Category: Drug Addiction

Hardest Addictions to Break

What Are the Hardest Addictions to Break?

There are many different drugs that can elicit different sensations, including prescription and illegal drugs. Most drugs can give users a false sense of security. They can cause calming, relaxed moods or high energy, and even feelings of euphoria. These substances can make users feel empowered, which can lead to abuse or addiction. Are there substances more likely to be misused or addicted? This article will discuss the most addictive drugs and hardest to quit.

It is important to seek professional help if you or someone you care about are struggling with addiction, misuse, or overuse of any substance, including alcohol and prescribed medications. There are many options when looking for a luxury rehab center which offers dual-diagnosis to assist clients with the traumatic events that may be contributing to their addiction.

Alcohol

Alcohol is the most difficult addiction to overcome. It is estimated that close to one hundred million Americans have dealt with alcohol-related disorders. Although alcohol may not be viewed as dangerous, many people are unaware of its dangers. However, the severity of addiction in the US and the withdrawal symptoms make it clear that alcohol addiction is the most difficult to overcome. 

Chemical reactions in the brain are caused by ethanol. Chronic alcohol abuse can cause brain dysfunction. To feel normal, it will require the substance. The brain sends messages that are affected by neurotransmitters. They tell the body what it should do. The brain will be calmed down by inhibiting neurotransmitters. It helps people feel calm and balanced. Alcohol can affect certain neurotransmitters, which creates addiction. These include GABA and dopamine. 

People can also become dependent on alcohol for other reasons. One possibility is that alcoholism runs in the family. This makes it more likely for someone to become addicted. Societal pressure could also play a role. Alcoholism is a common problem because of stress, peer pressure, mental health issues, and easy accessibility.

addiction

Heroin

Heroin is not only addictive but also one of the most dangerous drugs. Heroin can be fatal if taken five times per day. It also has devastating psychological and physical side effects.

Heroin is an opioid that blocks pain and produces euphoria. The drug binds with opioid receptor cells. The body transforms heroin into morphine, which gives people a high level of pleasure and relaxation. This is why heroin addicts continue to abuse it. The brain adjusts when a person has been using heroin for a long time. Tolerance is when the brain becomes more comfortable with higher doses of opioids.

Once someone gains a high tolerance, the user will need to take more heroin to get high. A person suffering from dependency will get a feeling of nausea, restlessness, or shakiness when they have not consumed the substance they are addicted to. A person might also feel cold sweats, tremors, diarrhea, anxiety, agitation, pain, and more.

This happens because the brain is trying to find balance and restore normal levels of opioids. Soon, addiction can develop from dependence. The addict will use heroin uncontrollably, regardless of the pain and suffering. If there isn’t any heroin, severe cravings can occur. 

Addiction

Cocaine

Although it is not as common as it used to be in the 1980s and 1990s, millions of Americans still suffer from cocaine addiction. People who use cocaine recreationally or at work can quickly become dependent on its positive effects. 

Our brain cells will recycle hormones like serotonin or dopamine in their cycle. These neurotransmitters are responsible for how we feel pleasure, desire, and motivations. The signals are sent out by brain cells and then taken up by the receptors of that cell. This normal brain process is stopped by cocaine. Cocaine can also alter serotonin levels, which are what balance our moods.

Cocaine blocks dopamine absorption, causing it to stick around in your brain which causes a high level of euphoria. The brain can’t make its own dopamine if the cocaine wears off quickly and the dopamine has been absorbed. This can lead to depression, exhaustion, and mood swings. The likelihood of the user using cocaine is greater if they have more access to it. This is called reinforcement.

It has been shown that cocaine addiction can alter the genetics of an individual, which can lead to physical dependence. The effects of cocaine on the brain start to occur in a matter of seconds, but the high lasts only a short time. Cocaine travels quickly from the injector to the brain when it is smoked or injected which causes a rapid dependence. The effects will be stronger, but shorter-lasting. Although it is also short-lived, the effects of snorting cocaine last a little longer.

addiction

Cigarettes

Cigarette smoking is a very difficult addiction to break. Millions of Americans still struggle with nicotine addiction, despite numerous public awareness campaigns and antismoking laws. All signs of addiction to cigarettes include a strong craving for nicotine and irritability if you go too long without smoking.

Nicotine in cigarettes can be addictive just like heroin. The nicotine in cigarettes can alter the brain by creating more nicotine receptors that allow for those extra doses. Withdrawal symptoms occur when the brain stops receiving nicotine. These symptoms can include anxiety, irritability, and strong cravings.

Nicotine’s rapid brain absorption is what causes the physical addiction. Nicotine temporarily elevates a person’s mood and heart beat. The body will crave another cigarette since the relaxation and elevated mood do not last for long. Nicotine withdrawal symptoms can quickly set in. To get their addiction fix, many people will take 20 doses of nicotine daily.

addiction

Prescription Painkillers

It is clear that Americans are becoming more dependent on prescription drugs, mainly due to the fact that taking prescription drugs is more accepted in society versus many other drugs. However, these painkillers are still used by many to get a high. Vicodin and OxyContin, for example, create a sense of well-being during use and withdrawal symptoms which are key signs of substance abuse. 

It is thought that the rise in opioid prescriptions has played a significant role in addiction. Prescription pain relief drugs became the gateway drug for heroin, resulting in a 45% rise in heroin-related deaths. Vicodin, Percocet and Codeine all have the same effects as heroin. If a prescription is stopped, a person may seek out heroin on the streets because it is more affordable and easier to find.

The effects of prescription opioid painkillers can be intense and vary depending on how they are used. People may also inject prescription painkillers or snort them. The GABA chemical is released when the opioid receptor is attached. This controls the release of dopamine. Dopamine flooding to the brain causes the high, similar to heroin. Prescription painkillers have been a huge factor in the opioid epidemic.

addiction

Methadone

Ironically, many addiction treatment programs make use of methadone to treat withdrawal symptoms from hard drugs. This may appear to resolve the problem in the short-term but it may only lead to a new type of addiction. It can take up to six weeks to withdraw from methadone. It is not recommended to try withdrawing from methadone or other hard drugs by yourself. 

Methadone can lead to physical dependence, even though it isn’t as addictive as other opioid-based drugs. However, methadone has the same effects on brain structure and function as addictive opioids. A person should continue to receive therapy even if they are gradually being taken off methadone. It can be very effective but methadone abuse can also lead to dependence.

Methadone dependence is unlikely to occur if methadone is taken as prescribed. Addiction usually occurs when methadone is taken in higher doses to achieve psychoactive effects. The act of abusing the drug includes swallowing, chewing, or injecting it. People may use the drug to relieve stress and their cravings. They will continue to use it, regardless of its negative effects.

addiction

Amphetamines

Amphetamines can be described as a stimulant drug that includes methamphetamines. They can boost energy, mood, confidence, and even increase your self-esteem when taken. They can also suppress one’s appetite.

Adderall is becoming more popular because of the many ADHD patients. These drugs are more addictive when they’re abused by someone without the disorder. It is one reason why it is so popular in America today.

Synthetic drugs called amphetamines can be used to stimulate the central nervous systems. People will experience increased energy and other body functions will be more efficient because of this. The effects are similar to cocaine but with a more satisfying high.

All types of amphetamines can be addictive, but methamphetamines are the most powerful. They are addictive but not legal. This drug was created from amphetamines that were previously available as nasal decongestants. 

addiction

Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines, which are sedative drugs, are among the most dangerous prescription drugs that you can abuse. This class of drugs can become addictive when used to self-medicate anxiety and sleep. People with panic attacks, anxiety, or clinical stress will often be prescribed benzodiazepines such as Valium and Xanax. There are over 15 types of benzodiazepine medication that can be used for various medical purposes. 

Benzodiazepines cause brain surges of dopamine which leads to a shift in dopamine-producing neurons in the body. Dependence is caused by the pleasure-inducing effects of these drugs. Benzodiazepine can cause cell damage that will reduce dopamine flooding. Even great dopamine spikes can be caused by temporary dopamine surges. According to researchers, benzodiazepines can build up in the body. They alter brain receptor function and structure. This can cause excitable surges that can intensify the dopamine rushes.

addiction

Crystal Meth

Crystal meth, a man-made stimulant drug that affects the central nervous system, has a high addiction rate. It also has a long-lasting negative effect on your brain. It is one of the most dangerous drug addictions.

Methamphetamine and norepinephrine (along with other neurotransmitters), are released when you take meth. The user experiences euphoric feelings, increased energy, feelings of invincibility, and other psychoactive effects.

Research on the long-term and short-term effects of methamphetamine usage has shown that it can have serious neurological side effects. The high can cause a feeling of well-being and energy, but the crash can lead to severe depression and exhaustion. This can lead to a craving for the drug, which can quickly turn into an addiction.

Meth is a party drug that can keep clubbers up until the early hours. People who take methamphetamine don’t realize how it affects their brain chemistry. An addiction to meth can have a lasting, irreversible effect on the mind and body.

Many people use methamphetamine recreationally to enhance their sleep or to lose weight. Crystal meth addiction can lead to a craving for the high. Others may think they cannot live without crystal meth or manage their lives.

Addiction

Process Addictions

Although most addictions are accompanied by withdrawal symptoms, this is not always true. Process addictions, also known as behavior addictions, can lead to all the social and psychological consequences of addiction without any physical signs of dependence.

Psychological dependence on gambling, sex, food, shopping, and gaming are some of the most prevalent process addictions. Dopamine levels can be increased by gambling and shopping, which are the same things that other substances do.

Food addiction can be dangerous and unhealthy. Eating is something that we all need to do. People with a food addiction can eat whatever they want, even when they aren’t hungry. They will also eat a lot. They can cause havoc in their lives and have no way to stop. These impulsive behaviors can lead to mental and physical health problems.

This form of addiction is included in our list of most difficult addictions because of two reasons. This is because people might not be able to stop their behavior despite facing severe consequences. Secondly, this addiction can often go untreated.

Addiction

Conclusion

These drugs are addictive and can be difficult to quit and the threat of addiction in our future is dangerous. With professional treatment, you can overcome all of the addictions mentioned in this article. No matter what addiction you have, drug and alcohol rehabilitation can offer hope for the future. The support and therapy you require will help you understand your addiction better. You can choose between intensive outpatient or inpatient treatment. Professional addiction treatment will give you the best chance for full recovery.

It doesn’t really matter if you have to stop taking one of the most addictive prescription drugs or one of the easiest. Addiction treatment can help you get rid of the harmful effects of alcohol and drugs. Contact a reputable rehab center if you or a loved one is struggling with substance abuse.

Rehab

What You Should Do Before Starting Rehab

Recently, you’ve been on a downward spiral and you’ve started to wonder: Do I have an addiction? You know it’s time for rehab because your addiction has gotten out of hand and is destroying more than just your life. Rehab will give you the chance to heal physically and mentally, as well as detoxify from all those substances that have been slowly killing you. Before entering treatment, there are some important steps that need to be taken in preparation. 

Do Some Research On Addiction Treatment Centers Near You

Once you have located addiction treatment centers in your area, you should research each one. There are even luxury rehab centers that offer more luxurious options for your stay. This will help you decide which addiction rehab center is best for you and what addiction treatment center can provide the addiction help that’s needed.

Rehab

Find Out What You Should Bring to Rehab

It’s important to know what clothing and personal items are necessary when choosing addiction rehabilitation. Knowing what to bring with you during addiction treatment helps make the process easier since those items from home might be difficult to obtain while trying to stay sober at an addiction treatment facility.

Rehab

Set Up a Plan For Career & Personal Obligations

Although you might be reluctant to tell your employer about your rehab stay, good employers want you to be the best, healthiest, and happiest version of yourself, so let them know as soon as possible. The Family and Medical Leave Act gives you up to 12 weeks medical leave. This means that your job is protected while you are in rehabilitation.

Now is the best time to ensure that your personal obligations are taken care of if you’re not home. Consider asking your friends and family to care for your pets or children or looking into temporary care options while you are gone. This will make you feel at ease knowing that the someone you trust is taking care of them during your time away.

Rehab

Ensure All Bills Will Be Taken Care Of While You Are in Rehab

You should sign up for automatic payments if you have bills to pay while you are away. It could also be a good idea to talk to someone you trust to ensure that your bills get paid. This will ensure that you can truly go through the rehabilitation process without having to worry about financial pressures when you return home.

You can also inform the courts, either through your lawyer or your correspondence, that you will be entering a rehabilitation facility if needed. This will let them know you may be out of reach for a substantial period of time.

Rehab

Count Your Blessings

It may seem like you have a million things to do before you enter rehab; however, it’s important that you take the time to appreciate the people and things in your life. Your family and friends will inspire you to make the most of the treatment you will be receiving and reassure you of your decision to get help.

It may be necessary to reach out and tell them how much you care about them, and how grateful they are for you having them. Let them know exactly why you’re entering rehab, and the changes you expect to see in yourself when you return. This will hold you responsible for staying sober when you return.

Rehab

Conclusion

It is a huge step to seek treatment for your mental health and addiction to drugs and alcohol. You are making the decision to live a better life and get better. Preparing for rehab is key to ensuring that you have the best possible experience. You will leave with the knowledge and tools to continue your recovery.

mental health and addiction

Mental Health and Addiction

Mental Health & Addiction – Talking Mental

In my new book, Mental Health & Addiction – Talking Mental! I will share with you the mental health challenges that so many men face. Like women, men too experience stress, depression and anxiety. There are two types of men – one is the happy go lucky type, who thinks nothing of what others think, who believes that everything will be OK as long as he can get the woman he loves; and the other type of man is the kind who think his problems are the problem in the relationship he has with his girlfriend.

The Challenging First Step

The first step to improving your mental health and coping with your mental health issues is to find out what is causing them. Even thinking about the threat of addiction can be stressful. It could be anything from a traumatic experience to a diagnosis of a medical condition. If the issue is something you have been struggling with for some time, it may take some therapy or some time away from the situation to figure out what is causing you to have these thoughts.

For most men however, the cause is usually something that happened to them while they were young. Whether it was abuse, depression or excessive alcohol use, the trauma will bring on a host of feelings that are not pleasant and will manifest themselves in different ways for each man.

Mental Health Issues

Men who are dealing with mental health issues are going to need to talk with their girlfriend about their issues. Women are often much more understanding and can offer support that will help her man see that he is not alone. However, men will have to be equally open and honest with their girlfriends about their issues. It is never easy to talk about complicated issues like depression, drug addiction, eating disorders or insecurity. However, talking about these issues with your loved one will offer support and will give both you and your girlfriend some distance from the emotional ordeal that is affecting your relationship.

mental health

Once you and your girlfriend have come to terms with the fact that you are dealing with an issue that effects both of you, it is time to try and find a way to move past it. One of the most common causes of these types of disorders in men is because they are depressed. If this is the case, then there are many things that a doctor can do to help. A psychologist or psychiatrist can make treatment sessions more manageable and allow you to work on clearing your mental health problems.

Support Groups

There are also support groups specifically for men dealing with issues of addiction. In some cases, alcohol or drug abuse has been brought on by other life circumstances. When you are diagnosed with a mental disorder and have challenges with addition, that is called dual diagnosis. If this is the case, then the support of your friends and family may be the best thing that you could do. You could attend a support group meeting of other men, learn more about how you feel about the situation and even to discuss what you have done to get to where you are today. This could be the first step toward getting you back on the right path.

Sometimes, there is no clear reason why a person becomes addicted to certain substances. This is a problem that has no simple answer, but there are many common threads that run through all of the cases that deal with mental health & addiction. For example, these illnesses are usually caused by depression or anxiety issues. People with this type of disorder are often also dealing with personal issues. This is why it is so important to work on having a positive outlook and developing a strong sense of self. If you can do that, then you will be well on your way to overcoming any addiction that you might have.

The Threats of addiction in our future

The Threat Of Addiction In Our Future

How Addiction Is Threatening Our Future

 

The dramatic increase in America’s opioid addiction is indicative of a swarming epidemic. Not only is it shocking, but it is deadly for the current and the future generation to come.

 

The drug overdose epidemic has been termed as the deadliest crisis in the history of America. It’s been recorded that in 2016 alone, death by drug overdoses occurred at an alarming rate, whereby more than 170 people died from it on daily basis.

 

On a yearly scale, drug overdose has killed more Americans than the Vietnam War. In fact, this crisis has taken more lives alone than the number of lives claimed by car crashes and gun violence. It surpasses even the total number of deaths caused by HIV/AIDS every year.

 

We as a community must raise awareness to not just the challenge the epidemic but also to increase awareness as to how addicts can develop enough conviction to overcome their addiction.

 

According to a forecast by STAT News, it was concluded that over the span of ten years about 650,000 are expected to die from opioid overdoses — if drastic changes to the increasing stats don’t make a turn.

 

The estimated number is so vast that it can account for the entire population of Baltimore. In other words, we’re set to lose a number of people that is the equivalent of a whole American city.

 

When we analyze this problem, we see that on the one hand, we have a vast number of addicts who need to be rescued before they fall off the deep end, and on the other hand, we have future generations that we must prevent from becoming potential addicts.

 

In order to the treat the latter, we must treat the former. We need the addicted lot to seek treatment and these methods should be made available to them vigorously.

 

Can Drug Addiction Be Treated?

 

The first question that comes to the minds of many is “can addiction be treated?” Yes, it certainly can. But it is not a simple process, and in order to understand the complexity of the treatment, we must understand the nature of addiction.

 

Addiction is a chronic disease that requires a ongoing treatment, as well as a healthy dose of commitment. Addicts cannot simply quit taking drugs and be cured. They need to invest long-term into abstaining from drugs so that they can recover from this abuse. With that said, even then the possibility of relapse remains high.

 

How Should Drug Addiction Be Treated?

 

The most obvious principles to adopt in order to build ourselves a cure is to stop using drugs and to dedicate ourselves to staying drug-free as much as possible. This is only possible when the mind is distracted and occupied with activities that are healthy and productive, such as staying involved with the family and work. We can also be more active in contributing to society in general and build niches for ourselves.

 

What Are Specific Treatments for Drug Addiction?

 

Although, there are a number of treatments that have been successful in treating drug addiction, the primary element that forms the foundation of these treatments is commitment.

 

Once we’ve built enough commitment to effect a change in our addiction and ultimately find control over it, we can explore the following methods to pursue long-term treatment (also note that each person reacts differently to treatments and may be more responsive to some methods than the others):

 

– Behavioral counseling

– Medical devices employed to overcome withdrawal symptoms

– Skills training

– Proper evaluation and treatment for any mental health issues such as depression and anxiety

– Follow-up on a long-term basis to prevent relapsing

– Getting help from reputable organizations

– Rehabilitation

– Treatment centers

 

Those of us who are well aware of our symptoms and “triggers” can also seek a tailored treatment program that is specifically designed to address those. Treatments are best when they include a variety of methods or factors, such as community or family-based recovery support systems.

 

Advice for Those Seeking Help

 

For people seeking help, it is best if they can refer to professionals they can trust for advice. These are some steps suggested by experts that people-in-need can make use of:

 

– Get referrals from our doctors know your medical history.

– Explore information on the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services  

– Seek treatment in your home community to ensure the commute doesn’t deter you from resuming our treatment, even during post-treatment. This would help prevent any relapses.

– Seek programs accredited by reputable organizations.

– Ask questions, speak to people and interact as much as possible. Gain motivation from everywhere around you.

medical use of cannabis

The Hope of Dope?

Medical cannabis research and legalization is on the rise along with recreational use around the world. Many states here in America have either legalized medical use or it is a hot topic on many ballots. Society is opening its eyes on a healthy alternative to many medications that are just as harmful or dangerous as the cancer or tumor they are intended to treat.  With the explosion of drug use and addiction in the US – some are still worried about the effects of legalized cannabis.  Many are worried that marijuana use in kids can evolve into long term drug use and abuse of common drugs that kids abuse such as huffing or other drugs such as flakka.

Health Benefits

Health conscious people are seeking out more natural alternatives to pharmaceuticals. With research on cannabis showing positive results for treating many illnesses or conditions from arthritis to the Zika virus, the negative stigma surrounding cannabis is slowly disappearing. As people continue to accept cannabis more funding becomes available and more research is done on the medicinal properties of the plant.

With around 29 states with some form of medical cannabis program, patients who need a safer alternative have the ability to access medicine. Some of the conditions where cannabis has been shown to be effective are cancers, seizures, nausea, appetite loss, headaches, anxiety, and pain relief. Studies from the National Cancer Institute and other reputable research centers have shown that certain cannabinoids found in cannabis have the ability to slow, stop, or kill growing cancer cells.

Louisiana’s Medical Marijuana Policy

Louisiana recently updated its medical marijuana policy which previously only allowed LSU Agricultural Center to cultivate and research cannabis. Although there has been some form of medical marijuana program in the state since the late 1970s, there were no places to access medical cannabis, nor were there any doctors that would actually recommend cannabis for medical purposes. The state will now allow LSU and Southern University to cultivate cannabis and produce medical products in the form of oils, topical applications, and pills to name a few. However, like a few other states, any form of cannabis that can be smoked will be against policy. LSU Agricultural Center and The LSU Board of Supervisors have selected GB Sciences of Las Vegas to be the producer of high grade cannabis. Southern University has not yet selected a producer at this time.

Widely Used Already

There is a good chance that many of us know someone is either already a medical marijuana patient or someone that would benefit from it. In any case, cannabis for medicinal or recreational use is a much safer alternative for better overall health. Only in recent decades have we started to do scientific research on the cannabis plant. Truth be told, humans have been doing research and testing on cannabis for thousands of years. Even ancient man discovered the medicinal benefits of the cannabis plant.

Other Uses

Medical uses aside, cannabis and/or hemp has hundreds of uses and can be made into many different products including edibles. The entire plant from top to bottom can be utilized for its fibers, oils, cannabinoids, and flowers. Fuels, foods, clothes, industrial applications, and housing are few simple things cannabis can be made into. And growing cannabis or hemp does less damage to the soil than traditional crops like corn or wheat. The time of the stereotypical “stoner” is a thing of the past. Now is the time of the successful entrepreneur who enjoys cannabis and the toking grandmother using cannabis to ease her pains from arthritis. People are realizing that pot can help some and others can enjoy recreational use of marijuana while being successful in many aspects of life.

Psychedelics make a comeback

The Psychedelic Comeback

Not everyone got to experience it but, we all know about it in some form. From the music that seems to come from another dimension, to the art that represents a different state of consciousness. We are talking about the psychedelic revolution of the 1960s, and it is making a comeback. The magical substances such as mushrooms, LSD, and Mescaline were being consumed all over the world. People not only wanted to enter into an alternate state of consciousness, they needed it.

Today’s Psychedelics

Anyone with experience with some form of psychedelic or another will tell you that they allow you to expand your mind. Many people will ask what does this mean. We all have a certain thought process we go through daily when presented with tasks and situations. The way we evaluate people, things, and situations is our thought process. Psychedelics open the mind and allow the user to evaluate things from a whole new perspective. Under the right conditions many people report lasting effects of elevated mood for days or weeks after a mild dose of a psychedelic like psilocybin mushrooms. Studies have shown that people were able to quit smoking tobacco or using harder drugs like heroin after a profound psychedelic trip.  Very seldom does someone require drug rehab for the use of psychedelics.

Are Psychedelics Safe?

Although, there is still a stigma associated with psychedelics where some people that don’t fully understand them reject them. Psychedelics are fairly safe when compared to many other substances in use today. For example mushrooms have an LD50 of approximately 285mg/Kg meaning that a 180lb adult would have to consume nearly 50lbs of psilocybin alone to come close to death. The substance is not in question in most cases. There are situations where people can get sick with mushrooms. The illness is most often associated with the misidentification of the mushrooms in the wild. There are plenty of toxic mushrooms that grow next to the edible and magic mushrooms. Picking and consuming the wrong mushroom can lead to a slow and painful death. Picking wild mushrooms can be extremely dangerous and should only be done by those with the knowledge and experience to identify both toxic and non-toxic mushrooms.

Micro Dosing

There have been studies that show micro dosing with psychedelics can counter the effects of depression and anxiety in some patients. More studies are in progress to identify the benefits of medicinal use of psychedelics. This research has the potential to provide many people suffering from mental disorders, PTSD, anxiety, and depression in ways pharmaceuticals have not been able to do so and in a safe and natural way. Indigenous people of almost every continent have respected many psychedelics and revered them as medicine for thousands of years. Who are we to argue with thousands of years of research.

Micro Dosing Mushrooms

mushrooms

Magic Mushrooms Make a Resurgence

“Magic Mushrooms” Make a Resurgence

Psychedelic drugs, such as “magic mushrooms”, which contain the chemical Psilocybin, are making a comeback on the party scene across the nation.  The substance is a hallucinogen and can cause a range of mind-altering, “trips” that young people are experimenting again with once more.

We are seeing people find legal ways to take shrooms and a push for them to become fully legal.  There are also pushes to make the much more powerful drug DMT legal.

In the 1960’s Mushrooms were first introduced to the party scene in Australia. As soon as they hit America, the mid-late 1960’s, era of the free love & peace hippie scene, they exploded.

Commonly referred to as:

  • Mushrooms
  • Magic mushrooms
  • Shrooms

How This Dangerous Drug is Found and Used

The chemical makeup of Psilocybin

The chemical makeup of Psilocybin

People will ingest the mushrooms by either eating them, cooking them into a tea, or even just putting them in other foods.  Unfortunately, there have been reported deaths due to people picking the “wrong” mushroom, thinking they were picking a culinary mushroom and ending up with a psychedelic. Often, the mushrooms picked straight from the ground even have maggots in them, thus they ingest maggots.  If people do not know what they are doing 100%, they should stick to “picking” their mushrooms up from the local grocery store, so they don’t end up on a “trip” instead of a topping for their steak.

How Risky Is It?

The use of “Magic Mushrooms” may have a reputation of not being as harmful as other psychedelic drugs, but many incidents of overdose and death have occurred.  When used often, or in high doses people can damage the developing brain, making this even more dangerous for teens and young adults. Addiction can take place.Psychedelics make a comeback

Users can suffer psychosis, excessive anger and the danger of taking extreme risks, while high on the Psilocybin found in Mushrooms.

Law Enforcement is Cracking Down

It seems if you ask law enforcement while there has not been a bigger crackdown on “Mushroom Picking” and usage, they will candidly tell you they have been dealing with so many other drugs that have been deemed riskier, or more abundant in the past. It is almost unheard of to hear of anyone having gone to jail for picking them in the past.  Let it be known, The active ingredient, Psilocybin, is illegal in all states and in the past it has often been punished with a fine. Drug & Alcohol rehab counselors, educators and law enforcement are now saying that the possibility of serving jail time should be stressed as well as the health concerns to discourage the use.

How To Find Help

If you yourself, or someone you know, has been abusing Mushrooms, you need to find a reputable rehabilitation facility that has experience in treating this type of drug abuse.   Each rehab will offer a variety of treatment programs.  You may choose inpatient or outpatient drug addiction counseling to help you learn to live and enjoy life without the use of mushrooms, and other psychedelic drugs like them.

flakka

Flakka Abuse

A Dangerous  Addiction

In just the past few years the streets of Florida and other southern states began seeing the impact of the inexpensive, explosion of Flakka on their streets, sending drug rehab facilities into high alert to educate themselves on the safe detox from the drug. The drug is manufactured primarily in India, China and Pakistan, and the United States is working diligently to circumvent the import of this dangerous substance.flakkaasst

Recently, across the U.S. cases of individuals testing positive for the active ingredient in Flakka, a stimulant developed in the 1960s called alpha-PVP, has shown a dramatic increase.  Today, alpha-PVP is manufactured in overseas pharmaceutical plants and shipped all over the world.

Why People Use Flakka

Availability appears to be the big draw.  It has been referred to as the “poor man’s meth”.  They also saw a large number of younger addicts abusing this substance, most likely due to the low cost and availability.  Flakka is cheaper than most street drugs, and has been sold under the illusion of “Bath Salts” in tobacco shops, and convenience stores. Now Flakka has moved to the street dealer.  Sometimes called “Gravel” and “Salt”, Flakka only became declared a controlled substance in January 2014, and that was only by emergency declaration from the Justice Department.  Each time a ban on a specific formula, the formula would be changed slightly, and repackaged.

Flakka is often ingested through snorting, smoking, or eating. However, it can also be ingested through “vaping” in an e-cigarette, so addicts can conveniently take it in public without anyone noticing until the crazy effects begin.

The bizarre behavior of the people using Flakka has caused First Responders, Police Officers’, and Substance Abuse Counselors to act swift in finding a response to this epidemic.  Drug treatment centers began to reach out into the streets to educate the young addicts of this dangerous chemical.

Signs of Flakka Use

Flakka is associated with cocaine-like changes in behavior. Behavior changes induced by Flakka use may include:

  • Extreme agitation.
  • Aberrant and ‘bizarre’ behavior.
  • Delirium or intense confusion.
  • Psychotic symptoms, delusions, and hallucination
  • Changes in heart rate.
  • Heart attack.
  • Cardiomyopathy (damage to heart muscle).
  • Death due to cardiac complications.

*Warning the video below may be disturbing to some individuals

Inpatient Drug Rehab is the Best Answer

The Flakka addict is like any other addict.  The first step would be detoxing in a qualified rehabilitation facility.  Quitting on their own, if they even attempt it, proves to be unsuccessful without the aid of rehab counselors facilitating a medical detox. A good follow up rehab program after detox is imperative for drug addicts, including Flakka addicts. Addiction specialist agree that inpatient drug rehabilitation is the best treatment option for these addicts.

 Long Term Effects of Flakka Use

Assuming the Flakka drug user survives the end result of his/her bizarre behavior while under the influence of the drug there, are lasting effects on the body.

The worst of the lingering after effects of the drug can be compared, in rare instances, to someone who runs a marathon, wherein muscle tissue starts to decompose and break down into the blood stream. That can lead to kidney failure and death.

 

 

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Struggles in Recovery

Struggles in Recovery

 

Being successful in recovery can be very challenging and requires a ton of effort. Obviously, the most crucial step is ending the substance abuse itself, but that isn’t the end of the road. Recovery is lifelong and is a choice you will face every single day, which makes those recovering extremely vulnerable to relapse.

 

These are the top 5 struggles that recovering addicts face during their lifelong journey of recovery:

 

  1. Anger- Drug addiction changes the chemistry of your body and brain, and you may find yourself struggling with anger issues when recovering from addiction. In most cases, the anger is a normal part of life, but for recovering addicts, it can quickly lead to relapse.

 

  1. Sadness or Depression- Sadness is another normal emotion, but that may be made worse by those who are recovering from drug addiction. Because of the changes in the brain, it can take a long time after stopping drugs for your body to regain some balance in emotions. Those recovering must learn to manage these emotions and create a routine and healthy lifestyle.

 

  1. Being Around Drug Users- Often times those who are on the path to recovery find themselves wanting to spend time with the friends they had while on drugs. Usually, those people are also using drugs and this can be very dangerous. People want to fit in, they want to please, and they often give into temptation—and giving into that peer pressure can ruin some people’s chances at full recovery.

 

  1. Happiness- Negative emotions can easily trigger relapse to drug use, but so can happy or joyful emotions. Exciting events in life usually are cause for celebration—it’s hard to celebrate as the ‘new’ you when the ‘old’ you would have used drugs as celebration.

 

  1. Stress, Mistakes, and Boredom- Making mistakes, being stressful, having boring or dull days is a commonplace thing for everyone. But for those struggling through recovery, your mind might be quick to jump to the desire to take drugs again because you may think that will relieve your stress or boredom, or make you forget those mistakes.

 

All of these struggles are common, not only for everyone but especially for those who are recovering drug addicts. You must learn to understand who you are and how you feel, and learn to cope with those feelings. You have to strive to develop ways to do things without going back to using drugs.