prescription medication abuse

During any given television show viewers can be lulled by the many pharmaceutical ads.  The ads circumvent the family doctor and put the client in control with the “Ask your doctor” phrase.  Lately doctors have been answering with Oxycontin, Xanax, Adderal and other addictive “solutions”.

By the end of a news show a viewer may become more interested in the fact that they possibly are beset with one or maladies that require prescription medication than the fact that our country is at war.

This article from join together brings some of the best news that we have heard on the prescription drug abuse front.

Let’s hope that this situation can get under control and families can again become interested in what is going on in the world around them, including the fact that there is a prescription drug epidemic and very little is being done about it.

“Amid a growing epidemic of prescription drug abuse, some lawmakers are looking to stem the flood of television ads for prescription medications, the New York Times reported July 27.

The pharmaceutical industry spends billions of dollars annually advertising their products directly to consumers, but Rep. Jerrold Nadler’s (D-N.Y.) Say No to Drug Ads Act would eliminate the tax deductions for such ads. Meanwhile, Rep. James P. Roan (D-Va.) is seeking a ban on sexual aids like Viagra, citing decency standards for prime-time TV, and Rep. Henry Waxman (D-Calif.) wants to give the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) power to ban ads for new drugs for a period of time until the marketplace demonstrates that they are safe and effective.”

Source

Prescription Drug Abuse Claims Brittany Murphy?

While Brittany Murphy’s death has been ruled from “natural causes”, the fact remains that ten prescription bottles with highly addictive drugs have been found on her nightstand.

Many celebrities have succumbed to prescription drug abuse, whether they died of an accidental overdose or used prescription drugs combined with alcohol, or street drugs such as cocaine and heroin, the fact remains that prescription drug abuse is rampant. According to National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), in 2008, 15.2 million Americans age 12 and older had taken a prescription medicine for non-medical purposes at least once in the year prior to being surveyed.

Is it little wonder that Michael Jackson, Dana Plato, Keith Moon, Anna Nicole Smith, Elvis Presley, Heath Ledger, DJ AM, Margaux Hemingway, Howard Hughes, and Marilyn Monroe, to name a few, have died because of prescription drug abuse?

If Brittany Murphy’s toxicology results are positive for drug abuse, she will be the latest in a long line of celebrities that could not break the habit of abusing pills. Several, including Burt Reynolds and Robbie Williams, have admitted to beating prescription drug abuse, but how many more are still battling this addiction in secret, often going from doctor to doctor to get their “fix”?

While many celebrities battle with stress and popularity, turning to street drugs as well as prescription drugs, millions of less famous are also battling their own problem with prescription drug abuse. In fact, prescription drugs are more commonly abused than cocaine, methamphetamine, or heroin. According to the Office of National Drug Control Policy, marijuana is the only other drug that is more widely abused.

Prescription Drug Abuse

What can we do about this?

“Be aware that prescription drugs, while helpful when used correctly, can also be quite addictive,” comments Mary Rieser, Executive Director of The Atlanta Recovery Center. “Teach children that prescription drugs are dangerous and not to take them unless prescribed by a doctor. Be aware of the signs of drug abuse and get help if someone you know is addicted.

“Be safe in the New Year and get help if needed. No one needs to die from prescription drug overdoses if we look out for one another.”

Studies have shown that when dealing with drug addiction, effective addiction treatment is much less expensive and much more effective in preventing relapse  than jail time with no treatment.

Drug Addiction Rehab Alternative to jail

In states that have some of the highest incarceration rates in the country, such as Georgia, this is encouraging news. A recent survey of local politicians, The Atlanta Recovery Center Drug Rehab showed that local politicians preferred that drug addicts convicted of non-violent crimes get drug rehab time instead of jail time.

“This is very encouraging,” stated Mr. Gordon Weinand, Public Relations for The Atlanta Recovery Center Drug Rehab in Georgia. “Georgia is traditionally known as the state that incarcerates more than any other state; we have more jails per capita than 48 other states. Yet we are near the bottom of the list for drug rehabs per capita.”

Public awareness on drug rehabs as well as studies showing that drug rehab is not only more effective in treatment of non-violent offenders than jail time, but is also more cost effective could be a part of the shift in opinion.

“It costs the state almost 3 times as much to incarcerate someone for a drug offence than it does to put them through an effective drug rehab program,” states Mr. Weinand. “It just makes good sense, politically, economically, and socially to put them through a good rehab where they can get clean, feel good about themselves, and learn where they went wrong than it is to spend millions of tax dollars to punish them in jail where the recidivism rate is sky high. I went through  original Narconon Program 40 years ago while I was in jail, and have been clean ever since. The Atlanta Recovery Center Program, which uses the Narconon protocol, turns people who are an extreme liability to society, costing the economy billions per year, into productive, responsible citizens. Jail sure doesn’t do that.

“Many judges are now sending offenders to The Atlanta Recovery Center Drug Rehab as an alternative to jail time, with excellent results.”

Studies show that even rehabs or treatment centers that offer sports tournaments for drug addicts can lower crime rates and raise self-esteem.

“Nobody wants to be a drug addict, no matter what they say,” states Mr. Weinand. “Get them help before they wind up with jail time.”

For information on drug rehab versus incarceration, call 1-877-236-3981 today.  

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Xanax Addiction

Benzos, or benzodiazepines, are a class of psychoactive drugs with varying hypnotic, sedative, anti-anxiety, anticonvulsant, muscle relaxant and amnesic properties. Sold as Xanax (alprazolam), Librium (chlordiazepoxide), Valium (diazepam), and Ativan (lorazepam), these slow down the central nervous system.

Useful in treating anxiety, insomnia, seizures, and muscle spasms, they seem helpful enough.

There is a catch: The long-term use of benzodiazapines can cause physical dependence. In other words, drug addiction.

“We have dealt with many people who started using Xanax or Valium to help with insomnia or anxiety,” states Mary Rieser, Executive Director for The Atlanta Recovery Center Drug Rehab in Georgia. “Unfortunately, once they become drug addicted to these prescription drugs, they often need a medically supervised withdrawal from them.”

Valium Addiction

Thats right. Benzo withdrawal can cause death.

“Any withdrawal from any drug is extremely uncomfortable. Our withdrawal specialists work with our students in withdrawing from drugs comfortably,” continues Ms. Rieser. “However, benzo and extreme alcohol addiction need close medical supervision.”

The problems with benzodiazepines are many. And ways to get drug addicted are just as many.

“Recreational stimulant users often use benzodiazepines as a means of ‘coming down’. They then become physically addicted to them. Many teens find Valiums or Xanax in the family medicine cabinet, and take them to get high. Again, drug addiction occurs. The prevalence of internet pharmacies who sell Xanax with no prescription only worsens the problem,” explains Ms. Rieser.

The use of benzodiazepines should therefore commence only after medical consultation and benzodiazepines should be prescribed the smallest dosage possible to provide an acceptable level of symptom relief. Dependence varies with the benzodiazepine used and with the user.

Benzodiazepines are among the most commonly prescribed depressant medications in the United States today. More than 15 different types of benzodiazepine medications exist to treat a wide array of both psychological and physical maladies based on dosage and implications.

Due to their sedative properties, benzodiazepines have a high potential for abuse, especially when used with other depressants such as alcohol or opiates. Benzodiazepines are classified as Schedule IV in the Controlled Substances Act.

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“Be aware of the potential for dependence on benzos. Lock the medicine cabinets. Flush old prescriptions. Don’t let you or any family member become another drug addiction statistic,” warns Ms. Rieser.

“The Atlanta Recovery Center Drug Rehab in Georgia is a non-traditional drug rehab facility. We specialize in drug education, and drug rehab. With a gentle withdraw protocol, and after completing the Sauna Detox program, the cravings for prescription drugs are reduced, if not completely eliminated, according to our students. If you suspect that someone you know is abusing a prescription drug, call us. We can help.”

While many parents are learning about the dangers of prescription drug abuse, one over-the-counter medication, used for treating coughs, is rapidly becoming a favorite in middle school and high school for getting high.

Ever find any empty bottles of cough syrup in your teen’s room?

DXM Addiction

What about empty blister packs of Coricidin® or Triaminic®?

The Atlanta Recovery Center Drug Rehab in Georgia warns that this is a clear indication that your teen is “robotripping‘.

What in the world is ‘robotripping“?

“Robotripping” is drinking a bottle of cough syrup at once or popping hands full of cough suppressant pills. Why on earth would they do that? Because they get high.

Cough medicine- to get high? Yes. High. Some temporarily lose their ability to walk. Some have written stories on the Internet: “I felt my soul being ripped from my body,” and, “Are you a vampire? No, I just met God.”

More than 125 commercial cough remedies in the United States contain the synthetic drug dextromethorphan (DXM). This drug is similar to morphine, and when used as directed, can effectively help one with a cold. But abused, as 1 in 10 teens admit to doing, is a central nervous system depressant.

Mary Rieser, Director of The Atlanta Recovery Center Drug Rehab in Georgia, states, “DXM can be very dangerous if abused, especially if mixed with other drugs. It is used by many teens in the danceclub or ‘rave’ scene. If taken frequently, it is addictive, and many of our callers stated that once addicted, they had a hard time walking by the medicine counters in grocery stores, the cravings for it are so great.’

Poison control experts point to a four-fold increase in abuse cases since 2000, known as “robo-dosing” or “robo-tripping” or taking , sometimes called “skittles” (because of an appearance similar to the popular fruit candy).

The DEA is monitoring abuse of DXM, and the drug could be added to the Controlled Substances Act if warranted. as thousands of emergency room doctors have reported overdoses on DXM.

“Drug addiction can occur with many prescription and over the counter medications,” continues Ms. Rieser. “Keep track of medications, stored in the medicine cabinet, and monitor your child’s behavior. DXM drug addiction can occur at any age, regardless of background or education level. Talk to your children about drug abuse, not just illegal street drugs, but also prescription drugs and over the counter drugs. Monitor your child’s internet use, as many sites even tell you how much DXM to take according to your weight. Don’t let someone get drug addicted.”

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Prescription drug abuse- Oxycontin

Oxycontin is an opioid analgesic, or narcotic. It comes in doses of 10, 20, 40, 60, and 80mg. The manufacturer is no longer shipping the 160mg doses because too many people have overdosed on them and died.

Oxycontin is a 12 hour time release medication. Normally pain medication is taken every three to four hours. Oxycontin abusers dissolve the time release coating. That means when they take it, they get a huge euphoric rush, much like the rush a person would get if they took heroin. Because it basically is synthetic heroin.

The Atlanta Recovery Center Drug Rehab in Georgia, as a public service, is warning parents about the dangers of prescription medications that can be abused by teenagers.

OxyContin Addiction; Many Are Unaware of Addictive Properties

“Many people are not aware of the dangers of prescription drugs,” states Mary Rieser, Executive Director in The Atlanta Recovery Center Drug Rehab in Georgia. “While most medications are prescribed to handle a specific ailment, these same medications can be abused by teens. Oxicontin is a highly addictive pain reliever that is being abused by thousands.

Oxycontin addiction is very expensive.

An average 80mg tablet cost $50. One recovered addict says that you might need 4-6 of those a day. If the dealer knows that the person is dope sick, often they will charge the person more, because when the addict is sick, they will do whatever it takes to get the drug. He also says, ‘When you do it, either sniffing or shooting or just taking the pills, it feels just like heroin, if not even more intense.’

“We have had people come into The Atlanta Recovery Center Drug Rehab with heroin addictions that developed this addiction from an Oxycontin. Heroin is less expensive. However people get hooked on Oxycontin, legally prescribed by a doctor or illegally gotten off the streets, people will often run out of funds to purchase the expensive drug. When this happens, they may turn to heroin, simply because it is less expensive. The addict has a terrible withdraw from the Oxycontin, and most of the time, will do whatever it takes to avoid withdraw symptoms.

“Another way of obtaining illegal prescription drugs is through the internet. Recent investigations show that 85% of online pharmacies don’t require a prescription in order to fill an order.

“The Atlanta Recovery Center Drug Rehab in Georgia is a non-traditional drug rehab facility. Once going through our Sauna Detox program, the cravings for Oxycontin are reduced, if not completely eliminated, according to our students. If you suspect that someone you know is abusing Oxycontin or any other prescription drug, call us. We can help.”

For more information on drug addiction rehabilitation or drug education, call The Atlanta Recovery Center of Georgia at 1-877-236-3981.

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Heroin Addiction

Heroin addiction, as many people realize, is difficult to kick. Faced with sever withdrawals, the addict often finds it easier to simply keep using heroin, despite the risks of overdosing, contracting HIV or hepatitis, or  being caught by police.

After becoming addicted, the person is reduced to using just to feel normal, not so much to get high.

Unfortunately, many people who have unwittingly become drug-addicted to prescription painkillers, such as OxyContin or Percocet, soon find themselves getting heroin. The reason? Heroin is much, much cheaper.

Aaron, an former heroin addict who graduated from the The Atlanta Recovery Center Drug Rehab Georgia three years ago, talks about the long road to recovery.

Life of a Heroin Addict

Interviewed by Mary Rieser, Executive Director, Aaron tells his story:

“I was born in 1978 in Columbus, Ohio to a single mom who did everything she could to give me a good upbringing. She worked a lot of hours but spent good quality time with me. She taught me right from wrong and was a good friend. I wanted to be a rock star when I grew up and got very accomplished at the guitar. I practiced all the time.

“When I was 15 a friend introduced me to pot. That was the beginning of a long drug abuse trend for me. Soon I was doing LSD and other hard drugs. I still managed to keep a job throughout this time. When I was 22 I started doing heroin and that was when my life really went down. I quit working and pawned everything I could to kick the habit. I isolated myself from my family and friends. The only thing I liked was my guitar.

“I did heroin for 5 years. I overdosed twice and almost died both times, but that did not stop me. It took becoming completely homeless, penniless and friendless for me to ask for help. That is how I came to arrive at The Atlanta Recovery Center Drug Rehab of Georgia.

“My uncle had a friend who had gone through the The Atlanta Recovery Center program and she was doing very well. My mother thought that I would like the approach and sold me on the program and the set up. I was afraid to come to rehab, but sold on the point that I would get to participate in outside activities. I still decided I would only come for a month, but I did not tell anyone about this decision. However, when I saw how the program was working for me, I decided to graduate and I am very glad I did.

“If you are truly ready to get clean, this is a great place to be. We will help you not only with the drugs, but other things that are necessary for a happy and successful life.

“Anyone who comes here will work with me when they do the The Atlanta Recovery Center New Life Detoxification program. That is where I work now and I love seeing the results. In a few short weeks I get to see slight changes-changes for the better- that are starting to occur in our students. I see them go from thinking about drugs all the time, to reducing or eliminating all the cravings. They start to enjoy other things, once they stop thinking about the drugs. They are happy and look great when they finish the program. I am lucky to be able to help others in this way.

“The results of The Atlanta Recovery Center tell the story. The Atlanta Recovery Center is the place to go because it works.”

For more information on drug addiction rehabilitation or drug education, call The Atlanta Recovery Center of Georgia at 1-877-236-3981.

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Prevent Drug Abuse

Drug abuse and drug addiction are one of many things that parents have to worry about when raising their children.

“Parents are often worried about their child’s grades, who their friends are, and making sure they grow up right,” comments Mary Rieser, Executive Director of Narconon Drug Rehab in Georgia. “While helping children with their school work can help with grades, and telling them about the birds and bees gives them information they will need growing up, many are at a loss on how to prevent drug abuse. But recent studies have shown that by simply setting and keeping enforced clear rules can cut the risks almost 500%.”

Youths whose parents set clear rules for them are less likely to report using illicit drugs, according to data from the 2008-09 PRIDE Survey. Middle and high school students whose parents set clear rules for them “a lot” or “often” were less likely to report using illicit drugs in the past year (12% and 21%, respectively) than students whose parents never set clear rules (49%). Similar results were found for having parents who punish them for breaking these rules. Previous studies have found that youths living in households where parents kept track of their whereabouts and set curfews were less likely to report heavy drinking (see CESAR FAX, Volume 17, Issue 31).*

Drug Abuse Prevention

“Other actions can be to prevent prescription drug abuse,” comments Ms. Rieser. “Prescription drugs are now being commonly abused by children who think they are safe.”

How to fight drug abuse in your own family?

1. Keep careful track of all prescription medications. Once you are done throw away the rest.
2. Keep prescriptions locked up. Although your children may not abuse them, their friends may come over and take them.
3. Educate your children on drugs and drug abuse.
4. Be aware of the signs of drug abuse in your family.
5. Communicate. Keep in good communication with your children on the type of parties they go to, who their friends are, and what is going on in their life.

“Adolescence can be a difficult time for children. If children don’t have someone they can talk to, someone they can trust, it is all too easy to go down the wrong path.

“Also be aware or the common signs of drug abuse. Knowing these signs can help you avoid future heartache and misery.”

What are some common signs of drug abuse?

Sudden changes in behavior can be a clue that there is drug abuse, especially with adolescents.

• New friends, new flashy clothes
• Keeping late hours can be a  sign
• Other indications include sudden decline in academic performance
• Lack of interest in known hobbies
• Borrowing of money
• Changes of mood, as in moodiness, unexplainable euphoria, sleeping in
• Changes of friends

Take care of your family. Prevent drug abuse.

*Source: CESAR FAX, Center for Substance Abuse Research, University of Maryland

Methadone Addiction

The Atlanta Recovery Center Drug Rehab in Georgia warns that methadone abuse continues despite evidence that methadone misuse can cause death.

Mary Rieser, Executive Director of The Atlanta Recovery Center Drug Rehab in GA states: “Methadone is a synthetic narcotic used to treat opoid addiction.  In 1999, methadone was established as clinical treatment for heroin detoxification by the Department of Health and Human Services.  The problem with methadone is that unless it is closely medically supervised there are many, many side effects including: damage to heart, lungs, liver, kidneys, bones, blood, brain, or other vital body organs.

“Minor side effects include: constipation, water retention, drowsiness, skin rash, excessive sweating, and changes in libido.

“Methadone clinics only have a 20% success rate for treating heroin for 1 year, yet the pharmaceutical companies are currently asking for more funding to promote methadone programs. Unfortunately, methadone clinics do not actually reduce crime levels in the area they serve; in many cases patients sell methadone for other drugs.

Methadone Deaths

“Methadone was originally developed as a narcotic pain reliever; unfortunately, methadone is not only used in clinics, but is sold on the streets to heroin addicts.

“While the manufactures state that there is no euphoric feeling from taking the drug; recovering addicts will tell you that they buy it specifically for that reason.

“The Atlanta Recovery Center Drug Rehab Georgia does not believe that substituting one drug for another will ever successfully help a drug addict’s recovery long-term.”

The Atlanta Recovery Center of Georgia is a non-traditional drug abuse treatment program. This program provides body detoxification through a sauna and exercise program that helps eliminate or reduce cravings. After the sauna program, the client learns those life skills essential to success in life and the ability to stay clean.  They graduate from The Atlanta Recovery Center with a life plan and continued support to make sure they make it in life.

Drug Addiction

What is drug addiction?

How does a person become addicted?

How can someone help a drug addict?

The Atlanta Recovery Center Drug Rehab in Georgia, in an effort to help drug addicts and families of drug addicts, explains the cycle of addiction.

There are many theories about why people get addicted to drugs and alcohol.  One theory proposes that drug addiction is a “chronic relapsing brain disease.”  This theory does not provide much hope as it is difficult to get a new brain and what other solution would be available for a chronic brain disease?

The Atlanta Recovery Center Drug Rehab in Georgia advocates that a theory of addiction that lends itself to a practical treatment mode would be more helpful.  If that treatment mode had the goal of a happy drug free life, it would be ideal.

Amazingly enough there is such a theory and a method for successful treatment based on that theory.  The good news is that you don’t need a new brain. You can develop a clean body, clean mind and a personal sense of ethics that will lead you towards a happy and drug free life.

A Theory on How an Addict Becomes One

1. The person tries to escape some physical or emotional pain by taking drugs.

2. Finding the drugs offer temporary relief the person continues to use them.

3. Cells in the body become accustomed to large amounts of drug metabolites (a broken down form of the drug).

4. When one tries to quit, cells in the body that have become accustomed to such large amounts of metabolites are now forced to deal with much decreased amounts.

5. The body perceives that it needs the drug to function and demands the drug through physical cravings.

6. With continued use of the drug, the body’s inability to completely eliminate all traces     of the drug metabolites diminishes.  The metabolites that remain are stored in the fatty tissue and these, released, cause cravings.

7. With continued use of the drug, the body’s inability to completely eliminate all traces of the drug metabolites diminishes.  The metabolites that remain are stored in the fatty tissues and these, released, cause cravings.

8. Cravings become so sever that the addict will do anything (in most cases abandoning all previous moral teachings) to get more of the drug.

9. The drug addict commits misdeed against family, friends and self to satisfy these unrelenting cravings.

10. Because of these misdeeds, the addicts cannot face themselves and dive deeper into drugs.

11. They are now entrapped in full blown addiction, with two aspects of the condition:  The biophysical condition and the biochemical personality.

The good thing about this theory is that there is hope for the drug addict.

By addressing each point above, an addict can get clean, happy and productive.

The biophysical condition is handled by the New Life Detoxification Program which utilizes a combination of exercise, induced sweating in a sauna, and nutritional supplements to produce the following results:

• Reduction or elimination of drug and alcohol cravings.
• Reduction or elimination of many symptoms associated with drug addiction and alcoholism.
• Ability to think more clearly.
• Increased Mental Ability (IQ)
• Improved memory and attention span.
• Increased energy.
• Increased sense of well-being.
• Enthusiasm toward Life.

The biochemical personality is handled by Life Improvement Courses:

The Learning Improvement Section

Drug abuse studies show a distinct correlation between poor school performance and drug use. This section gives the client the ability to study and retain knowledge by recognizing and overcoming the barriers to study and learning. Learning is a vital tool to be used throughout the remainder of life.

The Communication & Perception Section

A form of cognitive therapy that is applied through specific exercises and drills. The end result is an individual who no longer automatically reacts to situations. Instead, he now thinks out rationally and logically what to do to enhance his own survival. This section is the advanced part of the original communications section started earlier in the program. The client helps another do the exercises. By taking responsibility for helping another, the client increases his own responsibility levels and gains the ability to handle life.

The Ups & Downs in Life Section

Teaches the necessary knowledge to achieve greater personal stability and happiness in life. The client learns to find real friends, relations, and associates that will help him throughout his life. Plus he learns to identify those that will bring him down or are only interested in him for something from which they can prosper. It is an observable fact the drug addict usually has a circle of friends that are actually a liability to him, here he will learn to make good solid relationships.

The Personal Values & Integrity Section

We have all heard the old adage ” Confession is good for the soul” the 12 step programs uses it as step four “personal moral inventory”. Narconon finds it vital for an individual to rid himself of the shame, guilt, baggage, chips on the shoulders, etc. The only way our clients do that completely is through taking responsibility. This section works by raising the client’s responsibility level and then gives him the knowledge necessary to determine one’s own values and achieve high personal integrity and honesty.

The Changing Conditions in Life Section

After one learns to assume responsibility for their life and their behaviors in the above section it will be necessary to repair certain areas of destruction that came about due to their drug use. This section teaches the exact steps that improve current conditions in life and repair previous bad conditions. Some of that repair may need to be done after discharge and that is why this section will often blend with the next.

The Way To Happiness Section

Teaches the client a secular moral code as a guide to living a happy life, a good common sense guide to build a firm foundation for living, bringing up the clients own morals and values with it.

The Narconon Program used at the Atlanta Recovery Center is the only program I know of that addresses each point above.  If you know someone who is having difficulty with drugs, get them some real help and call us.

For more information on drug addiction rehabilitation or drug education, call The Atlanta Recovery Center Drug Rehab of Georgia at 1-877-236-3981.