Meth is a very dangerous drug for anyone to involve with. In the past it was known as a hard drug that most people stayed away from but nowadays it seems that it is becoming much more accepted as a drug to try. But even trying it once can be very dangerous. Meth is highly addictive. Even using the drug just one time can trigger reactions of dependency in individuals. A person whose body starts to feel that it needs a drug in order to survive can experience all sorts of symptoms and problems.

What Meth Does To The Body

There are a series of physical problems caused by meth. Some include:

Nausea
Vomiting
Shakes
Chills
Dry mouth

These symptoms can be so unbearable to the individual that they will seek out the drug by whatever means necessary.  This includes the crimes necessary to get the extra money needed to continue to buy Meth. Users will eventually end up turning to crime in order to feed their addiction. As many as 70% of all Meth users are reportedly involved in some sort of criminal activity at one point or another, for no purpose other than to keep them connected with the drug.

Once a person is addicted to any drug, including Meth they can expect to suffer from many varying problems both physically and mentally. People have now begun to come forward with their stories of addiction and suffering in order to help others learn that drugs are not an answer to problems but are an entire source of problems in themselves.

Some people have become hooked on Meth after being prescribed prescription drugs. These prescription drugs are just as powerful and addictive and open the door to the harder and heavier using. For instance, once the child has been prescribed this drug, their body will then become dependent on it and this opens them up to problems with other abuse.

Methamphetamine in small doses, as it is prescribed to kids diagnosed with ADHD, creates feelings of alertness, concentration and energy. In higher doses it can create psychotic breaks, mania, feelings of euphoria and increased sexual desires. As you can see any of these could be difficult for a teenager to deal with and the results can be devastating.

Giving Kids The Right Information To Stop Meth Use

If you give a child the data on drugs early enough in their life they will have a better chance of making good decisions for their future. Starting as early as age 10 children have been found to be really interested in getting the true data regarding drugs. They are already aware of their existence at this age and they have probably seen and heard stories that they are curious to ask questions about and receive real answers to.  It used to be thought that sheltering a child from this data would do more to protect them but now we know that this is not the case. Now after many years we know that children actually do better if you tell them the truth about drugs and make sure that before they are approached by their friends or by dealers that they truly understand the effects of drugs and why getting involved with them would be a bad decision. This type of prevention has been proven to work much better than any other method of drug prevention tried.

For more information on the meth abuse problem or for news on drug prevention tools that work contact Narconon now.

Source: http://www.greenwichtime.com/local/article/Meth-scourge-is-growing-4380954.php

Drugs In The Home

Once drug abuse enters into homes it doesn’t just affect the people directly using the drugs either. It effects the entire household. Children are quickly subjected to many things that most drug free households never experience. Children are effected emotionally and sometimes physically by their parents using drugs. This experience can then cause a lifelong problem with drugs. First experiencing them second hand and then as they get older sometimes using them themselves.

Because the FDA has approved these drugs many people assume that they are safe but what we aren’t taking into consideration is that these drugs don’t just have a physical effect and emotionally they can play games with even the strongest of us. People report feelings of suicidal thoughts, enhanced depression, hallucinations, anxiety, and a whole list of other side effects after having taken these drugs even in the prescribed doses. This can cause many serious problems with people of all ages. These drugs, once they are tried can lead to new drugs which can lead to new problems and new side effects. The slippery slope of drug abuse is not one that is easily conquered.

As a whole our society has been affected by drugs in so many ways that many of us don’t even realize it. Our economy and many other aspects of our future are quickly entering into lower and lower states of existence as a result of this influence. Because of this it is very important that each of us takes an important role in protecting and educating future generations so that the trend can reverse itself before the results are even more devastating.

The Power Of Family

It is often underestimated the power that a family has to keep their children off of drugs. Simple conversations concerning the effects of drugs both short and long term and making agreements amongst the group to stay drug free has worked for many generations as a way to keep kids safe and save the family from experiencing trouble and heartbreak as a result of drug use.

Even if a parent finds themselves caught up with drugs it is important that they be aware enough to take the extra precautions to keep it away from their children and get help to quickly handle their problem before it becomes too late. Making children the victims of drug abuse is never a pleasant experience and usually a parent will make themselves feel extremely guilty after they realize the effects that they have created. Making sure that as a parent you create a happy household for your children and yourself will give you not only a sense of accomplishment but also will allow your children to grow up and achieve their full potential which is something that every parent should be allowed to have.

Click here for more information about Narconon.

Source: http://www.denverpost.com/breakingnews/ci_22675151/study-chaotic-home-early-drug-use-key-factors

Although the new laws conflict with federal laws banning the substance, the Obama administration voiced no intention to contend with them.  However, it appears that they’ve been stepping on bigger toes, as the United Nations recently released a warning against them, stating that they are in violation of international laws and could endanger public health.

The Debate

The controversy over legalization of marijuana has been raging for years.  On the one hand, marijuana is a drug, and legalization of any drug for recreational use can cause people to worry.  On the other hand, alcohol is a drug as well, but statistically it causes more deaths.  A number of supporters say that marijuana provides pain relief like few other drugs, and they want the right to choose what they put in their bodies.

The new laws do not allow pot free-for-alls.  Use is restricted to those over the age of twenty-one, is limited to one ounce, and is only to be used within their own homes.  It is strictly forbidden in college campuses across the states, and of course driving is not permitted while under the influence.

Health Impact Of Marijuana

THC, the main ingredient in marijuana, can cause a number of negative side effects, including:

•    Nausea
•    Vomiting
•    Headaches
•    Memory loss
•    Delayed reaction time
•    Increased heart rate
•    Distorted perceptions
•    Difficulty with thinking and problem solving
•    Impaired coordination
•    Trouble learning
•    Increased risk of lung infections
•    Daily cough
•    Cancer
•    High amounts can cause hallucinations and paranoia

Studies have also shown that long-term use, especially when beginning at an early age, can cause a lowered IQ later in life.

Legal Highs

What has the United Nations so spooked is the current track record of “legal highs”.  Legal drugs in nations around the world have terrible impact on public health according to what we have seen at Vista Bay. Here are some main reasons why:

•    Synthetic drugs like bath salts and spice are legal in many countries and were only recently outlawed in the United States.  These chemicals produce violent behavior, vivid hallucinations and paranoia, often ending in overdose or high-profile suicides.  Probably first manufactured in Asia, they are popular all over the world and sold hard on the Internet.

•    Prescription drugs are abused in countries across the globe but none as heavily as the United States.  Pills are dished out like fast food and no age is exempt–from children to seniors, Americans are getting high on Oxycontin and Adderall.  Their addiction rate is high, overdoses are frequent, and they often act as gateway drugs, leading to illicit drug use like heroin.

•    Alcohol is the most popular drug in the world, yet it causes more deaths due to automobile accidents, suicides, cancer, heart and liver disease, and asphyxiation than any other illicit drug.  It, too, acts as a gateway drug, leading to heavier drug use and a lifetime of addiction.

For more information on this topic contact Vista Bay now.

Source: http://rendezvous.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/03/06/a-new-global-drug-problem/

Cross Addictions And Hybrids

A well-known pattern of substance abuse is that of cross-addiction–switching one addiction for another.  This may be manifested in a number of ways:

•    A recovering alcoholic may turn to sugar addiction to satisfy his cravings for the refined carbohydrates of alcohol
•    Recovering heroin addicts may abuse prescription opioids instead
•    Drug addicts of all kinds often turn to food addiction, as in the case of a person trying to quit smoking who puts on weight from all the eating

A recent phenomenon that is becoming more widespread is that of the hybrid addiction.  This consists of an addict getting high on drugs while satisfying another addiction, namely a sex addiction.  This is particularly true in the case of stimulant abusers, such as meth addicts.  This can be especially hard to recover from, as the user not only has to battle his physical cravings for drugs, he must deal with feelings of shame over the past and difficulties with sober sex.

Alcohol And Gambling

Studies show that people with certain traits can be more prone to drug addiction than others–namely, those with an impulsive personality who lack the self-discipline needed to hold themselves back from going beyond reasonable limits.  It is for this reason that many alcoholics often also turn to gambling.

By the same token, gamblers often can’t get through the night without a decent buzz.  Casinos aren’t casinos without copious drinks for all.

Those with an addictive personality would be prudent to become well versed in the signs of alcohol addiction, as well as other addictions.  If you can stare addiction in the face, you can usually fight it.

Gambling

You may be the sort to enjoy a good game of roulette, poker, or slots, and that’s fine.  It is when the enjoyment is replaced by a desperate need that takes precedence over family, relationships and your own personal health and happiness that gambling becomes the devil on your shoulder.  You may even find yourself doing things you never thought you’d do, such as stealing or borrowing large sums of money to gamble.

Do not think that gambling is limited to nights spent at the casino.  Plenty of gambling can occur in your own home, especially since the advent of the Internet.  There are plenty of online opportunities to win money playing cards or betting on sports with people all over the world.

Watch for the following signs of gambling addiction:

•    You can’t stop thinking about gambling.
•    You gamble no matter what your situation, even when you’re totally broke.
•    You use gambling to help you relieve unpleasant feelings and stress.
•    You feel the need to be secretive about your gambling.
•    Family and friends are worried about you, and you gamble at the expense of your relationships.

To get help from Narconon Vista Bay Watsonville or for more articles contact us today.

Source: http://topnews.us/content/253432-report-highlights-link-between-gambling-and-alcohol-addiction

Because women and men are now often in the same circles both socially and in the workplace the pressure on women in general to be part of the scene has definitely risen to a new level. In the past it was considered much more acceptable for a women to be lady like and as some would call it pristine. Women protected their reputations and wouldn’t dare to be seen out drunk or acting improper.

The way that drugs and alcohol have become promoted into our society has a lot to do with the willingness of women to overuse or abuse these substances but also so does the way that society has begun to view women.

With the influence of drugs and alcohol there also becomes more of a degraded view of life. Women are no longer treated with the love and respect that they once were and are now expected to be tough, hold their liquor and party like one of the guys.

Your Future

Where will this take us as a society?

If you look down the road from now you can start to see why we need to implement effective solutions and quickly. Women are responsible for the care and well-being of our future as a race. How well we treat women will pass down through the years into the next generations and will mold our society as a whole.

Women who are stressed and using drugs or alcohol will not be good mothers. In turn those children will likely not lead good lives, putting a burden on the many who then have to help them just to get by.

Obvious Differences

Well there are of course the obvious differences but when it comes to alcohol and drug abuse there are also physiological differences that play a big roll.  Studies show that the effects of these can be different on women because of their physiology. Alcohol for example mixes with the water in the body and is distributed through the blood system. The more water there is in your body the more diluted the alcohol becomes.
This brings up your tolerance level as well as possibly lessening the long-term effects of drinking. A women’s body tends to be smaller than a man’s. Most women tend to watch their weight more strictly then men so overall there is less body mass and less water content for the alcohol to mix with.

Some women abuse drugs or alcohol because they feel insecure, some need a  way to escape, some just know it has the only way to have a little fun with the girls. Whatever the reason, women should understand that there could be serious side effects to their choices.

Solutions For Women’s Treatment

There are many natural and very helpful treatment options available to women nowadays. Depending on the severity of the problem you can choose different solutions. Some people find that by catching the problem early enough and applying simple discipline to themselves they can avoid a much more difficult and painful experience. But if you’ve found that you can’t bring yourself under control with the help of family and friends there are trusted facilities that offer great detoxification programs. These programs will cleanse your body of the effects of alcohol and return you back to your normal life. The better facilities will also offer you training and education so that you don’t have to suffer the same problems in the future.

Make sure you research the facility well and look at the statistics, specifically the rate of success. Do they have success stories of people living successful lives after graduating? Are they commended for their efforts by the state or city? Don’t fail to really look at who you are trusting your life and happiness to.

Narconon rehab facilities recommend that whatever you decide to do it’s important to remember that doing something is always better than doing nothing. Doing nothing about your situation results in no positive change and just a continuation or worsening of your current condition.

Source: http://www.smh.com.au/national/health/women-now-abusing-alcohol-at-similar-levels-to-men-20130206-2dyql.html

The internet has brought many different things to our culture. And while most of them are positive some of them, such as the ones concerning drugs are not. Because this is not only a problem in Europe but also in America other countries as well police forces and crime networks all over the world are starting to figure out ways to combat drug sales over the internet. By monitoring known criminals and putting stricter controls on the avenues in which the sold drugs travel they are starting to understand and better control the lines.

Using the internet to buy drugs, while it may be harder to get caught is still illegal and the authorities are making it a high priority to ensure that the situation does not get too far out of control.

Legalities

Some people have thought to question why drugs are illegal or even why some laws exist at all. Looking back over the purpose of laws and why our society is controlled the way it is you may start to see that in fact not all laws are bad and the original concept behind them was to protect the public at large and to maintain a peaceful and civilized society. Laws are only enforced when a person goes past the point of good judgment and no longer is being his own enforcer of right and wrong conduct. Then society steps in and says that there is a punishment for not following the agreed upon rights of everyone.

So in actuality if a person had clearly defined for themselves what right and wrong were, for themselves, in their mind then they may have an easier time of getting along in life. For instance where drugs are concerned would it be more right or more wrong for a person to subject their body and mind to a debilitating and altering influence? It’s not a difficult concept. Would a person survive better or worse under the influence of drugs? Would their family do better or worse if they failed to handle their problems with addiction? It becomes very easy to see things when you consider the long term survival aspects. It also becomes very easy to decide on your next course of action when you look at things in this light.

Addiction Rehabilitation

Once you’ve decided to do something about your problem it is important to search out the best facility possible to help you rehabilitate your life. A facility that understands the importance of your decision and has proven and trusted ways of returning you to a better life than the one you had. Addiction is not an easy thing to face but with the help of a caring and trusted facility the process will be easier and better than if you were trying to go it alone or had trusted your care to a less experienced facility.

For more information or to find help now contact the Narconon program.

Source:  http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/01/31/net-us-eu-drugs-idUSBRE90U11L20130131

Deadly Help

Painkillers have been used by many people with debilitating pain to help them live a somewhat normal life, but others who are simply coping with more short term or manageable pain would be wise to avoid the pills altogether. This is because of the horrible side effects that can befall a person, even if they use the medications for just a short while.

Problems can include new diseases or illnesses, mental problems including suicide, or even accidental overdose. Other side effects have included:

Bone and muscle pain
Sleeplessness
Anxiety
Irritability
Delirium
Sweating
Confusion
Fatigue
Flu like symptoms
Cardiac arrest
Depression

Pills like hydrocodone, Oxycontin and Opana are often prescribed to patients by doctors and then, after the person becomes addicted they then abuse the prescription. Lying to their doctor about symptoms to continue to get their prescription. To try to get ahead of this problem doctors have started to shorten the length of time of the prescription and are requiring patients to come in and get evaluated more often.

Another way that these pills can be abused is by young children and teens. This age group is especially susceptible to this addiction because they are often coerced by their friends at school to use the drugs for recreational purposes. This is a very dangerous scenario. Users have admitted to selling their prescriptions off to friends at school or stealing from their parents supply.

The fact that kids don’t know the dangers of abusing pills and are willing to risk their lives and the lives of their friends by giving these pills out is not good for anyone. The lack of education and understanding should be a very glaring outpoint to all parents and teachers.

Drug education should be started at a very early age, around ten or twelve, so that they really understand what drugs are made of and what the dangers of using them are. It isn’t difficult to educate children on this subject, they are actually very eager to learn. Once they find out what drugs really are and how they effect the body and the mind and hear the stories of people who became addicted and what they had to go through to get away from the drugs then they will quickly and firmly decide for themselves not to use any drug, ever.

And if they do by chance develop a problem they will recognize it much more quickly and actually be more able to do something about it.

Drug Education

Drug Education should be one of our most important subjects in today society. Families and schools should recognize their responsibility in raising our next generations and work together to get ahold of the problem that we face before it gets worse.

Rehabilitation

Today Drug rehabilitation is best done naturally, without the use of other drugs which can also harm and complicate a person’s life. Drugs can quickly and easily ruin a person’s life but it’s unnecessary. Natural rehabilitation is a powerful and effective way to return to your normal life and rid the dependency of drugs. The choices we make affect our children, their children and the future of our communities. By realizing it early on and knowing what you can do about it you can be prepared to maintain the happiness and stability of your home and make a big difference for the better.

For more information go to www.narconon.org.

Source: http://www.salemnews.net/page/content.detail/id/562485/Damages-from-pain-medication-abuse.html?nav=5015

According to new statistics, alcohol consumption may be the leading preventable cause of cancer deaths, yet it receives very little attention.

The Link Between Alcohol And Cancer

A study recently published in the American Journal of Public Health revealed the following figures:

•    3.5 percent of all U.S. cancer deaths can be traced back to alcohol consumption.

•    15 percent of all breast cancer deaths are attributed to drinking.

•    Six thousand male deaths each year are caused by alcohol-related cancer of the mouth, throat and esophagus.

•    As alcohol consumption increases, so does cancer risk.

•    Alcohol-related cancer deaths are most common among those who drink an average of 40 grams or three or more drinks each day.

•    The number of alcohol-related cancer deaths in the United States (approximately 19,500) exceeds the total number of deaths from high-profile cancers like melanoma and ovarian cancer.

Toxic Hangover

There are a number of reasons that alcohol could cause cancer.  The first is related to a toxic chemical called acetaldehyde.  This substance is produced by the liver while breaking down alcohol, which is why a night of drinking can bring on a painful hangover.  At the same time, acetaldehyde causes liver cells to grow more rapidly than normal, a genetic change that could lead to cancer.  It also damages cell DNA and prevents repair.

In the case of breast cancer, researchers suspect interference with estrogen, a female hormone that monitors a number of biological functions including cell reproduction.  Studies show that high levels of estrogen are linked to breast cancer.

Those who drink and smoke are much more likely to develop cancer.  Alcohol increases absorption in the mouth and throat tissues, allowing cancer-causing chemicals in tobacco to invade.

Liver cancer is much more likely in drinkers.  The liver is the body’s main filtration system, and it becomes exhausted when overworked in the case of alcohol abuse or addiction.  This kind of damage leads to cirrhosis of the liver, which increases the risk of liver cancer.

Folate deficiencies have been found in a number of cancer cases.  Folate is a B vitamin essential for cell growth.  Those who drink alcohol regularly have particularly low levels of Folate.  This, too, may be a factor.

How Much Is Too Much?

Medical professionals do say that a small amount of alcohol such as a glass of red wine can be beneficial to the health.  It is particularly known to improve cardiovascular health, cleaning the arteries and strengthening the heart.  There are, however, alternative ways to do this, such as exercise and proper nutrition.

American drinking habits, on the other hand, are not conducive to a healthy lifestyle says Vista Bay.  The majority of Americans drink regularly, with an average of four beverages per week the norm.  Everything in moderation, but the average person’s idea of “moderation” may be too much.

On average 51% of the American population uses alcohol and the highest percentages of citizens use this substance quite frequently. There is a definite belief that because alcohol is legal, that it is a safe substance. However, there are many health risks and other problems caused by alcohol use on a regular basis.

For more information contact Vista Bay now.

Source: http://www.cbc.ca/news/health/story/2013/02/14/alcohol-cancer.html

These scary effects and more are produced by synthetic drugs, substances new to drug markets and only recently outlawed.  People who use it and survive swear they’ll never try it again.  Yet although the number of synthetic drug arrests seem to be going down, a substantial number of people continue to enroll in treatment programs for synthetic drug addiction.

The Dangerous Illusion

Synthetic drugs are designer substances concocted by amateur chemists with the purpose of mimicking the effects of traditional drugs.  Synthetic marijuana, for example, was designed to replace regular pot.  Bath salts are supposed to act like a combination of amphetamines and cocaine.

Initially, these drugs were the better option for addicts because they were legal.  Even when they were outlawed, users opted for synthetic drugs because they are undetectable in standard drug tests, are cheaper, and are often touted as safer than traditional drugs.  Therein lies their most dangerous attribute–the user is sorely disillusioned when he realizes they are far, far from safe.

Side Effects of Synthetic Drugs

Synthetic marijuana is known as Spice or K2.  Manufacturers spray toxic chemicals on a mixture of dried herbs and the result is an emulation of cannabis.  However, users say that the high is not the same; it doesn’t make you feel as good, and it produces serious paranoia, vivid hallucinations, and frightening psychosis.  It can also produce stomach pains, nausea and vomiting.

Bath salts had made a name for itself from a number of high-profile suicides and homicides.  The most notorious incident is probably the case of the Miami “zombie”, the man who attacked a homeless man and began eating his face.  This form of psychosis is typical for a person high on bath salts; they often display barbaric, animalistic behavior, have no concern for the consequences, and say that they feel unstoppable.  They often experience dangerously high temperatures which may be why they often remove their clothes.  In many cases, the high lasts for several days or weeks with continual hallucinations and paranoia.

The Roller Coaster Ride

Users describe the high from synthetic drugs as a roller-coaster ride from hell.  So why continue?

The truth is, synthetic drugs are extremely addictive.  They tend to hook their users so tightly that the high lasts far longer than traditional drugs (which is, in itself, terrifying) and they experience cravings and withdrawal symptoms even after the first use.

Although arrests appear to be waning, officials say that does not mean that synthetic drugs are not still out there.  Those who receive regular drug testing, such as members of the military or employees of a drug-free workplace, may continue to use synthetic drugs despite the dangers simply because they won’t be detected.

For more information or to get help from Narconon Vista Bay Watsonville contact us today.

Source: http://www.myabc50.com/news/local/story/The-Terrifying-Effects-of-Synthetic-Drugs/TQsbLFb880ueDHuEqXPrTA.cspx

Over the counter drugs can be safe when used in the approved doses. They can be helpful for use with sicknesses and when recovering from surgery. But when these drugs are abused, and used recreationally the possibility of overdose becomes much more significant.

Once the overdose occurs the person will start to experience varying degrees of symptoms.

One can expect such things as, hallucinations, euphoria causing irrational behavior, nausea, vomiting, drowsiness and in extreme cases: respiratory depression, brain damage or irregular heartbeat. All of this from something considered safe.

With side effects such as these parents need to be very aware of what is going on in their house. Over the counter medications should be kept completely out of the hands of children and dosages strictly controlled if they are used. While this may seem like a lot to do preventative measures are much easier than going through the struggles of rehabilitation with a child.

Most Commonly Abused OTC Drugs

The most commonly abused substances are:
Pain relievers
Dextrmethorphan
Energy drinks
Diet pills
Laxatives
Motion sickness pills
Sexual medications
Pseudoephedrine
Herbal ecstacy
Herbal products

Prevention By Education

All parents should take the time to collect all of the necessary data regarding over the counter medications and other drugs and give this data to their children. It was often argued that children should be kept unaware of these things but that has not proven to be successful in keeping them off of drugs.  Once children understand what the risks are and why it would be wise to stay away from abusing drugs, be it over the counter of otherwise.

Natural Alternatives

With so many natural resources available many people are choosing to not use any over the counter drugs anymore, not even for such things as a headache. The natural products available can work just as well as their synthetic counter parts and you won’t find any warning labels or scary side effects listed on their bottles. Sometimes a slight adjustment period is necessary to get used to the different natural alternatives available and how to use them. Some of them are not as simple as popping a pill but the benefits and lack of side effects are definitely worth it.

Even the rehabilitation process of getting some one off of drugs can be successfully achieved using natural methods. These methods are proven to be more successful and less damaging than the more well known methods of introducing other drugs to help resolve the problem. These natural rehabilitation facilities use the vitamins that the body needs in order to successfully detoxify and rehabilitate itself. The body possesses healing powers that are astonishing to most doctors. Given the right help it can correct itself.

Knowing what we do now about the body and how to heal it, no one should have to live with the suffering of drug addiction. If you or some one you love has a problem the best thing you can do for them is enlighten them on what drugs really are and how to help get themselves off of them permanently. The sooner a person addicted to drugs gets help the better it is for them and their family.

Many families have suffered from problems having to do with drug addiction. Problems that they do not have to endure if they just sought out the proper help. Heartache and financial stress usually follow directly behind drug abuse, the sooner you can remove drugs from the equation the better it is for everyone.

For more information on this topic or Narconon centers in the US contact us today.

Source:  http://www.philly.com/philly/blogs/healthcare/10-over-the-counter-medicines-abused-by-teens.html