Answer Addiction

Author: Addiction Blog

  • How Horse Riding Helps Addiction Treatment & Recovery

    How Horse Riding Helps Addiction Treatment & Recovery

    ARTICLE SUMMARY: Horses can help us develop emotional congruence, good boundaries, responses rather than reaction, perspective, and instinct. More on how to apply this to recovery here.

    TABLE OF CONTENTS

    By Susan E Conley

    Getting Started

    When I started riding horses, I was 41, going on 42 years old and had never been near an equine in my life. The closest I came was standing near to the carriage horses that congregated on Central Park South, daring a pat now and then until their drivers chivvied me off as it was clear I was not a potential client.

    I took up the sport due to my burgeoning codependency recovery: having left my marriage to a substance abuser, I decided to do something for myself. Never mind that it seemed as precarious an undertaking as trying to ‘make’ someone clean and sober; I took a notion to do it and unexpectedly found a hobby that helped me get healthy in mind, body and spirit.

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    A World of Healing

    I soon found that many of the behaviors that I employed on a daily basis were going to get me into serious trouble with the animals; the equestrian lifestyle, in many ways, is antithetical to the codependent lifestyle, or indeed any addiction lifestyle.

    For example, in The Tao of Equus, Linda Kohanov speaks of ‘emotional congruence’, of being in alignment with your mount, a state which can only come into being when the rider is in line with herself. In my case, being congruent meant:

    • Not lying.
    • Not fudging.
    • Not making up stories about the way things should have been, could have been, or ought to have been if only someone in my life hadn’t abused substances.

    5 Ways Horses Help With Addiction

    The more time I spent around horses, the more I realized that I was not only learning how to ride, I was also learning how to be the sort of person I wanted to be: clear, calm, a person who was becoming emotionally stronger as well as physically.

    I guessed my improvement had to be down to the horses, because that was the only new thing in my life, but surely that was impossible?

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    It is completely possible, and there’s a whole world of healing that employs horses as therapeutic partners, covering client bases from children struggling with autism and ADD, to people of all ages with learning and physical challenges. It’s a fascinating field that’s growing by leaps and bounds, but how does being around a horse help us with our issues?

    Here are five ways that horses can become a healing touchstone for addicts in recovery. And don’t worry: you don’t have to ride the horse to reap the rewards.

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    #1 Body Language

    To refer to Kohanov’s example of congruence, you can’t fake anything around a horse.

    You may think you’re covering up your feelings, but a horse can spot your true mood a mile away.

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    As herd animals, their safety is inextricably linked with being in harmony with their herd mates. Should a predator approach, it is vital the herd be able to move as one in order to protect the group. They achieve homeostasis as a form of protection, and extends to the humans who would interact with them.

    Philippe D’Helft, a practitioner with EAGALA, Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association, explains. “Horses are hyper vigilant and have constant awareness of each other and their place in the herd, and they apply the same to us,” he says. “They are constantly watching our body language, our breathing, the way we move and then they mirror that. And then depending on the way we behave, they react a certain way.”

    A 2017 study via the University of Sussex involved 30 horses and examined the animals’ reactions to human body language. Humans who approached in a non-threatening, submissive manner, with arms and legs held close to the body and in a slight slouch drew the horse towards them; those who rocked up with chests puffed out and arms in an aggressive posture such as hands on hips or elbows out were avoided by the animals.

    Horses are well able to pick up much subtler clues, and will mirror back to you what’s going on inside, even if you think you’ve got your outside sorted. You’re either a potential herd member, or you’re threat.

    #2 Good Boundaries

    Failure to set good boundaries when working with horses is dangerous, to both human and animal. They are much bigger and stronger than we are and it is paramount to ensure the horse respects you and your space. Get your foot stepped on one time by a 1200 pound creature, and you learn fast.

    However, there’s a difference between being aggressive and assertive.

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    As shown above, aggressiveness sets you up in the horse’s mind as a predator and they will do everything in their power to remove themselves from your presence. If you are assertive, you set yourself up as a leader and this also dovetails nicely with the herd mentality. In the interests of self-preservation, a horse is always happy enough to defer to a stronger creature.

    If you can be that strong for a horse, you can be that strong for yourself.

    #3 Response, Not Reaction

    Quite a lot of horseback riding and working with horses on the ground is repetitive. You do the same things over and over, and yet due to variable conditions — weather, your health, the horse’s health, the instructors mood, your mood, the horse’s mood — little things can have great impact.

    In the past, changes outside of my control used to send me into a tailspin. I’d react in the snap of a finger, and start fixing things before I knew whether they were actually broken or not, or most importantly, whether it was my business to do so.

    Horses are sentient beings and they are always reacting to their environment. In order to stay safe around them, we must learn to respond to their reactions; that is, we begin to learn to read a situation and make conscious decisions how to behave.

    Because many of our tasks around the horse, from grooming to show jumping, require a set process, it allows us to become more aware of ourselves in the situation and gives us the opportunity to build our own lexicon of responses.

    We become able to assess, with clarity and calm, what the best solution in a given situation is and to put it into gentle action.

    This was a real watershed for me in my own recovery: I began to see that I had choices, that I was able to be clearheaded and to make decisions based on evidence, and not old coping mechanisms or distorted feelings.

    #4 Perspective

    EAGALA specializes in training psychology and horse professionals to work as teams, in order to apply techniques to help all sorts of populations, including people in addiction recovery.

    Sometimes when we’re deep in our challenges, we can’t see the wood for the trees – or the feed buckets for the traffic cones.

    D’Helf cites an example in which a client was asked to use simple props – that feed bucket, those traffic cones, along with rings, lightweight poles and mounting blocks – and build areas in a riding arena that symbolize certain aspects of their lives. The horse is then set at liberty in the arena, and the instructor and the client pay attention to where the horse goes… or doesn’t.

    “We’d say that we noticed that the horses went with them in other areas that they’ve built, and were happy to share those spaces with them, except for one, and the client will say, ‘Well, it’s generally not a great place to be, nobody wants to go there with me,’” he explains. “We’d ask what the space represented and the answer was ‘The bookies’. The fact that they see it for themselves is very powerful.”

    #5 Trusting Your Instincts

    As a codependent, I never trusted myself, even the evidence of my own eyes and experience.

    Horses have helped me recover and build upon my ability to believe that I can trust myself to know what’s correct, what I have still to learn and work on.

    I began to know, even as my butt hit the saddle, how I was going to get on with a horse. I began to learn how to be as gentle with myself as I was with a horse. I learned when to say ‘no’ (to a horse that was too frisky for me), and when to say ‘yes’ (even though I was a tiny bit nervous.) I learned that I would always be learning, which resulted in humility, a cornerstone of 12-step recovery. Humbled before the horse, I paradoxically became stronger in myself, and continue to grow and heal every day I am around them.

    Your Questions

    Do you have any questions for Susan? Perhaps you’d like to share an experience about your work with horses? Please leave your questions in the comments section at the end. We try to respond to all real life comments with a personal and prompt reply.

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    About the Author: Susan E Conley is the author of Many Brave Fools: A Story of Addiction, Dysfunction, Codependency… and Horses, available now from www.horseandriderbooks.com. Follow Susan on Twitter and Instagram @manybravefools.
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    View the original article at addictionblog.org

  • How Can I Explain Addiction To My Spouse?

    How Can I Explain Addiction To My Spouse?

    ARTICLE OVERVIEW:  They know you need help. You might feel defensive. But how can you open up the conversation to talk about addiction in a non-judgmental way? We explore what addiction really is so that you are well prepared and informed first.

    TABLE OF CONTENTS

    What Is Addiction, Really?

    Before we begin, we think it’s a good idea to review just what addiction is. If you’re caught up in too much drinking or drug use…you are not a bad person! Addiction is a medical condition. It is treated medically…and can be overcome. How do you know you have a problem, or not?

    Addiction can be recognized by two basic indicators. Usually, addiction is present when you end up drinking or using more drugs than you planned. But the hallmark sign of a problem is when you continue to use despite negative consequences in your life. 

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    Addiction is a disease that changes people’s brain affecting key areas responsible for judgment, memory, and behavior. Looking at addiction as a disease might help you and those around you understand that addiction is not anyone’s fault! Addiction is a disease that takes place within the brain and body. Knowing that addiction takes over a person’s life can your friends and loved ones better understand the complexity of these disease.

    The Reasons Behind Addiction: What Makes You Addicted?

    I started asking myself this very question about a decade ago when I was in early recovery. Why did I get addicted…and my sisters can drink normally? Why and how is my brain different? What does my family or my past have to do with my drinking and drugging patterns?

    Well, the answers to my questions are not so clear.

    Many addiction studies have concluded that substance use disorders are genetically originated and run through families. But genes are not the only factor which determines a susceptibility to addiction. According to one Swedish study conducted in 2012, out more than 18,000 adopted children born between 1950 and 1993, risk for addiction was found to be significantly increased in adopted children with biological parents who experienced addiction problems. [1]

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    However, addiction is not solely influenced by genetics. Socio-cultural factors and the surroundings you grow up in play a significant role in the formation of addiction disorders. Peer pressure and the need to fit in social groups are some of the key risk factors for the development of addiction among teenagers and adolescents. Family birth order, your parents’ marital harmony, and your own personality also have roles.

    The influence of these multiple factors gives us a clue that addiction should not be seen as a weakness, or a characteristic flaw, but rather than a complex disease influenced by many factors. The compulsive nature of addiction makes people hooked on a drug-of-choice for a reason. Drugs and alcohol solve many of our original problems…just not in the long run.

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    Mix in chemical dependence with past life trauma and most people cannot quit on their own. The intensity and the discomfort of withdrawal symptoms makes it unmanageable to detox alone. Plus, detoxing alone can be dangerous! This reason alone points to the need for medical care and attention when a person decides to quit drinking or using drugs.

    Biological Factors For Addictive Behaviors

    Moving on, I think it’s crucial that you really understand what’s happening in the brain before you talk with a spouse. Knowing how the brain and body work to adapt substances as normal explains a lot about addiction.

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    Our brain is a dynamic and complex organ. One of the brain’s most important functions is to keep us alive. Proper brain function enables us to constantly adapt to our environment. However, ironic as it may sound, it is the brain’s ability to be so adaptive contributes to the formation of addiction. Addiction causes changes to the brain in various ways such as:

    1. Altering brain chemistry.
    2. Changing the brain structures and it’s functioning.
    3. Changing the brain’s communication patterns.
    4. Changing the brain’s natural balance.

    Once a psychoactive substance enters the body, it is quickly metabolized and reaches the brain rapidly. Drugs and alcohol interact with the neural system and trigger effects. But with prolonged use, an effect called tolerance occurs, which is a reduced reaction to a substance. This is one of the main reasons why you need to drink more over time to get drunk…or you why prescription pills are time limited when legally prescribed by a doctor.

    As time progresses, people become physically dependent on drugs or alcohol. A physically dependent person experiences withdrawal symptoms when they want to cut down or quit. The intensity of withdrawal symptoms can drive us right back to drinking or drugging. Physical withdrawal symptoms vary by substance and can differ significantly. Psychological symptoms tend to overlap and usually include:

    • Anxiety
    • Craving
    • Depression
    • Insomnia

    No wonder quitting your drug-of-choice has become so difficult! Who wants to go through that?

    Addiction: A Brain Disease – Not A Choice!

    The human brain functions by the rule of reward and punishment. Activities such as dancing, eating, sex, or other pleasurable behaviors are directly linked to our health. Each stimulate the release of a neurotransmitter called dopamine. The increase of dopamine gives us the feeling of pleasure.

    When the brain experiences pleasure, it tends to seek the same sensation and is motivated to continue repeating the same things which bring us pleasure. Drugs trigger that same part of the brain—the reward system. The only problem is that they do this unnaturally and to an extreme.

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    For example, when people abuse pain pills, their brain releases extreme amounts of dopamine. The brain overreacts, reducing the production of dopamine in an attempt to normalize these sudden, intensive high levels which drug abuse has created. This is how the cycle of addiction begins. Once an individual becomes addicted, s/he is not taking pills in order to feel good any more, but to feel “normal”. However, studies have shown that repeated drug use severely limits a person’s capacity to feel pleasure. [2]

    Once addiction starts ruling a person’s brain, the compulsive behavior becomes a reflex need instead of a conscious choice. That is how addicted individuals lose their free willpower to make their own decisions.

     

    Starting the Conversation

    So, what is the best way to approach your spouse and tell them you’re struggling? How you start the conversation will be up to you. Personally, “big talks” like this need to be outlined. In my life, I would set aside time and make sure that there are no distractions. No phones. No kids. No work. And then, I’d just open up.

    One of the biggest myths about addiction is that you can deal with it on your own! When getting started, know that needing help is a strength and not a weakness! So, we suggest that – however you do it – you let the cat out of the bag. This will be a very personal process. We can’t help you with that. But, when you discuss addiction with someone you love, keep in mind these three steps:

    FIRST STEP: Avoid being in denial about your addiction. Instead, accept that you have a problem and move towards the solution.

    SECOND STEP: Be completely honest and tell your spouse about your addiction directly. Do not try to link your problem with something else because you risk losing your spouse’s trust even more.

    THIRD STEP: Express remorse, ask for support, and look for treatment alternatives together. You can use your addiction as a way to reconnect with your spouse and join forces

    Asking for help is super critical. You are probably carrying the weight of decades of pent up issues. Again, you do not want to do this alone. I’m now almost 15 years into a drug and alcohol-free life…and I still see a psychotherapist when I need to. The idea is that issues are covering up some major pain. You need to bring these to the light…but you do need professional advice.

    When looking for professional help, you can always benefit from family and couples therapy. Your spouse and your family should be an important piece of the recovery process. All family members are affected by your addiction. Family and/or couple’s therapy can help you work on dysfunctional relationships and broken communications between you and your spouse. Family and couples therapy’s main focus is to:

    1. Work with loved ones to understand the addiction and addicted individual.
    2. Work with everyone to communicate better.
    3. Work with the addict to learn how to communicate with loved ones.

    Your Questions

    Hopefully, we helped you learn more about how addiction works…and how to open up to your spouse. If you have any questions, please post them in the comments section below. We are happy to answer your questions in a personal and prompt manner, or refer you to someone who can help.

    Reference Sources: [1] NCBI: Genetic and Familial Environmental Influences on the Risk for Drug Abuse, A National Swedish Adoption Study
    [2] NIDA: Drugs, Brains, and Behavior, The Science of Addiction
    Integrated Approaches to drug and alcohol problems: Action on Addiction 6.p
    Mental Health: How Does Addiction Affect The Brain?
    Shatter Proof: Science of Addiction
    Treating Addiction: A Guide for professionals 33.p
    Waters  Edge Recovery: How to Tell Your Partner About Your Drug Addiction
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    View the original article at addictionblog.org

  • Can Hypnosis Help Me Stop Drinking? How Does it Work?

    Can Hypnosis Help Me Stop Drinking? How Does it Work?

    By Georgia Foster

    ARTICLE SUMMARY: The goal of hypnosis is to break the unhealthy emotional conditioning to alcohol and to replace it with more logical and helpful responses. Is it for you? This article takes a look at the practice of hypnosis and how it can help people who are drinking too much.

    ESTIMATED READING TIME: 6 minutes

    TABLE OF CONTENTS

    Do I Need To Drink Less Alcohol?

    Many drinkers secretly worry that they drink too much. They think they may need to quit drinking altogether because they’ve never been able to drink in moderation.

    Although quitting alcohol altogether can be the way forward for a lot of people, it is not the only way.

    There is a very large group of people who, even though they worry about their consumption levels, can keep alcohol in their life by drinking less.

    The truth is that a lot of people choose not to discuss their concerns with their doctor or even their family because they know that their response will be, “Just cut back a little.” I know many clients have to said to me, “If it was that easy, I would have done it by now!”

    Professional guidance can be helpful to some, but the problem lies in the fact that many drinkers feel isolated, alone, and shamed by the medical response which doesn’t give them any tools to help them drink less. They often walk away from a meeting asking themselves if they have a “real” drinking problem, or not.

    I firmly believe that most over-drinkers can reduce their drinking dramatically with the right resource. The good news is: no willpower required!

    Hypnosis has been used for decades to help people stop smoking, lose weight, overcome phobias as well as reduce alcohol consumption. Let’s take a look at how hypnosis can help people who may not be diagnosed as “alcoholic”…but who can benefit from cutting back on drinking.

    What is Hypnosis?

    Everybody is able to be hypnotized. It is a natural state that we all enter when we go to sleep at night and before we wake in the morning. The hypnotic space is when we are half asleep and half awake. How and why does it work?

    The unconscious mind is the part of the mind that stores all memories and emotional habits. The unconscious mind also manages all of the bodily functions. When the conscious mind decides that a person needs to reduce their drinking, unless the unconscious mind understands this request and can confirm it is an appropriate behaviour, it will reject all requests to change.

    In other words, if the unconscious mind believes that alcohol helps calm you down or helps you to sleep, this part of the mind will continue to habitually demand alcohol when you are feeling anxious or restless.

    Hypnosis is really good at communicating directly with the unconscious mind. During hypnosis, new messages accepted by the unconscious mind can help guide emotional responses so that you begin to function without alcohol in the bloodstream. The more someone is exposed to repeated suggestions of positive actions and responses, the more the mind accepts them.

    During hypnosis, we are open to emotional suggestions and change in behaviours more than when we are in the conscious state. During hypnosis, a heightened state of learning can take place without judgement. The unconscious mind doesn’t know the difference between imagination and reality, hence hypnosis is a powerful space to introduce new habits.

    A Case Study

    Here is Jack’s story.

    At the age of 18, he discovered his girlfriend was cheating on him. He was inconsolable. After a few weeks, his friend suggested they get drunk and party so he can get some closure on the situation. Jack tried vodka for the first time and within 10 minutes, he felt relaxed and more at ease. Suddenly, he didn’t care so much about his ex-girlfriend.

    Many years later, Jack was still reliant on that vodka whenever he felt like life was getting a little out of hand emotionally. He wasn’t a regular drinker but when he hit the bottle he would hit it hard and this worried his wife a lot. Jack was secretly worried too. However, he just couldn’t seem to “just have one or two vodkas!” –– It was always half a bottle or more.

    The trauma that Jack experienced when he was 18 triggered an emotional habit of feeling driven to drink too much whenever he felt unsafe. Even though many years have passed since the initial trauma, Jack felt he couldn’t get out of this binge drinking cycle. He and his wife both thought that he was going down the slippery slope of alcoholism.

    The truth was, Jack’s unconscious mind had developed a habit. Whenever he felt vulnerable, it scanned his history to find a quick fix to resolve his current emotional pain. In a nanosecond, it found vodka! Unbeknownst to Jack, his unconscious mind was demanding vodka in order to soothe him.

    It wasn’t that Jack wanted to drink in unhealthy quantities, it was that his mind had learned that alcohol was a good quick fix.

    Can Hypnosis Help You Drink Less Alcohol?

    Yes, the practice of hypnosis can help the mind choose options that are healthier than alcohol.

    Many worried drinkers, like Jack, have at some time in their life discovered that alcohol is an easy and fast solution to find some reprieve from the everyday fears of life. The mind doesn’t like feeling vulnerable. So, whenever someone feels like life is too challenging, it will find ways to give that person an emotional pick-me-up.

    For Jack, his mind thought vodka was the solution. For others, it could be chocolate or cigarettes. It just so happens that Jack’s mind learned early on in life that vodka was his answer. However, it is not the only answer, and hypnosis can help the mind choose a healthier option.

    Hypnosis is a life-changing therapy that can aid many worried drinkers who know they don’t belong in addiction recovery. The goal of hypnosis is to break the unhealthy emotional conditioning to alcohol and to replace it with more logical and helpful responses. It is also important to train the brain to be more emotionally resilient and to be open to challenges that can be dealt with without a glass of alcohol in hand.

    Once a drinker has developed healthier coping strategies through this method, they will not be drawn to alcohol as the instant answer. It does take practice but the hypnosis method is simple, effective, and life-affirming for many heavy drinkers. We all have the right to decide how we want to improve our lives and hypnosis is a brilliant way to achieve this.

    Once a drinker does not use alcohol to soothe negative emotions, their whole outlook will bebrighter, they will feel more in control of their life, and they can thendrink alcohol without it being an emotional crutch for them.

    Your Questions

    Still have questions for Georgia about hypnosis?

    Please leave your questions in the comments section below. We do our best to respond to all questions personally and promptly. And we love to hear from our readers!
    ——

    About the Author: GEORGIA FOSTER is a clinical hypnotherapist & voice dialogue trainer. She qualified with distinction at The London College of Clinical Hypnosis in 1996. She then went on to become one of the college’s senior lecturers before venturing out on her own to build her online products while running her busy London Clinic. Georgia now resides in Melbourne, Australia. She specializes in alcohol reduction, emotional overeating, self-esteem, anxiety, and fertility issues. Her unique and highly successful approach has helped tens of thousands of people learn how to feel better emotionally and physically. Her new book, “Drink Less in 7 Days,” is on shelves now. To learn more visit www.georgiafoster.com.

    View the original article at addictionblog.org

  • How Exercise Can Help Addiction Recovery

    How Exercise Can Help Addiction Recovery

    By Chris Jansen

    ARTICLE OVERVIEW: This article reviews the benefits of exercise during addiction recovery….to give you some extra motivation to get your heart pumping!

    ESTIMATED READING TIME: 5 minutes

    TABLE OF CONTENTS

    Balance in the Body

    Addiction recovery is all about restoring balance to the body. Through therapy, training, practice and support, people suffering from addiction can overcome their dependence on a substance or behavior, and find healthier ways to live.

    Most accounts of addiction recovery tend to focus on mental aspects of recovery – and with good reason, as the mind is central to the process of personal growth and improvement. But the mind is also heavily influenced by the rest of the body, since changes in activity alter the body’s production of chemicals that help shape mood and behavior.

    Diet, sleep patterns, and a person’s immediate environment can all greatly affect the success or failure of an addiction recovery effort.

    But exercise is arguably as important as any of these factors, for reasons we list below. The main principle is this: When we ignore any of the three components of being – mind, body, or spirit – we are cutting off our lifeline to wellness.

    Why Exercise?

    So why do treatment centers or aftercare programs focus on exercise in the first place? Following are some of the reasons why recovery programs that include an exercise component were found by researchers to be more effective than programs that do not incorporate exercise.

    First, endorphins moderate brain chemistry. The brain is hard wired to experience and repeat pleasure. But when we use drugs and alcohol, this natural system gets tweaked. Exercise helps us establish balance again.

    Second, exercise offers us better overall health and energy levels. Just think about how you feel after a vigorous 30 minute walk. Now, compare that to 30 minutes in front of the T.V. Hands down, circulating blood and oxygenizing the cardiovascular system rewards us with energy…and wellness.

    Finally, exercise can be a part of structured daily activities. When we use drugs and alcohol, we throw off rhythm cycles of sleeping and eating. Exercise can help us get back into these rhythms. When we set a regular daily or weekly exercise regimen, we settle into routine. And routine is good!

    Benefits of Exercising in Recovery

    If you or a loved one are entering a period of addiction recovery, consider the following advantages of exercise as you plan out your effort:

    1. It puts you in a good mood.

    Exercise releases endorphins, which creates feelings of happiness and activates the brain’s reward system. When you are in a better mood, you will feel more motivated to continue the addiction recovery process. A bonus effect is that the body will find it easier to say goodbye to the addictive substance or behavior, because it is getting the chemicals it needs from a new source.

    2. It gives you energy.

    Exercise wakes up your muscles and gets the blood pumping, sending more oxygen throughout your body. This heightened body state allows you to be more vigilant in fighting off urges, and helps give you the endurance needed to succeed in the long term.

    3. It gets the stress out.

    Even as exercise gives you new and positive energy, it also lets you release the built-up energy that comes from stress, anxiety, or other negative feelings. By cleansing your body of these negative forces, you will find yourself more free – and ready to focus your full attention on the challenge of recovery.

    4. It gives you a new hobby.

    People who are facing addiction issues should remain active; otherwise, they will need to spend more time thinking about (and fighting) their addictive impulses. By making exercise a regular part of your daily schedule, you can train your body to settle into a newer and more healthy routine.

    5. It helps you sleep.

    By using up your spare muscle energy during the day, exercise lets your body get ready for a full rest at night. A healthy sleep cycle is important for your body as it works to stay internally balanced.

    What Kinds of Exercise?

    Aerobics, outdoor activities, and yoga have been singled out as particularly effective types of exercisefor people recovering from addiction. Aerobic exercise helps improve overall health, while yoga incorporates a meditative practice that enhances personal focus and reduces negative thoughts. By spending time outdoors, individuals can reconnect with nature and also boost their body’s production of vitamin D.

    These recommendations match well with the experiences of addiction recovery experts at rehab centers around the world, many of which are adding an exercise component to their recovery programs. We spoke with Tony Tan, Clinical Director at The Dawn, a rehab in Thailand, for his take on the subject. He told us:

    “When a person is trying to overcome addiction, the mind and body crave the substance that was producing endorphins and dopamine in the brain and creating the feeling of being “high”. Add to this is the stress of daily life, and the cravings can reach unbearable levels.

    Vigorous exercise can also release endorphins, causing the client to feel a “runner’s high” — the same sensation of euphoria that accompanies a chemical high. Although it may be less intense than what the client used to experience with drugs or alcohol, the effects can be pleasurable both mentally and physically.

    In fact, our experience of treating clients with substance abuse show that exercise can lead to a sense of accomplishment and increased confidence in staying sober. We have seen real success in their ability to maintain a strong recovery after treatment.”

    As with addiction therapy techniques, different exercises can be more effective with some people than with others. Some clients are more suited to lower-intensity exercises like walking, yoga and Pilates, while others benefit from strenuous exercises like:

    • Core strength building
    • Hiking
    • Long distance cycling
    • Rafting
    • Rock climbing

    Group exercise within natural settings can be a particularly effective way to foster unity during treatment. The exercise itself is a great help, but these activities also have the additional benefit of giving recovering addicts a feeling of family-like support as they participate, as well as exposing them to situations that require collaboration and peer support.

    Finding Peace through a Well-Rounded Recovery Process

    An ideal recovery process should include high-quality therapy that focuses on the body as well as the mind. A growing number of rehab centers are following this holistic model – including The Dawn, whose program includes advanced treatment techniques as well as a complementary program of physical healing and exercise.This combined physical and mental approach to recovery allows patients to have a rehab experience that is as enjoyable and revitalizing as it is effective.

    Your Questions

    Have questions about exercising?

    Please leave us your questions – or personal experience – in the comments section below. We try to respond to all real life questions personally.

    View the original article at addictionblog.org

  • Benzodiazepine Addiction and Abuse

    Benzodiazepine Addiction and Abuse

    ARTICLE OVERVIEW:Benzodiazepines act on the brain by slowing down its activity. But they are one of the most abused medications in U.S. Check out the recent statistics on how many people abuse benzos and what the possible treatment options are here.

    ESTIMATED READING TIME: 7 minutes

    TABLE OF CONTENTS:

    Benzodiazepines can be dangerous.

    Understanding Benzodiazepines

    Benzodiazepines, commonly known as benzos, are pharmaceutical medications that are used for many mental issues such as panic attacks, seizures, or anxiety. Sometimes, they are used to manage alcohol withdrawal symptoms. Below is a list of the generic names of benzos, and well as their brand names:

    • Alprazolam – Xanax
    • Clonazepam – Klonopin
    • Diazepam – Valium
    • Lorazepam – Ativan
    • Temazepam – Restoril

    These medications are classified as Schedule IV by the Controlled Substances Act [1] which means that they have a low potential for abuse and low risk of dependence.But, benzos can be really addictive, and dangerous medications. In fact, a NIDA study has found that these medications cause addiction in a similar way as opioids, cannabinoids, and GHB. [2]

    Many researchers have come to understand that benzodiazepines have their own addictive potential. But there is still no strong movement to classify them as dangerous, even though they are.

    Finally, it is important to know that benzodiazepines are part of a drug classification type known as “depressants” because they work to slow down the brain. Theyare divided into two main groups: tranquilizers and sedatives. Moreover, benzodiazepines can be divided according to the length of time they are active in the body, which is measured by the half-life of each medication:

    1. Short-acting benzodiazepines. These benzos have a short half-life, which means they are processed more quickly, and leave the body faster.

    2. Long-acting benzodiazepines. These medicines have a long half-life, which means they stay in the body longer because are processed more slowly.

    Benzos can have a serious effect on your health.

    Benzodiazepines Effects and Abuse

    Benzodiazepines act directly on the central nervous system by binding with GABA receptors. This leads to slowing down brain function and relieving metal stress. In addition, benzos may produce euphoria, especially if used for a long period of time.And when you get high on benzos over the long run, benzos can put your health in serious risk.

    But, when do you abuse benzodizepines?

    Any use of benzodiazepines without a doctor’s recommendation is considered abuse. Also, if you take benzos in a way as not recommended by your doctor, this is considered abuse. If you crush, inject, chew, or snort benzos, you are abusing the drug. Some of the negative physical and mental side effects caused by benzo abuse include:

    • Anxiety
    • Blurred vision
    • Blunted emotions
    • Confusion
    • Dizziness
    • Depression
    • Drowsiness
    • Headaches
    • Lack of motor coordination
    • Loss of self-confidence
    • Memory lapses
    • Physical weakness
    • Poor judgment
    • Problems breathing
    • Sleep disturbances
    • Slurred speech
    • Tremors

    Additionally, abusing benzodiazepines can affect your personal life, not just your health. Some of the negative consequences may include:

    • Financial problems
    • Losing close friends
    • Problems with family
    • Troubles performing in work/school duties

    Benzos can be addictive.

    Benzodiazepines and Other Drugs

    People who work with addiction report that benzodiazepines are rarely abused by their own, and they are not typically the first drug of choice. Usually, these medications are often used in combination with other substances.The most recent SAMHSA DAWN report shows that during 7 years, almost a million emergency department visits occurred due to combination of benzodiazepines with opioid painkillers, alcohol, or other substances. [3]

    Alcohol, painkillers, and other benzos are the most common substances used in combination with benzodiazepines.

    Why do people combine benzos with other substances? Some of the reasons people mix benzos with other drugs are to boost the effect of the two drugs together. Others believe that mixing prescription pills is a safer practice than mixing illicit drugs with alcohol or other substances. However, there are way too many risks and dangers connected with mixing benzodiazepines and other substances.The main dangers include:

    1. Drug synergism.

    When you use medications with similar effects, the final outcome you can get is drug synergism. Both substances can produce high, enhanced, significantly increased effects. Meaning that 2+2 won’t be 4, it may be 8 or 10, or even higher.

    2. Increased risk of overdose.

    Mixing any two substances increase the chances for fatal overdose. It’s hard to overcome an overdose on one substance, but imagine what could happen if you OD on two. Smaller amounts of two different substances are needed to cause suppressed breathing, and/or organ failure that can result in death.

    3. Slow physical reactions.

    Because of synergistic effects of both drugs, you may experience slow motor reaction, lack of coordination, and impairment.

    4. Decreased cognition.

    You may experience decreased cognitive ability because of the enhanced effects of the both substances. This can lead to impaired judgment that can put you in risky situations and bad decisions.

    5. Increased potential for acute conditions.

    Mixing benzodiazepines with other substances increases the potential for heart attack, stroke, seizures, psychosis, or suicidal tendencies.

    6. Increased the risk for addiction.

    Long-term abuse of mixing benzos with other substances increase the risk of drug dependence and addiction. Withdrawal from two substances can lead to fatal outcomes, and treatment is a must.

    7. Increased risk of mental health disorder.

    Prolonged polydrug use increases the probability to develop some mental health disorder such as depression, anxiety, or stress disorders.

    Call us to discuss benzodiazepine addiction.

    Benzodiazepine Abuse Statistics

    There is a benzo problem in the U.S. So, if you’re facing an addiction, you are not alone. Take a look at these numbers and then give us a call to talk about getting out of the cycle. You don’t need to live with the need for benzodiazepines every day.

    According to the 2017 National Survey of Drug Use and Health, about 5.5 million people aged 12 or older were current abusers of benzodiazepine tranquilizers,and 202,000 people aged 12 or older were current abusers of benzodiazepine sedatives.[4] This break downs by types of benzodiazepine as follows.

     

    Moreover, the Surgeon General’s Report in 2015 stated that 18.9 million individuals misused benzodiazepines [5]:

    • 6.1 million people misused tranquilizers such as Xanax.
    • 1.5 million people misused sedatives such as Valium.

    Additionally, the 2014 DAWN Report of 2014 found that people came to hospitals for overdoses in the hundreds of thousands. From 2005 to 2011,over 943K emergency department visits involved benzodiazepine overdose alone or in combination with opioid pain relievers, or alcohol, or other substances. The benzodiazepine-only visits happened among all ages:

    • 174,998 aged 12 to 34
    • 88,644 aged 35 to 44
    • 150,780 aged 45 to 64
    • 72,575 aged 65 and older

    Finally, the CDC Report on Drugs Most Frequently Involved in Drug Overdose Deaths showed that about 6,000 overdose deaths involved benzodiazepines in 2014 including [6]:

    • 4,217 people died from alprazolam overdose
    • 1,729 people died from diazepam overdose

    Are you using more and more?

    Don’t wait until it’s too late.

    Make the first step to recovery. Reach out for help and call us today.

    Don’t wait until it’s too late. Call us today.

    How Does Addiction to Benzos Develop?

    Benzodiazepines aren’t supposed to be used for longer than a week or two at any one period of time. This is because benzos trigger drug dependence.

    When your body and brain adapt to the presence of the benzos as normal, you cannot function without them. The medication highjacks your brain and changes it.

    Is this cycle real?

    Yes.

    One analytical study reported that about a third of people who use benzodiazepines for more than 6 months develop drug dependence and tolerance [7].Another study published in the medical journal, Addictive Behaviors, reports that more 40% of chronic benzodiazepine users become dependent. [8]

    If you take benzo medications for about a month, it is very likely you’ll experience withdrawal symptoms when you stop taking them abruptly. Withdrawal is a sign that you have become dependent on the drug.Moreover, withdrawal symptoms can be very severe and uncomfortable. Always seek medical supervision when you want to quit a benzodiazepine.

    Caught in a cycle? Addiction is treatable.

    Treating a Benzodiazepine Addiction

    Benzodiazepine addiction is a treatable condition.

    First, you can safely quit these medications by enrolling into treatment program that follows tapering protocols.Tapering involves lowering benzodiazepine daily doses down gradually and slowly. Usually, it takes about 10 or more weeks to finally stop taking the medication. Check out the Ashton Manual to find more information on tapering schedules. [9]

    Then, you can address the reasons why you use benzos. This is done through talk therapy. If you’re self-medicating for anxiety or depression, you can get to the heart of these issues. If you’re mixing benzos with other drugs, you’ll look at why.

    Most people use drugs to feel better.

    Rehabs teach us how to feel better naturally. Basically, we can feel healthy and happy without the need for mind changing drugs. Instead, we adapt healthier habits. This is the main goal of an addiction treatment program.

    Inpatient programs are created for people who deal with severe levels of addiction, and can benefit from time away from a home environment. They live at the facility and are monitored 24/7. Also, this program offers constant medical care conducted by qualified addiction professionals.

    Outpatient programs are designed for individuals with mild levels of addiction. These patients follow their recommended tapering schedule, and only come and go to the facility for few hours, several day per week.

    You can quit benzos. Call us to begin treatment.

    How to Beat a Benzodiazepine Addiction

    Benzodiazepine addiction can ruin your life… but you don’t need to hit rock bottom! Take action today. Call us to discuss treatment options! We can help.

    Give us a call to talk about how benzodiazepines are affecting you. You don’t need to suffer alone. Break through the silence and talk with a compassionate operator. We know addiction. We can get you help.

    And, if you have any questions, please write to us in the comments section at the end. We try to respond to all real life questions personally and promptly.

    Call us and start over. You can live drug-free!

    Reference Sources:
    [1] DEA: Drug Scheduling
    [2] NIDA: Well-Known Mechanism Underlies Benzodiazepines’ Addictive Properties
    [3] SAMHSA: DAWN Report
    [4] SAMHSA: National Survey on Drug Use and Health of 2017
    [5] NCBI: Facing Addiction in America: The Surgeon General’s Report on Alcohol, Drugs, and Health
    [6] CDC: Drugs Most Frequently Involved in Drug Overdose Deaths:United States, 2010–2014
    [7] NCBI:Benzodiazepine harm: How can it be reduced?
    [8]NCBI: The Benzodiazepine Dependence Questionnaire
    [9] Benzo: The Ashton Manual

    View the original article at addictionblog.org

  • Intervention for Alcoholism

    Intervention for Alcoholism

    ARTICLE OVERVIEW: An alcohol intervention is when a group of family and friendsconfront a loved one about problem drinking. In this article, we cover the basic aspects of an alcohol intervention, plus we offer tips on how to plan the whole process. Your questions are welcomed at the end.

    ESTIMATED READING TIME: 15 minutes

    TABLE OF CONTENTS:

    Interventions aim to change behavior.

    What is an Alcohol Intervention?

    Interventions are combination of strategies designed to produce behavior changes to improve an individual’s health. Interventions can take place in different settings such as worksites, schools, home, faith-based organizations, or health care facilities.Interventions that include multiple strategies are typically the most effective in producing the required change. [1]

    An alcohol intervention is the process of asking a loved one with a drinking problem to go to rehab. Interventions can be informal or formal. Informal interventions occur in the moment, and can be a simple discussion. A formal intervention is when a group of people confront the person in an effort to convince them to seek help for their alcoholism.

    An intervention for alcoholism has three main goals:

    1. To change the beliefs, attitudes, skills, and knowledge of the person.
    2. To increase social support and cooperation.
    3. To get the person into rehab.

    An intervention is most successful when led by a professional.

    Do Alcohol Interventions Work?

    Yes!

    Most people diagnosed with an alcohol use disorder don’t see that they have a problem. In fact, they are in denial, and don’t want to see reality as it is.

    But, you can help a loved one break through denial by staging an intervention. You may have only one chance to stage the intervention, and the best way to do it is with a help of intervention specialist.

    An interventionist is a professional who is trained in staging interventions. Their job is to help friends and family to create a plan. They are there to carry out the alcohol intervention. The best thing is that an interventionist will consider all potential issues that may arise. Their experience is truly valuable.

    Asking for help from a specialized interventionist is highly recommended if the person who is dealing with drinking problems has other serious condition including:

    • Mental health issues such as depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia
    • Polydrug use
    • Suicidal attempts
    • Violent behavior

    Interventions get people into treatment.

    The Intervention for Alcoholism Process

    Staging and planning an alcohol intervention is a long process. It can take a lot of time and energy for family and friends to prepare for the whole process. And if you want to do it right, plan to spend days to weeks with a professional getting ready for the big day. There are many types of intervention, but most of them follow these basic steps:

    STEP 1: Meet with an intervention specialist.

    Asking help from an interventionist can be the crucial step for the family. Licensed or certified professionals are experienced in choosing the right words and providing the right environment for change. They can help the family in understanding alcoholism as a disease, and offer the best approach to each specific case.

    STEP 2: Chose the right time and place for the intervention.

    An intervention can be set up in any place that provides privacy. This may be a neutral place like a rented space, an interventionist’s office, school, worksite, or even the alcoholic’s home. The important thing is that the loved one should not feel defensive or ambushed. You’ll need to invite the loved one to join the group meeting and be clear about what it’s about. This is called an “invitational intervention”.

    STEP 3: Plan ahead what will be said during the intervention.

    This is the most important step for a successful alcohol intervention. Each member should decide in advance what they will say. With the help of an interventionist, the group should gather information about the loved one’s drinking and their behavior when under the influence. Moreover, you’ll need to include situations when the alcoholic had outburst due to their drinking, as well as state how their drinking affectsyou. It is helpful to write down everything you wish to say, although sometimes, you can just speak from your heart.

    STEP 4: Carry out the intervention.

    This is when professional guidance is key. Once the individual is there, the interventionist will ask them to sit and listen to what is being said. Then, each member of the group will say or read the reasons why they believe that the individual have a drinking problem, and why they need treatment. Usually, the intervention ends with the group giving the individual option to choose either enroll into treatment and quit drinking or face consequences, such as cutting out financial or emotional support.

    The group also commits to their own health and well-being, as alcoholism is a family disease. A successful intervention has the potential to transform not just the person with a drinking problem, but an entire family. [2]Group members can seek help through talk therapy, self-care, and ongoing counseling.

    STEP 5: Follow up an intervention.

    After the intervention, the individual has a choice to make either quit drinking or face the consequences. The interventionist provides information about the treatment options and explains them to the alcoholic. In some cases, the specialist has already arranged an assessment in a suitable treatment center. No matter what is the outcome, the group must follow through their final decisions.

    Call us to learn how we do interventions.

    How to Stage an Alcoholism Intervention

    It can be hard to approach someone who deals with alcohol problems. Despite the fact that family and friends mean well, they may not know what to say or how to express themselves. In order to get through to a loved one, you need to make them see the problem. So, for a successful intervention, you need to plan every step ahead.

    Here are some useful suggestions to take into consideration when planning an alcohol intervention for your loved one. Remember that staging an intervention is the most important step. Careful planning and risk management can lead to success.

    • Find a licensed interventionist. An intervention professional will know what to do in difficult situations. S/He will keep a“neutral zone” between the parties. A licensed professional can help the alcoholic break the wall of denial, and help them the best rehab option for them.

    • Form a good, stable intervention group. Choose members wisely. Many people may want to help, but not everyone is helpful. Avoid inviting group members who are negative or overly dramatic. Not everyone has the ability to persuade someone that they have a drinking problem. Once you form the dream team, the group works with the interventionist to create a strategy.

    • Education. One critical part of an intervention is to educate the group about addiction and recovery. Being familiar with the topic provides insights of the problem that can play a huge role in convincing someone that they need help.

    • Mind your language. Talk from the heart. Keep in mind that their trust in you is important, and it needs be felt through the whole intervention. By talking personally without judgment will make the intervention process flow easily. Moreover, be open with your feelings, and see how they resonate with you.

    • Rehearse and prepare. The members of the group must rehearse for the intervention. Every speech should be prepared and rehearsed many times with the help of the specialist. Setting the right tone and describing situations of past hurt may trigger moment of clarity to the addicted person and see their problems.

    • Be prepared for the worst. Keep in mind that some interventions don’t go as planned. You cannot predict how your loved one will act. A professional interventionist is there to keep the peace between the parties, and make the most positive outcome of the intervention. However, the person who is dealing with drinking problems may react aggressively and endanger the group. In that case, call 911 immediately.

    A successful intervention can change an entire family.

    Planning for Objections

    When you plan an intervention you need also to plan for objections. Identify in advance the objections to treatment that your loved one may raise. These objections will be answered during the intervention by the person who will lead the intervention. Every objection need to have a reasonable and workable response. The group needs to have prepared answers and plans in advance.Here are some examples of objections and their counters:

    OBJECTION:I can’t go to rehab. Who’s going to take care of my pet?
    RESPONSE:[NAME] has agreed to take your pet and look after them while you are away.

    OBJECTION:I can’t enroll into a program. Who’s going to take care of my home?
    RESPONSE:Your best friend has a key from your apartment, and s/he will come every 3-4 days to care for the home while you are away.

    OBJECTION: I can’t go into treatment. I have a job. I don’t want to lose my job.
    RESPONSE:You won’t lose your job. We have a law that protects you. The Americans with Disabilities Act protects you to maintain your working status when you seek medical help. [3] The law is clear that you have legal right to ask for accommodations when entering rehab.

    OBJECTION:I will be bored there. Rehab is not an option for me.
    RESPONSE:Rehab treatment has many program to offer you in order not to be bored, but to focus on building yourself and work on your recovery. Some of them offer [SERVCICES].

    Are you ready for an intervention? Call us today.

    Planning for Consequences

    A professional interventionist will help you determine which person has the most influence on the loved one who has leverage. When you have leverage, you have the power to precipitate actual consequences. Here are some examples of leverage that can be used in the right way and that will have consequences on the alcoholic’s life.

    1. The employer: “We respect you and value as an employee, but your drinking has caused you to miss 10 days of work in the last few months. We will do everything to help you, including helping you to access treatment because we have Employee Assistance Program. But, we cannot keep you as an employee if you miss work so often.”

    2. A spouse: “I love you, and I care about you, but I cannot raise our children in an alcoholic household. Our children are afraid from you when you come home late and drunk. If you don’t go into treatment, I’m going to have put the well-being of our children first, and start looking at other options, including divorce.”

    3. A parent: “The car you are driving is on my name. I don’t want to put your life in danger as well as of the lives of others because you are drunk driving. If you don’t go to rehab, I am taking the car today.”

    Environment matters.

    Alcohol Intervention at Home

    The place where the intervention will occur is important. Privacy and safety are first. The loved one needs to feel safe, because if they are concerned or uncomfortable, the intervention may turn negative. The loved one may become agitated, and lose their temper. For example, never ambush a person in a public spot to intervene about drinking issues.

    For many people, the safest place an interventioncan occur is at home. A cozy atmosphere increases security and safeness for every member of the intervention. However, some cases require a more neutral place like a rented space or a clinician’s office. This is true when triggers are in the home or when guns are present. Call us to learn more about safety precautions and how we manage environment for successful outcome.

    Why wait longer? Call today for a free and confidential consultation.

    Unique Attributes of an Alcoholic Intervention

    1 in 3 families is affected by addiction problems in the U.S. Alcohol is #1 on the list. 56% of Americans aged 18 and older are currently alcohol consumers, while 1 in 18 people have a drinking problem. [4]

    Still, it may be hard to reach someone and convince them that they have a drinking problem. Alcohol abuse changes the way a person thinks and sees life. Alcohol affect the way we process information…and if a person has become alcohol-dependent, their logic changes, too.

    Some people may get angry because an intervention may seem to be an ambush. However, if the intervention is planned appropriately and done correctly, the anger will calm down quickly. Even if the anger continues, a professional interventionist will keep the tone calm and neutral.

    Keep in mind that the intervention is not about you. The intervention is about your loved one, and the main point is getting them help and supporting them through this hard time.

    Get your loved one into treatment!

    The Best Intervention for Alcoholism

    There are many different types of interventions, but the best intervention for dealing with individual with is a customized intervention that will fit that individual’s needs. Below is a list of the most common types of clinical interventions used for drinking problems.

    ARISE

    An ARISE intervention is a relatively new system of intervention that involves the whole family but it’s less confrontational than a surprise model for intervention. The loved one is invited to the intervention and a set of clear steps then follow.

    Brief Intervention

    This intervention process is conducted as a one-on-one meeting between a medical professional/counselor and a person dealing with alcohol abuse. Usually, brief interventions take place in hospitals after the person has been admitted for an injure or overdose due to their substance use, or in schools if a student is suspected of drinking, or in a doctor’s office after an examination reveals health issues. Moreover, friends and family may ask professional to perform a brief intervention for their loved one.

    Crisis Intervention

    This type of intervention involves police officers providing social and medical resources to people who are abusing substances, suffer from a mental health disorder, or have dual diagnosis. A crisis intervention can lead to a public record with your state’s department of children and families, health, or social services.

    Family Systemic Intervention

    This model is focused on both the individual with AUD and their family. Having on mind that addiction affects every member of the family, this type of intervention intents the whole family to reach out for help in any form of therapy.

    SMART

    The main goal of this type of intervention is to set clear, measurable, and achievable goals for the intervention. This intervention can be applied as a part of follow-up in a family based intervention.

    The Johnson Model

    The most well-known form of intervention, the Johnson Model is designed to convince people dealing with alcoholism to enroll into a rehab program. The problem with this model is that it is a “surprise”.

    What’s your backup plan?

    When Alcohol Intervention Fails

    Be prepared that interventionscan fail.You cannot help someone who doesn’t want help. You cannot make them change.

    In this hard case scenario, it is important to stick with your planned intervention. Then, be patient. Some interventions take time and do-overs. How long will it take? Until the alcoholic realizes the negative consequences of their drinking and seek treatment. In the meantime, you need to take care of yourself.

    Call us for guidance on interventions. We know addiction.

    Get Help from a Professional Interventionist

    If you want your intervention to succeed, plan it with professional help from a licensed
    interventionist. Call us to learn about how we’ve helped hundreds of families over many decades of experience.

    Moreover, every interventionist no matter the model they are using, they will guide the intervention with the 7 important principles that any intervention for alcohol use disorder should follow:

    1. Meet with a certified interventionist.
    2. Plan in advance.
    3. Choose the right people to take part.
    4. Choose the right time for the intervention.
    5. Speak with respect and love, but never with anger.
    6. Follow through.
    7. Take care of yourself.

    Finally, there are several ways you can find certified interventionists:

    • Call us on the helpline displayed on our website.
    • Contact a community, religious, or spiritual leader for recommendations.
    • Get a referral from a doctor or therapist.
    • Speak with a social worker.
    • Search online on:

    Independent Interventionists
    Association of Intervention Specialists

    Don’t lose hope!

    Alcoholism is a treatable disease, and you can help your loved one change their mind about treatment. You only need help from the professionals.

    If you have any questions, post them in the comments section at the end. We try to respond personally and promptly to all legitimate queries.

    Call today. Treatment saves lives.

    Reference Sources:
    [1] Health.mo.gov: Intervention
    [2] The Definitive Guide To Addiction Interventions
    [3] U.S. Department of Labor: Americans with Disabilities Act
    [4] SAMHSA: The National Survey on Drug Use and Health 2015
    NCBI: Interventions with alcoholics and their families

    View the original article at addictionblog.org

  • Marijuana Laws in Nevada

    Marijuana Laws in Nevada

    ARTICLE OVERVIEW:Nevada is one of the ten states in America where marijuana is legalized, both medically and recreationally. Yet, with legalization comes a set of laws and regulations many aren’t aware of. This article outlines these laws and the penalties the state levies if you break them.

    TABLE OF CONTENTS:

    Is Marijuana Legal in Nevada?

    Yes. Marijuana is legal for recreational and medical use in Nevada.

    Marijuana became medically legal in 1998 under the Nevada Medical Marijuana Act to anyone over 18 with a proper medical card issued through a doctor. Marijuana became legal for recreational use in 2014 to anyone over the age of 21 via the Initiative to Regulate and Tax Marijuana.

    However, legality doesn’t mean complete freedom on the use, possession, sale, or trafficking of weed. Just like alcohol, there are regulations surrounding the newly legalized drug in order to make sure people are safe and responsible with their consumption.

    It should be noted, just because cannabis is legal doesn’t mean it’s safe. Just as with alcohol, there are side effects to marijuana that people tend to overlook.

    Furthermore, laws aren’t completely set in stone yet. Since the state of Nevada is responsible for all regulations surrounding cannabis – and not the federal government – there are changes being made to the rules consistently. For example, in California, it recently became a law for people with prior marijuana convictions are eligible to have charges expunged from their records. Though a law as such hasn’t been set forth in Nevada, it’s very possible we’ll witness some changes in the near future.

    The importance of mentioning this is to be informed that lawmakers are still trying to figure out how to make legal cannabis work.

    Marijuana Laws in Nevada

    According to Nevada’s state website, anyone over the age of 21 is allowed to:

    • Possess up to 1 ounce of marijuana.
    • Possess up to ⅛ of an ounce (3.5 grams) of concentrates.
    • Possess up to 6 marijuana plants per person (no more than 12 in a household).

    However, there are regulations surrounding these allowances. In terms of possession and consumption:

    • It’s illegal to consume marijuana in public.
    • It’s illegal to consume marijuana in a vehicle, even if you are a passenger.
    • It’s illegal to use marijuana under the age of 21.
    • It’s illegal to pose as someone else as a means of obtaining marijuana.
    • It’s illegal to give marijuana to a minor (charges will be higher if the minor is under 18).
    • It’s illegal to operate a motor vehicle while under the influence of marijuana.
    • It’s illegal to purchase marijuana from anywhere other than a state-licensed store.

    In terms of growing plants, the following regulations are set in place:

    • You must grow plants within an enclosed area such as a closet or greenhouse with a locked door to limit access to them.
    • You cannot plant marijuana in a place that’s visible from a public place.
    • You must grow plants on your own property and, if you live on a property you don’t own, you must get permission to grow from the owner of the property.
    • You may not grow cannabis within 25 miles of a state-licensed store, in a place which is visible to the public, or on a property you don’t own/don’t have permission to plant on.

    Penalties

    Penalties will be charged to people who don’t follow the above rules. The general penalties are.

    Furthermore, it remains highly illegal across the country to traffic marijuana. You’re only allowed possession of a large amount if you have a state license to either sell through a store or cultivate cannabis. If you’re caught transporting or importing without a license, you will be charged with a felony, even if you’re unaware of the drug’s presence.

    These laws and penalties are structured under NRS 453.3385. Each penalty depends on how much marijuana you’re in possession of when you’re caught:

    Low-Level Trafficking If you’re in possession of 50 pounds, but less than 1,000 pounds, you’ll be charged with a Category C Felony.
    Mid-Level Trafficking If you’re in possession of 1,000 pounds, but less than 5,000 pounds, you’ll be charged with a Category B Felony.
    Large-Level Trafficking If you’re in possession of 5,000 pounds or more, you’ll be charged with a Category A Felony.

    In order to get a sense of the consequences, the following list explains the typical penalties attached to each category of a felony within Nevada:

    Marijuana DUI

    Do not get high and drive!

    Marijuana DUIs work similarly to alcohol-related DUIs. If you’re under the age of 21, penalties may vary. However, most penalties are strict.

    When you receive your first DUI, you’ll be charged with a misdemeanor which will result in the following consequences:

    • Between 2 days to 6 months in a state jail and/or up to 96 hours of community service.
    • A fine which will range between $400 and $1,000.
    • A Nevada driving under the influence school.
    • The Nevada Victim Panel (also known as a MADD lecture).
    • 90-day driver’s suspension.

    When you receive a second DUI, you can expect:

    • Up to 6 months in a state jail and/or residential confinement.
    • A fine which will be no more than $1,000.
    • A drug and alcohol treatment program.
    • The Nevada Victim Impact Panel.
    • 1-year driver’s license suspension.

    When you receive a third DUI, you can expect:

    • Between 1 to 6 years in prison.
    • A fine which will be no more than $5,000.
    • Alcohol and drug evaluations and/or alcohol and drug treatment.
    • The Nevada Victim Impact Panel.
    • 3-year driver’s license suspension.

    It should be noted that if a DUI inflicts either pain or death, you will be prosecuted under harsher penalties. In many cases, just hurting someone results in a Category B Felony which results in 20 years imprisonment and a fine of up to $5,000.

    Also, if you have previous DUI charges against you and get another which results in the death of another person, you’ll automatically be charged with a Category A felony. This will get you betweeen 25 years to life imprisonment without possibility of parole until after 10 years.

    If you are under the influence of marijuana and need a ride, it’s important to remember you have options other than driving yourself. These include:

    1. Calling a sober friend to pick you up.
    2. Calling a ride-sharing service, such as Uber or Lyft.
    3. Using public transportation, such as a taxi, bus, or train.

    Views on Marijuana

    Recreational cannabis was barely won in the state of Nevada – the final vote resulted in a 54 to 46 split. In fact, if you were to look at a map of the vote, you’ll notice the majority of regions in Nevada were against marijuana legalization. Therefore, we can’t define the entire state’s views on marijuana through the fact that it’s legalized.

    Just as with California, each county has its own rules and regulations when it comes to cannabis consumption. Though the law has been embraced within the areas surrounding Las Vegas and Reno, most of the state hasn’t set up marijuana dispensaries. And they may not feel any need to in the near future.

    This is important to note because though it’s legal to consume cannabis throughout the entire state, it’s illegal to purchase marijuana from sources besides state-licensed dispensaries. Therefore, those in the regions without dispensaries are at risk of breaking the law in order to gain a legal supply.

    Furthermore, if marijuana shows up on a drug test, you may be denied certain benefits, such as work or welfare.

    Is Marijuana Addictive?

    Marijuana can absolutely be addictive – both physically and mentally. It’s estimated that 30% of people who smoke cannabis have some level of a marijuana use disorder. This is more likely the case if people consume marijuana prior to the age of 18.

    The physical aspects of addiction will not appear with everyone who smokes. For the most part, chronic smokers (people who smoke daily) are the ones most effected. Physical addiction qualities will reveal the following signs:

    • Aggression
    • Cravings
    • Difficulty falling asleep
    • Difficulty sleeping
    • Loss of appetite
    • Raise in body temperature
    • Restlessness
    • Sweating

    The mental aspects of marijuana addiction are more prominent. Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the main active ingredient in cannabis, causes the drug to be psychoactive. Meaning people will experience a more mental high rather than a physical. Therefore, the addiction is likewise more mental. The psychological symptoms of addiction to weed often include:

    • Anger
    • Anxiety
    • Depression
    • Difficulty concentrating
    • Irritability
    • Mood changes

    People who are physically dependent on marijuana can expect to feel withdrawal symptoms when they quit using. Withdrawal occurs when the brain and body return to a natural, THC-freestate. Not everyone will experience the same withdrawal symptoms, however, the following is a list of the most common symptoms reported by people:

    • Abdominal cramps
    • Aggression
    • Anxiety.
    • Chills
    • Cravings
    • Headaches
    • Irritability
    • Lack of concentration
    • Lack of focus
    • Lack of appetite
    • Mild depression
    • Mood swings
    • Nausea
    • Restlessness
    • Sleep disorders
    • Sweating
    • Weight loss

    If you or anyone you love is currently struggling with marijuana addiction, there are available resources to help you. Feel free to give us a call for advice.

    Marijuana Treatment

    If you or anyone you love is struggling with marijuana addiction, there are marijuana addiction treatment options available. Since addiction is very personal and differs from person to person, treatment will likewise differ. Typically, you can expect to take the following five steps:

    1. Medical Assessment

    Through drug tests, interviews, and a full medical/family history, your addiction will be evaluated for the sake of discovering the best treatment course for you.

    1. Detox

    Since marijuana dependence isn’t as brutal as other drugs, not everyone will need to enter detox. However, those who do will want to make sure they find themselves a reputable detox center. Not only for the sake of having professional assistance for weaning off the drug, but also to relieve specific withdrawal symptoms.

    1. Psychological Treatments

    The purpose of psychological treatment and talk therapy is to teach you how to go back to your day-to-day life without using marijuana to handle emotional and life stressors. It begins with taking personal responsibility and build from here.

    Some people will find individual therapy most beneficial. This allows for a one-on-one interaction with a professional who seeks to discover the root of your marijuana addiction and help you change your throught and beliefs. Others find group therapy more beneficial as it allows you to relate with those going through similar problems.

    1. Educational Sessions

    One of the most important things you can do for yourself is to learn about addiction and how weed works on the brain. The goal is to make you aware of the psychoactive effects of THC to help prevent relapse and consider alternative ways to feel good.

    1. Supportive Services

    Some individuals will benefit from supportive services. These include:

    • Financial assistance
    • Housing assistance
    • Legal assistance
    • Medical assistance
    • Vocational training

    Your Questions

    Marijuana can be useful. But it can also get in the way of your best self. If you’re ready for help, please reach out and ask. Learn more about how marijuana addiction is diagnosed and treated by professionals. You don’t need to do it alone.

    If you have any further questions pertaining to marijuana laws in Nevada or cannabis addiction, we invite you to ask them in the comments below. We try to reply to each comment in a prompt and personal manner. If you have any advice to give when it comes to these topics, we would also love to hear from you.

     

    View the original article at addictionblog.org

  • How To Avoid Relapse During the Holidays

    How To Avoid Relapse During the Holidays

    ARTICLE OVERVIEW: You can stay sober this season with the help of these tips and tricks. Here are some great ways to stay sober and enjoy the holidays.

    ESTIMATED READING TIME: 5 MINUTES

    TABLE OF CONTENTS:

    There is great news for recovering addicts: A holly jolly holiday is still possible, even while you’re recovering from an addiction. Although you may experience some triggers such as being alone during the holidays, dealing with tenuous relationships, and fending off constant offers of alcoholic drinks, you can stay sober this season with the help of these tips and tricks.

    Here are some great ways to stay sober and enjoy the holidays.

    1. Make A Plan Before Starting The Day.

    As sure as wreaths and lights will be hung this season, a recovering addict needs to wake up each day with a plan to remain sober. Before even stepping foot out of bed, you should evaluate the situations you are likely to encounter and then rank them in order of risk. Of course, the goal this season should be to avoid high risk scenarios as much as possible. But some situations are simply unavoidable.

    For example, maybe you need to attend a holiday work party to impress your boss and eventually receive a promotion. While at the party, you may be tempted to consume an alcoholic beverage with your co-workers. If you must attend a high-risk event, make sure that you drive yourself so that you can leave whenever you want. There’s nothing worse than being forced to stay in a situation where people are partaking in drugs and alcohol for an extended period of time.

    Eat a healthy snack or meal at least once every three hours.

    2. Maintain A Healthy Diet

    All of the delicious holiday food may be tempting, but now is not the time to push your healthy habits to the side. When you eat an unimaginable amount of unhealthy foods, your body will not be feeling the greatest. To feel better, you may want to drink or use. Even though those sugar cookies and specialty pies may be hard to resist, the best way to avoid this pitfall is by maintaining a balanced diet…as much as possible.

    While you shouldn’t eat too much this holiday season, you should also make sure that you are eating enough. If you don’t get enough food in your system, you are prone to low blood sugar levels. A low blood sugar can make you feel irritable and anxious, and you might want to turn to alcohol or drugs to reduce these unpleasant symptoms.

    The best way to ensure that your blood sugar never gets too low is to eat a healthy snack or meal at least every three hours. Make sure that you take extra precautions if you are a recovering addict and a diabetic.

    Meditation takes just a few minutes per day.

    3. Practice Stress-Relieving Activities

    There is no doubt that the holiday season is one of the most stressful times of the year, but you don’t have to let the stress get to you. Instead of coping with alcohol or illegal substances, engage in some self-soothing strategies like meditation and breathing exercises to clear your mind.

    The great thing about meditation is that anyone can practice this activity. Even if you meditate and breathe deeply for a few minutes each day, you will be able to restore calm and peace in your life. As you practice meditation and deep breathing, make sure that you keep reminding yourself that you cannot stop at just one drink so that you can stay on the path to sobriety.

    Another way to reduce stress is to engage in a regular exercise routine. Due to the well-known fact that exercise stimulates the production of feel good neurotransmitters called endorphins, you’ll start feeling better in no time. Not only can a regular work-out routine reduce stress, the activity can also improve sleep, combat depression, reduce anxiety, and boost self-confidence. As you experience all of these great effects of exercise, you’ll be well on you way to having a great and sober holiday season.

    Practice your refusal lines.

    4. Bring Support To Holiday Parties

    The holidays wouldn’t be as much fun without parties and get-togethers. If you plan to attend a holiday event, just make sure that you don’t show up alone. A friend who does not drink alcohol or use substances can definitely help you stay on track at social functions. While everyone is enjoying drinks at the bar, your loyal friend can make you feel comfortable by keeping you engaged in conversation and drinking sparkling fruit juice with you. When both of you guys are drinking non-alcoholic beverages, you are less likely to feel tempted to consume something a little stronger.

    If someone does offer you a drink at a gathering, you need to know exactly what to say to avoid being persuaded to join the fun. Instead of fumbling over your words when offered a drink, know the type of non-alcoholic beverage you would like before you attend the social function. That way you can quickly and politely decline alcoholic drinks without being forced to expand upon your decision.

    Along with bringing support to the party, you can also take your own beverages to fend off those offers of alcoholic drinks. Many New Year’s parties only serve alcoholic drinks, so you’ll want to consider this option if you plan to attend one. Whether it’s sparkling water, hot chocolate, or red bull, consider bringing a beverage for the host and one for yourself.

    5. Stay Connected To Positive People

    Speaking of support from friends, you should also seek accountability from your buddies in your support group. Throughout the holiday season, consider attending some extra meetings to stay connected to positive people. In order to remain sober this time of the year, the goal should be to stay close to supportive friends and family.

    Staying Sober Starts With A Decision

    As you embrace the holiday season, make sure that you remember the reasons why you are on a recovery journey. If you keep these good thoughts in mind during this time of year, staying sober is much easier even when temptation seems to be everywhere. Although there are a lot of people seemingly having fun with drugs and alcohol this holiday season, you don’t have to be a part of the statistic.

    And now we’d like to hear from you.

    Please leave your comments or questions in the section at the end. We try to respond to all real life questions with a personal reply.

    View the original article at addictionblog.org

  • How to Talk with Clients about Chronic Pain and Opioids

    How to Talk with Clients about Chronic Pain and Opioids

     

    ARTICLE SUMMARY: These guidelines will help you bring hope and healing to clients who may be in the midst of a battle with opioid addiction and dependency, stemming from chronic pain.

    ESTIMATED READING TIME: 7 Minutes.

    TABLE OF CONTENTS

    The Need to Talk

     Although I have written at length about The Opioid Crisis, it remains a long-term public health concern for Americans. In fact, the latest death toll estimates from the CDC put the number at 72,000 fatalities from overdose in the first half of this year.

    Chronic pain, which is one of the leading drivers of opioid overprescribing and subsequent addiction, affects 133 million Americans and 65% of them seek care for persistent pain at some point in their lives, reports the American Cancer Society. And the National Institutes of Health reports that an estimated $100 billion is spent annually to manage pain, including healthcare expenses, lost income, and lost productivity at work and home.

    Since this is an issue that impacts many families, friends colleagues, and loved ones in every stretch of the country, I’ve developed some tips for opening honest dialogue about this issue for healthcare professionals, clinicians and therapists to talk with their clients.

    Guidelines for Talking to Clients

    As a clinician and interventionist, I know first-hand how it can be difficult to broach this topic in an informed and compassionate manner. However, with these guidelines you’ll be able to bring hope and healing to clients who may be in the midst of a battle with opioid addiction and dependency, stemming from chronic pain.

    1. Meet Your Client Where They Are.

     I recently wrote The Definitive Guide to Addiction Intervention: Collective Strategies. In this textbook, I discuss the importance of starting where your client is. This means understanding who they are, where they come from, their family dynamics, experiences and their place in the world. The best theory in the world won’t take into account this human element. With unique people, a multitude of cultures, gender expressions and the changes in our genetic diversity, we must embrace difference as a teacher. That way you can help plan a strategy that meets their unique needs, not a preconceived cereal box of a model.

    This approach also leaves judgment at the door. Addiction – in all its forms – is a disease, not a moral failing, and should be discussed in terms of the best way to bring healing to the person experiencing the disease. When we do this, we see the person for who they are and that can open the door to recovery.

    2. Understand Your Client’s Trauma and Talk About It.

     Trauma is defined as an overwhelming experience that cannot be integrated and elicits animal defense mechanisms and dysregulated arousal. It can come from a host of experiences – a car accident, a dislocated knee or strained back, physical and sexual abuse, etc.

    Trauma can be both objective and subjective:

    • Objective trauma is the event that took place
    • Subjective trauma is how the person perceives what took place and the emotional aftershocks

    When we understand and discuss the trauma that took place, we then see how the door was opened to an opioid misuse problem. For example, a client may be a collegiate baseball player who tore his rotator cuff during a game. He undergoes two surgeries to fix the rotator cuff and is prescribed pain killers to aid in the healing process. But the player does not want to miss any more games, so he misuses the amount of painkillers he should take in order to “play through the pain” and stay in the game. As such, he develops an addiction and continues to take pills long after the rotator cuff healed. That you discuss the trauma in relation to the client’s pressure to succeed as a baseball player illuminates a detailed treatment plan for recovery.

    3. Teach Your Clients About Opioids and Chronic Pain.

    • The National Survey on Drug Use & Health found that 92 million US adults, or about 38 percent of the population, took a legitimately prescribed opioid like OxyContin or Percocet in 2015. Prescription opioids are easy to come by and are impacting people from all walks of life.
    • 11.5 million people, or nearly 5 percent of the population, misused prescription opioids they obtained through illicit means.
    • In 2015 more than one third of all adults were prescribed opioids.
    • Over 259 million prescriptions were written in 2012, which is enough to give nearly every person in the US regardless of their age their own prescription bottle
    • A study authored by Bradley Martin, a professor of pharmaceutical evaluation and policy at the University of Arkansas for Medical Science, found that with a one-day supply of prescription painkillers, there’s about a six percent chance “of being on opioids for a year or longer.” A five-day supply jumps to 10 percent. And a ten-day supply bumps the user to a 20 percent chance they’ll still be using a year later.
    • Pain has been considered the fifth vital sign. That being said, 90 percent of all pain is emotion.
    • The differences between acute & chronic pain. See chart below:

    4. Educate Your Clients on Alternative Pain Management Solutions.

     There are emerging evidenced based methods to help individuals, including:
    •  CBT
    • Breathing exercises
    • Qi chong
    • Physical therapy
    • Acupuncture
    • Mindfulness

    A study published in the journal Addiction in 2016 by a team from the Veterans Administration Ann Arbor Healthcare System’s Center for Clinical Management Research found a non-drug approach that combines psychological therapies with a social element. In the study, 55 veterans took part in therapy rooted in the psychological theories of pain and felt the effects last up to a year.

    The theory behind this approach is a self-management of pain. According to Medline Plus, the person experiencing the chronic pain needs help learning to think, feel, and do better, despite the persistence of pain. Self-management programs engage the individual in problem-solving, pacing, decision-making, and taking action to manage their pain. And they do it in a supportive environment where the social element plays a huge role because research shows that there is a link between pain and depression. Pain is responsive to mood and mood is responsive to social support, thus working through pain in a social environment posts strong results in healing.

    With research showing that the support of others aids in recovery, centers willing to address the issues of pain management and recovery, and the medical community rethinking how opioids are prescribed, there are new ways developing to more effectively deal with chronic pain and the mental health and lifestyle issues that arise from these conditions.

    Another alternative pain management solution that is gaining traction is meditation. Scott Weiss, clinical director at Bodhizone Physical Therapy and Wellness in New York City, who works with professional athletes, regularly prescribes meditation. “People often find meditation hard to swallow,” Weiss tells Outside Magazine, “but with the right instructor, they can start finding relief in just one session.” In fact, Weiss claims that half of the injured athletes he sees use meditation, and of those, 80% report reduced pain.

    A Call to Action

     I urge all of my colleagues in behavioral health care to rethink how we talk to our clients about opioids. We must educate them on the risks of taking prescription opioids, open up honest dialogue, and work with friends, families, coworkers and communities to promote lasting change. Lastly, since chronic pain is a leading driver of opioid use and opens the door to addiction, we must educate our clients in alternative pain management forms to promote healthier ways of living. These changes begin with open dialogue with our clients, so we can work through this crisis together.

    If you have a client that is experiencing difficulty with depression, anxiety ,chronic pain and/or opioid misuse, please give me a call. There is hope and solutions!

     

    View the original article at addictionblog.org

  • Top Ten Countries with the Strictest Drug Laws

    Top Ten Countries with the Strictest Drug Laws

     

    ARTICLE OVERVIEW: Some countries with strict drug laws also have the worst drug problems in the world. In this article, we look at these laws, their purpose, and how a country’s political motivations affect people. 

    ESTIMATED READING TIME: 7 minutes.

    Table of Contents:

    What Defines a “Strict” Drug Law?

    To define “strict”, we’ve had to form an answer based upon opinion. As we’ve observed in the U.S., public sentiment has varied about laws regarding marijuana use and possession. Some people do not see value in marijuana as medicine. Others felt that recreational use is completely justified. A counterculture fought back and, eventually, laws began to change.
    So, when are drug laws helping and when do they hurt? Are drug laws fair? Is sentencing for drug possession justified or unjustified? For example, in South Korea, you can be charged with a heavy fine as well as a long jail sentence for having a personal amount of cannabis on you [1].
    Though it’s agreed that even “softer drugs” come with their own dangers, we do need to examine punitive measures that governments take to try to regulate use or trafficking. These “strict drug laws” can include sentences such as:
    • Hard labor
    • Large fines
    • Long amount of time in jail
    • Sometimes the death penalty

    It should be noted, when it comes to fixing a drug problem, stricter laws may not necessarily curb use. What we need to do is work together to provide people with education as prevention. For those already struggling with a drug addiction, we not only need to provide them with this education but offer them to opportunity for treatment.

    With that in mind, let’s dive into our list of the countries with the strictest drug laws in the world.

    People struggling with addiction need treatment to get well.

    #10 – Japan

    To begin, over-the-counter medications have much stricter guidelines when compared to the United States [2]. Common necessities such as inhalers or certain allergy medications are illegal to carry in large supply, especially if any of the carry stimulants such as pseudoephedrine. If you’re planning to visit Japan, be aware that their law allows up to a two month’s supply of allowable over-the-counter medication and vitamins.

    When it comes to illicit drugs (anything from marijuana to heroin), Japan doesn’t mess around. If you’re are caught with any of these drugs, even if they were obtained legally elsewhere, you will be detained by customs officials and questioned. This, likewise, will happen for certain prescription medications when you enter Japan. Particularly, stimulants such as Adderall. Many American prescription medications are banned in Japan and, therefore, cannot be brought into the country by an American. However, if your prescription meets the Japanese laws, you will be allowed to possess up to one month of your medication.

    For those who do get caught within the country, you can expect harsher penalties for even just a minor offense [3]. For holding a small amount of drugs, you can be imprisoned anywhere from one to ten years with a fine of up to 5,000,000 yen (close to $45,000 USD). If you end up deported due to these breaks of the law, you won’t be allowed in the country for five to ten years.

    #9 – Vietnam

    When you’re caught with drugs in Vietnam, most of the time, you’re sent to a rehabilitation center. The Vietnamese government has a goal of cleaning up its citizens rather than punishing them. Especially due to the fact that drug use is on the rise in the country [4].

    However, there is a catch to these rehabilitation centers. Unlike those in Western countries which promote psychotherapies after detox, in Vietnam, you’re put into forced free labor. The biggest issue with this is prior addicts usually aren’t given any idea of a release date and can be held for long periods of time. Those who have gone against the rehabilitation centers, have reported that they’re often severely beaten by guards.

    #8 – China

    If you’re a drug dealer in China and caught by law enforcement, there’s a chance you’ll face the death sentence [5]. The roots of this conflict come from China’s cultural attitudes towards drug addiction. It’s considered to be a personal failure rather than a disease and, therefore, drug use is highly condemned.

    An issue China’s attempting to handle is the rising problem of illicit drug use. Like Vietnam, certain cities such as Beijing have incorporated punitive rehabilitation centers. However, in China, these facilities contain even harsher forced labor and consequences to those who don’t follow rules. The biggest issue with this is the state decides whether or not somebody is an addict. So, if you’re caught with a drug and it’s your first time using it, even though your body hasn’t adjusted to an addiction, you may still be considered an addict under Chinese law.

    This harsh punishment can also be witnessed in Chine detox centers. Standardly, it takes anywhere between a week to a few weeks for your body to completely detox from a drug. But in a Chinese detoxification center, you can expect to be in a forced detox for upwards of three years. This is followed by another three years within a rehabilitation center which normally should last less than a year.

    #7 – Singapore

    Strict laws are an aspect of life in Singapore which tend to take tourists by surprise. For example, according to Business Insider, you can receive up to a $1,000 fine if you’re caught littering. When it comes to drugs, these laws become even more consequential.

    Typically, drug dealers are executed if they are caught [6]. Yet, what Singapore considers a trafficker is very loose. People who are holding half an ounce of marijuana are considered dealers even if they’ve never shared their stash with anyone else. It’s due to these notions of drug users that make drug use in Singapore incredibly risky.

    In another example, if drugs are found on your property, you’re automatically assumed to be the possessor of them, unless you can provide reason otherwise. Even if you avoid the penalty of death, chances are you’re going to spend a large amount of time in jail for being in possession of drugs.

    If you’re planning to visit the country, it helps to understand which prescription medications are allowed and how to inform the authorities of your possession of them. You can find information on this here.

    #6 – Dubai

     As with many of the countries on this list, Dubai isn’t afraid to give you some long years in jail for possession. There’s a minimum of a 4-year jail sentence for having an illicit substance on you. Additionally, if you have traces of a drug within your bloodstream or urine, it’s automatically classified as a possession charge. Similar laws apply to those who actually get caught with drugs in their hands.

    These laws go as far as to charge you if you have poppy seeds on your clothing from eating something containing the ingredient. The biggest complication arises when considering how powerful the technology and security of airports located in Dubai are. It’s so strong that even residual amount of a drug will be found and cause complications with Dubai customs officials.

    #5 – North Korea

     It comes to no surprise that it’s rare for drugs to enter the North Korean territory. As can also be expected, little is known when it comes to North Korea and drugs as so little information can be obtained from the country. What we do know is possession of drugs can lead to the death penalty [7]. Furthermore, due to investigations within Taiwan and Japan, North Korea has been associated with large illicit drug shipments of methamphetamine and heroin [8].

    #4 – Indonesia

     Drug laws in Indonesia are similar to Dubai in the sense that they prosecute you for having drugs in your bloodstream. However, it’s their form of prosecution that really takes things to a new level – the death penalty.

    There is a zero tolerance policy for drugs within Indonesia. In 2009, a law was enacted which gave consequence to people who didn’t even take drugs. If your child is taking an illicit substance and you’re aware of it, you must report it to local authorities. If you don’t, brutal consequences will be carried out for the entire family.

    These harsh penalties aren’t kept from tourists either. There have been numerous accounts of foreigners being executed for being in possession of drugs.

    #3 – Iran

     Iran is one of the world’s largest opium producers (the main ingredient for heroin) and also has one of the largest drug problems in the world. Yet, their laws on drug use are extremely strict. So much so, it’s resulted in more than half of the country’s convictions to be that of drug charges. Yet, at the same time, there are efforts being made to curtail these force laws and, instead, help people struggling with addiction through treatment facilities.

    The biggest reason Iran is so high on our list is due to the fact that the country struggles economically and, therefore, some citizens produce large fields of poppy in order to make a living. With that in mind, it comes to no surprise many have fell victim to a heroin addiction. And prior to recent efforts, the penalties for drug possession have often resulted in death.

    When we consider these two factors – mass production of drugs with high drug use and very strict laws – an understanding develops as to why Iran is a dangerous place for a drug abuser to find themselves in.

    #2 – Islamic State (ISIS)

     The stakes are high in the territory captured by the terror group ISIS primarily because there are no official laws endated. Rumors have spread and leaders have spoken, but ultimately, there’s no true way to identify what you can and can’t do in the Islamic State. What we do know is public lashings are common for those caught in possession of drugs. Though this may not be as bad a consequence as the death penalties mentioned above, the real horror is nobody within the territory truly knows what they can and can’t get away with.

    Again, there are currently no written laws enacted for the people caught within the area. To top it off, it’s speculated ISIS is in control of various illicit trafficking in and around the mid-east. Therefore, they could be persecuting individuals committing crimes at a degree much less than their own.

    At the end of the day, the Islamic State is high on this list due to its harsh consequences and unpredictability involved around drug use and possession charges.

    #1 – Saudi Arabia

     What brings Saudi Arabia to the top of our list is, like some other countries listed above, execution is common for simple drug possession. However, the country isn’t afraid to publically execute criminals only to leave their bodies on display as a warning sign.

    The biggest issue within Saudi Arabia isn’t necessarily their drug issue, but rather their over corruption. Police aren’t afraid to prosecute even the innocent or torture them as a means of admitting to a false confession. In the first half of 2015, 100 criminals were publically executed. Half of them were non-violent drug offenders.

    Your Questions

    If you have any further questions pertaining to strict drug laws in other countries, we invite you to ask them in the comments section below. If you have any advice to give to our readers about these drug laws, we’d also love to hear from you. We try to respond to every comment in a prompt and personal manner.
    Reference Sources: [1] GOV.UK: Foreign Travel advice for South Korea
    https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/south-korea/local-laws-and-customs
    [2] U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Japan: Traveling with Personal Medication
    https://jp.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/doctors/importing-medication/
    [3] Student Handbook: Drug Laws in Japan
    https://www.kansaigaidai.ac.jp/asp/pdf/current_students/01_student_handbook/Drug_Laws_In_Japan.pdf
    [4] Foreign Policy at Brookings: A Slow March from Social Evil to Harm Reduction: Drugs and Drug Policy in Vietnam
    https://www.brookings.edu/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/WindleVietnam-final.pdf
    [5] Foreign Policy at Brookings: A People’s War: China’s Struggle to Contain its Illicit Drug Problem
    https://www.brookings.edu/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/A-Peoples-War-final.pdf
    [6] Today Online: Significant support for death penalty
    https://www.gov.sg/news/content/today-online—significant-support-for-death-penalty
    [7] U.S. Department of State: U.S. Relations with North Korea
    https://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/2792.htm
    [8] CIA World Factbook on Korea
    https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/print_kn.html
    Chronic Diseases and Translational Medicine: Integrated medical rehabilitation delivery in China
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5627700/
    Human Rights Watch: 100 Executions in 2017
    https://www.hrw.org/news/2015/06/16/saudi-arabia-100-executions-january-1#

    View the original article at addictionblog.org