ways in which a person can deplete their dopamine levels. In fact, many people believe that a low dopamine is the underlying cause for many drug addiction cases in Portland, OR.


Is Dopamine To Be Blame?

Many addicts in Portland, OR believe that low dopamine is the underlying cause for their addiction, but is it really? Well, for addicts with illnesses such as Parkinson’s disease, it could the culprit. Drug Addiction Rehab Center California explains the after effects of the drug intake. However, just because you may feel better after taking certain drugs does not mean low dopamine is to be blamed for your addiction. In fact, it may be the other way around – meaning, your excessive use of a specific “feel good drug” may be the cause for your low dopamine levels.

Blaming dopamine for your addiction, would be the same as drinking alcohol to feel good, then saying that it’s because of your ethanol deficiency. Just because a drug makes you feel good does not mean you're lacking dopamine. All it proves is that enhancing your dopamine levels can help you to feel better but it may not be the underlying cause. Still, this is not to say that there aren’t cases in Portland, OR where people with low dopamine levels have turned to drugs.


 6 Legal Ways To Get High: Increase “Your Dope” Naturally

People in Portland, OR with low dopamine, lack excitement in their lives. Luckily, there are many ways in which you can boost your dopamine levels naturally, and safely:

Working-out

Working-out is one of the oldest and easiest ways to get “high!” Exercising have been proven to be a great stress reliever and antidepressant, to the point where it can also become addictive. It helps the body to release endorphins and access the reward center of the brain to help you feel more motivated and excited. Exercising helps to increase the body’s blood calcium levels which can enhance the release of dopamine. The best part is that it doesn’t have to be strenuous. Simply walking for 30 to 60 minutes jogging or swimming in your Portland, OR swimming pool is enough to get your dopamine levels up.

Pump Up The Jam

Listening to music is a great solution if you need some extra “dope.” When you listen to great music, dopamine will be released in the striatum, a region of the brain that responds to stimuli such as sex and exercise.  According to an article by the New York Times on Why Music Makes Our Brain Sing, music engages the brain reward system to make us feel better and is a great stress reliever. So, turn up the music a little louder when you’re feeling down, but remember to respect you Portland, OR neighbours.

Read A Book

New information, aids in the release of dopamine. So reading a book is a great way to get your dopamine levels. Every new book you read gives you a little rush of dopamine and every time this happens, it helps to reinforce your brains memory that reading makes you happier. Your brain is program to lean towards things that make you feel better, so you’ll find yourself reading more often to revisit that feeling.

Set Goals

Setting goals then working towards them is like setting up rewards for dopamine. Whether it’s working towards a promotion, learning a new language at an institution in Portland, OR or joining a new workout program to challenge yourself, setting new goals and working to accomplish them is a great way to boost dopamine.

Sex

Having sex, or more importantly, having an orgasm is recognised as one of the best ways to get a natural high. Sex at nights is a great stress reliever and can help to induce sleepiness for you to rest more comfortably at nights.

Having a healthy sex life is important but it’s also important for you to remember that sex can become a form of addiction. And, like drug addiction, an addiction to sex can have devastating effects. It’s important to establish balance in whatever you do in life.

Eat More Protein

Consuming a protein rich meal is another good way to improve dopamine levels in the brain. Protein rich foods provide the body with amino acids which your brain requires in order to produce dopamine. Foods such as beef and cheese that are high in protein can provide the body with enough tyrosine to enhance dopamine levels.

Don’t Become an Addict

Anything that makes you feel pleasure or enhance dopamine production can become addictive, whether it’s having sex, working out or taking drugs. Many people in Portland, ORstruggle with addictions to shopping, sex and drugs because it helps them to feel happier.

Addictive behaviours such as drug addiction can have an opposite effect on the brain and lessen dopamine production in the long haul. As mentioned earlier, it’s important to established balance in life in whatever you do. The activity should not dominate your life and should produce some amount of reward to help improve your dopamine levels in the long run, not just a quick fix.