What Is The Most Dangerous Addiction

Many believe the most dangerous addictions are gambling addiction, sex addiction, pornography or even video games. However the addiction that accounts for the most deaths, Emergency Room visits, legal and financial troubles and familial upset is drug addiction.

According to statistics there are nearly 23 million people addicted to drugs in the United States. Nearly 10 million American suffer with prescription drug addiction and a large number of people abuse illicit drugs like heroin, marijuana, methamphetamine and cocaine every day. In addition to the problem only 2.6% of addicts receive treatment and the average wait from the time an individual starts using drugs until they enroll in treatment is 15 years.

What Are Americans Being Treated For

Individuals of all ages have to enroll in treatment for addiction. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse 18% of all admissions to treatment are for drugs and alcohol combined, 17% for marijuana, 14% for heroin, 8% for cocaine, 6% for stimulant drugs and another 5% for prescription painkillers.

Of those admitted for prescription painkillers the most abused drugs were hydrocodone, oxycodone and morphine.

Nearly 60% of all admission to treatment were from those of the Caucasian race and another 20% were African Americans.

The largest age groups for treatment for drug addiction were those ages 25 to 28 followed by 20 to 24 and ages 40 to 44.

Addiction Risks

Dangerous addiction risks can pop up any time a person decides to use drugs. The most common risks of using drugs include:

1.    Death by overdose or accident while under the influence.
2.    Legal difficulties such as being arrested for being intoxicated by a drug or alcohol, driving under the influence, possession or for those to sell drugs to feed their addictions, possession with intent to deliver. Many of these crimes carry serious penalties and time in prison. There are also those violent crimes committed while under the influence of drugs.
3.    Financial problems like being unable to hold a job and make income, inability to manage finances and pay bills and using all of one’s money to buy drugs.
4.    Health risks like damage to major organs that cannot be undone. Impaired memory and concentration, fatigue, headaches, body and muscle pain, teeth issues, certain cancers, liver and kidney diseases and many other health problems are caused by dangerous addiction. There are also a number of people that lose their lives every year as a result of addiction.
5.    Broken relationships are also a major risk of addiction. Many divorces occur because of drug use as well as domestic issues in the family. Parents end up not being able to trust their children and kids of drug addicts and alcoholics are abused or mistreated.

Drug addiction may be one of the most dangerous addictions out there, carrying with it the most damaging effects to all areas of life.

How Narconon Drug Rehabilitation Handles Addiction

Using a unique methodology unlike any other rehab program, Narconon drug rehabilitation specializes in fully handling addiction problems. Although addiction is complicated and can cause an enormous amount of damage and heartbreak it is a problem that can be fully resolved with treatment.

NA has been promoting this for years through its 12 Steps as have Narconon drug rehabilitation facilities. Those who have undergone long term, residential treatment that is drug free like Narconon have been able to permanently handle their addiction issues and go on to live drug-free and productive lives.

With a 76% success rate Narconon drug rehabilitation has returned many back into society completely sober that were not able to achieve success with other types of treatment.

For more information call 800-874-3197.

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Top Five Indicators Of Alcohol Withdrawal

Alcoholism could be something that a person or group has experienced for years or something completely new that no one is aware of. There are definite indicators that a person has an alcohol abuse problem, alcohol dependence issues and is going through alcohol withdrawal.

Alcohol withdrawal occurs at the very late stages of alcohol abuse. It is usually after someone has used alcohol excessively or for a prolonged period of time.
Withdrawal effects are often unknown to the user and those who are surrounding the person who is drinking heavily may not even be aware of them at all.
Symptoms of Alcohol Withdrawal

When someone who has been excessively drinking alcohol for a long period of time suddenly stops they will experience alcohol withdrawal symptoms. These most likely occur in adult drinkers and the more a person drinks or the longer they drink the more severe these symptoms are.

Alcohol withdrawal usually starts happening a few hours after someone has stopped drinking. The withdrawal can last for several days and generally the symptoms get worse in the first 2 days of the process.

Someone going through withdrawal may feel very nervous or experience symptoms of anxiety. The person may also be confused or depressed and generally unable to think clearly or be moody or irritable. Some will have insomnia and not be able to eat and be jumpy. There are also those who just want to lie down or sleep. Usually the more severe stages of alcohol withdrawal cause the jumpiness or insomnia. Some will also have nightmares when coming off of alcohol.

There are also physical symptoms that can be watched for in the person by others. These include sweating, skin that is clammy, a pale complexion, headaches, shaking, large pupils or dilated, and vomiting and nausea. They may also have hands that are shaking, or be dehydrated and their eyes may be making abnormal movements.

In its most severe form those withdrawing from alcohol are at risk of having seizures and can even hallucinate and end up with a high fever.

How To Handle Alcohol Withdrawal

If you see someone with the above symptoms they should receive medical help to reduce these symptoms the follow this up with long term treatment. The goal of withdrawal should be to get the symptoms handled without major medication problems or complications in the user.

The goal of inpatient or long term treatment should be to handle the physical, mental and emotional issues that caused the problem in the first place so the individual can maintain sobriety. Vitamin therapy, rest and a nutritious diet should be included in long term care as well.

The Use Of Narconon Meetings In Treating Alcoholism

Unlike other treatment centers Narconon International and it’s group of Narconon rehab programs across the country do not rely on Narconon meetings to aid in recovery. The group has been successfully treating alcohol addiction for over 48 years but relies on both group and individual therapies through a very specific curriculum of study to solve the problem.

One on one interviews that could be referred to as Narconon meets do occur to primarily get the information about what the clients  is going through and provide an effective study, drill or routine program to help the individual.

Narconon achieves a 76% success rate for fully recover from alcohol abuse. The program lasts an average of 4-6 months and is residential with several locations in the country and around the world.

For more information about Narconon meetings or alcohol treatment for yourself or a loved one call 800-874-3197.

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Teenage Drug Abuse A Growing Concern

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse in its 36th study on High School and Youth Trends regarding teen drug abuse reports that while some areas of teen drug use are down, there are mounting area of concern. Teen drug use rates are monitored monthly, yearly and daily use. The nation is most concerned about the young ages teens are starting drug use. Many years ago the average age was 13; with the newest concerns some pre-teens and adolescents as well as youth are trying drugs at young as 8 years old.

The availability of drugs, promotion of their use through media outlets like movies, television and celebrity stories as well as environmental shifts are all to blame for the current problem. Prevention programs have been implemented and are used across the country, however, new users continue to emerge. This is a growing concern.

Statistics On Teen Drug Abuse

The past Monitoring the Future Survey has much useful information about the current drug abuse scene amongst teens. According to the survey:
Since 2009, cigarette use has dropped lower than marijuana use by teens. This is the first time since 1981 that this has been the case. Unfortunately what this means is that marijuana use amongst teens is up.

Daily marijuana use has gone up with those between grades 8 through 12 with special emphasis on the use among 8th graders continuing to climb. Part of the reason for the increase in use is because many teens have the attitude that marijuana is not addictive or dangerous because it is “natural.” Unknown to many the drug sends the highest numbers of teens into treatment every year.

In addition to marijuana prescription drugs are the second most abused drug by teen. The prescription painkiller Vicoden is the blame as it comes in second after marijuana.

Following Vicoden, many teens are abusing amphetamines. The forms of prescription amphetamines are the most abused and are drugs like Ritalin and Adderall. These are prescription medications that are often prescribed to teens that are diagnosed with Attention Deficit Disorder and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Many teens who receive prescriptions for these drugs abuse them or sell them to other teens. There are also a small percentage of teens abusing the illicit drug methamphetamine.

Surprisingly over the counter cough medicines are the next abused drug by teens. If taken in excess these drugs cause euphoria, and even hallucinations. Many teens have visited the ER and suffered from medical complications from abusing cough medicines.
Prescription tranquilizers were also widely abused by teens. Many teenagers are taking these pills orally or crushing them up and snorting them through the nose.

New brands of drugs called Synthetic Drugs are also causing a stir regarding teenage drug abuse. These drugs mimic the effects of illicit drugs and the two most abused Synthetic Drugs are synthetic marijuana or K2 or Spice, and synthetic methamphetamine or Bath Salts.

Many have lost their lives due to complications from synthetic drug abuse the drugs, once sold legally are now banned.

Narconon Schools Fighting The Battle For Sober Teens

Narconon schools drug education program which has been delivering drug prevention lectures all throughout the country for years has closely studies the trends with teenage drug abuse. The organization has put together teams to visit schools daily and speak with teens about the dangers of drugs.

Narconon schools statistically shows improvement in drug prevention rates amongst those who hear the lectures. Programs like NA are usually set up for teens and adults after they are already addicted but Narconon schools are trying to stop the problem before it starts.

For more information call 800-874-3197.

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Alcohol Withdrawal Timeline Very Specific Regarding Addiction

With 17 million people struggling with alcohol addiction it may be surprising to know that every addiction follows an alcohol withdrawal timeline when it goes on past a certain point. In many cases, social drinking can turn into binge drinking, which can then turn into fully blown alcohol dependence.

According to American Family Physician there is something that is actually called Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome. This came about as a possible solution to address those 13 million Americans who meet the criteria for alcohol dependence and help them assess an alcohol withdrawal timeline.

Timeline Explained

As with Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome, lay a very specific timeline of what happens when a person stops drinking who has used alcohol in an excessive or prolonged manner. These symptoms are those that develop within a few hours after excessive or prolonged alcohol users stops drinking. They include:

1.    Increased pulse and heart rate.
2.    Tremors of the hand.
3.    Anxiety, fear or sadness. Some will also exhibit signs of anger.
4.    Vomiting or severe nausea.
5.    Trouble sleeping or insomnia.
6.    Trouble eating or keeping down food.
7.    Depression
8.    Alcohol Cravings
9.    Hallucinations
10.    Seizures

After the initial hour or two after drinking the individual will feel okay and then suddenly the withdrawal symptoms will come on. As time goes on they will become more and more severe. It is important when someone is experiencing alcohol withdrawal that they have a specific plan for detox which includes medical detox services if the alcohol use has gone on for some time without stopping or is severe.

It is also important that if a medical detoxification is not being used or treatment through an alcohol rehab, at home detox must be done very carefully with special attention on watching the addicted person. If there is alcohol in the home during this process then there is a high risk that the person will drink again to alleviate the symptoms they are experiencing because of detox.

Alcoholics can become desperate to get their next drink and even after they are detoxed medically or through other means, they must attend long term treatment. This will allow the body to readjust to the alcohol use and the cravings to subside tremendously.

Narconon Meetings Curb Alcohol Withdrawal

Treatment through Narconon meetings, or long term care offered through the alcohol treatment facility can cut through withdrawal. At first an alcoholic must be assessed medically to determine if medical detox is needed to come off of the substance. If this is necessary the individual must undergo this process for several days until they are medically okay to start Narconon treatment. Then they will undergo a separate drug-free withdrawal which helps replenish their bodies with vitamin supplements. Once complete they will go through a communication course followed by a physical detoxification method using a dry heat sauna. This will help to permanently reduce their physical cravings for alcohol long term.

Following this Narconon offers a series of life skills courses. Not Narconon meetings, or NA, these individual classes help an alcohol addict to apply specific information to his or her own life, sorting out the core reasons why the alcohol use started in the first place. There are also exercises done to help pull the person out of the alcohol using environment and get them back into present time.

The success rate of Narconon is 76% for treating alcoholism.

Even though the alcohol withdrawal timeline is very specific many do not recognize it when it comes up in themselves or a loved one. Withdrawal from alcohol is a late indicator that the person needs to get into treatment before it’s too late. For more information call 800-874-3197.

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Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms & Causes

With half of the population using alcohol and 38% engaging in heavy use then there has to be a percentage of people who struggle with alcohol withdrawal. Because alcohol is legal many feel that the substance does not carry side effects or cause problems with addiction or withdrawal. This could not be further from the truth. In fact, 17 million people are currently addicted to alcohol.

With 23% of the population engaging in excessive alcohol use called binge drinking, alcohol problems are sure to come up across the country. One of these is alcohol withdrawal. This occurs when someone has been drinking for a long period of time without stopping. The body becomes physically addicted to the substance and many symptoms develop when someone tries to stop drinking.

In its lightest form alcohol withdrawal can be in the form of a hangover; in its heaviest form a person would require hospitalization to stop drinking alcohol because of risk of seizure or death from it.

Symptoms Of Alcohol Withdrawal

There are many symptoms that occur when someone is going through alcohol withdrawal. Many will start withdrawing from alcohol 3 to 5 hours after drinking. Often the withdrawal starts with a headache. The person may begin to feel a large amount of anxiety or start shaking. As the symptoms of alcohol withdrawal worsen the individual may not be thinking clearly, and fell very depressed or have severe mood swings.

In severe cases the person may have a fever, chills, delirium tremens, clammy skin, vomiting or nausea, a rapid heartbeat, and even enlarged pupils.
Some individuals even experience seizures and death if they are not treated medically while withdrawing from alcohol.

Treating Alcohol Withdrawal

There are many ways to treat alcohol withdrawal so that the individual can come off the substance safely and begin long term rehab to handle their addiction.
Many will enroll in a alcohol detox facility and receive an exam from a physician to assess their symptoms. The doctor will check their eye movements, heart movements, fluids, breathing and shaking.

From there the goal is to alleviate symptoms of alcohol withdrawal, prevent physical complications and get the person completely withdrawn off of alcohol in a safe manner.

There are several ways of doing this. They include monitoring the vitals of the body, giving the person fluids and some are put on benzodiazepine drugs while withdrawing.

Individuals also get blood testing and are checked on or monitored 24 hours a day to ensure there are no major complications or seizure risk.

Alcohol withdrawal should always be followed up with treatment for alcohol that is long term and residential.

Narconon Rehab Treats Withdrawal From Alcohol

Narconon rehab, a long term residential program does treat alcohol withdrawal. If the symptoms are severe the organization gets clients set up with a medical detox for alcohol to handle the immediate symptoms of coming off the substance. Once this is complete individuals are started on a program which lasts 4-6 months and provides all the components necessary to fully recover from alcoholism.

Narconon California has several locations for treatment along with Narconon rehab centers across the country and the world. The program allows alcoholics to detoxify their bodies after medical withdrawal with a dry-heat sauna program designed to reduce drug cravings.

The rest of the program offers life skills services to handle other aspects of alcohol use.

The goal of the treatment is to return the individual to society as a productive, alcohol free member who is contributing positively to all areas of his or her life.

Narconon rehab has a 76% success rate for recovery from alcohol use. For more information call 800-874-3197.

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Methamphetamine Side Effects Explained

A dangerous stimulant, methamphetamine is abused by over 1 million people in the United States ever year.  A white, to yellow-brown powder the drug is synthesized through a chemical process that has been duplicated by addicts and dealers across the country who have set up meth labs to make, use and sell the drug.

Meth is used by snorting the drug through the nose, smoking it or injecting it. The effects can last for hours after use and some will use the drug for days on end, called a meth binge.
Methamphetamine side effect vary depending on the individual and the amount of use, however the drug produces many damaging effects to users.

Mental & Physical Effects Of Methamphetamine

The initial side effects of methamphetamine include euphoria, increased energy and excitement. Some users experience paranoia and anxiety. The person may speak rapidly and even hallucinate or experience delusions. In addition to those they care usually unable to eat or sleep.

Some physical effects of the drug include increase in temperature, blood pressure, increased heartbeat, crams, enlarged pupils, and sweating. Some meth users will also get a rash on their bodies from the chemicals used to make the drug. This rash can become worse if the person itches or picks at their skin which happens frequently with meth users.

Long term use of the drug can produce a variety of negative methamphetamine side effects.

Violent Behavior One Side Effect Of Meth

Because meth users can stay up for days and even weeks on end without food or sleep they start to fall into a psychotic or manic state that could be characterized as insanity. Many hallucinate or have delusions about things that are not there. Some will fell that the “FBI” or even “aliens” or other creatures are out to get them.

Meth addictions will spend days hiding, cooped up in a house because they are afraid to go out and face the world. Even after coming down off the drug some addicts will take days or even weeks to forget about these delusions and realize that they are not real. Some never realize this and end up in psychiatric care for the rest of their lives because of the damage of the drug.

There are also those who believe family or friends are trying to harm them. In an effort to “stop this” the individual will mentally or physically attack family who, most of the time, are actually trying to help the addict to see that they are stuck in a delusion about life and what is going on in their present time environment.

Some meth addicts are locked up in jail because of this, others institutionalized and still others are left in the outside world to hide and worry about an impending doom that does not really exist. This causes the user to behave in a way that surprises and scares others because their next actions cannot be predicted by anyone and anything can and will set the person off.

The best therapy for someone in this state is a calm, environment, vitamin and other supplements and plenty of food and rest. The individual should be left alone until the effects of the drug wear off. In extreme cases some addicts are treated with sedatives until they come down off the meth.

Narconon Meetings For Meth Abuse

In most cases meth abuse can be completely treated. Programs like Narconon meetings can provide long term treatment for this with a 76% success rate. There is also help through NA for those who want to attend meetings.

No matter the route if someone is addicted to meth it is key that they get help to overcome their addiction. For more information on Narconon meetings call 800-874-3197.

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Alcohol Withdrawal Timeline

Nearly 50% of the population of the United States uses alcohol. Some are considered infrequent drinkers and the largest percentage of the population, frequent drinkers which are about 38% of all alcohol users.

Besides health problems, accidents and crime alcohol also causes a number of people to become addicted. There is an alcohol addiction timeline as well as an alcohol withdrawal timeline and they are connected at a very specific point of the addiction.

Alcohol Addiction Timeline

The timeline for alcohol addiction is as follows:

1.    A person has a problem in which alcohol somehow becomes a solution.
2.    This is enforced by seeing others using the substance and getting good results. This could be from things they see in movies or TV which might make using alcohol attractive or seeing their peers or those they look up to using alcohol.
3.    The person drinks once or twice and alcohol temporarily solves their problem.
4.    The person begins to use alcohol more and more thinking that it helps them in some way.
5.    Alcohol starts to harm the individual but he is craving it and feels that he needs to use it more and more.
6.    The cravings for alcohol become more severe. The individual builds an alcohol tolerance where they have to drink more to get the same effect.
7.    The individual’s life starts to fall apart. He may neglect important events, forget to pay bills or have legal troubles. He is usually too consumed with the alcohol to realize what is happening.
8.    Alcohol has now taken over the person’s life and becomes the most important thing. It causes him even more problems but he cannot stop.
9.    A major event happens that indicates that the person should stop drinking. At this point he cannot stop. He realizes how addicted to alcohol he really is.
10.    As the person tries to quit he has alcohol withdrawal symptoms. He needs intervention and long-term treatment to stop the alcohol use. At this point he usually does not even remember why he initially started drinking.

Alcohol Withdrawal Timeline Information

As far as an alcohol withdrawal timeline this goes somewhat parallel with the alcohol addiction timeline. In the beginning the individual may experience a hangover from drinking too much. This may happen several times and even take several years for the problem to become more for him physically. As the individual begins to drink more and more alcohol, his withdrawal symptoms will increase in severity each time he drinks.
He may start out with a headache and tiredness but this may increase to shaking, anxiety, depression and sadness when he stops drinking.

At the final phase of the alcohol withdrawal timeline the individual has experienced DT’s or delirium tremens which is uncontrolled shaking. He may have seizures from trying to stop drinking and have clammy skin, severe headaches, convulsions, hallucinations or even suicidal thoughts and tendencies.

When the withdrawal is this bad the individual has to enroll in a medically run alcohol detoxification program.

When To Get Help

Whether it’s NA or Narconon meetings the right time to get help for alcoholism is before one experiences severe alcohol withdrawal symptoms.

Narconon meetings refer to the life skills services that the Narconon alcohol treatment program provides where clients with each other to better confront, use good control and communicate to overcome barriers treated to using alcohol in the first place.

The program also has a physical detoxification method to help with alcohol cravings. Narconon achieves a 76% success rate for permanent alcohol abuse recovery.

For more information on Narconon meetings call 800-874-3197.

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Rehab for Alcoholics

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention over 50% of the population of the United States are alcohol users. Infrequent drinkers account for more than 13% of this and frequent drinkers, the remaining 37%. The use of alcohol causes many problems for frequent, binge and excessive drinkers.

Other than the costs and damages to society and others including over 15,000 liver disease deaths and more than 24,000 alcohol induced deaths, one main problem with excessive drinking is forming an addiction to alcohol. Once this occurs drinking becomes the central part of one’s life and the user will begin to alienate and neglect those around him all to get the next drink.

As the tolerance and withdrawal effects set in once the person is physical addicted they cannot recover without rehab for alcoholics.

Information About Alcoholism

There are certain specific characteristics that determine if a person is an alcoholic. One of them is the feeling that the individual has to drink even when the circumstance does not allow for it. This is the person who drinks at inappropriate times, showing up at family and work evens with beer on their breath. Or the individual who wakes up in the morning and starts to use alcohol as the sun comes up. In addition to this the person is unable to stop drinking once they have started. The will drink for days and hours on end; the days turn to weeks and they are so physically addicted to the substance that they cannot stop drinking alcohol.

Another indication that a person may be suffering with alcoholism is that they continue to drink despite health problems, personal problem and even legal difficulties. Pleas, demands and even consequences go ignored so that the person can continue to drink.

In addition to this the individual will plan his or her life around drinking. Friends will be others who like to drink and all events will be events where alcohol is supplied and use excessively.

If someone is exhibiting these symptoms it is very likely they are addicted to alcohol.

Components of Rehab for Alcoholics

There are several main parts of a rehab of alcoholics which would make the treatment successful and aid in lifelong recovery. They are as follows:

1.    That The Treatment Is Long Enough – According to the national Principles of Effective Treatment information a program should be long term for treating alcoholism. At least 90 days and up to a year to handle all the physical and mental behaviors and problems associated with the abuse of alcohol.

2.    That Medical Detox Is Available If Needed – Severe alcoholics undergo painful and sometimes life threatening withdrawal symptoms when they try to quit drinking. These can range from something as simple as a hangover to delirium tremens where a person shakes uncontrollably, insomnia and even seizures. Some alcohol addicts have to undergo a supervised medical detox program to safely come down off the alcohol. This usually last a few days to a few weeks and should then be followed up with long term treatment.

3.    That The Program Achieves A High Recovery Rate – The recovery or success rate of the treatment should be checked out as well as the type of treatment supplied. Long term holistic program such as Narconon achieve a 76% success rate. Narconon also offers a drug prevention program through Narconon schools to prevent alcoholism before it starts. There are also other private programs such as NA as well as Alcoholics Anonymous.

Narconon Schools & Rehab Resources

There are many resources for rehab for alcoholics as well as prevention with Narconon schools. For more information call Narconon Vista Bay today at 800-874-3197.

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Celebrities On Drugs

From the 1960’s until several weeks ago the world has seen many celebrities die from the abuse of drugs. However the number one killer drug is not heroin or cocaine or methamphetamine, it a group of drugs that are marketed and promoted as safe; it is prescription drugs.

Starting with Marilyn Monroe in 1960, the abuse of prescriptions among celebrities has been prevalent. Just in the last few years we have lost Anna Nicole Smith, Heath Ledger, Michael Jackson, and just recently Whitney Houston.

Some of the most commonly abused drugs have been an anti-anxiety medication called Xanax as well as several prescription painkillers such as Oxy Contin, Vicoden and hydrocodone. Others also include methadone (ironically used to “treat” addiction) and several different types of sleeping aids.

The deaths of celebrities have been untimely and the problem prevalent in Hollywood as well as other parts of the country.

Most Abused Celebrity Drugs Explained

Celebrities abusing drugs are not unlike any other person who struggles with an abuse problem. There are three categories of drugs based on those stated above that celebrities are most commonly abusing. They are as follows:

Opioid Drugs or Prescription Pain Medications – These are drugs like Oxy Contin, Vicoden, hydrocodone, oxycodone and Percocet. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse after marijuana, prescription drugs are the most commonly used drugs in America. Over 5 million people abuse prescription pain pills on a regular basis and this includes 1 in 12 high school students who are abusing Oxy Contin alone. Celebrities like Heath Ledger were using primarily opioid drugs.

Benzodiazepine Drugs – Xanax is one of the primary drugs of abuse among celebrities and is considered an anti-psychotic drug used to treat anxiety. Xanax is the fifth most prescribed drug in the United States and accounted for over 500 deaths in the state of Florida alone. The drug carries many side effects with it for those taking it including nightmares, depression, difficulty with coordination, nausea, trouble breathing, dizziness, drowsiness and blurred vision. The withdrawal effects are also severe and include sweating, severe depression, body aches, nausea, suppressed appetite, muscle aches and headaches as well as risk of seizure and even death. Several celebrities have reportedly used Xanax.

In addition to Xanax, many are also abusing another benzodiazepine; sleeping pills. The National Institute on Drug Abuse reports that nearly half a million people are addicted to sleeping pills or sedatives.

Replacement Drugs – Drugs like methadone and Suboxone are also responsible for the death of those that have used them. Many have mixed the drugs with other substances. Some have overdosed on these replacement medications. Rob Pilatus from Milli Vanilli died from an overdose of methadone that he was using to supposedly treat an addiction.

Narconon Rehab Has Seen Devastation Of Celebrities on Drugs

Narconon rehab, a long term residential drug treatment program has seen a huge number of people seeking help for prescription drugs; including celebrities who have struggled with this type of addiction. Other rehabs across the country are seeing similar trends, through NA meetings, outpatient treatment and other centers across the United States.

Narconon rehab specializes in prescription treatment achieving a 76% success rate for permanent sobriety from the drug. All addiction problems, including celebrities on drugs should be treated with the highest level of professionalism and confidentiality. Though the number of prescriptions given to celebrities has been a problem that the public has had to watch for many years, recovery is fully possible with the right type of treatment that does not involve giving an already addicted person additional drugs to recover.

For more information on Narconon rehab call Narconon Vista Bay today at 800-874-3197.

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New Zohydro Super Painkiller Causing Concern Across Country

According to an article from the New York Daily News a new prescription painkiller is about to be released that is being called the next Oxy Contin. This is not only for pain relief reasons but for the addictive potential of the drug. The pain pill, called Zohydro, is raising concerns among many groups and is being said to be the most addictive drug to be released yet and it hasn’t even hit the shelves.

The drug released by the pharmaceutical company, Zogenix was set to hit the shelves in early 2012 and is chemically set up like hydrocodone, by ten times stronger even though it is being marketed as a safer alternative.

Zohydro Oxy Contin & Hydrocodone

As Zohydro is now in testing for approval and use, not much abuse information is available on the drug. Some side effects reported with testing of the drug include urinary tract infections, constipation and nausea. The pharmaceutical company is hoping to pull from some of the 131 million prescriptions that are filled for hydrocodone as the drug is similar in many ways, except for the fact that it is a stronger, more intense prescription.

As compared to Oxy Contin, Zohydro is very similar. Oxy Contin is one of the strongest painkillers prescribed for severe pain such as major injuries, cancer, and arthritis. It is available in between 10mg and 80mg pills. Most of these pills are extended release.

However many are taking off the releases, taking the pills orally, crushing up and snorting them or even injecting the drugs.

According to the National Household Survey on Drug Abuse, over 1 million United States residents have abused Oxy Contin. The drug is very physically addictive, causing users to develop a tolerance where they have to take more Oxy Contin for the same effect. Oxy Contin also causes major withdrawal symptoms with users which include “flu like symptoms” like muscle aches, bone aches, insomnia, diarrhea, throwing up and hot and cold flashes. Another withdrawal effect reported is lower back pain.

Hydrocodone is the other prescription drug being compared to Zohydro. The pain pill is the most prescribed of its kind and the drug that is the most abused. After someone takes hydrocodone their pupils will become constricted or small. Some call them pin-point pupils.

They will also have clammy skin and slowed or delayed breathing. If too much of the drug is taken a person can go unconsciousness or even die. Some health problems associated with hydrocodone are liver problems, kidney problems, brain damage and other bodily harm from slowing down the system. The drug is most often taken orally, though some will crush it up and snort it or inject hydrocodone. In a four year time period the drug was responsible for 80,000 poisoning’s and over 2,400 deaths. At least 100,00 incidents of abuse of the drug have occurred in less than a year.

Why There Is A Prescription Problem

Looking at many possible reasons one primary reason for the out of control prescription problem have to do with the amount of prescriptions written each year for pain pills. National statistrics indicate that pain pill prescriptions went from 75 million to 200 million in one year. Over 5 million Americans are using pain drugs non-medially during a one year period and the overall number of abused prescriptions is at 10 million including pain pills, stimulants and depressants.

Narconon Schools Warn About Painkiller Abuse

The abuse of prescriptions is one covered through Narconon schools with their drug prevention program. The organization has been educating groups all over the country on this growing epidemic. Other organizations including NA and other drug rehabilitation, prevention and enforcement groups have also put out the message about prescriptions.

There are “Take Back” events to education those on how to properly dispose of prescriptions.

For more information on Narconon schools call 800-874-3197.

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