A Word to Parents
I am sick! Maybe as a therapist I am not supposed to speak that way, but I am sick at heart. I am disgusted, angry, and just plain upset. Today I had watched one of my patients being killed by his family. I can not tell you the exact date of his death, but their cowardice signed his death warrant.
AA Recovery Resources
A meeting in Akron, Ohio, in 1935 between two drunks who appeared to be hopeless led to a program of recovery that was later called Alcoholics Anonymous. From its humble beginnings, AA has grown into a recovery program that has helped millions of alcoholics. Its twelve-step program has evolved to become the basis of many other recovery programs, such as Overeaters Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, and Alanon, to name a few.
Addiction
Addiction can be defined as the obsession with or compulsion to use something in particular. In this context, addiction is a physical state in which the body actually relies on a substance in order to function normally, creating a state of dependence.
Adolescent Substance Abuse
Recent studies have found that over 1 million kids are dependent on drugs and over 900,000 are dependent on alcohol. A study of high school seniors also found that over half have tried marijuana in the past and an additional 29% admitted to trying one of the harder drugs like cocaine or heroin. They also found that kids as young in 12 were using and trying alcohol and over 5 million admitted to binge drinking. Studies have also found that kids are still using huffing as a way to get high, by inhaling cleaning products, glue and paint.
Make Believe Marijuana, Real Dangers
Black Magic is becoming extremely popular. Young adults (teenagers) as well as many adults have taken to smoking this potent substance. Black Magic is a blend of ingredients such as Damiana, Blue Lotus, and Passion flowers, Baybean, Lemon Grass, Dwarf Skull Cap, Indian Pennyworth, Marshmallow and Pink Lotus Flower. Many people suspect that Black Magic is being treated with either cannabis or a synthetic THC.
College Drug Use
Alcohol and drug abuse is on the rise in college campuses across the country, despite the schools’ attempts to show the effects of drinking and using drugs. Compared to statistics from a decade ago, it’s clear that more work needs to be done. Students don’t realize what can happen as the result of their actions and the negative consequences.
Compulsive Gambling
Gambling is an activity that over 85 percent of adults in the USA are said to have taken part in at one point or another. Most states have lotteries, while others have casinos. Gambling nets billions of dollars over the course of a year, and is a favorite pastime for many men and women. Many people, though, cannot control the urge to gamble and they become addicted to it. This is known as compulsive gambling, and has ruined many people’s lives, as well as those of their loved ones and families who are directly affected by it.
Conquering Depression
Once in a while most people will feel sad or blue. These feelings are fleeting and normal. But when a person is suffering from depression, the sadness will interfere with daily life and cause pain for both the person and those who love him or her. Depression is a serious illness and those who have it need treatment to get better. A lot of people who suffer from depression never try to seek treatment. However, it is a good thing that the vast majority usually decides to get treatment to cure this condition.
Drug Addiction Treatment
Drug Addiction occurs when someone compulsively seeks a substance and uses it regardless of any physical, emotional or psychological consequences. Many people take drugs in order to forget about a problem, or use them to take the place of something else in their lives. No one starts out with the desire to become an addict or wants to cause hardship for themselves. Frequently, drug addiction will only end up making a problem worse and as a result, even more of a hassle to deal with than before.
Drugs and Firearms
Firearm related deaths have been on the rise since 1999, especially among the 15 to 25 year old range, according to United States Government Studies. Some criminologists believe that the introduction of crack cocaine to the American society has greatly contributed to these numbers.
Drugs Don't Fix Everything in Life Quickly
“We've come to believe that addiction is a disease, but have been treating it the same way for nearly 70 years” states a doctor who just penned his first book on how he treated his alcohol addiction with a muscle relaxer. The general idea of the book suggests that if rehab cannot guarantee 100% success in patients for the rest of their lives, it is not a viable way to cure any addiction. A quick fix is needed and this comes in the form of using another drug.
Drugs in Sports
Anabolic-androgenic steroids, more commonly called simply anabolic steroids, are manufactured substances that are closely related to male sex hormones like testosterone. They have received a lot of media attention because they're used incorrectly by people who want to increase muscle mass, and this often leads to dangerous side effects.
Dual Diagnosis
Dual diagnosis is a condition where individuals have both a substance addiction and a mental illness. Because they co-exist, these two conditions exacerbate each other, and require simultaneous treatment. The term dual diagnosis came into use during the 1980’s, when psychiatrists realized that personality traits do not cause addiction, as was previously thought. Until that point, it was not officially recognized by the American Psychological Association (APA) that an individual could be diagnosed with more than one illness at a time.
Interventions
Living with someone who has an addiction or who lives a risky lifestyle can be difficult. Trying to talk to the person about their problems, or even threatening and pleading may do nothing. If nothing else has worked, it may be time for an intervention.
Learners Permit for Underage Drinkers
In the past few weeks, there has been considerable discussion regarding the problem of college drinking and the use of alcohol by persons 18-21. The argument of availability leading to higher abuse potential vs. enforced prohibition leading to uncontrolled binge drinking is a conundrum that deserves to be discussed. I would like to propose a "learners permit for responsible drinking."
Legal Involvement
Driving under the influence (DUI) is a serious offense. Legal involvement is inevitable. Not only can it end lives, it can involve a very intense legal battle. If a person has been charged with a DUI, it is important to seek counsel from a DUI attorney because DUI laws are constantly changing. Each year, the law seems to crack down harder on those who have been charged. Drivers can face various penalties including loss of driver's license, loss of vehicle, jail and costly fines. It is not uncommon to lose auto insurance coverage or start paying substantially higher rates. There is also the chance of winding up with a criminal record that could negatively impact employment. A DUI attorney has the knowledge and experience required to navigate the legal system, remain aware of changes in the law, and make a difference in DUI cases.
Medication vs. Drugs
At C.A.R.E. we realize fully that people have problems beyond their addictions. That is the reason we allow, in fact our doctor will even prescribe, psychiatric and non-addictive pain medications that are medically necessary even for addicts. In fact because of higher tolerances often more medication than the usual dose is needed.
Mental Disorders
A mental illness or mental disorder is defined as a behavioral or psychological problem that manifests itself frequently and may worsen as the result of external stimuli. Practitioners define mental disorders by classifying them into different categories. Some of the classifications used include personality disorder, substance dependence, mental disorder, and mental retardation. Experts typically use the definitions put forth in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders or DSM-IV.
Mental Health Resources in New York City
Mental health facilities are in place to help those who need psychiatric evaluation and help, either short or long-term. In New York City, patients can easily find mental health care facilities to meet their every need, whether it is drugs, alcohol, violence in the home, or getting help for children.
Psychology Info
Psychology is defined as the study of how the mind works, and the scientific study of brain behavior and functions. Psychology also attempts to study social behavior and how mental functions affect a human being. According to CNN, psychology is one of the most popular degree majors in the United States. This web-page houses a collection of psychology information and resources that will not only help educate, but further a career in psychology.
Psychology Resources
Psychology is defined as the study of how the mind works, and the scientific study of brain behavior and functions. Psychology also attempts to study social behavior and how mental functions affect a human being. According to CNN, psychology is one of the most popular degree majors in the United States. This webpage houses a collection of psychology information and resources that will not only help educate, but further a career in psychology.
Rehab Is Not Prison
Kelly Osbourne, who was recently charged with assault for allegedly slapping a gossip columnist, has checked into rehab, according to People magazine. To many it’s just another story of a celebrity who falls off the wagon and seeks help in fancy luxury rehab. It’s easy to think how unfair it is that a star can treat him or herself with spa like features when their behavior goes awry, but when was it said that rehab had to be unbearable, clinical and spiritless? You’re going to rehab after all, not prison.
Relapse Prevention
As any addict knows, the process of living without drugs does not end once the rehabilitation program is completed. Dealing effectively with an addiction is a lifelong task. Some people manage it with apparent ease, while others experience periods where there is a relapse and the substance abuse resumes. Fortunately, there are basic actions that can minimize the opportunity for relapse prevention and increase the chances of living a clean life after rehab.
Sexual Addiction
What takes place between the ears totally controls the feelings between the legs. It is this phenomenon which makes internet sex and sexual addiction possible. With the intensive publicity which has been circulating regarding some of the rich and famous I think it is timely to begin to discuss the role of the internet in addictions in general and sexual addiction in particular
Smart Drugs
Smart drugs, also called nootropics or cognitive expanders, are one of the latest crazes to hit the medical and professional world. Smart drugs are prescription medications, herbs, nutrients, and nutrients that increase mental awareness, sharpening cognitive skills for anywhere from a few hours to a few days. Most prescription drugs, like the ones listed here, were originally used to treat age-related mental decline or attention deficit disorders. Many of the herbs and vitamins have been used to improve memory and awareness for years. Some, such as gingko balboa and ginseng, have been used for centuries. The Do It Now Foundation's pamphlet, Smart Drugs, Vitamins & Nutrients: Food for Thought has a lot of great information about these new wonder drugs.
Suicide In America
Suicide is a major health problem in America. Suicide in America was the eleventh leading cause of death in 2004, according to the National Institute of Mental Health, with over 32,000 deaths. It was the third leading cause of death for youth aged 10-24. There are approximately 8 to 25 attempted suicides for every suicide.
The Care and Feeding of Post Treatment Alcoholic/Addict
Who can be sicker than an addict? Sit in for a few minutes on a staff meeting of any treatment center and listen intensively to the comments made by the professionals. After a few minutes you will quickly realize that addiction is truly a family disease, and many of the families that we treat are even "sicker" than the addict they have placed in our care.
