Answer Addiction

Author: Addiction Blog

  • How to Help a Spice Addict

    How to Help a Spice Addict

    ARTICLE OVERVIEW: Research into Spice and its ingredients is only beginning. However, we do know it’s a heavily addictive drug with both short and long term effects to your health. Withdrawal can also occur. This article gives you background into the physical and mental effects of Spice, and offers suggestions for where to seek help.

    ESTIMATED READING TIME: 10 minutes.

    Table of Contents:

    Spice Effects

    The herbal mixture “Spice” is a blend of both naturally dried plant material and synthetic sprayed cannabinoids. It’s advertised as a “healthy” marijuana substitute, which is anything but the truth. In fact, the chemicals found in Spice mixes have become a great concern in the medical field.

    According to NIDA for Teens, people who have had bad reactions to Spice report symptoms like:

    • fast heart rate
    • feeling anxious or nervous
    • feeling confused
    • hallucinations
    • increased blood pressure
    • lowered blood flow to the heart
    • paranoia
    • suicidal thoughts
    • throwing up
    • violent behavior

    In a few cases, smoking Spice has caused heart attacks and death. You can find more facts about the effects of Spice on the National Institute on Drug Abuse NIDA website. The unpredictable dangers of Spice use have been outlined by NIDA here and in the following infographic.

    What Addiction Really Is

    According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, addiction is a state when you no longer are taking a drug for the sake of feeling good. Rather, you’re taking it as a means of feeling normal. Further, addiction occurs when:

    You continue to use a drug despite several negative consequences in your life.

    But how does one make such a transition?

    It begins the first time you take Spice. For a good amount of people, the high it gives you is a good feeling. Therefore, you want more of it. But, the more you take, the more your body adapts itself to the chemical compounds found within synthetic cannabis. This is known as a drug dependence. When you become dependent on Spice, you experience withdrawal when you lower doses or quit.

    Over time, you need to smoke more Spice to get high. This is known as “tolerance”. When you’ve built a tolerance, you need more of Spice in order to feel its effects. This leads you to taking more and your body adapting further. Combined, this cycle eventually leads to compulsive behavior. It looks like this:

    • Smoke Spice.
    • Feel good.
    • Repeat.

    Dependence vs. Addiction

    There’s a keen difference between addiction and dependence which should be understood.

    An addiction is when drug use becomes compulsive even when it’s brought upon harmful consequences. People who are addicted to Spice have the inability to stop using it, despite negative effects to health, home, work, or school obligations.

    Drug dependence can reinforce addiction. This is when the body adapts to the drug because chemicals are often present in the system. If Spice were suddenly taken away, withdrawal occurs.

    So, how can you tell whether you dependent or addicted to Spice?

    Signs and symptoms of addiction aren’t always visible or immediately obvious. There are a few questions you can ask yourself in order to find out.

    • Have you ever tried to quit Spice without having success?
    • Do you find yourself craving to use Spice?
    • Are your responsibilities at risk due to your Spice use?
    • Have you continued to use Spice despite it causing problems in your relationships (i.e. significant other, family, friends)?
    • Do you find yourself in risky behavior due to the fact that you use Spice?
    • Has your use of Spice affected previous activities you used to enjoy?
    • Do you spend a large amount of time thinking about, obtaining, or using Spice?

    If you’ve answered yes to one or more of the above questions, we suggest that you seek a professional diagnosis. It’s possible that you’re facing an addiction. And professional intervention can help!

    Denial

    Denial is a defense mechanism. People struggling with Spice often deny that they have a problem as a way of rationalizing their use and to avoid change. Denial is actually an inability to look at what’s really going on…seeing yourself as a “failure” is a difficult step to take.

    So, how can you help a loved one break through denial?

    First, understand a little bit more about where denial comes from. It’s common for people facing addiction to feel a deep shame of themselves. Both young people and adults don’t like to admit they’ve failed at self-control. Furthermore, many of us who deal with a drug problem want a good life…and have a difficult time when we don’t achieve it. This is why humans often use denial as a means of justifying behaviors.

    When you’re in the early steps of helping anyone addicted to Spice, the first thing you’ll want to do is show support. Though it may not break through denial, it’ll lay the foundation of you showing care and acceptance for the person you care about. Here is a list of tips when it comes to helping someone look at denial:

    • Attempt not to approach when they’re high on Spice.
    • Be specific about what you talk about – bring up specific incidents which they’re aware of as a means of triggering memory.
    • Discuss areas in which their drug use is having negative effects on other loved ones and, more specifically, their aspirations (careers, commitments, etc.)
    • Keep in touch regular on the issues and any new issues to arise.

    Additionally, there’s a chance mental health concerns are concurrent with denial, including depression and anxiety. This is especially true for Spice addicts, as synthetic cannabinoids have plenty of psychoactive properties which disturb thought and emotion. Therefore, when you look to address denial, you need to be very careful. Depending on the individual, you might be walking on thin ice and any wrong move can send the addict further into a drug hole.

    It shouldn’t come as a surprise if your loved one continues to deny their addiction. This is common when it comes to compulsive drug use. It’s important to have a level of patience when dealing with these matters. And sometimes, in order to really break denial, you must go to further lengths.

    Intervention Basics

    Addicts generally don’t reach out until they’ve hit a point of despair through an incident or accident related to their addiction. As a family member, you want to do all you can as a means of avoiding this. The most efficient way to do so is through an intervention.

    An intervention is considered to be one of the following:

    1. A clinical or professionally arranged sit down discussion.
    2. A close friend opening up for the first time about previously undiscussed behavior.
    3. Work colleagues sitting together to talk for the first time about their concerns.

    There is a risk involved in confronting an addict through such means. If you poorly plan or manage the intervention, it can result in:

    • Bitterness
    • Hostility
    • Resentment
    • Violence

    With that in mind, here are some suggestions for early and effective intervention. If you’re looking for a professional interventionist, you can search the Association for Intervention Specialists, AIS Directory. Here are some basic guidelines.

    1. Carefully Choose Who Will Attend. Spice has many psychological and emotional side effects. Therefore, you’ll want to be keen on who is present during the intervention period. You want to create the right dynamic. Not everyone is capable of this.

    2. Get Some Advice Before You Begin. Go to an addiction counselor or professional who has experience in conducting interventions before you attempt to talk about the problem with your loved one. These professionals can inform you of the important points to cover and how to go about conversation throughout the intervention.

    3. Plan Communication in Advance. Accusations don’t work. Rather, you want to help a loved one understand their problem and give them aid in recovery. Therefore, the way you communicate is vital. Some people have difficulty with this as they might’ve been harmed through the individual’s addiction. It’s important to keep specific in why you’re holding the intervention, emphasize on your love and support, and don’t exaggerate your emotions.

    4. Be Prepared for Anything. There’s no telling how a person will react to an intervention. Some individuals will understand while others will retaliate. Consider the mindset of the person struggling with addiction and the time in which you choose to conduct the intervention. You should prepare yourself as much as possible for any reaction they may give and develop a comprehension of how to handle it properly.

    5. Follow Through. The intervention is only the first step towards recovery. Make you follow through, go through intake with a rehab clinic, and become a part of the recovery process. Family counseling can be incredible helpful and can change your family dynamic for the better!

    Help During Detox

    Luckily, when it comes to Spice, detoxing generally isn’t as painful as it is when it comes to other drugs, such as opioids or alcohol. This is because there’s less of a physical dependence in comparison to a psychological one.

    Still, Spice withdrawal can present a similar pattern. Common physical symptoms brought upon by Spice detox include:

    • Agitation and irritability
    • Cravings
    • Depression
    • Extreme sweating
    • Headache
    • Insomnia
    • Loss of appetite
    • Mood swings
    • Uncontrollable vomiting, nausea, and diarrhea

    Although withdrawal from Spice has not been fully defined, some symptom relief has been reported with benzodiazepines and the atypical antipsychotic, quetiapin. Further, when looking to help someone who’s going through the detox process, you’ll want to be keen on the danger of dehydration. Make sure the person recovering gets plenty of water taken in small amounts. This will ensure the body to stabilize back to its normal chemical functioning.

    However, a bigger concern loved ones will have when handling Spice withdrawals is that of mental health. Since Spice is primarily a psychological substance, the biggest issues with it pertain to that of the mind. Though these are apparent throughout detox, they truly peak during treatment.

    Help During Treatment

    Addiction treatment is most effective when it’s a combination of medications and talk therapy. In fact, a variety of psychotherapy options are available. The purpose of talk therapy is to help former drug users to adjust back to day-to-day functions without the need for their drug-of-choice. This is done through teaching people how to handle emotions and behaviors while attempting to reduce cravings. On top of this, medications help people stable mood. This is why antidepressants may be prescribed in the first 3-6 months of treatment.

    Psychotherapies generally last anywhere from three to six months and sometimes upwards to a year, depending on the level of addiction. There are a variety of things you can do in order to ensure your loved one gets the best out of treatment.

    Be Present at Family Therapy Sessions. People facing addiction usually go through group therapy and individual counseling on their own in rehab. However, when it comes to the participation of loved one, family therapy is the most efficient. The goal of these therapies is to figure out the underlying cause of the drug addiction while working towards rebuilding relationships. This is also a good moment to work out any personal complications that may have arose during your loved one’s addiction.

    Promote General Good Healt. Besides therapies and medications, many family and friends look into healthy living as a means of helping their loved one. These can be anything from exercise and yoga to meditation and creating art. By influencing these hobbies, you’re showing your support through a new means.

    Always Be There. Treatment is difficult and, more often than not, people going through it will feel guilt, shame, and remorse. Not only must they push through all sorts of therapies but they must also keep down the itch of cravings and focus on a new life ahead. As a person of support, it’s vital you’re always there for them. Showing this can make a huge difference and motivate your loved one.

    The Number of Current Users

    One thing that can give you some sense of relief is that you are not alone. While synthetic marijuana is still very new, statistics about how many people are currently affected by Spice are tracked by government and health agencies.

    • In 2010, 11,406 people were rushed to the ER due to associations with Spice. 77.5% of them were male and 22.5% were female. 75% were between the ages of 12 and 29.
    • In 2016, the Monitoring the Future Study found that 3.7% of high school seniors had taken Spice at least once in the prior year.

    From these statistics, NIDA found that Spice is the #2 most used drug after marijuana on the illicit market for young people. And of those using it, most are young males.

    Where to Find Help

    You have a variety of options at your disposal when looking for help for a loved one. These include:

    • Addiction doctors (Find an ABAM specialist)
    • Psychotherapists or counselors (Find an APA psychologist member near you)
    • Psychiatrists (Find an ABA psychiatrist near you)
    • Social Workers (Your state’s Department of Health and Social Services)
    • Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Association’s (SAMHSA) National Hotline 1-800-622-HELP (4357)
    • You family physician

    How to Support a Friend

    If you’re a friend of someone who’s addicted to Spice, you might want to read through the information about for families. Know that it’s important you help them separate from the crowd of people who are using. And you can list facts to present to your friend about your concerns. Other than that, there’s really not too much that you can do.

    Once out of treatment, relapse will remain a possibility. A high percentage of people relapse due to being in the wrong environment. In this way, the most important thing for you to do is offer any motivation towards a sober lifestyle. Support good habits and you’ll be super helpful to your friend!

    Your Questions

    We hope to have answered your main questions about helping someone seek help. But we know that you may still have something to ask.

    If you have any further questions about how to help a Spice addict, we invite you to ask them in the comments below. If you have any advice to give for people currently trying to help a Spice addict, we’d also love to hear from you. We try to provide a personal response to each comment and get back to you promptly.

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  • A New Addiction Intervention Book: INTERVIEW with Dr. Louise Stanger

    A New Addiction Intervention Book: INTERVIEW with Dr. Louise Stanger

    Addiction and Families

    Addiction affects an estimated one in three American families. So, how do these families get help? Some struggle along on their own. Other families seek help directly treatment providers: detox clinics, psychotherapists, addiction treatment centers, or addiction counselors. Still other families are just lost.

    Still, there is one group of professionals that bridge the gap between families and treatment…

    Interventionists.

    In the next decades, behavioral healthcare professionals will need to increasingly both identify and refer families coping with substance use disorders to treatment. And interventionists practicing solid principles taken from social work and family systems theory may hold the key to our collective progress.

    A Book That Can Help

    A new book called, “The Definitive Guide to Addiction Intervention: A Collective Strategy” introduces clinicians to best practices in addiction interventions. It literally bridges the gap between the theory and practice of successful intervention. Today, we speak with the originator of this strategy, Dr. Louise Stanger.

    Dr. Stanger has developed and refined her invitational method of interventions over decades of working with families. She has performed thousands of family interventions throughout the United States and abroad. And we’re pleased to have her here for a digital interview!

    ADDICTION BLOG: What was your inspiration for writing this book?

    DR. LOUISE STANGER: After growing up in a family with substance abuse and writing about many of these stories in my memoir and in the public sphere, I started to think about what message I’d like to leave for future generations of social workers in this space.

    I maintain that it is very important for the future generations of social workers, psychologists, marriage and family counselors, alcohol and other the drug counselors, doctors, nurses, etc. to not just read one book about one person’s methodology, but to be able to learn a variety of different strategies. Questions like where strategies come from, what is the evidence behind intervention strategies, how have these strategies developed and changed, etc. to inform the reader and open their eyes to the broader scope of intervention and its modalities. As such, I like to think of these strategies as “invitations to change.” The idea is to provide a textbook at your disposal to learn and teach from.

    The truth is that 155 people die from opioids every day – it’s a global crisis, and we need new ways to train professionals across many levels in schools and in practice to help people and their families.

    ADDICTION BLOG: What do you think is the most important message that clinicians can “take home” after a reading?

    DR. LOUISE STANGER: The most important message is that change is possible.

    The key to this, which is talked about in the book, is CIS or Collective Intervention Strategies. This means that in order for an intervention to be successful, a collective team of family members, friends, colleagues, associates, business partners, managers and co-workers must be assembled to bring change in a person’s life, which is the intervention part of it. And finally, strategies, in that nothing is set in stone, we adapt to the unique needs of each individual.

    As a whole, Collective Intervention Strategies is a powerful model for inviting change that readers can take home.

    ADDICTION BLOG: How do most people or families get help for addiction?

    DR. LOUISE STANGER: How do they get help? That’s a great question.

    Talking with and connecting with professionals that are trained in process addictions, substance abuse, chronic pain, etc. You can also get help. Addiction is always bigger than the families, so it’s always best to seek out professional help from a mental health clinic, substance abuse clinic, or clinicians. Help is available. Families don’t have to do it alone. Not alone. For example, they can do 12-step. But when their hearts are breaking, they call.

    ADDICTION BLOG: Do you find that people misunderstand the field of mental health treatment and/or the work that you do? Do you find professionals even have a bit of trouble when it comes to certain areas of your work?

    DR. LOUISE STANGER: I think people by far don’t understand how substance abuse and mental health interface and work hand in hand. They don’t understand the duality or triality of what happens. The two are not mutually exclusive, and as such, must both be assessed (along with any other influencers) to get the best possible picture of the person and begin to build a comprehensive treatment plan.

    For instance, I appreciate the ASAM definition of addiction – it’s a disease of the brain and causes changes in brain chemistry. As such, people are afraid to address the complexity of humans and all the aspects. Therefore, when helping a family or a loved one, it’s very important to understand and learn about that particular individual, you must do a retrospective – bio, psycho, and social – to understand how to help and what kinds of treatment will fit their life.

    As for the professional sphere, there are many people who claim they are pros but have not been properly trained. I don’t think a 5 day training makes one an interventionist. Sometimes it feels like the Wild, Wild West out there. I think there needs to be more education and schooling, professional classes and programs that illustrate intervention as a real treatment option. We need it in our undergraduate, graduate and doctoral programs, across fields of work including counseling, nursing, pre-med, etc. to build it out as a field of study.

    ADDICTION BLOG: How do you hope this book will impact the field of substance use disorder treatment? Where do you hope to see treatment advance within the coming years?

    DR. LOUISE STANGER: My hope is that this book is adopted by both training centers, colleges and universities and hospitals, behavioral health care treatment centers, the legal system centers, senior living centers, doctors, Nurses, Funeral Directors, etc.

    This book takes a deep dive and discusses clinical and reverse interventions, which can be performed in a variety of milieus, shedding light on aspects of intervention that aren’t always talked about in trainings and certification programs. I hope professionals will hire and cultivate staff trained in the strategies talked about in the book, so that knowledge, standards and practices are a part of their tool box.

    In coming years, we are going to see more telephone and internet-based treatment options, the use of AI and other technological advances. Though nothing will replace relationships, we will have higher standards based on improved educational qualifications and higher standards of accreditation for treatment centers – all good things for behavioral health care. The ongoing opioid epidemic will spur change by demanding robust and low cost treatment options to address this issue.

    We will also address ethical issues. For example, the hiring of professionals for treatment centers will need to address marijuana legalization. Questions will arise: do treatment centers have progressive abstinence? Or a firm baseline? Can hired professionals use one substance over another? The ethics of these questions will come to fruition as the issues play out over the next couple of years.

    ADDICTION BLOG: Would you offer a bit of insight for our readers as to how they can best handle trauma and addiction in their family? What are some of the best steps they can take themselves if facing a drug or alcohol problem within the home?

    DR. LOUISE STANGER: The first step is to define trauma as an overwhelming experience that cannot be integrated and one that elicits multiple defenses and dysregulates the person. Or, it can be described as a stress that causes physical or emotional harm that you cannot remove yourself from.

    Then, we may unpack the etiology of the trauma, which may be objective or subjective. Objective trauma is what took place i.e. I fell off a ladder, I was told I was no good, I would never amount to anything, my father was emotionally abusive, I was in a car accident, etc. Subjective trauma is how the person perceives what took place and the emotional aftershocks. This can come from adverse childhood experiences, and the effects of trauma is cumulative over time.

    Once this is understood, seeking out and talking with trained professionals who can put you on the path to recovery is integral to the process.

    Professionals must ask: how can we help clients who experience trauma and then substance abuse/addiction rise to their best possible selves? Also, it is important to give treatment recommendations to other family members so they too can be the best they are. This is a holistic approach to treating a wounded person, and it always comes back around to CIS or Collective Intervention Strategies as the best approach.

    Folks may also consider visiting a 12-Step group such as Alcoholics Anonymous, Al-anon, Narcotics anonymous, etc. And of course there is me in my own independent practice. I always tell my clients that help is just a phone call away.

    ADDICTION BLOG: Through the process of writing, did you learn any important lessons or come across information that you weren’t expecting?

    DR. LOUISE STANGER: I didn’t have any big surprises. I found it humbling that with all the research and time working on this book, I circled back to the one truth that has been consistent in my work – it is imperative to meet the client where they are at. It’s about understanding who they are, where they come from, their family dynamics, traumas, 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.

    ADDICTION BLOG: Are there any future projects you’re currently working on and/or have in mind? What kind of impact are you hoping to leave on the mental health world with the addition of this book?

    DR. LOUISE STANGER: I continue to write public blogs – openly discussing the major topics in the behavioral health field. One thing I will wrestle with through public discourse, presentations, trainings and daily practice is ethics in the digital age. Specifically with marijuana legalization, how will this affect the workforce? There will be a multitude of implications and I’m excited to dive in and explore with my practice, clients and continued commitment to service of the behavioral health industry.

    Finally, my hope is that this book is adopted my many universities and schools across the globe. I’m excited about the e-platform, which will make it a living source of knowledge for professionals to keep up to date and relevant for future generations. Also, I hope that whatever my next writing venture is – whether it’s a book, a collection of blogs, or more thought pieces – that it will seep into the mainstream and become a larger public discourse than we’ve seen related to these topics. A wider audience would help ease the stigma of substance abuse and mental health in the public sphere.

    ADDICTION BLOG: Do you have some inspiration you can leave for our readers who are currently handling addiction for themselves or a loved one?

    DR. LOUISE STANGER: Keep doing what you’re doing. As I put in my memoir, keep falling up, which means that stumbles, detours and falls are part of the human experience, so long as you’re out there living and moving forward.

    I strive to look for strengths and goodness in people so everyone may rise to their best possible selves. I hope that readers and those out there struggling with these kinds of issues will do the same. Help is just a phone call away and hope is possible. Dig deeper, think harder, look further, rise stronger.

    ADDICTION BLOG: Do you have anything else you’d like to add?

    DR. LOUISE STANGER: Thank you for the opportunity to be a part of your blog. I appreciated working with you as an editor. Your contributions are immeasurable.

    In closing, I want people to know every day they are inviting people to change, help is available, solutions are possible.

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  • Is It Hard To Quit Adderall?

    Is It Hard To Quit Adderall?

    ARTICLE SUMMARY: Yes, it can be hard to quit Adderall. Physical changes to brain function occur when you take Adderall daily. So, drug dependence makes quitting hard. Increased tolerance and brain chemistry also make it difficult to quit. This article reviews the main obstacles to quitting and how you can quit safely.

    ESTIMATED READING TIME: 5-10 minutes.

    TABLE OF CONTENTS

    Why Quitting is Hard

    Adderall is a psychoactive drug, which means that it changes brain chemistry. When you stop using it after a few weeks or more, your body goes through an adjustment period. This is because Adderall can cause both physical and psychological dependence. These are the main reasons it can be hard to stop using on your own.

    Because of the potentially intense and dangerous withdrawal symptoms, it is highly recommended that you seek medical help and supervision when you quit taking Adderall.

    Continue reading for more on safety protocols when quitting Adderall. We’ll discuss in detail the safety concerns and possible side effects. Then, we invite your comments and/or experiences in the section at the end. In fact, we try to respond personally and promptly to your real life questions.

    Addictiveness

    Adderall is faily addictive, especially when used to get high. Adderall – a mixture of amphetamine salts -is considered a schedule II drug under the Controlled Substance Act (CSA), which describes this drug as:

    • Substance with high potential for abuse.
    • Substance with no current accepted medical use in treatment in the U.S.
    • Substance which can lead to severe psychological or physical dependence.

    Still, high school and university students who have easy access to Adderall take it as a study enhancer. Other professionals use Adderall for work performance. There have also been reports of stimulant abuse by individuals seeking weight loss, enhanced energy, sleep postponement (student “cramming”, long-distance driving), improved athletic performance, or simply enhancement of recreational social activities.

    Are these people at risk addiction?

    Yes.

    NIDA reports that PET scans of the brain show that Adderall can be just as addictive as crack or cocaine.

    Adderall can induce a pleasurable high.

    Brain Changes

    In short, Adderall is difficult to quit because of its effects on the brain. Stimulants increase the activity of brain chemicals called neurotransmitters. In particular, the neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine are stimulated by Adderall. Dopamine is involved with pleasure and rewarding behaviors. Norepinephrine affects blood vessels, blood pressure and heart rate, blood sugar, and breathing.

    This study explains how Adderall works:

    1. Adderall inhibits the reuptake of dopamine in nerve synapses.
    2. Adderall stimulates additional production of dopamine.

    According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, prescription stimulants like Adderall can affect key pleasure centers within the brain. While people who are taking Adderall for ADHD usually do not experience a high, for others Adderall can cause an intensified euphoria. After a pattern of use, a compulsion to use can occur and a loss of control happens very quickly.

    The desire to reach that same pleasure point stimulates you to increase the amounts with each dose. As you lose your ability to experience any pleasure, you might attempt to stop, but unfortunately, you’ll experience strong cravings which will make quitting difficult. Amphetamines are considered a drug with high potential for relapse.

    Because the body develops physical dependence on Adderall, withdrawal symptoms occur when you lower doses or quit completely. If these symptoms are not properly managed, they can lead you to relapse during the first 30 DAYS of abstinence, as they progress and change, making you experience new symptoms each week.

    What Makes Stopping Dangerous?

    Adderall intoxication can make you behave in abnormal ways. Repeated misuse of prescription stimulants, even within a short period, can cause psychosis, anger, or paranoia. As mentioned earlier, chronic use of Adderall creates drug dependence, which makes it difficult to quit due to the following withdrawal symptoms:

    • Anxiety.
    • Difficulty concentrating.
    • Exhaustion.
    • Irritability.
    • Rapid mood changes.
    • Unpleasant dreams or insomnia.

    Withdrawal generally produces fatigue, depression, and social disability. Also, quitting Adderall can trigger ideas of suicide. For these reasons, always seek medical help when you want to discontinue use.

    Quitting Adderall on your own, or tapering without medical supervision are not recommended. Treatment centers and detox clinics offer a structured program of quitting that includes close monitoring and management of withdrawal, psychological, and emotional symptoms. Feelings of isolation and mourning at the loss of this stimulant, as well as dealing with stress can be real problems which could trigger relapse.

    Medications

    Medications can be prescribed during withdrawal that might also help you counteract uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms. The following medicines are currently in use for stimulant disorders. You can ask for more information about the following:

    1. Baclofen prescribed to ease pain.
    2. Desipramine prescribed for the moderation of depression.
    3. Gabapentin prescribed to reduce withdrawal symptoms like anxiety and insomnia. This medication acts as a neutralizer of the neurological effects of an extended crack addiction until you are able to fully recover.
    4. Haloperidol prescribed to reduce symptoms such as: nausea and vomiting, delirium, agitation, acute psychosis, and hallucinations.
    5. Vigabatrin prescribed to control and reduce feelings of anxiety, which may help prevent relapse.

    Health & Safety

    Always seek medical supervision when you want to quit Adderall. Feelings of extreme dysphoria and depression can be overwhelming. However, these are expected and can be addressed. Your prescribing doctor, detox clinics, or addiction treatment centers are available to help you manage the difficulties of quitting Adderall, including:

    • Providing medications like antidepressants to address withdrawal symptoms.
    • Providing relapse prevention tools.
    • Treating mental health issues that may be related.

    If you get a clearance from doctor that you can withdraw from Adderall at home, only then you are permitted to do so. Your doctor should test you before and after you quit. S/he will also give you detailed guidelines during the process of quitting.

    Further…if you hink you’re the only one facing problems…you are not! According to the 2015 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, of the 17.2 million past year users of stimulants aged 12 or older, 11.3 million (or 4.2 percent of the population aged 12 or older) used amphetamine products.

    So, when you are ready for help…look for it!

    You don’t need to battle dependence on your own.

    Who Can Help

    Detox clinic professionals are trained to help ease withdrawal symptoms and provide you with psychological and emotional support. You can use SAMHSA online treatment locator to find the closest one in your area or ask for a referral from your physician refer you to one if needed.

    Plus, this SAMHSA Advisory on prescription drug misuse points out that people with Adderall problems can also look for help from:

    • Addiction counselors, social workers, and/or psychiatric nurses with experience and training in detox and addiction treatment.
    • Appropriate dose-tapering and detoxification services.
    • Physicians, physician’s assistants, or nurse practitioners with expertise in withdrawal.
    • Psychiatrists with expertise in psychotropic medication management.

    Further, inpatient rehab can be your gateway for maintaining long term sobriety!

    If you are addicted to Adderall, checking in a residential treatment center might be one of your best recovery options. Inpatient treatment facilities have structured programs designed to help you quit, remain sober, and succeed in maintaining your health and wellbeing.

    Rehab centers offer medical expertise and counseling that you might find extremely beneficial during treatment. Their experts will give you the proper nutrition and medications you need to detox, and allow you the time to rest and get healthy. There is not a precise length of residential stay, but programs usually last from 30 to 90 days, or for the more severe cases you can stay at the facility even for a year.

    Your Questions

    Do you still have questions about the difficulties and risks when quitting a stimulant medicine? Please leave your questions, comments or feedback here. We are happy to help answer your questions personally and promptly. And if we do not know the answer to your particular crack question, we will refer you to someone who does.

    Reference Sources: DEA: Drug Schedules
    Crack Prosecutor: Schedules of Selected Drugs

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  • Detox From Marijuana

    Detox From Marijuana

    ARTICLE OVERVIEW: Many people seem to think marijuana is different from other drugs. This is not the case: you can get addicted to marijuana and may need to go through detox. This article describes what this process can be like and how cases of withdrawal are treated. Then, we invite your questions at the end.

    ESTIMATED READING TIME: 5-10 minutes.

    TABLE OF CONTENTS:

    As a rule of thumb, acute detox from marijuana can take from a few days to a few weeks, with some symptoms lasting longer.

    Chemistry

    Marijuana, or cannabis, is the most commonly used illegal drug in the United States of America. It is a psychotropic substance with widespread recreational use worldwide, surpassed only by nicotine and alcohol. It is made from the dried flowers and leaves of a plant called Cannabis Sativa. It is usually smoked in hand-rolled cigarettes called joints or in water pipes called bongs. Sometimes, it is mixed with food, such as cakes and cookies, and eaten.

    The cannabis plant contains > 420 chemical compounds, of which 61 are cannabinoids themselves that bind to cannabinoid 1 and 2 (CB1, CB2) receptors in the central nervous system. The neural communication network that uses these cannabinoid neurotransmitters, known as the endocannabinoid system, plays a critical role in the nervous system’s normal functioning, so interfering with it can have profound effects.

    This NIDA for Teens diagram outlines exactly how and where marijuana works in the brain:

    While experts are still investigating how marijuana works, it is assumed that THC (tetra hydrocannabinol) is the chemical in cannabis, which makes you feel high. This means you experience a change in mood and may see or feel things in a different way. Some parts of the plant contain a higher level of THC. For example, the flowers or buds have more THC than the stems or leaves.

    Brain and Body Effects

    When you smoke marijuana, THC goes quickly into the blood through the lungs. It then goes to the brain and this is when the high is felt. This can happen within a few minutes and can last up to five hours from each time the smoke is inhaled. However, THC is absorbed quickly into body fat. It is then released very slowly back into the blood. It can take up to one month for a single dose of THC to fully leave the body.

    When cannabis is eaten, THC is absorbed more slowly into the blood, as it has to pass through the stomach and intestine. Not only does it take longer to experience the high when the drug is used in this way, the effects can also last for much longer, particularly those that are regarded as unpleasant by the user, such as hallucinogenic effects.

    It’s also important to know that regular cannabis use is associated with abnormalities within brain regions with a high density of CB1 receptors, particularly the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex; this is why many people experience a pleasant euphoria and sense of relaxation. Other common effects, which may vary dramatically among different people, include:

    • altered perception of time
    • heightened sensory perception
    • increased appetite
    • laughter

    Pleasant experiences with marijuana are by no means universal. Instead of relaxation and euphoria, some people experience anxiety, fear, distrust, or panic. These effects are more common when a person takes too much, the marijuana has an unexpectedly high potency, or the person is inexperienced.

    People who have taken large doses of marijuana may experience an acute psychosis, which includes hallucinations, delusions, and a loss of the sense of personal identity.

    These unpleasant but temporary reactions are distinct from longer-lasting psychotic disorders, such as schizophrenia, that may be associated with the use of marijuana in predisposed people to generate this kind of mental disorders.

    Long-Term Effects

    Imaging studies of marijuana’s impact on brain structure in humans have shown conflicting results. Some studies suggest regular marijuana use in adolescence is associated with altered connectivity and reduced volume of specific brain regions involved in a broad range of executive functions such as memory, learning, and impulse control compared to people who do not use. Other studies have not found significant structural differences between the brains of people who do and do not use the drug.

    What Detox Is Really Like

    If you have been taking cannabis for a long period of time, you may find it difficult to stop. Some people can stop using cannabis in one day while others prefer to stop slowly by taking less each time. The way you choose to stop is a personal one but there is assistance available.
    People that have gone through withdrawal have reported some of the following signs and symptoms:

    • Cannabis craving
    • Decreased appetite sweating
    • Depressed mood
    • Headaches
    • Increased aggression
    • Increased anger
    • Irritability
    • Nausea
    • Nervousness/anxiety
    • Restlessness
    • Shakiness/tremulousness
    • Sleep difficulty
    • Stomach pains
    • Strange/wild dreams

    Headaches and Depression

    Headaches are reported by 16 to 32 % of people who go through detox from weed. While no specific medication is mentioned to treat it, you might consider taking paracetamol or another non-steroidal anti-inflammatory after checking with a prescribing physician.

    As for depression, look into the short term prescription of antidepressants for 3-6 months during and after detox. Additionally, preclinical studies are showing that a chemical called URB597 produced analgesic, anxiolytic-like, and antidepressant-like effects in rodents, and has not shown increases in marijuana abuse during dosing.

    This evidence suggests that new medicines can begin to make cannabis withdrawal less uncomfortable.

    No medications are currently approved to treat cannabis dependence during detox.

    Medications

    Because symptoms of cannabis withdrawal may lead to relapse, pharmacological treatment aimed making symptoms more manageable can help. However, no medication has regulatory approval for the treatment of cannabis withdrawal.

    Several studies have tested the effects of medications on cannabis withdrawal. These medications are either:

    1. cannabinoid binding receptor agonists that directly suppress the withdrawal syndrome (analogous to using an opiate to suppress heroin withdrawal), or are
    2. designed to indirectly alleviate symptoms of cannabis withdrawal (dysphoric mood, irritability) by influencing the brain circuits that mediate these symptoms.

    For example, controlled clinical trials of oral THC are currently underway. So far, the only medication successful in suppression of withdrawal symptoms in the laboratory was a single dose of 10mg/day oral synthetic THC (dronabinol). While this medicine showed potential benefit, questions arise from the use of this medication in cannabis-abusing populations: is it really helpful, or not?

    There are some medications NOT IN USE that should be AVOIDED. Experimental findings are not completely consistent, but suggests that clinically used doses of naltrexone are not effective as treatment for cannabis dependence, and might actually increase the abuse liability of cannabis. A recent placebo-controlled study in 29 heavy cannabis smokers found that opioid-receptor blockade by naltrexone (12, 25, 50, or 100 mg daily) enhanced the subjective and cardiovascular effects of cannabis.

    Duration

    In many cases, the detoxification period for marijuana extends for 30 days, or longer, which corresponds to the amount of time required for marijuana metabolites to be eliminated from the system. However, duration is different for everyone. The amount of time you spend in detox is related to:

    • The amount, strength, and frequency of weed you used.
    • How long you’ve been using.
    • Individual metabolism.
    • Your age, gender, weight, and general health.

    Duration is also related to the severity of a possible “Cannabis Use Disorder”, or addiction. As a rule of thumb, an “acute” inpatient detoxification treatment lasts between a few days and up to 3 weeks.

    Can Detox at Home?

    Yes, you can possibly detox from marijuana on your own.

    However, you might be sabotaged by cravings, depression, or insomnia. This is why it’s important to seek medical help anytime you want to quit. In fact, cannabis detoxification treatment is usually performed in outpatient settings. However, in these cases, inpatient treatment may be required:

    • moderate or severe dependence syndrome
    • self-isolation
    • moderate or severe psychiatric comorbidity

    Inpatient Detox?

    So, do you need an inpatient detox clinic to quit?

    It really depends on your situation.

    In comparison with outpatient programs or trying to quit using weed on your own, inpatient detox can provide you with supportive conditions to quit. You’re monitored medically and have 24-7 support. Plus, experts can evaluate you thoroughly for underlying issues like depression and anxiety. Finally, you can find emotional and psychological support through an inpatient detox.

    Your Questions

    Do you have any more questions about the process of withdrawal?

    You are not alone. Ask us anything else you´ll like to know about this topic. We try to respond to all real-life questions with a personal and prompt reply.

    Additional Reference Sources: NCBI: The cannabis withdrawal syndrome: Current insights
    NCBI: Pharmacological treatment of cannabis dependence
    NIDA: Marijuana
    NIDA: Marijuana withdrawal is real
    NSW: Cannabis
    SA Health: Cannabis withdrawal management

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  • The Secret of Talking to Your Addicted Sibling (Brother or Sister)

    The Secret of Talking to Your Addicted Sibling (Brother or Sister)

    ARTICLE SUMMARY: Just one family member with a drinking or drug problem can bring imbalance to the entire group. And if you’ve offered help, your brother or sister may have refused it because they still don’t believe they have a problem. This article reviews ways to improve your approach to convince your sibling to get into treatment. More here, with a section at the end for questions. 

    ESTIMATED READING TIME: 10 minutes.

    TABLE OF CONTENTS

    You’re More Important than You Think

    We sure can love and hate our brothers and sisters. Growing up together can test our very souls. But when you’re worried about your silbing’s behavior, your input can be more important that you know. This study reports a well-known fact:

    The onset of substance use typically occurs during adolescence. 

    But the research also suggests that siblings and peers may provide complementary influences on how people navigate the transition through teen and early adult years. You can transmit a good example, or you can provide a bad one. Your sibling sees you horizontally. In other words, you have more influence than you think!

    So, what can you do first?

    Are You Helping…or Enabling?

    The big thing is to recognize if you’re actually helping or enabling your addicted sibling with your actions. Enabling is a behavior that prevents someone from responsibility. It’s basically when you get in the way of having your brother or sister experience consequences for their drug or alcohol use. Enabling can look like:

    1. Paying bills, filling the car with gas, or buying groceries.

    2. Telling lies or making excuses for your sibling.

    3. Bailing the person out of jail.

    4. Cleaning up after the person.

    5. Threatening to leave but failing to follow through on your threats.

    6. Accepting part of the blame for your brother or sister’s bad behavior.

    7. Trying to strengthen the relationship by drinking or taking drugs together.

    8. Avoiding family issues or problems that need to be addressed.

    Enabling adds to an addiction. It doesn’t help.

    You might have already been stuck in this position and don’t know how to help your sibling. How can you address the seriousness of their substance (ab)use? Can you somehow help them move from the position of denial?

    We think that you need professional help. Planning an intervention is especially hard when you have no professional experience in this area. Addiction is a medical condition, so consulting a professional can be the best place to start. Who can you ask for help?

    Where to Get Help

    When someone has a drug problem, it’s not always easy to know what to do. NIDA for Teens recommends that you talk with someone you trust. You can talk to a parent, school guidance counselor, or other trusted adult like a sports coach, youth group leader, or community leader.

    Plus, confidential resources are out there, like the Treatment Referral Helpline (1-800-662-HELP) offered by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, which refers callers to particular treatment facilities, support groups, and other local organizations. You can also locate substance abuse treatment centers in your state by going to samhsa.gov/treatment.

    Here are some other ideas:

    1. Talk with your family doctor. S/He can refer you to local specialists such as addiction doctors (Find an ABAM specialist), psychotherapists or counselors (Find an APA psychologist member near you), or psychiatrists (Find an ABA psychiatrist near you).

    2. Talk with a social worker. You can contact your state’s Department of Health and Social Services to talk through the treatment options. Plus, you can see what services are available FOR YOU! Need counseling? Ask!

    3. Call our hotline number listed above. Caring operators are ready to take your call and talk you through the process of detox and addiction treatment. Plus, it’s possible that you need to be connected with a professional interventionist. Reach out. Help is just a phone call away.

    4. Call an addictions counselor, a psychiatrist, or a doctor who’s studied addiction. The following professional associations can connect you with someone in your area:

    The Secret Of Talking: Planning

    The first step to planning an intervention is preparation. To understand the nature of addiction, first read more about the signs and symptoms of drug/alcohol abuse. Knowing more will help you when talking with other members of your family and as you ask for advice from a professional. Then, together, you can agree who will talk to your sibling about getting help.

    Also, be prepared to speak with other family members about your concerns. Make sure that you are safe from potential emotional and/or physical harm. It is crucial to gain your own emotional stability, so you can better cope with the problem and more easily overcome the barriers toward recovery.

    Speaking with others who are having similar struggles is always productive. Consider SMART Recovery Friends & Family, which offer science-based, secular support group meeting (both online and in-person) to help those who are affected by the substance abuse, drug abuse, alcohol abuse or other addictions or Al-Anon or Alateen, a Twelve-Step organization providing help to family members of alcoholics. Meetings are widely available and free of charge.

    Top 5 Things To Avoid When Talking To Your Addicted Sibling

    Rule #1 – Avoid confrontation.

    Instead of blaming your brother or sister for their condition, try to focus the conversation on your feelings and how their behavior affects you. The outcome may be to visit a therapist together, so you can solve your personal difficulties with the addiction in your family. Step by step, the therapist will shift the focus to your sibling without him/her noticing that the treatment is actually meant for them.

    Rule #2 – Ask them to make immediate decision.

    Do not let your sibling step back and think of the situation over time. Instead, be prepared to immediately consult a treatment program once s/he understands that dysfunction is occuring. This is a crucial part of the intervention, as the recovery process starts with the decision of accepting treatment.

    Rule #3 – Do not threaten your sibling.

    Not that it’s just ineffective, but threats to someone using drugs or drinking can also be dangerous. When people are in panic or consumed by a feeling of fear, they can be very aggresive. Conflict brings even more conflict, and suggestions and support will not have any impact if the vibes are negative in the relationship.

    Rule #4 – Don’t try to talk when your sibling is under influence.

    Rule #5 – Never ever offer drugs or alcohol to your addicted sibling!

    It is very important to remember that addiction is a serious disease and you should always treat it in that way. Accepting treatment should never be celebrated by taking “one last dose”. Stopping the enabling cycle means respecting that addiction is a sickness. When you refuse to participate in it, you set a good example.

    Questions?

    Do you struggle with the idea of addressing your sibling’s addiction? We hope this short article can help. If you have any additional questions, please post them in the comments section below. We try to reply to all legitimate questions with a personal response and as soon as possible.

    Reference sources: Drug-free: Helping an Adult Family Member or Friend with a Drug or Alcohol Problem
    Project Know: Support Groups for Families of Alcoholics
    The Recovery Village: 9 tips for family members to stop enabling an addict

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  • Alcohol Addiction and Abuse

    Alcohol Addiction and Abuse

    ARTICLE SUMMARY: Alcoholism the #1 addiction in America. The social acceptance of drinking can often lead to denial. But if left untreated, a drinking problem has severe consequences.

    ESTIMATED READING TIME: 5-10 minutes.

    TABLE OF CONTENTS:

    New studies reveal that NO LEVEL OF ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION improves health. In other words, alcohol is not good for you.

    No Healthy Amount

    Most people drink for one of two reasons:

    1. People drink alcohol to cope with stress.
    2. People drink alcohol because of social influences.

    Indeed, alcohol is socially acceptable. Most of us drink it in various forms, including beer, wine, and hard liquor. And many of us think that there are health benefits associated with consuming up to two drinks per day. However, recent studies are finding that no level of alcohol consumption improves health. So, a drinking problem can occur… even if you think you’re drinking within reasonable limits.

    “Abuse” Definitions

    According to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans,1 moderate alcohol consumption is defined as having up to 1 drink per day for women and up to 2 drinks per day for men. However, the Dietary Guidelines do not recommend that people who do not drink alcohol start drinking for any reason. This is simply because alcohol is not good for you!

    Not everyone who drinks is an alcoholic. In fact, about half of all Americans are active drinkers. But if your life is negatively affected by alcohol on a consistent basis, you may have a problem.

    So, what does it mean to “abuse” alcohol? The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) has a website Rethinking Drinking that defines what problem drinking is. And it’s not based on how much you drink, exactly. They say,”

    The more drinks you drink on any day and the more heavy drinking days over time, the greater the risk—not only for an alcohol use disorder, but also for other health and personal problems.

    Still, you can begin to suspect a drinking problem when…

    Men: You drink more than 4 drinks on any day OR you drink more than 14 drinks per week.
    Women: You drink more than 3 drinks on any day OR you drink more than 7 drinks per week.

    Image credit: NIAAA Rethinking Drinking

    So, if you are drinking like this, are you an alcoholic? According to the NIAAA, about 1 in 4 people who exceed these limits already has an alcohol use disorder (also called “alcoholism”). The remaining 3 in 4 people are at greater risk for developing these and other problems. Again, individual risks vary. People can have problems drinking less than these amounts, particularly if they drink too quickly.

    Use this NIAAA form to verify a drinking problem.

    DRINKING TOO MUCH + TOO OFTEN = TOO RISKY

    Definitions of a standard drink:

    Beer

    Beer is an alcoholic drink typically made from water, barley, hops, and yeast. Many people think that beer is safer to drink than wine or liquor. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) describes the real story about beer on this alcohol FAQ page:

    Q: Is beer or wine safer to drink than liquor?
    A: No. One 12-ounce beer has about the same amount of alcohol as one 5-ounce glass of wine or 1.5-ounce shot of liquor.

    In fact, one beer may be your limit for the night, if you’re a man…and half a beer may be all you need if you’re a woman. It is the amount of alcohol consumed that affects a person most, not the type of alcoholic drink.

    But beer is a part of American culture. It can be hard to ignore the billboards and advertising around beer. There are drinking games based on beer, sporting events usually always have beer available, and beer is a part of post-work get together. Plus, the trend for microbrewed, craft beers is on the rise. However, even people who drink during social activities or who only drink craft beer can develop an alcohol use disorder.

    So, how do you know if you’re addicted to beer, or not?

    Signs of a problem may include continuing to drink when everyone else has stopped or feeling the need to drink during uncomfortable or boring situations. Basically, a drinking problem causes disruption in your life. So, if you’re facing beer addiction you may have difficulty making it to work on time, keeping up with schoolwork, or recovering from drinking the next day. To get help for a beer addiction now, please send us a message or give us a call.

    Wine

    Wine is made from fermented grapes. It is mostly sold as white wine or red wine with a variety of flavor profiles based on the type of grape used. For example, popular white wines include Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, and Riesling. Popular red wines include Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir and Syrah / Shiraz.

    The percentage of alcohol in wine can vary widely; therefore, read the labels and adjust accordingly. When compared to beer, wine has a more concentrated amount of alcohol. Still, an average 5 oz. glass of wine is equivalent in alcohol content to 12 oz. of beer. An overpoured glass of wine, however, could contain much more alcohol than a standard drink.

    Wine is often consumed with meals. It has a status as a “classy” drink that can make it harder to spot a problem. Drinking wine may be a problem for you if any of these things are true:

    • Drinking wine causes trouble with your relationships, school, or work.
    • You can’t control how much wine you drink.
    • You’ve tried quitting drinking but cannot.
    • You feel anxious, irritable, or stressed when you aren’t drinking wine.

    If you or someone you care about has been drinking wine more frequently than intended or using it to combat anxious or depressive feelings, there may be a deeper issue at play. The earlier you get help for a wine addiction, the better! Wine problems are medical in nature and can be treated professionally.

    Liquor

    “Liquor” is the term used for hard alcoholic drinks or spirits like tequila, vodka, gin, rum and whiskey. Liquor has a much higher volume of alcohol than beer or wine: approximately 1.5 ounces of distilled spirits contain about 40% alcohol. Additionally, the type of spirit, recipe, and size of serving glass can impact the quantity of hard liquor in the drink. A mixed drink can contain from one to three or more standard drinks.

    Liquor can impact and speed up the development of a drinking problem. This is due to the way we metabolize alcohol. The Indian Health Service explains it like this…when a person drinks an alcoholic beverage, about 20% of the alcohol is absorbed in the stomach and about 80% is absorbed in the small intestine. The rate the alcohol is absorbed depends upon a few factors:

    1. The higher the concentration of alcohol, the faster the absorption.
    2. Carbonated drinks tend to speed up absorption of alcohol.
    3. Whether the stomach is full or empty. Food can slow down alcohol absorption.

    Basically, increased absorption of alcohol into the bloodstream can cause quicker intoxication. It’s like comparing oral vs. injection routes of drug administration. The quicker a drug hits your bloodstream and crosses the blood-brain barrier, the more addictive. Plus, the lower liquid content of shots make them easier to consume, leading to a higher risk of alcoholism.

    Regardless of the type of liquor consumed, alcohol of any kind possesses serious addiction potential. But you can get help for a liquor addiction now. Continue reading for more ideas.

    Binge Drinking

    Drinking too much at once is called “binge drinking”. As noted by the CDC, it is the most common way people drink too much in the U.S. But what does it mean to binge drink?

    The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism defines binge drinking as a pattern of drinking that brings a person’s blood alcohol concentration (BAC) to 0.08 grams percent or above. Guidelines follow.

    Men: You binge drink when you consume 5 or more drinks on a single occasion and usually occurs within about 2 hours.
    Women: You binge drink when you consume 4 or more drinks on a single occasion and usually occurs within about 2 hours.

    While most people who binge drink are not alcohol dependent, binge drinking is the most common, costly, and deadly pattern of drinking too much. It causes injury and serious risk to health. It occurs frequently, with one in six adults binging about four times a month. And in many cases, prolonged binge drinking can develop into alcoholism.

    Mixing Alcohol with Drugs

    Because drinking is easily accessible, people often mix alcohol with other drugs. However, alcohol is both a central nervous depressant AND a stimulant… thereby posing a serious risk to your health when you mix it. For example, when mixed with benzodiazepines, opiates, or Rx painkillers, alcohol can trigger overdose effects. Alcohol on its own can be dangerous, but combining it with other substances can quickly prove lethal.

    When It Becomes Addiction

    Addiction occurs somewhere in a person’s drinking history. It can happen fast, within the span of a few months. Or, addiction can occur over the course of years. So when do you know you’ve crossed the line and become addicted to alcohol?

    Alcoholism (a.k.a. alcohol addiction) is marked by a craving for alcohol. This craving occurs after the first drink and compels you to drink more. Craving also occurs when you’re NOT drinking; it can drive you back to alcohol. People who are addicted also are unable to stop drinking, especially in the face of personal or social harm.

    Signs of an alcohol addiction include:

    • Alcohol dependence.
    • An increased tolerance (needing to drink more to feel drunk).
    • Frequently drinking more than intended.
    • Spending time getting alcohol, drinking it, or recovering from its effects.
    • Wanting to stop drinking but being unable to.

    High-Functioning Alcoholism

    Not all alcoholics are bottom of the bottle drinkers.

    In the early 2000’s researchers officially recognized a subset of drinkers called “high-functioning” alcoholics. Study author Howard B. Moss, M.D., NIAAA Associate Director for Clinical and Translational Research said, “We find that young adults comprise the largest group of alcoholics in this country, and nearly 20 percent of alcoholics are highly functional and well-educated with good incomes.”

    The problem with high-functioning alcoholism is that it can go undiagnosed. As people are able to keep their jobs, and experience relatively few harms…they often do not seek help. If you think you might have a drinking problem, ask for help. Here are some suggestions that we have for you:

    • Ask your friends and loved ones to support you.
    • Talk to a doctor or nurse if you are having a hard time cutting down on your drinking.
    • If one type of treatment doesn’t work for you, you can try another. Don’t give up!
    • Call 1-800-662-HELP (1-800-662-4357) for information about treatment.
    • To explore treatment options, visit the NIAAA Treatment Navigator.

    Statistics

    Alcohol use is a leading risk factor for disease burden worldwide, accounting for nearly 10% of global deaths among populations aged 15–49 years, according to the 2016 Global Burden of Diseases report. This 2011 study breaks down the most common disease categories that are entirely or partly caused by alcohol consumption, which can include:

    • Cancer
    • Cardiovascular disease
    • Diabetes
    • Infectious diseases
    • Liver and pancreas disease
    • Neuropsychiatric diseases (including alcohol use disorders)
    • Unintentional and intentional injury

    Why wait for things to get worse?

    Reach out and get help today.

    When to Get Help

    Getting help for a drinking problem early is best!

    So, if you think that you have a problem with alcohol, it’s best to assume that you do.

    Then, reach out for help.

    You are not alone!

    Many people who struggle with alcohol addiction find it difficult or impossible to quit on their own. There are many programs designed to get you the help you need. Or, you can increase your chance of a full recovery with the help of an alcohol rehab center. Get in touch with one today….and increase your chances for success and an alcohol-free life!

    View the original article at

  • Addiction, Autism, and Sensory Integration

    Addiction, Autism, and Sensory Integration

    Neurodiversity and A Changing World

    Previously, I wrote about the intricacies I learned about neurodiversity from my granddaughter, Alexandra. When she was very young, we noticed how certain fabrics bothered her. She had difficulty smiling, responding to her name when called and was otherwise distracted. She appeared distant, lost in a far- away land.

    After learning of her diagnosis as autistic spectrum disorder (ASD), early intervention, extensive therapy and working with professionals has given Alexandra the communication and social skills to run, laugh, talk and play like any other 5-year-old. Though this journey has its challenges, it spurred me to dig deeper, learn more, and further develop my skills and understanding of neurodiversity in all its forms.

    Researchers and scientists have come a long way in uncovering the different forms of learning that autistic individuals use to experience the world.

    Still, there is much to learn about neurodiversity. Specifically, we need to focus on autism in an increasingly technologically advanced world and a growing population. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in a new report published April 26, 2018, found new data on the prevalence of autism in the United States. This surveillance study identified 1 in 59 children (1 in 37 boys and 1 in 151 girls) as experiencing autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

    Autism Linked to Addiction

    In addition to new-found statistics, I also discovered research that linked autism to addiction – a finding that is commonly dismissed amongst behavioral health professionals as irrelevant or untrue, as cited in The Atlantic’s article about autism and addiction. Despite this common misconception, my research uncovered information on the topic that I believe is imperative to talk about and spur conversation that will lead to new therapies and modalities in working with and understanding neurodiversity.

    If you don’t believe that people who experience autism may also be at risk for a substance abuse disorder, just ask Shane Stoner, a 44-year-old man who discovered his autism after a bout with heroin addiction.

    “I felt like heroin gave me confidence,” explains Stoner, in The Hidden Link Between Autism & Addiction (Atlantic Magazine , March 2017). “I could get out of bed in the morning and do the day. No matter what happened, it made me feel like it was going to be alright.”

    After a run-in with the law, Stoner entered a detox program to kick his addiction to heroin, but it wasn’t till years later that he received his autism diagnosis. The diagnosis opened his eyes – it helped him understand his strange behaviors, his heightened experience of severe anxiety, and the way he relates to the world around him.

    “It explained Stoner’s sensitivity to things such as tags on his t-shirts, and his succession of obsessive interests. It clarified why he had such a difficult time fitting in as a child, his problems with roommates in college—and why he continued to struggle with social connections as an adult.”

    Likelihood for Substance Use Disorders

    Stories like Shane Stoner’s are becoming more prevalent. In fact, a new study in Sweden – the first to explore the link between people with autism and addiction – found that individuals with autism who have average or above average intelligence quotients (IQs) are twice as likely to become addicted to alcohol or other drugs than their peers.

    This study looked at 26,896 Swedes diagnosed with autism born between 1973 and 2009. Researchers found, in addition to the general population of autistic people having double the risk of addiction, there is an elevated risk amongst those with autism with an IQ of 100 or above.

    Furthermore, researchers looked at co-occurring disorders and found that those with autism and a dual-diagnosis of attention deficit hyper-active disorder (ADHD) “increases the risk of addiction fourfold; among those with an IQ in the typical range or above, ADHD increases the risk eightfold.”

    These findings help us understand how someone with autism may develop a substance abuse disorder.

    A Clearer Picture Emerges

    Decades ago, when patients exhibited severe signs of autism, their need for caretakers (and not living independently) made it difficult to obtain alcohol or illegal drugs. The assumption also prevailed that an autistic person’s penchant for obsessive compulsive behaviors such as strictly following rules made it unlikely to experiment with drugs or alcohol. It has been noted that children with autistism display little fear and enjoy twirling, spinning, roller coaster rides, climbing walls, and other high risk behaviors

    However, now that researchers and clinicians have learned more about autism spectrum disorder, the Swedish study and stories like Shane Stoner’s help us see a clearer picture of autism and addiction.

    Stoner did not understand the source of his anxiety, nor his strange behaviors, but when heroin was introduced to him as a way to cope and give him confidence, we can understand how the door was opened to an addiction.

    Though his addiction led him to eventually uncover his autism diagnosis, stories like these help us see that more research must be done to uncover more about neurodiversity.

    Sensory Integration as Treatment

    Now that we see the bigger picture of autism and addiction, an emerging modality to help with addiction may be in sensory integration. What is sensory reintegration?

    According to the Novak Djokovic Foundation (NDF), a global organization committed to giving children equal access to quality preschool education, sensory integration has been defined as,

    “the ability to take in information through senses, to put it together with prior information, memories, and knowledge stored in the brain, and to make a meaningful response.”

    I had the privilege of speaking at the Post Traumatic Growth Symposium in Utah this year, where I toured two facilities, Recovery Ways and The Heritage School that employ sensory integration rooms used as a form of therapy. What is a sensory integration room? Again, according to the NDF, this is:

    “a special room designed and equipped to stimulate the senses of hearing, sight, touch and smell. It is a place where people with sensory integration disorder can explore and develop their sensory skills, and also where they can relax, relieve stress and anxiety.”

    Stormy Hill, an occupational therapist at Recovery Ways, the Utah-based treatment center where I visited a sensory reintegration room put it this way, saying its goal is:

    “to teach the patient to stay grounded, to stay organized, to stay calm within an emotional range, no matter what life is throwing at them.”

    In the rooms I visited, there were climbing walls and swings, and everything was soft to the touch. There were even fiber optic sets, interactive fiber optic light cables that you could pull, bend, stretch and coil.

    Sensory Integration Rooms as Clinical Tools

    During my time in the room, I learned that sensory integration, an emerging type of therapy for dual-diagnosis clients, can be used for a wide range of clients and patients. In fact, sensory integration is suitable for children or adults with autism, concentration disorder, sensory impairments, mental development or insufficient development problems, speech difficulties, learning disabilities and behavioral problems.

    I dug deeper and was fascinated to discover these rooms could be beneficial in de-escalating an upset client. They might serve as a place to hit pause, to rethink what is upsetting them and pushing them to want to leave treatment AMA. I watched how my usual hypervigilant self -calmed down by playing with the manipulatives and realized how easy it would be to open up about past traumas hiding behind fiber optic cables while swinging in a hammock.

    I was further jarred into my senses when the OT offered me a hot chew. WOW! Whatever I was focused on, ruminating about was suddenly jarred out of my sensibility or existence. The sweet bitter taste startled me and altered my senses and my thought processes. I was immediately pulled into refocusing my thoughts, my sensibilities. I marveled over this experience thinking how wonderful it was to stop my obsessions by simply giving me a candy and putting me inside this magical room.

    I thought this might be a perfect way to facilitate a clinical intervention with a patient. In this room, the combination of manipulatives juxtaposed with a hot chew will allow one to settle down and process the pros and cons of rash decision making.

    In that moment, I wondered, “Why don’t all treatment centers have sensory rooms?”

    As we peel back more layers of understanding behavioral health, addiction, neurodiversity and autism, I’m encouraged to see researchers and behavioral healthcare professionals employ these types of strategies with their patients. Likewise, it’s imperative that we keep our eyes open to the way addiction affects neuro-diverse learners and develop protocols and strategies that meet the needs of this ever emerging population.

    View the original article at

  • Is it Dangerous to Quit Valium?

    Is it Dangerous to Quit Valium?

    ARTICLE SUMMARY: Seek medical supervision anytime you want to quit Valium after you are physically dependent. Valium (main ingredient diazepam) is a strong benzodiazepine that triggers dangerous side effects during withdrawal. Valium withdrawal symptoms can be very unpleasant when not properly managed. This article review what happens in the brain and body when you quit Valium. Plus, we review how to safely and gradually get off Valium.

    ESTIMATE READING TIME: Less than 10 minutes.

    TABLE OF CONTENTS

    How Addictive Is Valium?

    First, produced in the 1960s, Valium is the trade name of one brand’s label for generic diazepam. Shortly after its introduction, Valium quickly became one of the most widely prescribed benzodiazepines in the U.S. The drug is medically used in the treatment of anxiety, muscle spasms, and seizures. But how addictive is it, really?

    Valium is a schedule IV drug under the Controlled Substance Act (CSA) which classifies Valium in the group of drugs with low potential for abuse and low risk of dependence. Regardless of its drug schedule, physical dependence on Valium develops quickly. Addiction is also possible if you do not use this medication as directed by your doctor.

    Generally, you should take Valium for a short period of time (no longer than 4 months) and in small doses. Valium is a potentially very addictive benzodiazepine. Researchers think this is because benzodiazepines trigger dopamine, causing a flod of “feel good feelings” in the brain. And if you take it longer than 4 months, even with a doctor’s prescription, you risk developing an addiction. The risk of addiction further increases with duration of use. Chronic use (even at therapeutic doses) may lead to the development of a true drug problem.

    What Makes Quitting Hard?

    Valium strongly affects your brain chemistry. In this way, Valium is difficult to quit because of the withdrawal symptoms which occur due to physical dependence. Why and how does dependence occur?

    Dependence is the expected outcome of regular, daily dosing of Valium over the course of a few weeks, or more. Once your body becomes accustomed to the chemistry of diazepam, it adjusts and adapts in order to continue functioning. But when you quit using after a period of dependence, it takes time for the body to return to homeostasis. Long term use profoundly changes the brain’s natural chemicals – so your body craves the substance that helps you feel “normal”.

    When you remove the drug, withdrawal occurs.

    Withdrawal symptoms of Valium many people experience in the first week after quitting can merge with more persistent symptoms that may last for many months. These prolonged symptoms are often related to long-term benzodiazepine use and can be very uncomfortable. They include:

    • anxiety as the result of a learning deficit
    • sensory symptoms
    • motor neurological symptoms

    The long-term nature of some of these symptoms have caused experts like Dr. Heather Ashton to question whether or not structural neuronal damage occurs, making withdrawal both difficult and potentially dangerous.

    Symptoms of Quitting

    According to this 1994 article published in the medical journal, Addiction, physiological dependence on benzodiazepines is accompanied by a withdrawal syndrome which is typically characterized by physical symptoms. If you used Valium for a longer period of time, you can expect to commonly reported withdrawal symptoms once you discontinue your regular Valium doses. The main reported symptoms of quitting include:

    • Confusion
    • Difficulty in concentration
    • Dry wretching and nausea
    • Hand tremor
    • Headache
    • Irritability
    • Increased tension and anxiety
    • Muscular pain and stiffness
    • Palpitations
    • Panic attacks
    • Perceptual changes
    • Restlessness
    • Sleep disturbance
    • Sweating
    • Some weight loss
    • Vomitting

    Most often, people experience a kind of  short-lived “rebound” anxiety and insomnia that usually surfaces within 1-4 days of discontinuation. However, some people experience full-blown withdrawal that can last for weeks.

    Potential dangerous side effects of quitting Valium include suicidal thinking, seizure, or depersonalization.

    Severe Symptoms

    Severe Valium withdrawal symptoms include:

    • Depersonalization
    • Derealization
    • Hallucinations or epileptic seizures
    • Hyperacusis
    • Hypersensitivity to light noise and physical contact
    • Numbness and tingling of the extremities

    Effects On Neurotransmitters

    Valium affects the gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) neurotransmitters in the central nervous system. This neurotransmitter is known as natural tranquilizer, since it is responsible for preventing anxiety. When Valium enters the brain, it increases the inhibitory effect of GABA, which then blocks serotonin ability to fire messages throughout the brain.

    Depending on Valium doses, the inhibitory effect of GABA is usually excessive, which decreases levels of serotonin down below the minimum required level. A balanced level of serotonin within the brain and body is important for the following reasons:

    • Controls the regular cycle of sleep
    • Prevents excessive mood swings
    • Reduces anxiety
    • Regulates the feeling of happiness

    We mention this because long -term Valium use and abuse affects GABA and serotonin causing an imbalance in the quantity of these neurotransmitters which results in the following consequences:

    • Depression
    • Headaches
    • Insomnia
    • Intestinal distress
    • Irritability
    • Panic attacks
    • Rage
    • Suicidal thoughts

    What Makes Stopping Valium Dangerous?

    It is dangerous to stop using Valium cold turkey, without medical supervision, or to discontinue your dosing abruptly. Any of these methods can result in severe withdrawal and health risks. Here are the reasons why you should NOT consider each of the mentioned quitting methods.

    1. Stopping Valium cold turkey

    This method of cessation can only be used for very short term users who are not drug dependent. If you’ve used Valium long term for more than a few weeks or if you are a chronic user, quitting cold-turkey should not be an option for you because of the potential withdrawal dangers. Furthermore, Valium cold turkey often leads chronic users to relapse.

    2. Stopping Valium without medical supervision

    Quitting Valium using self-help is never recommended because you can seriously hurt yourself. Instead of trying to stop using this medication on your own, consult a treatment center or a detox clinic for assistance. Or, seek a physican for consultation. The Ashton Manual outlines suggestions for how to approach benzodiazepine withdrawal, suggestions that come from Dr. Heather Ashton after decades of medical experience.

    3. Lowering doses of Valium suddenly and abruptly.

    Similarly to cold turkey, this is another unsafe method of Valium discontinuation. Individuals who have stop taking Valium suddenly, faced extremely uncomfortable withdrawal that required immediate medical assistance. This method of cessation has led many users to the emergency rooms and therefore is not recommended.

    Safe Alternatives

    Despite all the serious consequences of Valium withdrawal, this medication can be successfully discontinued using the following methods:

    1. Quitting Valium under medical supervision

    Medical supervision is always suggested anytie you want to quit Valium. So, first check with your prescribing doctor. If you get a doctor’s OK to quit at home, than you can do so by scheduling outpatient visits to your doctor’s office. Withdrawal from Valium can be successful with a combination of medical supervision and pharmacological therapy that usually includes:

    • Antidepressants to reduce your anxiety
    • Anticonvulsant medications to aid you with seizures
    • Kemstro, Gablofen, Lioresal (baclofen) to reduce cravings.

    Quitting Valium under medical supervision has the following advantages:

    • Regular tests for drug presence
    • Individualized tapering plan tailored to your specific needs
    • Doctors’ disposal 24/7 in case of emergencies.

    2. Tapering Valium

    Tapering Valium is considered as one of the best quitting methods. Gradual withdrawal and eventual stopping of Valium can takes several months. However, some individuals need a year to reduce the dose gradually before they finally stopping it.

    3. Valium detox clinic

    Withdrawal can be most successfully managed by experienced medical staff at detox clinics and even residential centers for people with more severe addictions. Physicians and addiction professionals can stabilize your symptoms and lessen the effects of withdrawal. Since withdrawal from Valium can be exceedingly uncomfortable it’s best to do it under professional monitoring in order to achieve best results and get rid of Valium for good. Rapid detox is never recommended as a quitting benzodiazepines, including Valium.

    4. Inpatient Valium treatment

    Inpatient Valium treatment is usually recommended for those with severe dependency as well as those who struggle with addiction to this medication. Checking in a treatment facility can provide you with many benefits such as: continued care, monitoring of emotional or mental distress because of the withdrawal and variety of treatment alternatives (Cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational therapy, group and family therapy, 12 step meetings, aftercare programs). Hospitalization generally lasts 30-60-90 days and includes counseling to help you understand the nature of your addiction, relapse coping techniques and skills to recognize cues to drug use.

    Your Questions

    We hope to have answered all your questions about safely stopping Vliaum. But do you still have questions about quitting Valium dangers? Please leave them here. We’ll be happy to try to answer you ASAP or refer you to someone who can help.

    Reference Sources: DEA: Drug Schedules
    Valium Addiction Help: Valium’s Effect on Serotonin
    FDA: VALIUM
    Addiction Hope: Valium Abuse Causes, Statistics, Addiction Signs, Symptoms & Side Effects
    Rehabs: Choosing the Top Private Valium Addiction Treatment Center
    American Addiction Centers: Duration of Valium Withdrawal

    View the original article at

  • Binge Drinking

    Binge Drinking

    ARTICLE SUMMARY: Drinking too much alcohol in one drinking session is known as “binge drinking”.  But bingeing is not same as alcoholism. How? We review here.

    ESTIMATED READING TIME: Under 10 minutes.

    TABLE OF CONTENTS:

    Binge Drinking Definition & Levels

    Binge drinking is known as drinking too much alcohol in a single setting. How much drinking qualifies for a “binge”?

    The amount of alcohol consumed at one drinking session that qualifies as a binge drinking is significantly more than a person would normally drink. More specifically, the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) defines binge drinking as a pattern of drinking that brings blood alcohol concentration (BAC) levels to 0.08 g/dl or above. This usually happens after:

    • 4 drinks for females
    • 5 drinks for males

    …in a timeframe of 2 hours.

    To give more context, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) considers binge drinking as 4 or more alcoholic beverages for women on one occasion or 5 of more alcoholic beverages for men (at the same time or within few hours) on at least 1 day in a month.

    Finally, binge drinking is not yet classified as disorder by the American Psychiatric Association (APA). As of now, this type of drinking refers to a behavioral pattern that can be a risk factor for developing alcohol dependence.

    Is Binge Drinking the Same as Alcoholism?

    No. Binge drinking is not same as alcoholism. However, prolonged binge drinking may lead to alcoholism.

    In fact, most people who binge drink are not dependent on alcohol. Still, binge drinking is considered to be the most costly and deadly pattern of consuming alcohol. Excessive alcohol use such as binge drinking can put your health at serious risk. Binge drinking is connected with many health conditions including:

    • Becoming alcohol dependent.
    • Demonstrating violent/aggressive behavior.
    • Developing cancer of the mouth, throat, esophagus, liver, colon, or breast.
    • Developing chronic diseases like high blood pressure, heart disease, or liver disease.
    • Having memory or learning problems.
    • Risky sexual behavior.
    • Unintentional injuries like falls, burns, car crashes, or alcohol poisoning.

    Why People Binge Drink

    Reasons for drinking vary…and can be quite different. Some people start bingeing to as stress-relief. Some binge drink out of curiosity, while others drink excessively because they are already having alcohol problems. Moreover, reasons for binge drinking when you are in college are different than the reasons for drinking when you are older.

    Some of the more common reasons for drinking too much at once include:

    Boost in self-confidence. People who are shy or introverts may find it difficult to communicate with other. Alcohol has the ability to help you feel disinhibited, and thereby, can boost your self-confidence. So, when you are under the influence you might easily mix with others.

    Changing your image. Men might binge drink to display dominance, strength, or a macho image. Moreover, some people claim that they feel sexy when they drink. This goes for both genders.

    Curiosity. One of the common reason for binge drinking is wanting to know how and what it ‘feels’ like. This mostly happens after someone brags about his/her wild night out.

    Forgetting problems. Most studies and surveys that investigate the reasons for drinking list this reason as in the Top 10. Letting go of stress, and forgetting your problems through binge drinking, may be okay for one night. But, if you start using binge drinking as a coping mechanism, and not dealing with the underlying issues, you may become dependent on alcohol.

    Fun. Most people want to forget their problems, let go of their thoughts, and just enjoy. Binge drinking is a common event on parties. Also, drinking games such as Beer Pong, Pennies, and Never Have I Ever are based on binge drinking and having fun.

    Peer pressure. Acceptance issues are most common among students in high school and college. If binge drinking can help you ‘fit in’, then so be it… this is the thought that can go through our minds. Unfortunately, this thought pattern can result in health, school, and work problems.

    Rebellion. Rebellion is a psycho-social developmental phase that most teens and college students go through. They use binge drinking as a way to rebel against their parents in order to break the rules, and show independence.

    Socialize. Some friends bond with each other because of their drinking habits. Sometimes, if you want to become a part of a certain group of people, the ‘only’ way to get in is through drinking. No one wants to be the cast out, so many individuals have decided to raise their glass than to be left out.

    The list of reasons why people binge drink is not limited to this… but scientists and experts also add that the family history of alcoholism – and genetics – plays a huge part in why some choose this pattern of drinking.

    One in four Americans aged 12 or older are binge drinkers. And 4 out of 5 binge drinks are consumed by men.

    How Many People Binge Drink?

    About 25% of Americans binge drink.

    According to the 2016 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, a number of 65.3 million people aged 12 or older were binge drinkers in the past month. This number corresponds to about 1 in 4 people.

    Moreover,  the Annual Total Binge Drinks Consumed by U.S Adults of 2015 announced that 1 in 6 adult Americans binge drinks about 4 times in a months, consuming about 7 drinks per drinking session. This makes a grand total of of 17.5 billion total binge drinks in a year, or 467 drinks per binge consumer.

    Moreover, the same analysis reports that binge drinking is popular among younger adults aged 18 -34 years, but more than a half of the total binge drinks are consumed by people aged 35 or older. Additionally, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that about 4 in 5 binge drinks are consumed by men,. The U.S. states with the most binge users are Arkansas, Mississippi, Kentucky, and Hawaii.

    Furthermore, Alcohol and Public Health: Alcohol-Related Disease Impact (ARDI) stated that during 2006 to 2010, excessive alcohol use was responsible for about 88,000 deaths. More than half of these deaths happen due to binge drinking.

    Excessive alcohol use was responsible for around 88,000 deaths between 2006-2010.

    Binge Drinking Among College Students

    Drinking among college students has become a tradition that most of students see as a rite of passage into the higher education experience. However, most enter into college life with well-established drinking habits that started in their teen years, usually around the age of 13. Then, binge drinking peaks in young adolescents aged 18 to 22, and slowly decreases.

    So, how many college students are current binge drinkers?

    According to SAMHSA’s NSDUH survey of 2014 , about 60% of college students drank alcohol in the past month, while 2 of 3 students engage din binge drinking.

    But binge drinking may cause serious problems to the health of these young lives…

    A survey published in the Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs reported that about 1,825 college students between the ages of 18 and 24 die from alcohol-related unintentional injuries, including motor-vehicle crashes. Moreover, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism reported that about 696,000 college students are assaulted by another student who has been drinking, while about 97,000 students report experiencing alcohol-related sexual assault or date rape.

    Additionally, this study reports that 1 in 4 college students had academic problems (missing classes, poor exams and papers, low grades, and/or fall behind in class) due to alcohol use. Also, binge college drinkers who had at least 3 drinking sessions per week were 6 times more likely to perform poorly on a exam or a project, and 5 times more to miss a class than students who drank but never binged.

    Tragically, NIAAA  reported that 20% of college students meet the criteria for alcohol use disorder.­

    It’s better to drink in moderation,than to binge drink.

    Don’t start to binge drink just to fit on your college campus, choose what’s best for you!

    For more information, visit College Drinking Prevention.

    When Binge Drinking Is a Problem

    Binge drinking may become a problem when you start bingeing too often and/or drinking too much.

    But it can be hard to tell the difference or to spot a real drinking problem. For example, some people may drink a lot in one session, but don’t have a drinking problem. The main point is that you have a drinking problem when drinking affects your life and causes negative consequences.

    Some main signs of having a drinking problem include when you:

    • Black out or have trouble remembering what you did while drinking.
    • Cannot cut back on drinking.
    • Continue to drink despite negative effects on your health.
    • Drink more than you intend.
    • Engage in dangerous activities such as violence or driving drunk.
    • Experience a strong urge for drinking.
    • Experience withdrawal symptoms when you quit/cut down.
    • Have an increased tolerance for alcohol.
    • Have tried but cannot quit drinking on your own.
    • Have problems at work/home/school due to drinking.
    • Have problems with family and friends because of your drinking.
    • Lose interest in hobbies and activities because you want to drink.

    If you have some of these signs, you may need to reach out for help. DON’T WAIT!

    Drinking too often + Drinking too much = RISKY DRINKING!

    Get Help for a Drinking Problem

    Do you think that you may have a drinking problem? Get help as soon as possible!

    Don’t be afraid, just reach out…

    It can be hard to quit alcohol on your own, but don’t lose hope… today’s treatment programs customize the experience to match your needs.

    So, where should you look for help?

    1. Find a therapist.

    Talk therapy is one of the most efficient for treating alcohol problems. You can learn how to find a therapist to talk through the issue by seeing this Psychology Today article here.

    2. Find an addiction specialist.

    Doctors who have specialize in addiction medicine can provide addiction diagnosis, prevention, intervention, screening, and treatment. Find a specialist certified by the American Board of Addiction here.

    3. Find a psychotherapist.

    You can ask for help from a psychotherapist for your drinking problems. This includes one-on-one therapy, family therapy, or couples therapy.  You can find a therapist via the American Psychological Association’s online therapist finder here.

    4. Ask help from a psychiatrist. 

    Psychiatrist are proven doctors that can help you deal with alcohol dependence. Find a qualified psychiatrist on the American Psychiatric Association (APA) website.

     5. Call our helpline. 

    If you have a hard time dealing with excessive alcohol use, call the number you see on our website. Our addiction recovery specialists can talk to you about your drinking problems, and can help you find a way to deal with it.

    Reference Sources: SAMHSA: Alcohol
    NIH: What is a standard drink? 
    NCBI: Undergraduate drinking and academic performance: a prospective investigation with objective measures. 
    CDC: Binge Drinking 
    NCBI: Annual Total Binge Drinks Consumed by U.S. Adults, 2015 
    CDC: Alcohol and Public Health: Data and Maps 
    NCBI: Defining “Binge” Drinking as Five Drinks per Occasion or Drinking to a 0.08% BAC: Which is More Sensitive to Risk? 
    NCBI: Binge Drinking: A Confused Concept and its Contemporary History 

    View the original article at

  • Alcohol Symptoms and Warning Signs

    Alcohol Symptoms and Warning Signs

    ARTICLE OVERVIEW: Drinking too much, too often is considered “alcohol abuse”. It can be a warning sign of a drinking problem. One major indication of alcoholism is physical dependence on alcohol. In this article, we review dependence and other symptoms of a true drinking problem… and offer suggestions on how can you deal with them.

    TABLE OF CONTENTS:

    Half of all Americans Drink Regularly

    Do you drink alcohol?

    If so, you are like half of all adult Americans. If truth be told, the National Survey on Drug Use and Health of 2015 found that 56% of people 18 aged 18 and older were current, past-month alcohol consumers. The survey also reports that 86% of all people aged 18 + said that they drank alcohol at some point in their lifetime.

    But, just because you drink regularly doesn’t mean that you have a drinking problem…

    Just to clear the air…

    In the U.S. a ‘standard drink‘ is any drink that contains about 0.6 fluid ounces or 14 grams of pure alcohol.

    And the AMOUNT you drink of these standard drinks does not – in an of itself – determine a problem. In fact, the development of a drinking problem varies from person to person. Some people may trigger a problem after only a few drinking sessions, while others may develop drinking problems after years of prolonged use. And some people only binge drink on parties…with little to no real consequences.

    A Drinking Problem, or Not?

    So, how do you know whether you have a drinking problem or not?

    The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism(NIAAA) gives us the general definition for having a problem as follows:

    For women:

    • If you drink more than 1 drink per day.
    • If you drink more than 7 drinks per week.
    • If you drink more than 3 drinks on any single day.

    For men:

    • If you drink more than 2 drinks per day.
    • If you drink more than 14 drinks per week.
    • If you drink more than 4 drinks on any single day.

    But there are also two high-risk drinking patterns that can lead to a problem with booze.

    1. Binge drinking defined by the NIAAA is a pattern of drinking that elevates the blood alcohol concentration levels (BAC) to 0.08 g/dl, which is after 4 drinks for women and 5 drinks for men in a timeframe of about 2 hours.
    2. Heavy drinking defined by SAMHSA is binge drinking on 5 or more days in a period of one month.

    NIAAA’s Rethinking Drinking claims that about 1 in 4 people who exceed these limits can be diagnosed with alcohol use disorder, while the others are at great risk for becoming dependent to alcohol over time. The SAMSHA survey on drug use and health reported that in 2016, 15 million people aged 12 or older meet the criteria for being diagnosed with an alcohol use disorder. This means that 1 in 18 Americans have a drinking problem.

    Do you fit into this definition?

    If so, keep reading. Next, we review the common signs of alcohol abuse and dependence, and we provide help on what to do next. If you have any questions, please feel free to write them in the comments section at the end. We will try to respond personally and promptly to all legitimate inquiries.

    DRINKING TOO MUCH + TOO OFTEN + NEGATIVE IMPACT = Alcohol Abuse

    Signs of Alcohol Abuse

    As a socially acceptable psychoactive substance, alcohol is widely used. It’s safe to say that most social events are organized around a drink. But, when do you start to ‘abuse’ alcohol?

    Alcohol abuse is considered when you drink too much, and too often, and your drinking starts to have a negative impact on your life.

    BUT, alcohol abuse is not the same as being physically dependent on alcohol. These two drinking conditions are different. According to the DSM-IV Diagnostic Criteria for Alcohol Abuse and Dependence, you are abusing alcohol if you meet at least one of the following criteria within 12-month period:

    • Recurrent alcohol-related legal issues.
    • Recurrent drinking in situations that are dangerous, like driving under the influence.
    • Recurrent use of alcohol resulting in a failure to fulfill obligations at work, school, or home.
    • You continue to drink despite constant problems with family and friends due to alcohol use.

    Alcohol abuse is serious drinking condition that may lead you to dependence and addiction. However, this condition is treatable!

    Signs of Alcohol Dependence

    According to the “Neurobiology of Alcohol Dependence”, alcohol dependence is a chronic relapsing disorder that is progressive and has serious detrimental health outcomes. The DSM-IV states that you have alcohol dependence if you meet three or more of the following criteria in the same 12-month period:

    • A persistent desire for drinking.
    • Drinking in larger amounts or over a longer period than intended.
    • Experiencing withdrawal symptoms once you cut down or quit drinking.
    • Giving up or reducing important social, occupational, or recreational activities because of drinking.
    • You continue to drink despite having health problems.
    • You need to increased amounts of alcohol to achieve intoxication or desired effect.
    • You spend a great deal of time spent in activities necessary to obtain, to use, or to recover from the effects of drinking.
    • The diagnosis of liver disease, high blood pressure, or heart disease.
    • One or more unsuccessful efforts to cut down or control drinking.

    Alcohol dependence is a way more serious drinking condition than alcohol abuse. It is an indication that you may suffer from alcoholism.

    On the contrary of DSM-IV, the updated version DSM-V lists 11 criteria that one person needs to meet in order to be diagnosed with alcohol use disorder:

    1. Use alcohol in larger amounts, or longer than intended.
    2. Spend a lot of time using, and/or recovering from use.
    3. Experiencing strong urge/cravings to drink.
    4. Fail to perform normally at work/school/home due to drinking.
    5. Continue to drink despite the negative consequences caused in relationships with loved ones, friends, and family.
    6. Continue to drink despite being aware of harmful risks and side effects.
    7. Continue to drink despite the risk of developing health problems or worsen physical or psychological condition.
    8. Give up hobbies, recreational activities, or social interactions because of drinking.
    9. Experiencing withdrawal symptoms once the drinking is cut down or stopped. (dependence)
    10. Tried and failed to quit.
    11. Need to drink more in order to feel the desired effect (tolerance).

    Having at least two symptoms indicates a level of alcohol use disorder. The levels of severity are classified as following:

    • Mild disorder: Presence of 2 to 3 symptoms.
    • Moderate disorder: Presence of 4 to 5 symptoms.
    • Severe disorder: Presence of 6 or more symptoms.

    Recognizing an Alcohol Addiction

    Alcohol use disorder may be hard to spot it. How can you know whether someone is drinking in moderation or if they have a drinking problem?

    The best way to recognize any drinking problem is by learning the drinking patterns or habits mentioned earlier.

    Some patterns, such as binge drinking, are easy to spot, but for some you may need more insights.

    People who have drinking problems may:

    • Consume alcohol to feel the buzz.
    • Drink large amounts at social gatherings.
    • Drink throughout the whole day.
    • Drive under influence.
    • Engage in trouble like picking fights.
    • Have an urge to drink every day.

    You can always check out these online alcohol screening tools and questionnaires to assess a possible problem:

    Intervention for Alcoholics

    Intervention involves a group of individuals who are ready to confront the person who has drinking problems in order to persuade them to seek treatment. This group usually consists of family members, close friends, loved ones, or even close colleagues. The goals of an intervention are to:

    • Help the addict see the problem.
    • Help them find a treatment.
    • Help them follow through by setting up consequences.

    Interventions led by certified professionals are more effective that when you attempt to approach a loved one on your own.

    A successful intervention is best when it is planned and arranged with an intervention specialist. The 7 principles of intervention for alcohol use disorder include:

    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.

    Here are two websites where you can find certified interventionists:

    Alcohol Withdrawal & Detox Symptoms

    Alcohol withdrawal is a set of symptoms that occurs when people who are dependent to alcohol cut down their drinking or quit for good. Why does this happen?

    Your brain and body have adjust to the constant presence of alcohol because is a nervous system depressant. So, once you cut back on drinking, your body needs time to adjust. Withdrawal syndrome is actually the manifestation of symptoms meant to “reverse” the effects of alcohol. It takes time for the brain’s chemistry to even out again…but can be dangerous by provoking seizures, hallucinations, or life-threatening situations.

    For this reason, always seek medical supevision when you detox off alcohol.

    Withdrawal usually occurs within 8 hours after last drink, but symptoms can last for days or weeks. Some of the most common symptoms include:

    • Agitation.
    • Anxiety.
    • Depression.
    • Difficulty concentrating.
    • Disorientation.
    • Fatigue.
    • Headache.
    • Heightened.
    • Irritability.
    • Jumpiness or shakiness.
    • Mood swings.
    • Nausea.
    • Nightmares.
    • Sweating.
    • Tremors.
    • Vomiting.

    Moreover, some individuals may experience post-acute or protracted withdrawal symptoms (PAWS). According to SAMHSA protracted withdrawal is the presence of withdrawal symptom beyond the general timeframe.

    Some PAWS include:

    • Anxiety.
    • Depression.
    • Increased blood pressure and pulse.
    • Increased body temperature
    • Increased breathing rate.
    • Sleep disruption.
    • Tremor.

    Check out our infographic to learn a detailed list of alcohol withdrawal symptoms, with timetable of their appearance.

    Alcohol Use Disorder Treatment

    Alcohol treatment is the process of treating alcoholism. There are two main types of treatment: inpatient  rehab you live at the facility with 24/7 medical surveillance and outpatient rehab where you come and go to the facility for several hours, a few days per week. The most successful rehabs are those that implement evidence-based strategies that include:

    1. Assessment.

    The first stage of any rehab is assessment. Doctors and staff should take your full medical history, perform a physical exam, interview you for an hour or more, and help you complete paper work. Also, you may be asked to submit a blood or urine sample for drug testing.

    During assessment, the medical staff will run both physical and psychological evaluations. This stage helps clinicians to plan out the treatment plan, which can be adjusted over time.

    2. Medical detox.

    This stage provides medical supervision while you are going through the process of withdrawal.

    3. Psychotherapy.

    During this stage of treatment, you will be invited to identify the roots and underlying issues for your drinking problems. Talk therapy will help you move towards a life without alcohol, and you will learn how to live without needing to drink. Most therapies that are used in rehabs include some form of:

    • Behavioral Therapy
    • Individual Therapy
    • Group Therapy
    • Family Therapy

    4. Pharmacotherapy.

    One way to address alcohol problems is with the help of medications. Medicine combined with talk therapy leads to best results. Medications included in the treatment of a drinking problem include:

    Acamprosate may be used to reduce symptoms of protracted withdrawal, such as insomnia, anxiety, restlessness, and dysphoria.

    Antabuse (disulfiram) is used to prevent future drinking; it can make a person sick if even a small amount of alcohol is consumed.

    Barbiturates can help manage withdrawal and address specific symptoms.

    Benzodiazepines are used to address symptoms of withdrawal. Sample regimen includes 3 days of long-acting benzodiazepine (such as lorazepam, diazepam, and chlordiazepoxide) intake on a fixed schedule.

    Naltrexone blocks the rewarding effects of alcohol.

    5. Education sessions.

    This stage helps people to learn how alcohol affects and changes the brain activity, and how can drinking destroy your life. Also, during this stage, patients will learn some coping mechanism to deal with stress, triggers, and avoid relapse.

    6. Aftercare.

    Aftercare services provide support to maintain sobriety in the mounts and years after you complete the program. Most common aftercare services include:

    • Coaching.
    • Counseling therapy.
    • Living in sober house.
    • Support Groups.

    Next Steps

    Do you think that you may have drinking problems? Don’t waste your time. Admit that the problem is real, and act!

    You can reach out for help with any of the following organizations:

    American Academy of Addiction Psychiatry
    401–524–3076

    American Psychological Association
    1–800–964–2000 (ask for your State’s referral number to find psychologists with addiction specialties)

    American Society of Addiction Medicine
    301–656–3920 (ask for the phone number of your State’s chapter)

    NAADAC Substance Abuse Professionals
    1–800–548–0497

    National Association of Social Workers
    (search for social workers with addiction specialties)

    National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism
    301–443–3860

    National Institute on Drug Abuse
    301–443–1124

    National Institute of Mental Health
    1–866–615–6464

    Substance Abuse Treatment Facility Locator
    1–800–662–HELP

    OR, CALL OUR HELPLINE.

    According to the 2016 National Survey on Drug Use and Health there are 21 million people aged 12 or older who need treatment for alcohol and/or drug use. But many people are not getting the help that they need!  NIAAA states that less than 10% of people who need help for drinking problems receive any treatment.

    Don’t wait to be a statistic!

    Get help today.

    Reference sources: NIDA: Evidence-Based Approaches to Alcohol Addiction
    SAMHSA: Alcohol
    U.S. Department of the Interior Signs and Symptoms Fact Sheet on Drugs and Alcohol
    NIAAA: Alcohol Facts and Statistics

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