Alex Atwood's Blog: March 2017

Friday, 31 March 2017

Smoking Spice

What are you doing to your body?

Smoking Spice in a joint is the most popular route of administration of synthetic marijuana. But Spice can be also mixed with marijuana or brewed as tea. Other users buy synthetic cannabinoid products as liquids to vaporize and smoke them in e-cigarettes. What do these do to your body?

What are the side effects of smoking Spice? Does it actually work to get you high? We answer these questions here.Then, we invite your questions and comments about smoking Spice in the comments section at the end.

Does smoking Spice work or get you high?

Does Spice get you high?

Yes! Spice gets you high.

Spice is a herbal mixture sprayed with synthetic cannabinoids, which mimics the effects of THC. When inhaled, these synthetic cannabinoids quickly pass from the lungs into the bloodstream and reaches brain and other organs. In the brain, Spice works by triggering chemical reactions and targeting the same receptors THC does (CB1 and CB2). The high usually begins immediately after Spice enters the brain and typically lasts for 1-3 hours.

Researchers from several scientific studies of the effects of Spice on the human brain, report that some synthetic cannabinoids have the ability to bind more strongly than marijuana to the cell receptors affected by THC. Given that some synthetic cannabinoids can be dozens to hundreds of times more potent than THC, it follows that Spice can produce much stronger high than marijuana.

What does smoking Spice do to you?

Smoking Spice is a game of Russian roulette: You never know what to expect. Why? The chemicals found in Spice vary from package to package, and potency can differ even within one single batch. Therefore, the effects of the synthetic drug are unpredictable and severe or even life-threatening.

In other words, you may feel fine one time after smoking Spice, and become extremely sick the next time you use Spice. Some may feel relaxed and “high”, others may experience euphoria or paranoia. Simply put, it cannot be certain what smoking Spice can do to you.

Spice also carries the risk of causing overdose. Toxic levels of the synthetic cannabinoids found in Spice mixes can lead to suicidal thoughts and violent behavior resulting in fatalities. Also, there have been a number of cases when individuals accidentally overdosed on Spice using the same amount as before, not knowing that the potency of the herbal mixture can vary from one batch to another. According to the most recent DAWN report Emergency Department visits involving synthetic cannabinoids totalled visits = 28K+ just a few years ago

Smoking Spice side effects

There are a number of adverse effects from smoking Spice. The most commonly occurring side effects of Spice include:

acute kidney failure
anxiety
hallucinations
increased heart rate
overdose
perception and mood alterations
paranoia
seizures
tachycardia
vomiting

Smoking Spice can also raise your blood pressure and cause reduced blood supply to the heart, as well as kidney damage and seizures. The use of this drugs is associated with a rising number of emergency room visits and even fatalities.

IMPORTANT: Poison Control Centers are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for help and advice about exposures to Spice and its risks. Pharmacists and nurses certified in poison information are there to give advice or instruct you on what to do in case of an OD. All calls are free and confidential. Call the National Poison Control Center anytime if you think you’ve smoked too much Spice at 1-800-222-1222.

Smoking Spice on tin foil

Like marijuana, Spice cs smoked on tin foil. But when smoking Spice this way, you actually inhale the pure chemicals along with the burning foil. It is a common belief that smoking off of a tin foil can lead to Alzheimer’s disease, but a number of recent studies have indicated that the proposed link between Alzheimer’s disease and aluminium is weak or nonexistent. Still, think twice before smoking anything on tin foil…the pollutants can cause serious problems over time.

Smoking Spice with weed

Smoking Spice with weed is very likely to provoke intense reactions and severe side effects some of which may be life-threatening or fatal. In some cases, dealers may enhance what they might say is pure marijuana with Spice or another brand of synthetic cannabis. This can be especially risky for inexperienced or first time weed smokers.

Users who have mixed Spice with weed report that Spice is way stronger and it’s effects are far more potent than those of marijuana. In fact, they say you can only feel the effects of the Spice when you smoke the mix, and the weed is pretty much eliminated from your body by the time you come down from Spice…labelling it as pretty much useless.

Is smoking Spice bad for you?

Absolutely!

While the widespread accessibility and false advertising mask its initial purpose and make Spice appear less harmful than marijuana, in reality, Spice can be way more dangerous than marijuana.

This drug is a fairly new one, its long term effects on humans are not fully known, and there is very little researched on the dangers of Spice. Most of the reasons why Spice is bad from you come from the media that cover stories, and the reports of poison center experts…all of which testify about the dangerous, and often fatal outcomes of smoking Spice.

Smoking Spice questions

We hope this article answers some basic questions about smoking Spice. If you still have something you’d like to ask, please send us your questions via the comments section below. We try to answer all legitimate inquiries personally and promptly.

Reference sources: FBI: Synthetic Marijuana

NIH: Cannabicyclohexanol

NYC Health: K2 – Synthetic Cannabinoids

NIH: Synthetic Cannabinoids

Copyright © 2011
This feed is for personal, non-commercial use only.
The use of this feed on other websites breaches copyright. If this content is not in your news reader, it makes the page you are viewing an infringement of the copyright. (Digital Fingerprint:
f7a6e0cc3471137b83805a08cd727b99)

from
http://drug.addictionblog.org/smoking-spice/

DEA Approves Synthetic THC Drug Under Questionable Circumstances

The DEA has given the green light to a synthetic THC pill from a pharma company that led anti-marijuana legalization efforts.

from
https://www.thefix.com/dea-approves-synthetic-thc-drug-under-questionable-circumstances

Ohio Police Chief Speaks Out In Favor Of Charging Overdose Survivors

The police chief believes that the cycle of reviving overdose survivors is a drain on law enforcement.

from
https://www.thefix.com/ohio-police-chief-speaks-out-favor-charging-overdose-survivors

What If Cancer Patients Were Treated Like Addicts?

A new ad campaign spotlights the stigma of addiction by using the tough love approach on people with diseases like cancer.

from
https://www.thefix.com/what-if-cancer-patients-were-treated-addicts

New Marijuana-Based Recovery Program Is Making Waves

The LA-based rehab aims to provide care for people who couldn’t find success in traditional abstinence-based treatment programs.

from
https://www.thefix.com/new-marijuana-based-recovery-program-making-waves

The Last Addictions Memoir (Hopefully): An Evidence-Based Recovery Story Pt. 2

A personal recovery story in the context of the latest data on what addiction is and what effectively treats it.

from
https://www.thefix.com/last-addictions-memoir-hopefully-evidence-based-recovery-story-pt-2

Dave Chappelle Talks About The Show He Was Too High To Perform

Chappelle recounted the incident in his new Netflix special, The Age of Spin.

from
https://www.thefix.com/dave-chappelle-talks-about-show-he-was-too-high-perform

Lamar Odom Opens Up About Cocaine Use, Extramarital Affairs

The former LA Laker says his 18-year-old daughter gave him an ultimatum which led him to complete his recent rehab stay.

from
https://www.thefix.com/lamar-odom-opens-about-cocaine-use-extramarital-affairs

Willie Nelson’s Wife Annie Launches An Edibles Product Line

Annie’s edible chocolates are gluten free, vegan and 100% raw.

from
https://www.thefix.com/willie-nelson%E2%80%99s-wife-annie-launches-edibles-product-line

Top 10 Songs About Relapses

In case I ever forget what it feels like, there are songs out there that recall not only the bleak backslide of a relapse, but also the triumph of tearing myself free from one.

from
https://www.thefix.com/top-10-songs-about-relapses

Morning Roundup: Mar. 31, 2017

DEA seizes billions from people never under investigation, Ontario native helps get people into rehab, Lamar Odom says cocaine helped end his career.

from
https://www.thefix.com/morning-roundup-mar-31-2017

Is EDM Music Contributing To Drug Abuse?

You’re probably familiar with EDM, even if you don’t know what it stands for (Electronic Dance Music, by the way). Its a genre whose instantly recognizable throbbing bass sounds and synthesizer leads have even taken the pop music world by storm. However, in the underbelly of EDM culture lies an intense drug scene that rivals […]

Find more on: http://www.detoxofsouthflorida.com

Source: https://detoxofsouthflorida.com/is-edm-music-contributing-to-drug-abuse/

source https://detoxofsouthflorida.wordpress.com/2017/03/31/is-edm-music-contributing-to-drug-abuse/

How to assess addiction using NLP Strategies

Addiction Assessment in Psychology

Neurolinguistic Programming, or NLP, is an approach to communication, self-development, and psychotherapy that targets how people:

communicate externally and internally
process, store, and recall information
alter their communication to achieve the results and goals they want

NLP can be effectively applied to overcoming an addiction. In fact, NLP is a great fit for people experiencing drug or alcohol problems. Practitioners believe human beings have an extraordinary capacity for flexibility, and there is nothing that happens mentally or spiritually they cannot learn to handle. The focus is on how an individual formulates the thoughts and beliefs that help effect and maintain change.

So, how is addiction assessed in the NLP system? How can mental health clinicians take a step back from standardized assessments and look at the human behind the addiction?

We explore more here. In this article, Dr. Walton introduces the assessment process she typically uses with a client. Then, we invite your questions about NLP assessment of addiction at the end.

The Assessment Process with an Addicted Client

After building rapport, completing a detailed assessment is the next critical step. As you will see, an assessment process based on NLP strategies is different from traditional or standardized tests. The goal is to understand the problem from the client’s point of view and to identify an effective path moving forward.

The four NLP strategies which comprise the assessment are as follows:

Outcome Specification – A nine-question summary used to identify and specify the client’s goal.
Logical Levels – A strategy used to organize thinking, gather information, and communicate. This strategy helps the counselor understand more clearly what makes a client “tick.”
Positive Intent – Every behavior has a positive intent even negative behavior. Once the positive intent is identified, healthier options can be explored.
Meta Model Questions – Most people tend to speak in shorthand. Meta Model Questions address what is not said.

Now, let’s see what the assessment looks like in a hypothetical case.

HYPOTETHICAL CASE OF PROBLEMATIC INTERNET USE

Tyrell is a 40-year old man with a wife and three small sons. Over the past year, he has spent an increasing amount of time at the computer. He surfs the web for hours every evening reading the news, participating in financial chat rooms, and playing video games. HIs wife complains about how much time he spends on the computer and how little time he spends with her and the kids. She is sure that he is looking at porn websites and has demanded he get professional help.

Tyrell admits to spending more time on the computer. However, because he really is not visiting porn sites or participating in sex chat rooms, he sees no reason to stop. Tyrell says his wife just doesn’t understand. Even though he cherishes his time at the computer, Tyrell admits his computer use is creating problems and something must change given his wife’s concerns.

In the initial session, I built rapport with Tyrell. Then moved to the assessment process.

Outcome Specification Questions and Tyrell’s Responses

1. What do you want?

TYRELL: I want a happy family and time for myself.

2. How will you know when you have reached the goal?

TYRELL: When my wife and I no longer argue about the amount of time I spend at the computer and when my kids no longer bug me to play with them.

3. Where will the goal be relevant and/or irrelevant?

TYRELL: The goal is relevant at home. Our family is not happy right now.

4. What stops you from pursuing the goal wholeheartedly?

TYRELL: The internet is my only hobby, I don’t play golf and I don’t like sports. It is a way for me to unwind from all the stresses of the day.

5. What personal resources could you use if you were to achieve this goal?

TYRELL: I am flexible and I love my family.

6. What additional resources will you need to achieve the goal?

TYRELL: New ways to relax and the desire to do things with my boys.

7. How might the pursuit of the goal affect important people in your life? Is there any risk associated with achieving this goal?

TYRELL: The goal positively affects my family. The only risk is my blood pressure rising.

8. What daily actions can you take to achieve your goal? What is the first step?

TYRELL: Well, I could spend less time on the computer and more time doing things with the boys. If I were to make such a change, the first step would be to learn about their activities and explore what I could get involved in with them.

9. Given everything you have considered to this point, is achieving the goal worth it?

TYRELL: Absolutely.

When looking for reasons why change does not occur, it is helpful to determine exactly where blocks are located and where best to intervene. So, I guided Tyrell through the Logical Levels Exercise, which helps me understand more clearly what makes him “tick.” Here are questions and Tyrell’s responses.

Logical Levels Questions and Tyrell’s Responses

Tyrell: Environment = Daily from 8pm until midnight in the den.
Tyrell: Behavior = Spend time at the computer.
Tyrell: Capabilities = I am at home and what I do is basically free. I also know how to use a computer and it is fun for me to learn.
Tyrell: Beliefs = “I am not hurting anyone,” “I am not partying,” and “I am not looking at porn or on participating in sex chat rooms.”
Tyrell: Identity = I am a loving husband and father.

One option was to intervene at the Environment Level and suggest that Tyrell spend less time on the computer or to include his family in his Internet use with educational sites and games. Instead, I chose to focus on the Belief Level and his words “I am not hurting anyone.” The belief needs to be questioned – he is hurting his wife and children. By intervening at this Level, the Capabilities, Behavior, and Environment Levels may change as well.

Positive Intent

As mentioned previously, every behavior has a positive intent even negative behavior. Tyrell identifies the positive intent of his behavior as a way to relax and have fun. During this time, Tyrell can set aside the problems of the day and learn new information.

Meta Model Questions

During the Assessment phase, I ask questions to identify and transform problematic vagueness that occurred during the Outcome Specification and Logical Level exercises. For example:

Tyrell said, “She demanded that I get help or else.”
I asked, “What might happen if you didn’t follow her request?”
Tyrell said, “She doesn’t understand.”
I asked, “Your wife doesn’t understand what?
Tyrell said, “I need to relax and get away from all the stresses of the day.
I asked, “All of the stresses?”
Tyrell said, “She thinks I am watching porn.”
I asked, “Why would your wife think that?”

After building rapport with Tyrell and using Meta Model questions to clarify his responses to the Outcome Specification and the Logical Levels exercises, I had a clear understanding of the issues and could determine a plan for future sessions.

Thursday, 30 March 2017

Legalized Marijuana Leads To Decrease In Opioid Deaths

Opioid abuse decreased by 23% in states after medical marijuana was made available.

from
https://www.thefix.com/legalized-marijuana-leads-decrease-opioid-deaths

Willie Nelson’s Wife Annie Launches An Edible Product Line

Annie’s edible chocolates are gluten free, vegan and 100% raw.

from
https://www.thefix.com/willie-nelson%E2%80%99s-wife-annie-launches-edible-product-line

'Dry Dinners' Are The Newest Sober Gathering Trend

The dinner features delicious food along with activities like career life-coaching, tarot reading and a “cuddling sanctuary.”

from
https://www.thefix.com/dry-dinners-are-newest-sober-gathering-trend

‘Chemsex’ Is Sex + Drugs And, Yes, It’s Totally A Thing

A high-profile financial media pundit was recently jailed in London for supplying drugs at chemsex parties.

from
https://www.thefix.com/%E2%80%98chemsex%E2%80%99-sex-drugs-and-yes-it%E2%80%99s-totally-thing

Inside The Opioid Epidemic's Impact On Communities of Color

"Nobody cares that we're out here using. When you're white, it's different. People pay attention."

from
https://www.thefix.com/inside-opioid-epidemics-impact-communities-color

Weight-Loss Drug May Help Curb Opioid Addiction

The new research focused on how to anticipate responses to triggers that might tempt a former user to relapse.

from
https://www.thefix.com/weight-loss-drug-may-help-curb-opioid-addiction

Trump Taps Chris Christie To Lead Opioid Crisis Panel

The commission will recommend possible solutions to President Trump about how to address the opioid crisis.

from
https://www.thefix.com/trump-taps-chris-christie-lead-opioid-crisis-panel

Tara Conner On Trump: My Gratitude Does Not Mean I'm a Supporter

"Instead of building more walls, let’s invest in recovery and in prevention. Let’s give people the opportunity to get well."

from
https://www.thefix.com/tara-conner-trump-my-gratitude-does-not-mean-im-supporter

Morning Roundup: Mar. 30, 2017

Mainers plan to sue over state's cap on painkillers, Senate opens probe of 5 painkiller makers, study says video games can ward off cravings and protect mental health.

from
https://www.thefix.com/morning-roundup-mar-30-2017

Most Famous Celebrities That Have Died From Alcohol Abuse

When the topic of drug addiction and detox programs comes up, many people neglect to think of the most widely abused drug in the world: alcohol. Because it is such a common and largely socially acceptable substance, alcoholism often goes unnoticed and untreated. When this occurs, it rarely if ever means anything good for the […]

was first published to http://www.detoxofsouthflorida.com

Source: https://detoxofsouthflorida.com/most-famous-celebrities-that-have-died-from-alcohol-abuse/

source https://detoxofsouthflorida.wordpress.com/2017/03/30/most-famous-celebrities-that-have-died-from-alcohol-abuse/

Women’s issues in addiction recovery: An INTERVIEW with Jocelyn Grant

Why women-only sober houses?

Women face unique problems that are specific to their own demographic when it comes to addiction treatment and the navigation of life in recovery. Addiction affects women differently than men, so it’s logical that treatment options need to adapt to meet these specific needs. Sober houses for women can be sympathetic to the struggles that women face after initial treatment. But are sober homes meeting the needs of women in early recovery? What are those needs, exactly?

We explore here. Then, we invite your questions or comments about women’s issues in addiction recovery in the comments section at the end.

Gender based aftercare: Important or no?

Sober living houses offer a supportive, structured, and substance free environment for people in early recovery. Residents are usually encouraged to work a support group program that includes:

12-Step program & sponsorship
Employment or volunteerism
Ongoing outpatient therapy

In fact, if a woman begins to engage in twelve-step fellowships, sober housing, individual and family therapy, spiritual growth, and constructive hobbies, she has a pretty good shot at maintaining long-term sobriety. However, many women find that they are better able to focus on their recovery in an environment with other women, which isn’t always the case when in an environment with both men and women.

A growing need for women’s sober homes

Today we speak with Jocelyn Grant, who is dedicated to the development, growth, management, and expansion of a women’s sober living community. Jocelyn works in a residential clinic with addicted individuals in the earliest stages of recovery, and is a woman in recovery herself.

Now, her next goal is to provide a structured, sober home in New Haven, CT, for women struggling with addictions. You can contribute and support her mission for opening Jocely’s House which is still in its crowdfunding stage. Read this interview to learn more about Jocelyn’s vision and passion, and feel free to post any additional question in the comments section at the end.

ADDICTION BLOG: Hello and thank you for joining us today, Jocelyn. For a start, can you please talk about some of the most evident gaps in addiction recovery treatments for women…what are most communities still missing in terms of aftercare for women?

JOCELYN GRANT: In my experience, the largest gaps are a lack of connection and a lack of assisted social reintegration after leaving treatment. Sober homes must provide a more hands-on approach to management, creating a warm, family-like atmosphere and encouraging women to make real connections both spiritually and socially, further developing the strategies and supports to deal with the pressures of everyday life while maintaining their sobriety. A sober house manager should be well connected in the recovery community so that they can effectively pair newcomers with multiple supports and resources.

I think that communities are still grappling with the stigma of addiction, and we can no longer afford to do this because people are dying. The sooner communities accept the magnitude of the problem, the sooner supports can be made available, allowing individuals greater access to treatment and recovery.

ADDICTION BLOG: Who can benefit from staying at a sober home after initial treatment is over? Why is it crucial to have a period of adaptation in a women’s sober living community instead of just heading home right away?

JOCELYN GRANT: Going back to the same environment is one of the most detrimental things that a newly recovering person can do. Even if the family does not use substances, there are many pressures and emotions that can trigger the urge to relapse.

Also, women need to build close relationships with new, positive friends and will find it much harder to do so if they go back home before they’ve built a healthy social foundation.

ADDICTION BLOG: Tell us more about your vision and mission for a sober home for women in your community. What do you plan this place to look like? Who can come in for continued recovery support?

JOCELYN GRANT: My recovery home will be a refuge where women can settle into a safe, structured family setting for long-term care (3 to 12 months, longer if necessary). They will receive direct care, individual counseling, and have access to daily peer support groups. There will also be group activities to encourage positive social connection.

Women are expected to have several weeks sober before moving into the recovery home, and during the initial weeks of their stay, they will be provided a more structured environment to ensure that their sobriety is maintained, as is the healthy atmosphere that has already been established within the recovery home.

ADDICTION BLOG: Let’s talk about the best practices in length of stay and tracking progress. Can women stay for as long as they want or need, or will there be a set program length? How are you looking to track progress (interviews, self-reports, psychological evaluations…) and evaluate when someone has acquired the needed tools to move on from the sober home?

JOCELYN GRANT: Length of stay must be determined on a case-by-case basis, as each woman recovers at her own individual pace and arrives under a different set of circumstances. Similarly, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to tracking progress.

That said, we will be collaborating with a local outpatient agency, which will provide both group and individual counseling (and this will enable progress to be tracked, whether this information is made available via release to the sober house will be determined by the client and her clinician).

The girls will also be encouraged to start sponsoring others through the 12 steps before they leave, as this will ensure true connection and deepen their commitment to their own recovery.

Women will be expected to attend 12-step meetings daily until they obtain full-time employment, and five meetings per week thereafter. Regardless of employment status, all women must report each week to house management to check-in and report their progress regarding step work and sponsorship.

ADDICTION BLOG: You will be opening in New Haven, CT. Where did you see the need for a sober living home for women in your area?

JOCELYN GRANT: There is a critical need for more structured and monitored sober living environments in the New Haven area, particularly for women who have a history of chronic relapse. Women struggling with addiction need long-term, compassionate, quality care.

While 30-day programs are a great start, they don’t provide women the opportunity to form the healthy supports and social connections they need in the real world.

In Connecticut, all of the long-term programs have shortened substantially. Insurance no longer covers long-term care as it used to, and treatment programs that used to be 18-months are now just 3-4 months. While quality sober homes do exist, the numbers are few and far between. The sober homes that succeed have management with strong, long-term sobriety, and an ability to grow and maintain a healthy, sober, structured atmosphere.

There is an addiction epidemic in Connecticut, and it is not slowing down. There were about 2,000 drug overdose deaths in Connecticut between 2012 and 2015.

Accidental drug overdoses were responsible fro 917 deaths in 2016. That’s a 25 percent increase in drug-related deaths since the previous year. In order to reduce these numbers, we must make a radical shift in the way we treat those struggling with addiction and those looking to recover.

ADDICTION BLOG: What is the program schedule like? How will women’s daily schedules be structured?

JOCELYN GRANT: “Idle time is the devil’s playground.”

When women first enter the house, the earlier part of the day will be devoted to structured groups, and the second part of the day will be geared towards seeking employment. Regardless of employment status, women will attend 12-step meetings in the evenings. Residents will be encouraged to stay physically active and engage in structured social activities.

ADDICTION BLOG: You are in recovery yourself. What are some positive experiences in your own recovery that you draw upon in your vision of building this sober home for women?

JOCELYN GRANT: Through sponsorship I have learned how to be of true help to others who are suffering; I have helped others grow spiritually, and in turn, I have grown spiritually myself. To help in this way brings me true joy in my heart, and I am so grateful for the 12-step program.

ADDICTION BLOG: How you do plan to provide the services that are missing, but are needed for newly recovering women? How can others do the same?

JOCELYN GRANT: Often times, newly recovering women do not yet have the skills or ability to access the resources necessary to achieve self-sufficiency. The drugs and alcohol that they once depended on for confidence in social situations is no longer an option, and most women struggle with serious social anxiety and find it difficult to make connections in early sobriety.

Therefore, we will be providing women with hands on support as they are introduced back into these often challenging situations. We will also be providing women access to vocational training workshops, while stressing the importance of attending and initiation social events within the recovery community.

Of equal importance is that is the girls begin sponsoring others through the 12-steps before they transition out of the home. This will ensure that they have formed meaningful connections with others in the recovery community.

To ensure that the needs of the women are met, and quality of service is maintained, I highly recommend that house managers have been through the 12-steps, have an active role in the local recovery community, and have a heart for service.

ADDICTION BLOG: How much would it cost for a woman to stay in your recovery home? Will you offer scholarships, sliding scale fees, or accept health insurance for those that cannot afford to pay the full amount of a long-term stay?

JOCELYN GRANT: We will have sliding scale options to meet the needs of as many women as possible. We intend to have monthly fundraisers to help raise money for scholarships.

ADDICTION BLOG: You found your purpose in effectively helping others in recovery. Will you be offering the same opportunity for sober women that want to pay it forward to other women in early recovery? And, will you be offering aftercare for women once they leave the sober house?

JOCELYN GRANT: When women have transitioned out of the home successfully, they will be encouraged to attend meetings at the house and may continue to receive clinical services as long as indicated. Women who have fully transitioned out of the home and want to be of service will have the opportunity to volunteer and potentially obtain employment as well.

Wednesday, 29 March 2017

Giving Up Cigarettes May Help You Stay Sober, Study Says

A new study found that smokers in recovery were twice as likely to relapse as non-smokers in recovery.

from
https://www.thefix.com/giving-cigarettes-may-help-you-stay-sober-study-says

Did Maine Policymakers Wait Too Long To Deal With the Opioid Crisis?

A multi-part investigation revealed the impact that policymakers, stigma and a lack of treatment options have had on the state.

from
https://www.thefix.com/did-maine-policymakers-wait-too-long-deal-opioid-crisis

Billboard Highlights Dangers of Underage Opioid Abuse in Massachusetts

The billboard's bold message underscores the growing problem of opioid abuse by adolescents who have been prescribed painkillers.

from
https://www.thefix.com/billboard-highlights-dangers-underage-opioid-abuse-massachusetts

Canada Plans To Legalize Cannabis By Summer 2018

Medical cannabis has been legal in Canada since 2013.

from
https://www.thefix.com/canada-plans-legalize-cannabis-summer-2018

Fatal Overdoses Now Outpace Homicides In New Orleans

This is the first time in the city's history that drug-related deaths have usurped homicides.

from
https://www.thefix.com/fatal-overdoses-now-outpace-homicides-new-orleans

Treat the Person, Not the Addiction

The Waismann Method® team provides patients with rapid detox and individualized treatment plans.

from
https://www.thefix.com/treat-person-not-addiction

The Complications of Writing a Heroin Addict from Prison

By April of 2012 Sharna disappeared altogether. It would be six months before she resurfaced.

from
https://www.thefix.com/complications-writing-heroin-addict-prison

Morning Roundup: Mar. 29, 2017

Justin Trudeau to legalize cannabis in Canada, Chris Christie to head Trump opioid addiction panel, dog shipped to JFK with over $1M in heroin.

from
https://www.thefix.com/morning-roundup-mar-29-2017

The Tao of Sobriety

Like my pocket copy of The Tao Te Ching, I'm all worn out and missing that old energy. How can I get my power and confidence back?

from
https://www.thefix.com/tao-sobriety

What Does A Cocaine Addict Act Like? Signs of An Addict

What Does A Cocaine Addict Act Like? Cocaine addiction is one of the most serious forms of addiction dealt with in recovery. If you suspect a loved one might be using or even worse abusing cocaine, there are certain signs to look for. When high, they will exhibit certain behavioral cues that might let you […]

Find more on: Detox of South Florida

Source: https://detoxofsouthflorida.com/what-does-a-cocaine-addict-act-like-signs-of-an-addict/

source https://detoxofsouthflorida.wordpress.com/2017/03/29/what-does-a-cocaine-addict-act-like-signs-of-an-addict/

Cocaine addiction help: Who needs treatment? (INFOGRAPHIC)

Who has a cocaine problem?

According to a NSDUH (National Survey on Drug Use and Health) report in 2014, about 913,000 Americans met the DSM of Mental Disorders criteria for dependence or abuse of cocaine (in any form) in the past 12 months.

There are some signs and symptoms of cocaine addiction that you can recognize in yourself or in someone close to you. They can be the sign you are looking for to seek help. Some of the clinical criteria listed in the DSM, include:

1) Tolerance to cocaine. When you become tolerant to cocaine, you require higher doses to experience the original drug effect.

2) Cocaine withdrawal symptoms. Cocaine withdrawal is your body’s response to the absence of cocaine in your system once you’ve become dependent on cocaine. Symptoms occur following cessation of chronic cocaine use.

3) Dosage increase. Cocaine addicts take the drug in larger amounts or over a longer period of time than originally intended.

4) Loss of control over use. When addicted to cocaine, you feel the desire to cut down or control drug abuse, but will usually fail to do so.

5) Obsessive thinking about cocaine. The majority of a cocaine addict’s time is spent thinking about and trying to obtain cocaine.

5) Changes in life priorities. Obtaining and using cocaine is No.1 on the list of life priorities when you cannot control the urges to use anymore. Past social, occupational and recreational activities tend to be abandoned.

6) Continued use despite awareness of possible risks and dangers. Addicts will continue to use cocaine regardless of awareness of the harm, long term side effects, and dangers that they face OR expose their loved ones to.

How many people need help for cocaine use?

According to a NSDUH (National Survey on Drug Use and Health), 584.000 people sought treatment for a cocaine problem within the past year on a national level. The average age at admission was 37 years old.

Out of the individuals who sought and received addiction treatment for cocaine:

– 45% non-Hispanic White

Peak age among non-Hispanic White male admissions was 32 years old
Peak age among non-Hispanic White female admissions was mid 30’s

– 32% non-Hispanic Blacks

Peak age among non-Hispanic Black male admissions was 46 years old
Peak age among non-Hispanic Black female admissions was mid 30’s

– 19% Hispanic origin

Need treatment for cocaine addiction?

Behavioral therapy can be used and has been proven as successful for the treatment of cocaine addiction. Examples of behavioral therapies, include:

cognitive-behavioral therapy
contingency management, or motivational incentives
therapeutic communities (drug-free residences, halfway houses, sober living homes, etc.)

You can speak with your primary care physician or family doctor, a school counselor, your psychologist, or licensed psychiatrist for referral to a cocaine addiction treatment program. You can also seek help, here:

Call SAMHSA’s National Helpline on 1-800-662-HELP (4357) OR 1-800-487-4889 (TDD)
Find a Treatment Facility Near You using SAMHSA’S Treatment Locator
Support groups such as: 12 step programs, SMART Recovery, Life Ring, Cocaine Anonymous, etc.

Cocaine addiction treatment questions

Do you have any questions? We welcome you to post them in the comments section at the bottom of the page. We do our best to provide a personal and prompt response to all legitimate inquiries. In case we don’t know the answer to your particular question, we will gladly refer you to professionals who can help.

Reference Sources: NCBI: Demographic and socioeconomic correlates of powder cocaine and crack use among high school seniors in the United States

U.S. Sentencing Commission: 1995 Report to the Congress: Cocaine and Federal Sentencing Policy

DrugWarFacts: Cocaine and Crack

University of Michigan: Quick Tables

SAMHSA: Results from the 2013 National Survey on Drug Use and Health: Summary of National Findings

SAMHSA: Drug Abuse Warning Network, 2011: National Estimates of Drug-Related Emergency Department Visits

SAMHSA: Population data / NSDUH

Tuesday, 28 March 2017

Alcohol Tax Increase Linked To Fewer Drunk Driving Crashes

Alcohol-related incidents in Maryland decreased by 6% each year after the tax increase.

from
https://www.thefix.com/alcohol-tax-increase-linked-fewer-drunk-driving-crashes

New Hampshire Cracks Down On Drug Dealers Linked To Fatal Overdoses

Officials hope the crackdown will discourage people from selling the powerful, and sometimes deadly, drugs.

from
https://www.thefix.com/new-hampshire-cracks-down-drug-dealers-linked-fatal-overdoses

Trump Appointee Thinks Tattoos May Be Linked To Drug Addiction

The healthcare appointee shared his views on drug addiction, marijuana, goth kids and drug-testing teens in a parenting book.

from
https://www.thefix.com/trump-appointee-thinks-tattoos-may-be-linked-drug-addiction

Police Intercept 1,417 Kilos of Coke Hidden In Giant Squid Fillets

The $91 million shipment of cocaine was branded with the name of soccer player Lionel Messi.

from
https://www.thefix.com/police-intercept-1417-kilos-coke-hidden-giant-squid-fillets

The Book of Tater Part 10

Making your own higher power - a fictional case study presented as a serialized graphic novel.

from
https://www.thefix.com/book-tater-part-10

“Don’t Even Think About It: Drug Addiction and the Dangers That Come With It”

We’ve all heard the horror stories. We’ve all been told countless tales of sorrow from people who’ve suffered through it. We’ve read so many news stories about celebrities that have been caught using and abusing it. We are all familiar with the difficulties, the pain and the struggles that come along with drug addiction. So […]

is courtesy of DetoxofSouthFlorida

Source: https://detoxofsouthflorida.com/what-dangers-come-with-drug-addiction/

source https://detoxofsouthflorida.wordpress.com/2017/03/28/dont-even-think-about-it-drug-addiction-and-the-dangers-that-come-with-it/

Fentanyl Abuse: What You Need to Know

Did you know that Fentanyl is more potent than morphine? And did you know that more than 2 million Americans are addicted to similar prescription opiods? If fentanyl addiction is something you or someone you love is suffering from, then there are a lot more things that you should know. We’ll cover all the basics […]

Find more on: DetoxofSouthFlorida

Source: https://detoxofsouthflorida.com/fentanyl-abuse-what-you-need-to-know/

source https://detoxofsouthflorida.wordpress.com/2017/03/27/fentanyl-abuse-what-you-need-to-know/

Rehab cocaine addiction: When to choose inpatient vs. outpatient

Cocaine is a powerful central nervous system (CNS) stimulant that triggers the release of large amounts of dopamine in the brain. With repetitive cocaine use a person starts craving the drug when effects wear off. If you feel that you need cocaine just to be able to function normally, or have tired to quit many times but fail to succeed, you may have developed addiction to cocaine.

But, how can you quit cocaine? Should cocaine addicts check into an inpatient rehab, or will outpatient treatment do? In this article we summarize the main differences between residential and outpatient cocaine rehabilitation. Continue reading this article in case you want to make your final decision, and feel free to post your questions at the end.

Why do you need cocaine addiction rehab?

Repetitive and prolonged cocaine use leads to:

addiction
auditory hallucinations
convulsions and seizures
headaches
heart disease and heart attack
irritability and mood swings
lung damage and disease
paranoia attacks
reproductive damage and infertility
restlessness
sexual dysfunction
stroke
sudden death

Making a decision to manage your cocaine addiction and entering a cocaine rehab treatment can help you manage these dangerous and life threatening conditions.

NOTE: Even a single use can cause cocaine overdose or death!

Inpatient vs. outpatient cocaine rehabilitation

Before you make your decision and choose to attend inpatient or outpatient rehab program for cocaine addiction, you need to know what each type of treatment can offer. You must also be aware of the differences between inpatient and outpatient rehab.

Here are some of the key differences between inpatient and outpatient cocaine rehab programs:

1. Length of inpatient and outpatient cocaine rehab

Inpatient cocaine rehab programs last up to 30 days. This is considered as a sufficient period of time to safely remove cocaine from your body and start working on the psychological aspects of your addiction. Inpatient cocaine rehabs also include aftercare programs, provided through counseling and psychotherapy. People who are diagnosed with more serious and complicated cocaine addiction problems and conditions are usually recommended a longer treatment stay. Long term treatment can last anywhere from 60 up to 90 days, and in some severe cases for 120 days or more.

On the other hand, outpatient cocaine rehab treatments consist of counseling and daily or weekly therapy sessions, without the need to stay in a facility. Medical experts can not determine a precise duration of outpatient cocaine programs because they are adjusted to the patient individual needs.

2. Inpatient and outpatient cocaine rehab cost

Inpatient cocaine is more expensive, due to the extra fees for room and intensive round the clock care, daily treatment, regular meals, and other additional services. The average cost of inpatient cocaine rehabs is somewhere between $10-19K per treatment episode. Residential rehabs with high quality staff and services can cost from $18K up to $35K a month.

Outpatient cocaine rehab costs less because it doesn’t include any residential services. On average, you can expect outpatient cocaine rehab to cost you around $2K per treatment episode, while Intensive Outpatient or IOP rehab costs about $4K per episode.

3. Residence in inpatient and outpatient cocaine rehab

Inpatient cocaine rehab allows you to be completely focused on your recovery during the residential stay. This means that while you are a resident in an inpatient cocaine rehab facility, your full engagement is required during the activities and sessions.

Contrary to inpatient, outpatient cocaine rehab programs require you to live home. This means during treatment will be able to continue your regular work, school, and family activities, and still attend treatment sessions. The advantage of outpatient cocaine treatment is the time flexibility and the opportunity to continue with your every day life routine. However there are threats of everyday distractions that can affect or interfere with your dedication and the success your recovery.

4. Detox in inpatient and outpatient cocaine rehab

Detox is the first phase of every drug addiction treatment, regardless of whether you choose an inpatient or outpatient detox program. Inpatient treatment facilities provide addicts with detoxification care and services as part of their treatment program.

Outpatient rehabs redirect you to a detox clinic outside of the treatment place. After the cocaine detox process is over, then you will return to the outpatient facility for scheduled treatment meetings.

How can I decide between inpatient and outpatient cocaine rehab?

When making a decision to stop using cocaine, it is recommended that your first point of contact should be a medical professional. Choosing an inpatient or an outpatient cocaine rehab program should be based on consultation with professionals. Doctors are specialized at managing different health conditions and can recommend an inpatient or outpatient treatment clinic based on your addiction state and your needs.

Do not try to quit cocaine cold turkey and on your own because you can put your body through severe shock and discomfort. Here we suggest a list of recommended professionals you can reach out to when facing a cocaine addiction:

Doctor that is specialized in addiction
Licensed addiction counselor
Psychiatrist
Psychologist

What should cocaine rehab programs offer?

Despite differences, there are also similarities and established conditions that a good rehab facility should provide. All inpatient and outpatient rehabs should offer:

Intake and evaluation services

The length of these session is from 1 to 3 hours. During this time the treatment provider will determine your mental and emotional health state along with the severity of your cocaine addiction. This is done to get to know your individual state best, and decide on the treatment process based on your needs.

Progress reports

These reports are a chronological data base of the improvements, setbacks, challenges, and changes you make during your cocaine rehab. It is important to keep a log of your condition as it progresses, in case a need for treatment change or adjustment occurs.

Psychotherapy and behavioral therapy

Every addiction behavior has psychological roots that can be discussed and addressed through support group meetings and individual or group counseling. Psychotherapy enables you to dig deep into the problems or past traumas that may have lead to the development of cocaine addiction in the first place. While behavioral therapy teaches you how to act and think in more positive pattens in order to avoid relapse and manage triggers.

Inpatient and outpatient cocaine rehab questions

Still have doubts about whether you should choose inpatient or outpatient rehab for cocaine addiction? Feel free to post your questions in the comments section below. We try to respond to all legitimate inquiries personally and promptly. In case we do not know the answer, we will gladly refer you to an expert who can help.