Answer Addiction

Category: Addiction News

  • Marijuana Laws in Nevada

    Marijuana Laws in Nevada

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

    TABLE OF CONTENTS:

    Is Marijuana Legal in Nevada?

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Marijuana Laws in Nevada

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Penalties

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

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

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

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

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

    Marijuana DUI

    Do not get high and drive!

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

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

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

    When you receive a second DUI, you can expect:

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

    When you receive a third DUI, you can expect:

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

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

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

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

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

    Views on Marijuana

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

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

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

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

    Is Marijuana Addictive?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Marijuana Treatment

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

    1. Medical Assessment

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

    1. Detox

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

    1. Psychological Treatments

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

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

    1. Educational Sessions

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

    1. Supportive Services

    Some individuals will benefit from supportive services. These include:

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

    Your Questions

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

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

     

    View the original article at addictionblog.org

  • Feds Will Prosecute Fentanyl Dealers More Harshly in Baltimore

    Feds Will Prosecute Fentanyl Dealers More Harshly in Baltimore

    The feds are set to crackdown on fentanyl sellers in Baltimore, where there is expected to be twice as many overdose deaths as homicides in 2018.

    As part of the Trump Administration’s tough-on-crime stance, federal prosecutors will begin trying more fentanyl cases in federal court. They will be utilizing stronger resources and mandatory minimum sentences in an attempt to deter people from selling the deadly synthetic opioids in Baltimore, where there are expected to be twice as many overdose deaths as homicides this year. 

    Writing in an op-ed for The Baltimore Sun, US Attorney for Maryland Robert K. Hur said that the tougher tactics will hopefully curb fentanyl sales. As of last week, all fentanyl arrests in Baltimore are being reviewed by federal prosecutors who will decide whether the case will proceed in the state or federal system. This is part of the federal Synthetic Opioid Surge (SOS) initiative.

    “Federal prosecutors will pursue more cases involving fentanyl, bringing federal resources, laws and prison sentences to bear on those dealers who pose the greatest threat to public safety,” Hur wrote. “Word should spread that if you sell fentanyl on the streets, you run a very real risk of federal time.”

    Federal drug charges carry mandatory minimum sentences. Someone convicted of distributing 400 grams of fentanyl will face 10 years in prison; 40 grams will carry a five-year sentence. If the fentanyl is found to be involved in a death, there is a 20-year sentence. Because federal sentences are served in prisons far from home and have no possibility or parole or suspension, they’re seen as more harsh than state sentences. 

    “But criminal enforcement is essential to ending this crisis,” Hur wrote. “We need to target street dealers as well as corrupt pharmacists and medical providers. Treatment and prevention alone won’t stop the sellers, who are driven by profit and greed.”

    Hur shared the story of a 35-year-old woman who died of a fentanyl overdose. Before her death she texted a friend, “I don’t want to [be] this way. I worked and fought too hard to throw it all away. I almost overdose[d] the other night. I don’t know what to do.”

    “Law enforcement organizations know what to do in order to prevent more of these tragedies, and we are resolved to do it,” Hur wrote. 

    Former Attorney General Jeff Sessions first announced the SOS initiative in June, starting the program in 10 districts that were hard-hit by the opioid epidemic. 

    “We at the Department of Justice are going to dismantle these deadly fentanyl distribution networks. Simply put, we will be tireless until we reduce the number of overdose deaths in this country. We are going to focus on some of the worst counties for opioid overdose deaths in the United States, working all cases until we have disrupted the supply of these deadly drugs,” Sessions said in a press release at the time.

    View the original article at thefix.com

  • Opioid Vaccine Shows Promise in Early Testing

    Opioid Vaccine Shows Promise in Early Testing

    Alongside its potential use as an opioid vaccine, the experimental medicine may also help first responders who accidentally come in contact with synthetic opioids. 

    Researchers have reported that a newly developed vaccine that could combat both opioid dependency and overdose has yielded what appear to be positive results in animal testing. The vaccine, which uses monoclonal antibodies – antibodies made by identical copies of immune cells – appeared to block both the analgesic properties of synthetic opioids like fentanyl, as well as their high propensity of producing a fatal overdose, when administered in preliminary tests.

    The researchers have begun developing antibodies in the hope of testing their vaccine on humans.

    Researchers from The Scripps Research Institute, which conducted the tests, presented their findings on December 13 at the annual meeting of the American College of Neuropsychopharmacology. The study detailed the creation of the monoclonal antibodies as well as two tests of their efficacy involving mice.

    In the first test, the research team measured pain response using a heated beam of light that was applied to a mouse’s tail. An immediate response – specifically, the mice removed their tail from the light – suggested that the animal experienced a degree of pain, while a delayed response suggested that the pain had been dulled.

    Mice were then given a synthetic opioid such as fentanyl and exposed to the light beam, which produced a longer response time due to the pain-dulling properties of the drug. However, when given the antibodies, the researchers found that the mice withdrew their tails at a faster rate, which suggested that the vaccine had blocked the drug’s analgesic effect.

    In the second test, mice were given the vaccine, followed by a dose of fentanyl that had proven fatal in other test animals. According to the study, the mice did not experience overdose. In both tests, the antibodies proved effective against seven other synthetic opioids, including carfentanil, which the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) described as the “most potent fentanyl analog detected in the United States” and which has been linked to a number of overdose deaths.

    As US News and World Report noted, research of this nature involving animals does not always produce the same results in human test subjects, so the study authors are in the process of developing human antibodies and hope to test them in the future.

    “Antibodies persist longer, and thus have enormous promise for addressing both opioid addiction as well as overdose,” said study leader Kim Janda in a press release.

    In addition to the vaccine’s possible use with drug users, Janda and his fellow authors believe that it may have a practical application as a safeguard for individuals who may come in contact with synthetic opioids. “These antibodies could be used to protect police, EMTs and other first responders from inadvertent acute fentanyl exposure,” he said, adding that a canine version could also be applicable for drug-sniffing dogs.

    View the original article at thefix.com

  • DEA, Drug Distributors Failed To Protect West Virginia, Report Says

    DEA, Drug Distributors Failed To Protect West Virginia, Report Says

    A new report highlighted the way millions of opioids flooded small towns in West Virginia over a 10-year-period with ineffective government oversight.

    Despite the fact that “inordinate volumes of opioids” were flowing into West Virginia between 2006 and 2015, drug distributors continued to fill outrageous orders, and the Drug Enforcement Administration took ineffective measures to enforce regulations that could have slowed the flow of opioids, according to a federal report released last week. 

    The report, “Red Flags and Warning Signs Ignored: Opioid Distribution and Enforcement Concerns in West Virginia,” was prepared by House Energy and Commerce Committee.

    It found that in 10 years, 20.8 million opioids were sent to pharmacies in the town of Williamson, which has a population of just 3,000. Another town, Kermit, which has a population of just 364 people, received 9 million. Overall, between 2007 and 2012, West Virginia pharmacies received more than 780 million hydrocodone and oxycodone pills.

    “These troubling examples raised serious questions about compliance with the Controlled Substances Act (CSA), administered by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA),” report authors wrote. 

    The report reviewed the practices of drug distributors, who are responsible for filling orders by pharmacies. Five companies, including the three largest in the country and two regional distributors, were reviewed. These were AmerisourceBergen Drug Corporation, Cardinal Health, Inc., H.D. Smith Wholesale Drug Co., McKesson Corporation, and Miami-Luken, Inc. 

    The companies have a legal obligation to alert the DEA when they suspected that drugs were being diverted into illegal use. However, case studies reviewed in the report “raise sufficient concerns as to whether these companies fulfilled their legal obligations to prevent drug diversion.”

    In fact, “the extraordinary volume of shipments in West Virginia was a signal of possible breakdowns in distributors’ oversight of their customers, including their suspicious order monitoring systems. Yet the actions taken by both distributors and the DEA contributed to — and failed to stop — this problem,” report authors wrote. 

    The report also found that the DEA’s Automation of Reports and Consolidated Orders System, which is meant to help detect abnormal drug distribution patterns in real time, was not used to monitor distribution, but only to reinforce cases after they’d been flagged through other means. Additionally, the agency revoked the registration of fewer doctors and pharmacies thought to be contributing to drug diversion during the height of the pill crisis. 

    Authors of the report said that the findings could help explain how the opioid epidemic unfolded across the nation. 

    “Taken altogether, the Committee’s report outlines a series of missteps and missed opportunities that contributed to the worsening of the opioid epidemic in West Virginia,” they wrote. “This investigation identified flaws limiting the effectiveness of the distributors’ compliance programs and DEA’s enforcement. While focused on a narrow part of West Virginia, the report raises grave concerns about practices by the distributors and the DEA nationwide.”

    View the original article at thefix.com

  • Overdose Survivors Struggle After Their Trauma Goes Viral

    Overdose Survivors Struggle After Their Trauma Goes Viral

    Survivors of viral overdose videos recount the incidents and the aftermath of their trauma becoming a public spectacle.

    It’s difficult, if not seemingly impossible, to rebuild your life once your drug addiction becomes public knowledge. That’s the message of an emotional feature by The Hamilton Spectator, which follows several overdose victims whose “bleakest moments now live online.” 

    Kelmae Hemphill, for one, struggled for 11 years with drug addiction before her heroin overdose was uploaded to YouTube. Her addiction was “now everybody’s business, splashed across the news and social media with a new genre of American horror film: the overdose video.”

    Hemphill overdosed on a New Jersey road while a stranger tried resuscitating her — all of which was filmed by her own drug dealer.

    Even more unsettling than Hemphill’s video is the fact that overdose videos are becoming more common by the day. Thanks to the opioid epidemic, law enforcement agencies nationwide have equipped their officers with cameras. The result? “[R]aw, uncensored images of drug users passed out with needles in their arms and babies in the back seats of their cars,” the feature answered. “The videos rack up millions of views and unleash avalanches of outrage.” 

    According to The Spectator, Hemphill’s video elicited such cold-hearted comments as “[w]hy bother saving her?” and “I would’ve let her die.” Now, Hemphill continues to struggle to emerge from the shadow of her overdose video: “When you type my name in [YouTube], that’s the first video that pops up — an overdose video,” she said. 

    Mandy McGowan of Lawrence, Mass. has a similar story after the town’s police chief released a video of her collapsed in the toy aisle of a Family Dollar while her two-year-old daughter tugged at her arm. McGowan instantly became known as the “Dollar Store Junkie” after the video went viral and landed on news channels like CNN and Fox News.

    “For someone already dealing with her own demons, she now has to deal with public opinion, too,” said Matt Ganem, who is the executive director of Banyan Treatment Center. “You’re a spectacle. Everyone is watching.” Banyan provided McGowan with six months of free treatment.)

    “I know what I did, and I can’t change it,” McGowan said, lamenting that she’s since lost custody of her daughter. “I live with that guilt every single day. But it’s also wrong to take video and not help.”

    She’s since begun to rebuild her life through AA and NA meetings as well as counseling. “It’s going to be a long road for me. You don’t just get clean and your life is suddenly all put back together,” McGowan added. 

    Similarly, when June Schweinhart and a friend snorted heroin and passed out with their infant children in the backseat, videos from police body cameras became public and went viral. “It looked like a whole different person,” Schweinhart said. “It was a reality check … It made me sick to my stomach. It still does.” And while Hemphill, McGowan and Schweinhart are all sober now, their overdose videos live online. In many ways, it calls into question whether it’s ever truly possible to survive addiction if your lowest point in life survives, too. 

    View the original article at thefix.com

  • Kid Cudi Details Why He Hid His Mental Health Struggles

    Kid Cudi Details Why He Hid His Mental Health Struggles

    Kid Cudi opened up about his mental health struggles on a recent episode of Jada Pinkett Smith’s Facebook series, Red Table Talk.

    During a preview of Jada Pinkett Smith’s interview series Red Table Talk, Kid Cudi admitted to being “ashamed” to discuss his struggles with mental health. Born Scott Ramon Seguro Mescudi in Cleveland, Ohio, the “Day ‘n’ Nite” rapper argued that there is a persistent, dangerous stigma around mental health in the black community. 

    Cudi added, that stigma keeps many people from getting the help they need. “I was really good at keeping my troubles hidden … even from my friends,” Cudi told the Facebook show’s hosts Smith, Adrienne Banfield-Jones and Willow Smith. “I really was good with that. And it’s scary because you hear people say, ‘I had no clue.’ I really went out of my way to keep what I was going through hidden because I was ashamed.” 

    Jada Pinkett Smith echoed Cudi by revealing her own struggles with mental health. “I was severely depressed, severely, and that was something that I battled with for years. Waking up in the morning was like the worst part of the day. And it would take me hours [to adjust]. By the time the evening time came, I was at least like: ‘Okay, I’m good.’ But then you go to sleep again and you gotta restart.” 

    Over the last couple of years, Cudi has been open about his mental health struggles. In October 2016, Cudi checked into a rehab facility for “depression and suicidal urges.” The day after he started treatment, he wrote an open letter that detailed his issues. 

    “I am not at peace,” he said. “I haven’t been since you’ve known me. If I didn’t come here, I would’ve done something to myself. I simply am a damaged human swimming in a pool of emotions every day of my life. There’s a raging violent storm inside of my heart at all times. Idk what peace feels like. Idk how to relax. My anxiety and depression have ruled my life for as long as I can remember and I never leave the house because of it. I can’t make new friends because of it. I don’t trust anyone because of it and I’m tired of being held back in my life. I deserve to have peace.”

    According to data collected by the National Institute of Mental Health, over 6.8 million black Americans had a “diagnosable mental illness” in 2018. Similarly, writer Hafeez Baoku wrote in a blog post for the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) that the black community’s stance on mental health needs to evolve. 

    “If we are unable to remove the negative stigma surrounding mental health in the black community, we are willingly allowing another generation to grow up without access to counseling and mental health improvement resources that can help them live a happy, healthy life,” Baoku said. “You are not alone in your pain and you are not ‘weak’ or ‘less than’ because you are hurting. It’s time we reach out and ask for or offer help — because that’s what it takes to achieve the true healing we need.”

    View the original article at thefix.com

  • Meth, Opioid Abuse Intertwine In Pennsylvania

    Meth, Opioid Abuse Intertwine In Pennsylvania

    “They go hand-in-hand. Many are literally just making meth, just to sell it, and support their heroin habit,” said a Pennsylvania police chief.

    As the nation focuses on the dangers of the synthetic opioid fentanyl, use of methamphetamine has continued to rise around the country. However, in rural Pennsylvania, law enforcement said that there is no sense in parsing the issue because opioid abuse and meth abuse are so closely tied. 

    “They go hand-in-hand. Many are literally just making meth, just to sell it, and support their heroin habit,” Berwick, Pennsylvania Police Chief Ken Strish told The Philadelphia Inquirer. 

    In Berwick, 46% of drug arrests over the past six years have involved meth. And it’s not just the much-talked-about meth coming from Mexican cartels. Strish said that small shake-and-bath meth operations are still detrimental to his community. 

    “We’ve seen a four-apartment complex burn to the ground relatively quickly because of a meth fire,” he said. 

    The problem is so widespread that the town has earned the nickname “Methwick,” Strish said. 

    “Yes, our numbers were very intense for a community of 10,000,” he added.

    Still, while 55 people had been arrested for meth possession in Berwick this year, 86 were arrested for heroin possession. 

    In Dubois, Pennsylvania, another rural town, law enforcement and community members gathered at a fundraiser for the family of Officer Patrick Straub, who was killed in September during a head-on crash with a driver who had “off the charts” amounts of methamphetamine in his system. 

    “He was a good person that deserved better. He loved his wife, loved his child,” DuBois City Police Cpl. Matthew Robertson said. “Always spoke about his child. Beautiful little girl.”

    The driver, 32-year-old Corey Alan Williams, was also killed in the accident, leaving behind two daughters. The tragedy was just the latest meth-related incident that has left DuBois families reeling. 

    Speaking at the fundraiser, DuBois Police Chief Blaine Clark said that the city has seen a 129% increase in drug reports, driven by meth use. 

    “It’s crazy. I’ve never seen something boom as quick as it did,” he said. 

    Clark said that he sees long-time users turn into “zombies,” leaving their kids uncared for. “You go into these houses and there’s kids and, like, three or four meth heads laying around,” he said.

    Both Dubois and Berwick are along a major highway that makes it easy for dealers and drug users to travel to and from the surrounding states with drugs. 

    “We’re getting a lot of local people going down to Akron, Ohio. That’s a big hot spot,” said Clark. “They’re going to Johnstown area, and they’re going to Philly and Pittsburgh.”

    That’s why law enforcement has been targeting dealers who are bringing drugs into the area. 

    “We want to get the dealers who are bringing this poison in, that’s who we’re after,” Clark said. 

    View the original article at thefix.com

  • 7 Reasons Not to Bring Your 12-Step Program Home for the Holidays

    7 Reasons Not to Bring Your 12-Step Program Home for the Holidays

    Shouldn’t you help your sister address her character defects? Isn’t it time to take your father’s inventory? And wouldn’t it be perfect to make amends to your mom at a family dinner?

    Regardless of whether you are newly sober or have many years of sustainable sobriety under your belt in 12-step programs, what is true for practically everyone else in the world is true for you as well: Your family of origin holds the keys to your most primal emotional and behavioral triggers. Nothing compares to that cutting look from your sister or that sarcastic undertone in your father’s voice. Although they love us– or maybe because they love us–our families can get under our skin and into our bones like no one else.

    Since the prospect of being with family holds that much tension, many people in 12-step programs decide it makes sense to work the steps with their family members over the holidays. After all, only the first step is about drugs and alcohol. The other 11 are about changing behavioral patterns and rehabbing the disease of perception. If we apply them wisely and gently to the members of our family of origin, we think, we will be able to help them. Shouldn’t your sister be shown how character defects are defining her life? Isn’t it time to take your father’s inventory? And, given the importance of the holidays, wouldn’t it be perfect to make amends to your mom at a family gathering?

    Actually, it’s not such a good idea. Forcing stepwork on your family goes against the spiritual nature of the program by crossing boundaries at the wrong time and putting your own wants and needs ahead of everyone else’s. But instead of just looking at the big picture, let’s delve into seven specific reasons why it’s not the best plan to do your stepwork with your family over the holidays.

    1. Your Family Is Not Part of Your Program

    Yes, many people in 12-step programs have family members who are also in 12-step programs, but that’s beside the point. If you want to discuss step work with a family member who’s in the program, then either go to a meeting or do so privately. Your family as a unit is not in a program. More importantly, most family members know very little about 12-step programs. They don’t want to do “work”—emotional or otherwise– during the holidays, they simply want to enjoy the holiday season.

    Ultimately, this is a question of proper boundaries. If you are a newly sober person, maintaining boundaries might not be your strong suit. When I was newly sober, I took everything personally. I didn’t understand the difference between what was about me and what was not about me. In truth, I was inclined to think everything was about me and I had to prove how well I was working the steps to everyone; I often felt entitled and superior. I had to be reminded by my sponsor that working steps should be kept within the context of my 12-step program.

    2. A Program of Attraction and Not Promotion

    In many families over the holiday season, there is that one family member who drinks too much and doesn’t know when to stop. Often, we were that family member until we embraced the path of sobriety. When we return to our families of origin over the holidays, we do not have to point out that Uncle Jack is drinking too much. We don’t need to preach the program to family members because that is not our role.

    Tradition 11 of Alcoholics Anonymous reads: “Our public relations policy is based on attraction rather than promotion; we need always maintain personal anonymity at the level of press, radio, and films.” The principle of attraction rather than promotion can be applied to the individual, as well. It is not my job to promote recovery and tell other people that they need to get sober. Instead, by being of service to my family over the holidays, I can attract others just by being a better person. It’s really not that hard. Take the family dog for a walk, pick up the milk from the corner grocery store, or play with your nieces and nephews so your sister and brother-in-law can have a break. See how they respond, you might be surprised.

    3. You Are Not Your Family’s New Guru

    When a newly-sober person finds a higher power that works for them and embraces a spiritual path, it can be a wonder to behold the light in their eyes. However, like any other powerful experience in this world, finding faith when you’re newly sober can be spiritually intoxicating. When combined with meditation and prayer, it can become a profound experience that you want to share with your family.

    It’s not your role over the holidays to become your family’s new guru and point out their lack of a higher power. When your father gets upset when carving the turkey, try not to tell him to let it go and turn his anger over to a higher power. Sometimes the best way to be spiritual is to be quiet and modest. Be spiritual by doing the dishes and carrying the grocery bags. Such an approach works much better than trying to be the head cheerleader for your totally amazing higher power.

    4. It’s Not Your Job to Take Your Family’s Inventory

    If you have successfully completed Steps 4 and 5 in a 12-step program, then you have first “Made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves.” Next, you “Admitted to God, to ourselves and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs.” Congratulations! It takes courage to work these steps and you’re making good progress. However, completing these steps does not mean that you now must help your family by taking their inventories. It’s not kind and loving to point out others’ resentments or “issues.”

    Even if your family member is in the program, you are not their sponsor. And even if you were their sponsor, you wouldn’t be pointing out their resentments, they would be doing the inventory work themselves. Family gatherings over the holidays should be about fun and relaxation. Don’t spoil the vacation by pointing out lingering resentments.

    5. Holidays Are Not About Highlighting Character Defects

    If you have completed Step 6 and 7 in a 12-step program, then first you “Were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character.” Next, you “Humbly asked Him to remove our shortcomings.” Again, just because you faced this difficult process yourself does not mean you have the right to point out character defects in other people. This kind of criticism of family members, even under the guise of help, is a recipe for disaster. It’s not your job to shine a light on negative traits. Your family members may be far from grateful.

    6. Amends Are Not About What You Want

    The holidays are not all about you, and family gatherings during this season are not the right time for you to make dramatic amends to family members. First, the process of making amends should not be selfish; while you will get relief from making them and may be eager to finish this step, the actual amends are not about you, they’re about the other person. Often, by trying to make amends for past wrongs during the holiday season, you are doing more harm than good. Reminders of your previous misdeeds may be the last thing your family wants to hear from you at this time.

    Amends should be private and on the other person’s timeline. You can bring up the idea of making amends to family members, but let them know that you want to do it at a time that makes sense for them. Amends are not about what you want, but rather about learning how to clean up your side of the street.

    7. How About Having a Little Fun?

    On page 132 of the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous, Bill Wilson made it crystal clear when he wrote, “But we aren’t a glum lot.” The holidays are about having a little fun and enjoying yourself while being with loved ones. If you try to work your 12-step program with your family, you will not be adding to the good cheer.

    Why not be of service to the holiday season by adding smiles, laughter, and gratitude to your family gatherings? Doesn’t such a positive approach ultimately make a lot more sense? Make it your goal to enjoy this holiday season, and you will feel rejuvenated and ready to continue on your positive path of sobriety in the new year. Your family and your recovery will thank you.

    View the original article at thefix.com

  • What are Evidence-Based Approaches to Addiction Treatment?

    What are Evidence-Based Approaches to Addiction Treatment?

    You’ve decided to seek addiction treatment for yourself or a loved one. But, how do you know which program will provide the best outcome? It is a challenge that can be overwhelming with so many choices available today. An evidence-based addiction treatment program is the best option, according to addiction specialists.

    What Does “Evidence-Based Approach” Mean?

    In your search for an evidence-based addiction treatment program, you’ll see terms like “scientifically sound” or “research-based practices.”  However, there are slight distinctions between the terms, and those differences can make a big difference in how providers pursue treatment.  Your goal is to choose the program that provides the best chance for long-term recovery.  An evidence-based program follows specific approaches to treatment are based on previously observed results. In other words, the program is based on the outcomes previous participants have experienced.  Many people use the terms evidence-based and research-based interchangeably.  Therefore, to avoid confusion, here are some questions to ask about the program:

    • Is the program based on outcomes or current research?
    • How are the facility’s success rates determined?
    • Is the program up-to-date on the most current methods?
    • Are the treatment methods medically supported and proven to work?
    • Is the program flexible enough to be customized for each patient?

    Evidence-based programs work because they are based on results observed when people go through the program and are successful in recovery.

    Components of an Evidence-Based Program

    Recovering from addiction involves making many changes before lasting results can be realized.  Addiction is a combination of physical aspects as well as emotional or mental issues that must be treated simultaneously to achieve the desired results.  An evidence-based program will include some of the following approaches that address all factors involved:

    • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

    This is an evidence-based psycho-therapeutic treatment that helps patients understand the emotional aspects that influenced their behavior.  The patient learns how to identify negative thought patterns and replace them with positive attitudes.  Ultimately, this process will lead to improved decision-making and behavior.

    • Moral Reconation Therapy (MRT)

    This evidence-based methodology helps patents enhance self-image and improve self-confidence.  Overall, patients learn to apply moral reasoning to decrease irrational behavior, thereby avoiding relapse.

    • Mindfulness Sobriety

    Helps patients connect with their thoughts and feelings.  Also, they learn to accept what is happening in the present moment without judgment.  This means they learn to react to stressful situations, unwanted thoughts, or unpleasant feelings in a more compassionate manner.  The goal of mindfulness is to help a person learn to cope with overwhelming challenges with a calm approach rather than a habitual reaction.

    • AA and NA Groups

    Based on the principles of Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous. Encourages patients to think more deeply about the issues they face.  They learn to interact with others who are going through the same experiences.

    • Other Groups

    In addition to the above, patients participate in the following groups to learn how to control their attitudes and behaviors and develop better communication skills when interacting with others:

    • Anger Management
    • Stress Reduction
    • Relapse Prevention
    • Nutrition/Healthy Living
    • Drug Education
    • Road of Recovery
    • Coping Strategies
    • Spirituality in Recovery
    • Relationships in Recovery
    • Self-Awareness and Wellness

    At Best Drug Rehabilitation, we know that the most effective reproach to lasting recovery must include a variety of techniques that are proven useful in achieving long-term sobriety.  For that reason, our program incorporates a range of modalities that adapt to each patient’s unique needs.

    Find the Best Evidence-Based Program for Your Needs

    Surprisingly, only about 10% of addiction treatment facilities use evidence-based approaches.  If you want to know more about evidence-based addiction treatment, please contact Best Drug Rehabilitation today.  As always, we will be happy to answer your questions or recommend a program that is right for your needs.

    View the original article at bestdrugrehabilitation.com

  • Doctor Accused Of Prescribing Pills Linked To Overdose Deaths

    Doctor Accused Of Prescribing Pills Linked To Overdose Deaths

    The doctor’s prescription writing was allegedly so extreme that a local CVS stopped accepting prescriptions he wrote. 

    There’s a lot of attention on the so-called “third wave” of the opioid epidemic, synthetic opioids, but the arrest of a California doctor this week for allegedly illegally distributing prescription pills shows that medications are still a dangerous part of the epidemic.

    Orange County doctor Dzung Ahn Pham, 57, who owns Irvine Village Urgent Care was arrested on Tuesday for allegedly providing prescriptions to patients whom he never actually examined, according to a press release issued by the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

    He is facing two charges of illegally distributing oxycodone. At least five people who reportedly received medications from Pham overdosed, and another man who was allegedly using pills from Pham was involved in a fatal car accident.  

    “This case clearly and tragically illustrates the dangers of drug dealers armed with prescription pads,” United States Attorney Nick Hanna said in the press release. “This doctor is accused of flooding Southern California with huge quantities of opioids and other dangerous narcotics by writing prescriptions for drugs he knew would be diverted to the street. Prosecutors in my office, working with their law enforcement partners, will tirelessly pursue everyone involved in the trafficking of opioids as part of our persistent and ongoing efforts to stop the trail of misery that follows these dangerous drugs.”

    Pham’s prescription writing was allegedly so extreme that a local CVS stopped accepting prescriptions he wrote. 

    According to an affidavit, Pham provided medications including Adderall, oxycodone, tramadol, sSuboxone, norco, soma, alprazolam, and hydrocodone bitartrate-acetaminophen to patients who requested them via text message. At least 84 patients had prescriptions within a day or two after sending texts. 

    Last summer, undercover agents from the Drug Enforcement Administration also reportedly received pills from Pham, including a “Holy Trinity, [which] is the combined use of an opioid (such as hydrocodone), a benzodiazepine (such as Valium), and carisoprodol (a muscle relaxer like Soma),” according to the press release. The doctor then reportedly sent the undercover agent to a specific pharmacy that still accepted his prescriptions. 

    The pill mill operation was reportedly lucrative for Pham, who is believed to have deposited more than $5 million into personal accounts over the past five years. He also reportedly deposited $1.7 million into a business account. Investigators say he was charging $100-$150 per visit; it’s not clear how patients who requested prescriptions via text were charged. 

    William D. Bodner, DEA Los Angeles Associate Special Agent in Charge, said that targeting doctors who write prescriptions irresponsibly is a priority. 

    “This arrest should serve as a warning to any physician who utilizes their position to traffic opioids,” he said.

    View the original article at thefix.com