Is Addiction To Alcohol A Behavioral Or Chemical Dependency?

 

Alcohol addiction essentially starts out as a behavioral addiction.  If ignored or left untreated, the dependence on alcohol will develop into a chemical addition.

Behavioral Addiction

With behavioral addiction, the use of alcohol develops into a habit and them becomes a way of life.  If the drinker changes his or her habit, it can be reversed at this stage in the addiction.  If he or she cuts back, moderate quantities of alcohol can still be consumed.

For example, you might still be able to go to a bar and partake in its social atmosphere or have a drink with friends in your home.  Nothing is really wrong with that; however, you should be concerned if you start feeling as if you need drink to enjoy a social gathering work.

Warning Signs

Drinking becomes a habit when you find yourself, for example, drinking at lunchtime, having another on the commute from work and then having one or two before going to sleep.  This is when it becomes part of your routine, part of your life and increasingly develops into a way of life.

Chemical Addiction

When the addiction gets to this stage, you will be at a point of no return.  A chemical reaction would have occurred in the brain, causing a chemical imbalance that is similar to flicking a light switch.  You are now dependent on alcohol and you no longer have the ability to quit after one drink.  Your drinking will inevitably spiral out of control at this stage.

Physical Effects of Alcoholism

Included among the physical effects are nausea, shivering, profuse sweating and pounding headaches.  You will be well aware that these effects are linked to the alcohol.  Therefore, you may promise yourself not to touch it for a period of time.  However, you will go straight back to drinking.

Commonalities of Chemical and Behavioral Addiction

Both the behavioral and chemical addictions are slowly killing you.  Additionally, they produce base human traits like dishonesty and deviousness.  You will turn into an extremely difficult individual to live with and be around.  It is important to seek help for alcohol addiction to live a clean, sober and happy life.

Even More Dangers Of Synthetic Marijuana

 

The dangers of marijuana use are debatable, especially now that the substance has been legalized in some states. What is worrying experts is an increasingly popular trend among teenagers and young adults - smoking synthetic marijuana. Some people have never even heard of it yet they might have already smoked it. Medical practitioners have linked the substance to several severe side effects.

What is Synthetic Marijuana?

Basically, synthetic pot is made by combining dozens of chemical compounds with dried shredded plant material to create a substance that's similar to pot. The drug is increasing in popularity all over the world because of three main reasons; its affordable, it provides users with a higher high than real pot, and it's easily accessible. Synthetic marijuana goes by the following street names; Spice, K2 and Green Giant among others. It is important to note that over 100 chemicals are normally used to make synthetic pot.

Dangers of Using Synthetic Marijuana

As you may already know, natural ingredients are always safer than synthetic ingredients in almost every industry. Taking in synthetic compounds into your body either through the mouth or nose is bound to cause some serious problems. For instance, using synthetic marijuana can cause paranoia, kidney failure, hallucinations, seizures, tremor, high blood pressure, vomiting and chest pain among other serious side effects. In different parts of the country, hundreds of people have been hospitalized after using synthetic marijuana. In the state of New York, for instance, 160 people were recently hospitalized in one week due to complications related to synthetic marijuana use. Between March and April, 2015, Alabama authorities report that a whopping 100 people were hospitalized for the same reason. In Virginia, one person is reported to have overdosed on synthetic marijuana.

Treatment

The most common signs that someone is under the influence of synthetic marijuana are; violent behavior and gross confusion. In some cases, the violence may take a sexualized form. Unfortunately, the acute state of confusion does not go away. Doctors only treat the symptoms and hope for the best.

Since childhood, people are always taught never to use drugs, and many never do. However, those who do should be warned to stay away from synthetic marijuana and any other drug that is made by mixing chemical compounds. Hopefully, that might help them live a normal life.

What Is Acamprosate For Alcohol Addiction Treatment?

 

Acamprosate is prescription medication that's believed to be safe and effective in treating alcohol dependency. Most people who take the drug experience significant reduction in alcohol craving as well as other symptoms associated with alcohol withdrawal.

How it Works

Alcoholism occurs when one drinks frequently and heavily to create long-term alterations to the way the brain utilizes neurotransmitters. Vital changes occur in the production two particular transmitters: GABBA and glutamate. In a normal brain, glutamate is often released to enhance more rapid communications between the brain neurons while GABBA is released to slow down the communication between neurons. In other words, GABBA acts as a brake while glutamate as an accelerator. Proper brain functions depend on the brain maintaining the balance between GABBA and glutamate.

Over time, alcohol will alter the balance between these two critical neurotransmitters---the level of glutamate will rise while GABBA's will fall. The result is over excitation of the brain and increased craving for alcohol. In absence of alcohol (during alcohol withdrawal), brain excitability will rise to unsustainable levels, which will trigger symptoms such mental and physical agitation, irritability, anxiety, and muscle tremors. Acamprosate is believed to work by activating GABBA neurotransmitters and inhibiting the release of glutamate, which results into the decrease of the degree of brain excitation.

Making Acamprosate more Effective

Acamprosate medication doesn't work for everyone and the drug is most suited for people recovering from alcohol and who have already stopped drinking. For it to be more effective, doctors recommend continued counseling and seeking motivational counseling and other mutual-help group participation to meet your individual needs. Commitment to various concurrent psycho-social therapies, motivation to maintain sobriety, and willingness to take Acamprosate as regularly as prescribed are other methods that have been proven to increase the effectives of Acamprosate.

Treatment with Acamprosate should begin immediately after withdrawal and should be maintained during relapse. The recommended dose of the Acamprosate is two 333mg tablet to be taken three times on a daily basis. Follow us for more information, reviews, clinical studies and reviews on Acamprosate versus alcohol addiction treatment as well as for more resources on general drug abuse and treatments.

Anxiety And Withdrawal When You Stop Smoking Weed

Chris was a marijuana addict and has been so since his teenage years. He had a wake-up call when he was caught smoking weed in a parking lot by a security guard. His habit of smoking weed has been on and off for years, but it really hiked up when he lost his father in 1997. He then understood the powerful grip of grief. Soon after having his wake-up call, he enrolled himself in a 12-step program.

The experience also acquainted him with withdrawal symptoms from 'harder' drugs. Chris began to develop body aches, insomnia and even lost his appetite. It took him some time to string all these problems together and realize that it was nothing but withdrawal symptoms from quitting smoking weed.

According to an Australia study, weed withdrawal symptoms aren't uncommon and a lot of people can relate to Chris' experience. These withdrawal symptoms are the same as those for quitting tobacco. The individual tends to find it difficult to sleep, becomes restless and ratty. These symptoms can also escalate to the point where problems at work and home arise. According to researchers, those who are heavily addicted to marijuana experience worse withdrawal symptoms when they abstain from consuming the same than light users.

It is a common misconception that marijuana is not addictive. In truth, weed behaves in the same manner as any other drugs of abuse. So in order to quit smoking weed, one has to be able to withstand the horrors of going through the withdrawal symptoms. People usually have trouble sitting still and they tend to get anxious, nervous, tense and even moody from time to time. Another common symptom is that the addict tends to have strong craving for weed in order to get high.

On an average withdrawal symptoms experienced when quitting smoking weed are experienced for up to two weeks. In extreme cases, these symptoms can last for more than two weeks. Even though these symptoms aren't life-threatening, they definitely impair one's functions. According to Chris, signing up for the drug rehabilitation program was a great decision for him and he is happy to be finally clean and drug-free.

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The Effects Of Long-Term Heroin Use

Addiction to Heroin is a serious problem that many people deal with. However, not everyone is aware of what the long-term side effects of Heroin use is. Some of the effects of long-term Heroin use are as followed:

Two of the long-term effects, as well as some of the most common ones, is bad teeth, as well as gum inflammation. However, perhaps the most common side effect of all are collapsed veins. Collapsed veins are a result of injections. Not many people are aware of this, but another effect of long-term Heroin use is loss of memory. If memory loss does occur in a Heroin user, then the chances are they are a chronic user and inject regularly.

Many Heroin addicts lose weight during the course of their drug use, and this is usually because they lose their appetite and don't eat as much as they should be eating.

The longer a person uses Heroin for, the more at risk they are at getting Hepatitis. A person also increases their risk of developing Aids.

The long-term effects of using the drug, as previously discussed, include:

• Bad teeth
• Gum Inflammation
• Collapsed Veins
• Memory Loss
• Loss of Appetite
• Higher Risk of Developing Hepatitis

The long-term side effects of using Heroin are not limited to the effects previously discussed. There are other ones that a person may experience over a period of time. If someone is dealing with Heroin addiction, then they should speak with their doctor as soon as possible and they should seek out treatment.

There are various treatment options available, but the chances are that you will need to enter rehab in order to receive any of the available treatment options. Some treatment options includes being treated with drugs, as well as speaking with a professional and receiving support from other recovering drug addicts. The treatment that will be provided to you depends on a few factors, such as how long you have been addicted to the drug for.

Speak with your doctor today or check yourself into a rehab center that can help you quit using Heroin.

What Are The Penalties Of Driving With Ability Impaired (DWAI) In Colorado?

 

A motorist can be convicted of Driving With Ability Impaired if he or she operates a vehicle despite using drugs and/or alcohol. Colorado DWAI penalties range from fines and community service to lengthy jail sentences. These punishments vary depending on the severity of the crime and any prior convictions. This determination is partially based on the offender's behavior and the results of a blood test.

Prison Sentences

If a Colorado driver is found guilty of DWAI, the person will probably spend at least 48 hours in jail. The maximum term of imprisonment is six months. If an individual's blood-alcohol content reaches or exceeds 0.2, prison time is required. After leaving jail, the offender may face a period of probation.

Significant Fines

When people are convicted of this crime in the Centennial State, they typically have to pay substantial fines. These penalties start at $100, and the top fine is $500. The state justice system also expects offenders to pay multiple fees and send money to various funds that are associated with dangerous driving.

Other Penalties

Courts often require convicts to undergo drug tests, attend victim impact panels and perform community service for as many as 48 hours. These tasks can add to the monetary cost of a conviction, especially if the time commitments reduce a person's income. Additionally, the justice system frequently suspends the driver's licenses of DWAI offenders. The suspension usually remains in effect for 12 months.

Repeat Offenses

Motorists usually incur stronger penalties when they have committed the same or similar crimes in the past. Related violations include driving under the influence and vehicular assault or homicide. To prevent repeat offenses, courts tend to penalize convicts with a history of intoxicated driving by demanding larger fines, longer prison sentences and more hours of community service.

Colorado DWAI penalties strongly discourage impaired driving. In addition to inflicting significant monetary losses, they often prevent convicts from working and traveling by car. Higher blood-alcohol levels and prior offenses result in harsher punishments. At the same time, it is vital for motorists to remember that the most severe penalties come from road accidents that are caused by intoxication.

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Is Alcohol Really More Dangerous Than Heroin?

Many people mistakenly believe that heroin is more dangerous to society than alcohol. But, according to experts, nothing could be farther from the truth. Is alcohol really more dangerous than heroin?

Alcohol is readily available in every neighborhood. It can be purchased in bars, clubs, restaurants, fueling stations, convenience stores and retail establishments. A source for purchasing alcohol is usually not more than a short drive or walk for most people. Because of its availability, many people who drink don't have to wait long to get more.

Many people mistakenly assume that because it is legal to purchase alcohol for adults 21 and older in the U.S., it is automatically safer than other types of drugs. But, people can easily abuse alcohol in a variety of situations. Some may use it to self medicate. Others may use it to dull negative thoughts and emotions. Some people may use it for extreme pain. All these situations make using alcohol dangerous to the user and to those around the user. People can experience mood swings and unpredictable behaviors when they use alcohol.

Heroin use is dangerous. But, since is more expensive than alcohol, heroin is not as widely used. Also, many people who are afraid of needles will look for another way to handle their negative thoughts and feelings or handle stress.

It is rare for a person using heroin to get behind the wheel of a car. People who drink often attempt to drive. Even if a person only consumes a few drinks and thinks he or she can drive, this is usually not the case. Alcohol is often portrayed in a positive light through various forms of media. Therefore, people tend to ignore or overlook the dangers of drinking too much.

If you think heroin addiction is more serious than alcohol addiction, think again. Drinking and driving or operating machinery jeopardizes the safety and lives of many others. It's harder to teach teens and young adults about the dangers of drinking too much when it is so readily available and accepted in society and positively portrayed in media.

Some Thoughts On Panic Attacks Explained

When they occur, panic attacks can be and most often are, one of the worst personal experiences anyone can be subjected to having to deal with. The bad news is they can and do happen at anytime, and seemingly on their own schedule. They can and do happen not only when one is alone, but also when one is in a public area surrounded by others going about their daily business seemingly without a care. And they sometimes just seem to appear out of nowhere, without any particular circumstance bringing them on. So let's take a little closer look at these panic attacks and some suggestions what to do when they occur.

Very often, the panic attacks that occur will bring along with them pain in the chest and shortness of breath. The initial thought one has is that they might be suffering either a nervous breakdown or a heart attack. They may get themselves to a doctor who will convey the good news that neither of those two horrible things are happening, but also convey the negative news that they are indeed dealing with panic attacks. The initial good feeling one enjoys that they are going to live another day is soon overtaken by the depression of why is this happening to me? The truth is that there are any number of reasons why this might be happening, and quite frankly, the reasons can be and are unique to the individual. It might be some long past event that has been buried forever, popping up to spread it's long buried past. And very often, the one dealing with the panic attacks will need the help and assistance of a trained professional to discover the true cause, and to administer the proper treatment and direction moving forward.

The important thing to know and understand when this issue arises is that there is help and assistance available to deal with it and move ahead in life. It may ultimately take the professional counseling of a therapist specializing in these areas, and the proper medications needed to assist that recovery. It may take some time, but there is a light at the end of the tunnel! Please follow us for more information and assistance in dealing with this issue.

What Is Post Acute Withdrawal Syndrome For Alcohol Abuse?

The withdrawal period from alcoholism can be divided into two parts. One is the acute stage which happens immediately after a person stops consuming alcohol. It is a period which typically stretches over a few weeks. It is at this time when the physical symptoms of withdrawal are at their peak. The other is called the post-acute stage wherein the body is beginning to adapt to being clean but the mind is still fighting the loss of the habit. The manifestations of this stage are collectively referred to as Post Acute Withdrawal Syndrome or PAWS. 

PAWS Symptoms Come and Go

Going through the acute stage tends to create experiences that vary greatly among recovering patients. The opposite is true of the post-acute stage where there seems to be a remarkable consistency across the board. Most people suffering from PAWS complain of mood swings, irritability, trouble sleeping, anxiety, lethargy, indifference, inconsistent focus, and energy fluctuations. These symptoms aren't always there. They come and they go so the mood fluctuates like the graph of a sinusoid.

Withdrawal Episodes Last for Days

The good days are apt to grow longer in length as time goes on. It becomes easier to live life normally for long stretches and not be concerned about withdrawal. Meanwhile, the bad days usually last for a few days. They can strike without warning so people have to keep their guard up and have a plan for dealing with these difficult episodes to minimize their impact. Cultivate the strength of will to hang on until the cloud passes as it surely will.

Complete Recovery May Take Years

Be aware that Post Acute Withdrawal Syndrome could last for two years. It is possible for it to be shorter or longer but this is the average for most people. This fact should not discourage those who are aiming to break free from alcoholism. Rather, it should serve as challenge that provides added motivation to take things seriously. Remember that many have already won their battle with the bottle and are happier because of it. Exercise patience and perseverance to join their ranks.

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Can Marijuana Be Used To Treat Opiate Addiction?

 

Opiate addiction can be devastating. Those who have been touched by it know the pain it can cause, and how difficult it can be to treat. That is why Cape Cod clinical psychologist Shelley Stormo is considering alternative treatment methods. In particular, Stormo has broached the possibility of utilizing medical marijuana to help treat and prevent opiate addiction.

Stormo proposes using marijuana as a sort of "reverse gateway" drug. After all, it is not a substance that can cause physical addiction, and marijuana has never been the lone drug cited in an overdose situation. It grows out of the earth, and has long been used by indigenous peoples for its medicinal qualities. Some professionals believe that if an opiate user is given marijuana instead of opiates, the high provided by the marijuana will help alleviate the urge for opiates. Stormo asserts that marijuana can actually be used to prevent addiction from forming in the first place. If something as relatively benign as marijuana is taken up before opiates or other harder drugs, then she hopes the user will not progress on to those harder drugs at all.

While marijuana is definitely not crack cocaine, it's not bubblegum either. It may not be present in physical addiction situations, but it certainly can cause emotional addiction. No one knows this better that Dr. Kevin Hill, a psychiatrist at McLean Hospital who specializes in people who are hooked on marijuana. His research indicates that almost 10% of adults and over 15% of adolescents who use marijuana grow addicted. Dr. Hill does not see the drug as a viable alternative to opiates, because there is such a risk for an entirely new addiction.

The overall feeling of the medical community is that there is currently inadequate research to support Stormo's proposal. Much work would need to be done in order to make marijuana an opiate addiction treatment option.

Opiate addiction may have wreaked havoc, but it does not have to continue. Reach out, and use the resources that are available to you. You can start by simply following us, and we can provide you with more information on drug abuse and treatment.

Why Opioids And Morphine Derivatives Are Addicting - Treatments You Can Try

When you go to the doctor in order to get treatment for a chronic condition in which you are feeling pain every single day, it is possible that they may prescribe opiates that you can take on a regular basis in order to moderate your pain. Drugs like fentany, methadone and morphine are well-known for their very potent capabilities of lowering levels of pain felt by people with these conditions. They are also given to individuals that have had hysterectomies, back surgery, or other operations in which the recovery time can be long, and the pain experienced can be great. When your doctor gives these to you, they fully understand how addicting it can be. After you have recovered, if it has been several months, you might need to seek some type of treatment in order to end your addiction.

How To End Your Addiction To Pain Meds

When you are addicted, especially after taking opioids and morphine derivatives, if you tried to stop, you may quickly find out how difficult this actually is to accomplish. Which you will want to do is go to a clinic to help you with your addiction if you cannot get through the withdrawals on your own. What you have to look forward to is going through endless amounts of tremors, sweating, and an unimaginable desire to have more of the opiates until the withdrawals are over.

Finding A Treatment Center

Treatment centers are actually very easy to locate if you ask your doctor, or talk to a friend or family member that has used one in the past. Usually it doesn't take more than a couple of weeks to get over them, unlike more potent drugs like heroin, which is also an opiate derivative, and cocaine. Once you are done, you will start doing much better, and you will be able to experience life as you did before you ever became addicted to these pain killing drugs that can have these adverse effects.

Taking Sleeping Pills - Why They Are Addicting And How To Stop

When you are not able to sleep at night, and you have tried every imaginable natural remedy available today, you will probably turn to your doctor and over to get help in the form of some type of pharmaceutical. They may start with something such as a sleeping aid such as Ambien to help you rest. These are very effective, but sometimes too potent which is why doctors will prescribe benzodiazepines. These drugs include Xanax, Valium, and Ativan to name a few. Here is how you can end your addiction to sleeping pills using strategies that you may not have thought of before.

Why Sleeping Pills Help You Sleep

A sleeping pill is going to help you sleep for a number of different reasons. First of all, it can sedate your central nervous system which can cause you to relax. Many of us go through life and we are extremely stressed, especially if we live with uncertainty. If we are in a situation where we are not sure of our relationship, or our place of employment, this can cause us to be imbalanced. That's why so many people have chosen to use sleeping pills, but there are alternatives that you can try.

Natural Remedies And Treatment Options

For your addiction to sleeping pills, you might want to work with a clinic that can help you with your addiction. You can also try natural remedies such as valerian root or warm milk with honey. You could also try meditation or acupuncture, getting your energy back in balance. All of these solutions have worked for thousands of people, something that can help you and your addiction to benzodiazepines and any type of sleeping pills regardless of what you take or the dosage.

The Poor Effects of Heroin

The damage that is done with the development of heroin is something a lot of addicts have to deal with and it is not a nice place to be in for anyone. It is essential to remember how heroin can have a tremendous negative impact on how the body is able to survive in the long term and how it is able to remain focused as time goes on. There are going to be moments where a person is not able to get the kind of results that they are in search of this is why it is best to focus on learning all of the poor effects that heroin can cause.

Loss of Self Control 

The first thing most people are going to start noticing in terms of poor side effects has to do with their complete loss of self control. When a person is not able to control themselves, it  leads to going down a path that is very hard to come back from and it has all to do with their inability to just stop taking heroin in the first place. It is recommended to make sure that black tar does not become a major issue by going to a rehab facility as soon as possible.

Impatience

This is a poor side effect that is often associated with the use of heroin and it has more to do with the individual's personality as a whole. Smack has the ability to reduce a person completely to a point where they are unable to function as they would want to.


Learning about all of the side effects that come along with this issue is key in the modern age and those that do realize this are going to get more out of their rehabilitation than those who do not.

How To Stop Your Addiction To Pot

 

Do you currently smoke marijuana recreationally and you would like to stop? Many people smoke pot after work, on the weekends, usually with friends or close family members. Weed has been used for hundreds if not thousands of years by indigenous people and has many medicinal properties.

However, the overuse of smoking a joint can lead to an addiction that can cause you to lose many of the more positive aspects of your life. If you are caught smoking while on the job, or if your reaction time is impaired while you are driving, this could lead to losing your income and prison time if you are in an accident where other people are injured. If you would like to stop your addiction to pot, here is what you need to do.

Benefits And Drawbacks Of Marijuana

There are many positive and negative aspects of marijuana. Positive aspects include allowing people to stop using pharmaceutical drugs that are almost always prescribed when people are suffering from depression, anxiety, or pain. Although the pharmaceutical industry is promoted heavily by doctors today, marijuana is slowly becoming available to those that can benefit from its pain relieving capabilities, as well as its ability to calm your central nervous system. The drawbacks of this drug are almost all linked to excessive use. If you are using too much marijuana, here's what you need to do to fix the problem.

Find A Rehab Center In Your Area

What you want to do is find a rehab center in your area that will absolutely help you kick the habit. They will gradually wean you off of using marijuana, and after a period of several weeks, it will be out of your system and you will not have the craving. Although marijuana is not addicting in the same sense that opiates are, or heroin or cocaine, if you would like to end your desire to have marijuana every single day, these clinics can help you achieve that.