Marijuana Facts For Teens

Marijuana is one of the most popular drugs among teenagers because most teens dont consider it to be harmful. This idea that marijuana is harmless is a very common misconception among teens. Teens use marijuana because it is a great way to relax and just chill out with friends, but most teens arent aware of the risks associated with marijuana use. Teens may think that marijuana isnt dangerous because its not a hard drug like cocaine or heroin, but what they dont know is that marijuana has its own set of dangers. Everyone has heard that marijuana is a gateway drug and this idea has been a point of debate for many years. However, even if marijuana does not lead to the use of other drugs, there are still negative consequences that result from the use of marijuana on its own. These include short term and long term consequences that include anxiety, drop in IQ, cancer, and asthma. Marijuana is not as harmless as many people think it is, and because of this it is important to get help if you or someone you love is using or abusing marijuana. The following set of questions and answers can help you to learn more about marijuana and its consequences, and can assist you in finding help for yourself or a loved one. (Full Marijuana Article)

Marijuana Facts For Teens

Marijuana is one of the most popular drugs among teenagers because most teens dont consider it to be harmful. This idea that marijuana is harmless is a very common misconception among teens. Teens use marijuana because it is a great way to relax and just chill out with friends, but most teens arent aware of the risks associated with marijuana use. Teens may think that marijuana isnt dangerous because its not a hard drug like cocaine or heroin, but what they dont know is that marijuana has its own set of dangers. Everyone has heard that marijuana is a gateway drug and this idea has been a point of debate for many years. However, even if marijuana does not lead to the use of other drugs, there are still negative consequences that result from the use of marijuana on its own. These include short term and long term consequences that include anxiety, drop in IQ, cancer, and asthma. Marijuana is not as harmless as many people think it is, and because of this it is important to get help if you or someone you love is using or abusing marijuana. The following set of questions and answers can help you to learn more about marijuana and its consequences, and can assist you in finding help for yourself or a loved one. (Full Marijuana Article)

Drug addiction is a chronic disease affecting the brain, and just about everyone is different. Drugs affect different people in different ways. One person can take and abuse drugs, yet never become addicted, while another merely has one experience and is immediately hooked. Drug addiction is characterized by a person having to use the drug(s) repeatedly, regardless of the damage it does to: - Their health - Their family - Their career - Their relationships with friends and the community Addiction is not limited to drugs and alcohol. People can be addicted to many things, such as food, gambling, shopping, or most anything that gets in the way of a healthy lifestyle. When things get out of hand, and people behave compulsively, regardless of the consequences. When the person is no longer in charge of their life, regardless of the triggering mechanism, they are addicted. The addiction can take over a persons entire life. Nothing else matters. Is there a cure? The first question many people have about drug addiction is simply Is there a cure? The answer is, sadly, no, once you HAVE to use a drug you will always be addicted to it. There is currently no pill you can take to remove your cocaine addiction. In order to get a more complete understanding of why there is no cure, you first have to take a deeper look at addiction to learn how to live with it. What's the difference between Drug Abuse and Drug Addiction? The next question generally ask is how can I tell drug abuse from drug addiction. That's a little more complicated: Click here to learn the differences between drug abuse and drug addiction. Drug addiction is a disease of the mind body and SPIRIT Lets establish one important point of understanding about drug addiction. We are body, mind and spirit, and because of that, drug addiction is as much a disease of the spirit as it is of the body and mind. Unlike other chronic diseases, like diabetes, asthma, or heart disease, the spiritual component of drug addiction will play a major role in a persons recovery.

Click here to learn about Alcoholism in Teenagers

Click here to learn about Effects of Alcoholism

Click here to learn about Teenage Alcoholism

Also read: Pill Addiction; Generation RX

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy why it works

Crystal Meth it's as bad as you think

Long Term Drug Rehab can really help!

Types of Drug Addiction When talking about drug addiction causes and factors leading to drug addiction, it is necessary to take a moment and look at the various types of drugs. As we mentioned before, these all have their characteristics. Cannabis Compounds: The most common drug in this category is marijuana, which produces a high for the user. Go to drug addiction causes marijuana For more about drug addiction, Marijuana Depressants: Alcohol is the most common depressant, as everything slows, as evidenced by the documented testing of peoples reflexes while driving a car under the influence.

Stimulants: Amphetamines come to mind quickly, but a more common stimulant is nicotine. For more info about Crystal Meth Addiction click here Crystal Meth Hallucinogens: LSD was a popular drug in the 1960s To find out more about LSD click here LSD Designer Drugs: Ecstasy is popular with the rave set. For more information about drug addiction and Ecstasy click here Ecstasy Opiates: Heroin and cocaine lead the list here. Click here for more about drug addiction and Heroin Heroin Click here for more about drug addiction and Cocaine Cocaine Inhalants: Glue sniffing or the improper use of other common, store-bought chemicals for the purpose of getting high is an everyday occurrence. Click here for more information on Inhalants

For more information on Prescription Drug Addiction click here Prescription Drugs What Causes Drug Addiction? There are several factors and causes to consider about drug addiction. First there is a genetic component, that is, what is passed on to you through your family. - If your blood relatives had a predisposition to become addicted, chances are you have that same tendency. - Personality contributes to drug addiction. - Peer pressure is huge, both for teenagers and adults alike. Drug addiction occurs when the pathways in the brain, the brains communication system, are altered by repeated use of a substance. Some of the brains nerve cells, called neurons, use chemicals called neurotransmitters, which are released into the gaps, called synapses, between nerve cells. Take it to an extreme. There is normal brain chemistry activity, but when that activity is affected by the drug, the internal communication is altered, creating an otherwise abnormal affect. If you were to abuse the pain medication by going way over the prescribed limit and frequency, because you need that drug, you are becoming addicted.

Addiction is a chronic condition, making the chances for relapse great. The drug takes over and the person loses control and will do anything to get the drug, regardless of the consequences. What might have started as a decision to use the drug for a proper, medical purpose now becomes a spiraling, out-of-control experience for the user. Otherwise intelligent, rational people lose their ability to make good decisions. The drug has taken over. Drug Addiction causes permanent changes in brain chemistry Because of the change in the brains chemistry and function, its very difficult for people who are addicted to stop using; that's what is so difficult about drug addiction. Treatment centers around the country have found that a combination of medications, along with behavioral therapy is the most effective way of helping the patient manage the disease. Treatment centers will tailor-made a program to meet the needs of patients seeking help. We are body, mind and spirit. Medicine can effectively treat the body and the mind, but medicine alone does not treat the spirit. Relapse is common Are there going to be setbacks? Yes. Human beings make mistakes, but that doesnt mean a person cant get back on course. People who relapse need to be reinstated to the program, to get back to sanity and allow therapists to make necessary adjustments to their meds, or seek help in making modifications to their lifestyle. Perhaps an alternative treatment is called for. Again, everyone is different, and so treatment programs must meet the needs of the individual. The more you understand about drug addiction the more you realize why it is so difficult to treat. Are Drug Addiction and Drug Abuse the Same? No. Understand that drug addiction and drug abuse are not the same, because not all people who take drugs become addicted. The most commonly used drug is alcohol, and alcohol addiction, like drug addiction, progresses in stages, as a person descends into drug or alcohol dependence, hits bottom, then ascends back up to good health. Its a process. Not everybody that uses drugs is on the path to becoming an addict. Some people can abuse drugs, but not become addicted, while others try drugs or alcohol once and are immediately hooked.

Alcoholics talk about the click, that experience of satisfaction when taking the first drink. Drug users experience a high or a kind of euphoria. In either case, they want to feel good, and the drugs make them feel good. But it gets out of hand. More Drug Addiction Information Learn about drugs to help opiate addiction Suboxone.

Learn about the available Addiction Drug Rehab Treatment.

What can parents do to try to stop teenage drug abuse.

Learn more about the effects of drug addiction.

What are the signs of drug abuse or drug addiction? The symptoms vary. Perhaps its just trying something with friends at a party, or maybe a person hurts and they want to numb the pain. It can start most any way, and some drugs are more addictive than others, but once the progression reaches the point where a person needs the drugs because of a physical dependence and compulsively works to get them, regardless of the impact on their friends and family, their job and their community, that persons life is out of control. Drug addition does not discriminate. It affects men and women of all ages; seniors, careeraged, young adults, teenagers and even children. The affects of drug and alcohol addiction impact all of society. About Drug Addiction About Drug Addiction About Drug Addiction About Drug Addiction About Drug Addiction About Drug Addiction About Drug Addiction About Drug Addiction Drug Addiction Causes: What causes Substance Use Disorder (SUD)?

Substance Use Disorder (SUD) or addiction is a brain disease characterized by the inability of the individual to stop using a substance. When choice is no longer an option we are dealing with a SUD. But what causes it?

Imagine a tiger lying in a thick patch of grass waiting for an unsuspecting animal to wander by. The tiger waits for the prey to walk past then quickly and skillfully attacks from the rear. Smaller animals die instantaneously, as the tigers jaws latch on the back of their neck, snapping it. Other larger animals put up a fight, but soon succumb to the tigers power and dominant clench. SUD or addiction is much like that. Some people are introduced to a substance and a neuro receptor immediately fires. The brain instantaneously welcomes the experience and desires to repeat the pleasure. Others may have a completely different, if not ambivalent experience. One person becomes addicted, while the other retains the ability to choose not to use that drug. But repeated use can lead to the persons will breaking down over time, just like the larger animal cannot fight off the tiger forever. Recreational drug users always think they can quit anytime they like, but recreational use can over time turn into obsessive use as the users ability to choose is diminished. For information on treatment and recovery please visit drug rehab. All Brains Are Not Created Equal The receptors in the brain react to the drug. The reaction may be dramatic or nominal. So drug addiction is caused by a pre-existing condition made known only when the drug is introduced to the receptors in the brain. Long before the drug is ever tried, the person is either going to be an addict or they arent. That seems unfair, but statistically you can offer a prediction that one in nine people that drink alcohol will develop an SUD, or that one in four users will become hooked on heroin. Here are some of the problems that cause addiction or are caused by addiction: - Unhappiness - Crime - Divorce - Major illness - Even death What are underlying causes of drug addiction? When we take drugs, either for medical purposes or recreation, there is a benefit or reward that we are trying to achieve. For example pain medication is intended to bring relief to an injured or stressed area of our body. The beginning stages of drug addiction causes us to crave more and to use more.

The unintended consequences of that is our need to take more and more of the drug to get the same result. Drug addiction causes the pathways inside the brain to be altered. Physical changes in the nerve cells are brought on by the drug. These cells (neurons) communicate with each other releasing neurotransmitters into the gaps or synapses between the nerve cells. This makes some drugs more addictive than others. There are several other factors that contribute to drug addiction. Well go into greater detail on another page, but for now the major factors are ones genetic makeup, personality and peer pressure. Again well explain these as we go along. Who are you supporting when you buy drugs on the street? We did a radio program with Myra a drug gang expert and learned that more than 80% of drugs sold on the street support terrible drug gangs that are growing much stronger in the USA. Click here to listen to this show: How Drugs Work To gain some insight into what causes drug addiction, we turn to two major areas of examination to formulate a working understanding. The main target of the drugs is our central nervous system, so we look there first, followed by the individual actions of the drugs themselves. The Nervous System There are two types of cells that comprises the nervous systemglial cells (often called glia) and nerve cells (often called neurons). There are some 10 to 50 times more glia cells than neuron cells in the system. One important distinction between glia and neurons is that glia are not communicators. Neurons are the cells that communicate with other cells. But the glia are important because they help to provide fitness and structure to the brain, distribute nutrients to the system and they eliminate waste. The glia also make up the blood-brain barrier, which separates the blood from the fluid that surrounds the neurons. This is important because the barrier allows some chemicals to pass through, but not all. This protects the brain from potentially toxic chemicals carried by the bloodstream. A psychoactive drug is capable of passing through this barrier, while others are blocked. Stated another way, the blood-brain barriers job is to separate harmful toxins from beneficial chemicals. Neurons are designed to analyze and transmit information. This is important because everything we experience and understand as behavior is a result of the function of neurons. We have over 100 billion neurons in our nervous system, all communicating and having an effect on other neurons.

Neurons come in many shapes and sizes, but each neuron has four areas. The first area is the cell body that houses the nucleus and substances that sustain it. The second area is the dendrites, which extend from the cell body and kind of look like trees. The within the dendrites membranes are receptors, special structures that recognize and respond to chemical signals. Next we have the axon, which is long and thin and its job is to conduct electrical signals. Finally, the presynaptic terminals at the end of the axon, look like bulbs, and thats where chemical messengers are stores. So what does all this neuron discussion have to do with drug addiction? Neurotransmitters carry information which allows us to experience pain, pleasure, etc. When a doctor administers an anesthetic, that drug blocks the pain by blocking the perception of pain. In a sense, we are fooled into thinking something doesnt hurt because the vehicle for delivering that information is blocked. The communication between neurons is key to understanding how we react to a drug. The effect the drug has on us is what triggers addiction. When we go from enjoying something, to craving it and losing control over our reasoning and our actions, that is addiction. Lets start with any person who is not using any drugs. All of the neuro function of the brain is normal and there is no foreign substance in the bloodstream to interfere or influence this function. Now we introduce cocaine and the drug circulates in the bloodstream. The user experiences euphoria, a very pleasurable experience. Human nature will cause a person to want more. They like the feeling and want to repeat the experience. Remember that blood-brain barrier? It allows the cocaine to filter through and the neurons gather and transmit the information. Lets fast forward now as our person repeats this experience over and over. The drugs unintended consequences now come into play. Actions of Drugs The drug is carried to the brain by the bloodstream. It goes everywhere in the brain, but some drugs effect parts of the brain in different ways. Heres an example: LSD molecules act on the serotonin systems, so anything that depends on serotonin is affected. Serotonin plays a role in how much we eat, or the regulation of our weight. Diet drugs block apatite, because they impact serotonin. Low levels of serotonin may explain aggressiveness, or excessive alcohol consumption. People who have committed suicide, as recent studies have indicated, have a serotonin dysfunction role in the taking their own life. Unintended Consequences Getting back to the unintended consequences of a drug, as the brain chemistry is altered, the brain is fooled into thinking that normal is when the drug is present. Take away the drug and something is wrong.

Highly addictive drugs such as methamphetamine and crack cocaine, have powerful brain altering potential, so much so that the addict actually believes that using the drug is an absolute necessity for life. The neurons and the systems they regulate have been altered. What Are The Risk Factors?Genetic/Inherited We are all a product of our parents. If your parents have addiction struggles, chances are you are more susceptible to addiction. Thats why drug addiction is more common in some families than in others. If your parents smoke, chances are good you will smoke. If your parents used alcohol, youll probably follow and use that drug in much the same way. If your father was an alcoholic, you have a predisposition to abusing that drug. Drug addiction causes one generation to pass it on to the next. Personality Aside from the inherited factors, some people have a personality that is more likely to become drug dependent. - People are curious, so that alone can lead a person to try a drug. We experiment and see what happens. - We are looking to relax and have pleasure. - We all want to feel good, and were by nature impatient. Drugs give us an instant gratification that other things do not, so for that moment or hour of for whatever timeframe, we feel good. - We want what we want. - Someone diagnosed with depression, attention deficit disorder, or hyperactivity. - Maybe there has been some stress, or anxiety in their life. Whatever the case, these are contributing factors. Even some common personality characteristics, such as aggression, may be a factor. Children who do not have confidence, healthy self-esteem may be prone to turning to drugs to fill the void. Drug addiction causes negative changes in personality that can lead to an even more destructive behavior. Peer Pressure/Social We are all wired to have relationships, and sometimes those relationships cause us to give in to something we otherwise would avoid in order to maintain the relationship. Peer pressure is huge and nowhere is this greater than during our teenaged years. Kids want to be cool. It begins as a social action, to take the drugs to be a part of the group, to be accepted. Its not just teenagers, as peer pressure takes so many different forms. There is social etiquette, for example, to take a drink during a party. Im a social drinker. How

many times have you heard that? Some people actually believe that drug addiction causes you to be accepted and part of the 'popular' group. Easy Access If you want to get drugs, you wont have to look far because they are everywhere. High school students can tell you this. Drug addiction causes people to sell drugs to the most vulnerable population, children. Its not just the stereotypical poor sections of the inner city that serve as the hotbed for drugs. Drugs are found in suburban shopping malls, rural schools, well-to-do private school, on the job in factories, offices and remote job sites. Race, Ethnicity We include this heading because we want to stress that there is no data to support ANY claim that one race of people or any particular cultural group is more prone to drug addiction than another. Drug addiction is a human problem and crosses all boundaries. Drug addiction causes do not include race. Loneliness and Depression We want to feel good physically and emotionally. Sometimes drugs are the substitution for a healthy life experience. The person in pain and they want to numb the pain. The drug numbs the pain and for a moment they dont feel as poorly. The person needs to escape the pain of the life experience, and for a short while, the drug takes them away and they feel better. Anxiety Sometimes people need some help coping with life. Everyday life becomes a struggle and simple things become too much to handle. Drugs are used to deal with it. In the case of addiction, we are not talking about the use of medication, under the care and observation of a doctor. People who have been clinically diagnosed with anxiety can lead a very good life. Were talking here about people who just need to escape. Their drug of choice facilitates that escape. Additional Risk Factors There are many contributing factors to drug addiction, which may give us some insight into why one person becomes addicted and another person does not. Ask yourself a few questions. - Are they unhappy or angry, for example, and if they are, is there an external source of irritation or are they just like that naturally? - Along the same lines, are they depressed or to put it another way, do they appear sad?

- Are there factors in their life that may cause them to seek relief, such as financial pressures, problems at work, loss of a loved one or other negative experiences? - What is their psychological makeup? A person may turn to drugs if they lack self esteem. The drug makes them feel better, because it fills a gap that they are incapable of filling themselves. Need Drug to feel NORMAL As the disease progresses, taking the drug to feel better is not enough, they have to take the drug just to feel normal. Some people have a personality that is more likely to become drug dependent. For example, they may be curious and want to try new things. That leads them to try drugs, and might be the beginning of becoming addicted to a certain drug because it meets a desire. People naturally want to relax and have a good time, but people are often impatient and drugs will provide instant gratification. Over time, the drugs become the only way a person can relax, or feel good. There is a genetic risk factor to drug abuse and drug addiction. Just as you have inherited your parents physical characteristics, you have also inherited their chemical characteristics. If mom and dad used drugs, chances are high you will too, and addiction, like any other disease, runs in families. Most people have an alcohol link in their family tree, so even if the parents did not use, there was an aunt or uncle, etc. The alcohol use is often the first step towards the use of drugs, so one generation might have abused alcohol and their children might abuse illegal drugs. We are all wired to have relationships, and sometimes those relationships cause us to give in to something we otherwise would avoid in order to maintain the relationship. Teens at HUGE risk because of peer pressure! Peer pressure is huge and nowhere is this greater than during our teenaged years. Kids want to be cool. It begins as a social action, to take the drugs to be a part of the group, to be accepted. Its not just teenagers, as peer pressure takes so many different forms. There is social etiquette, for example, to take a drink during a party. Im a social drinker. How many times have you heard that? Some people actually believe that drug addiction causes you to be accepted and part of the 'popular' group. Today, drugs are in our schools, in small towns and large urban areas. If you want to get drugs, you wont have to look far because they are everywhere. High school students can tell you this.

Drug addiction causes people to sell drugs to the most vulnerable population, children. Its not just the stereotypical poor sections of the inner city that serve as the hotbed for drugs. Drugs are found in suburban shopping malls, rural schools, well-to-do private school, on the job in factories, offices and remote job sites. Drug Addiction Causes Drug Addiction Causes Drug Addiction Causes Drug Addiction Causes Drug Addiction Causes Drug Addiction Causes Drug Addiction Causes Drug Addiction Causes Drug Addiction Causes Drug Addiction Causes Drug Addiction Causes Drug Addiction Causes Drug Addiction Causes Drug Addiction Causes Drug Addiction Causes Drug Addiction Causes What are the major effects of addiction? It is everybodys problem. An addict might say: Im not hurting anybody. Im only hurting myself. For over 30 years the United States government has had its War on Drugs, but in that time frame we have seen in increase in crime, increase in healthcare costs and an alarming increase in the use of dangerous drugs such as cocaine, heroin, crack and methamphetamine. However, we can quickly see that the statement is false, because there is no such thing as an addict who is only hurting him/herself. The problem is found everywhere, from the rich and privileged, to the lost members of society. The War on Drugs has also brought on new research, a greater number of treatment facilities, new and sometimes controversial theories on treatment, advances in drug addiction medications, but are we winning? The effects of drug addiction are far reaching and can be seen in the home, on the job, in churches and in schools. Illegal Drug are BIG BUSINESS read more...

This section contains some topic areas. To get to more detailed information, just click the headline and that will link you to the next page. What are the effects of addiction on health? If left unchecked, the drug is going to win. Drug abuse is a disease of the brain, and the drugs change brain chemistry, which results in a change in behavior. Aside from the

obvious behavioral consequences of addiction, the negative effects on a persons health are potentially devastating. While addicts use drugs to feel better, the unintended consequences include but are not limited to overdose, HIV/AIDS, stroke, cardiovascular disease and a host of related maladies. To understand this better you may want to read "Get Sick to Feel Better" a story of the negative effects of addiction... Darci's story of the effects of addiction on her life! Bob was overcome by addiction click here to read his story.

Depression is also an effect of addiction; To learn more about Effects of Addiction -Depression click here. Suicide is also a common effect of drug addiction, to to learn more about drug addiction suicide click here

Click specific information about Cocaine Effects What are the effects of addiction on the family? One of the saddest aspects of the insidious nature of drug addiction is that by the time an addict realizes he/she has a problem, that problem has already taken a heavy toll on the family. Parents in treatment centers tell counselors and therapists that they want to get their kids back, as drug addiction has taken over to the point where the courts have been forced to remove the children from the home. Husbands and wives, brothers and sisters, and sadly children are all impacted. Families can be sources of strength and support, or they can passively enable the addiction to advance. Families can share in the victory over drug addiction, or they can be the victims of it.

Drug Addiction Behavior what is it like, read Candice's story for a description... What are the effects of addiction on our society?

The National Library of Medicine estimates that some 20% of all people in the United States have used prescription medication for non-medical purposes. Were not talking about cocaine, heroin or methamphetamine use, but doctor-prescribed medication. You can easily see that if you group the two together, illegal drug use and prescription drug misuse, we have a huge problem. What are the effects of addiction on the Law? The news media reports daily struggles with theft, drive-by shootings, drug busts, illegal trafficking and manufacturing of drugs, and arrests for crimes ranging from child neglect to murder. Look closer and chances are great that you will uncover a drug addiction component to any of these stories. What are the effects of addiction on the economy? Beyond the personal health issues, beyond the devastating effect on families, beyond community crime statistics, drug addiction has a major impact on the American economy. The National Institute on Drug Abuse reported that some $67 billion per year is the impact that drug addiction has on this country. This total includes the cost of law enforcement, incarceration, treatments, traffic injuries, lost time in the workplace, etc. Drug addiction causes impaired reasoning, and therefore the crime rate is dramatically impacted by drug use. Addicts have a much higher likelihood of committing crimes than others. Put some of the factors together-the alcohol-related deaths on our streets and highways, the abuse of the healthcare system by addicts showing up at Emergency Rooms looking for drugs, the absenteeism on the job and the serious risk of HIV infection for those using needles, and you can quickly realize this problem is enormous. Many Programs to Choose From Drug addiction treatment programs are as varied as the types of addiction, and while our purpose is not to endorse one kind of treatment over another, we will try to give you an introduction on the topic. Types of Addiction Treatment... Drug addiction treatment may consist of: cognitive and behavioral therapy, medication, or a combination. Cognitive and behavioral therapy should include counseling, cognitive therapy, behavior modification and psychotherapy.

Also, there is the 12-Step recovery developed by Alcoholics Anonymous, which is now used by over 250 self-help groups. Choosing the right treatment center is the first step towards a sober life. The 12-Step process should be used by anyone trying to get rid of their addiction. Selecting a Drug Addiction Treatment Program There are several things to keep in mind when selecting a treatment program, or center. Foremost is the fact that everybody has an individual need and treatment programs must be tailored to meet that need. One size fits all does not apply. Recovery needs to take place in the right setting, with the right services and treatments to best effect a positive outcome. Even if a person does not voluntarily check-in to a treatment program, it does not mean the treatment will be ineffective. Many people present themselves for treatment by court order, not of their own free will, and can receive the same benefit as those who are there voluntarily. When a person is ready for treatment it is important for that treatment to be ready for him/her. Services must be available, because if a person has to endure being put on a waiting list, or has to drive long distances to receive treatment, the odds are against them from the get go. Its easy for people to fall between the cracks if help is not readily available. In many cases, people entering treatment need to go through medical detoxification. While it is an important first step in the treatment program, detox is not the whole answer to the problem. People need to get the drugs out of their system, but that does not address the long-term problems of addiction. Must meet your needs! Treatment programs need to meet the needs of people, beyond the physical and emotional addiction problem itself. We are body, mind and spirit. Intervention that does not include all of a persons needs falls short of the minimum goal of the program. Addiction is as much about the spirit as it is about the mind and body. Many addicts going into recovery has legal problems to sort out, job problems, social integration problems. Every aspect of the persons life needs to be addressed. Needs change and treatment programs need to change as those needs change. Progress or the lack of progress needs to be assessed on an ongoing basis. What was necessary in the first phases of treatment may need to be changed as time goes on. Perhaps a patient is on

medication initially, but will later require counseling or psychotherapy. There may be family matters to work through, or vocational training. Click here for a non 12-Step process: biophysical drug rehab.

Is Drug Addiction a Disease or a Choice? We firmly believe drug addiction is a DISEASE: Drug Addiction is a Disease that responds to TREATMENT and spiritual support But, before you choose which drug addiction treatment is for you; you may want to consider what YOU believe: Is Drug Addiction a Disease or a Life Style Choice? Selecting a Drug Addiction Treatment Program There are several things to keep in mind when selecting a treatment program, or center. Foremost is the fact that everybody has an individual need and treatment programs must be tailored to meet that need. One size fits all does not apply. Recovery needs to take place in the right setting, with the right services and treatments to best effect a positive outcome. Even if a person does not voluntarily check-in to a treatment program, it does not mean the treatment will be ineffective. Many people present themselves for treatment by court order, not of their own free will, and can receive the same benefit as those who are there voluntarily. When a person is ready for treatment it is important for that treatment to be ready for him/her. Services must be available, because if a person has to endure being put on a waiting list, or has to drive long distances to receive treatment, the odds are against them from the get go. Its easy for people to fall between the cracks if help is not readily available. In many cases, people entering treatment need to go through medical detoxification. While it is an important first step in the treatment program, detox is not the whole answer to the problem. People need to get the drugs out of their system, but that does not address the long-term problems of addiction. Click here to learn How to Stop Drinking

Click here to learn about Al Anon

Must meet your needs! Treatment programs need to meet the needs of people, beyond the physical and emotional addiction problem itself. We are body, mind and spirit. Intervention that does not include all of a persons needs falls short of the minimum goal of the program. Addiction is as much about the spirit as it is about the mind and body. Many addicts going into recovery has legal problems to sort out, job problems, social integration problems. Every aspect of the persons life needs to be addressed. Needs change and treatment programs need to change as those needs change. Progress or the lack of progress needs to be assessed on an ongoing basis. What was necessary in the first phases of treatment may need to be changed as time goes on. Perhaps a patient is on medication initially, but will later require counseling or psychotherapy. There may be family matters to work through, or vocational training. Why 12-STEP? We recommend that whatever treatment program you choose that you also enroll in a 12step program. A 12-step program will help address your spiritual needs rather than just your medical needs. We have listed each step below and hope that you will take some time to review each step and consider what it would do for your/your loved ones recovery. Go to the 12-step drug addiction treatment program. Suboxone is a new treatment for opiate addiction click to read more... Choose a Drug Addiction Treatment Program that is Age-Appropriate Treatment programs must be age-appropriate, and sensitive to the culture and ethnicity of the patient. Again, the individuals need is the key to determining the most effective path of treatment. Sticking with Drug Addiction Treatment Programs is KEY! Patients need to complete their treatment programs. Treatment can be a long and difficult road, so patients need to be encouraged to stick with it. Research suggests that people reach a major milestone in recovery after 90 days, but additional treatment can be helpful in taking the patient farther down the road to good health. The problem is people leave their treatment programs early, often without reaching a significant stage in recovery.

Patients cannot expect to recover if they have to do it alone. Connection to other people is necessary, and in the case of recovery, having sessions with a counselor or being part of a group is an important component of the program. Many patients, who are addicted to opiates, such as heroin, benefit from drug treatment, using Methadone and LAAM (levo-alpha-acetylmethadol. Naltrexone is used for patients addicted to opiates, but who are also dependent on alcohol. Smoking addiction is treated with bupropion. Other medical problems, such as hepatitis B and C are associated with drug abuse and addiction. HIV/AIDS is another major concern and programs need to assess these conditions and provide training for patients to avoid infection. Mental Health Needs to Be Considered Patients with mental problems can be helped with a variety of behavioral drugs and treatments. Patients with both drug addiction and mental disorders need a program that works with both aspects. Assessment of these needs is critical in establishing a treatment program that will effectively restore the patients health and well-being. Drug Use MUST Be Monitored! While in treatment, patients must not be using drugs. Drug use needs to be monitored, and this can be accomplished in a variety of ways. Most commonly, a urinalysis or some other test is sufficient. If a relapse occurs, and the patient uses drugs during the treatment program, his/her individual treatment plan may require modification. It is important for the treatment program to have a steady, objective monitoring program to meet the needs of the patient.

Read more about Suboxone and Subutex treatment for Opiate Addiction... Remember Just as one size does not fit all patients, sometimes one drug addiction treatment program does not completely rid the patient of the addiction problem. Therefore, many patients need subsequent drug addiction treatment programs to win over the addiction. By nature, people like to do things their own way They make mistakes They stumble and fall Sometimes long-term programs are the answer, or many times through the program. What Are Drug Addiction Symptoms?

Signs and symptoms Sometimes the most obvious addiction symptoms are simply observing that something is wrong or different. Understand that the person addicted is often the last one to know there is a problem, or be willing to admit that there may be a problem. If you have these drug addiction symptoms you should consider going into alcohol drug treatment Addicts will say they can handle it, or they can quit anytime. The trouble is the drug has them by the throat like a hound dog shaking a raccoon. When someone is addicted to drugs, there are few general warning signs that point to the problem: - Does the person feel like they need to have the drug regularly, every day or more than every day? - Do they make sure they have a steady supply of their drug on hand? - Maybe they want to stop, but they just cant. - Because they cant stop, they will do things they normally would not do to get the drugs. - Do they need the drug to function normally? - Are they willing to do something dangerous while on the drug, like operating a motor vehicle, or some kind of equipment that can cause bodily harm? These could be drug addiction symptoms that you should assess either in yourself or in the person youre concerned about. Denial is rampant with addition so as you make the assessment try to be as honest and objective as possible. Also try to think about how things have progressed in the last six months. Are there more signs now then there where six months ago? Drug Addiction Symptoms and Warning Signs If you are visiting this site because you have concerns for a friend or loved one, you are probably going to see what's going on long before they do. People who are addicted do not necessarily see the whole picture. If you are concerned about a family member, friend or coworker, there are a few questions to ask in helping youre assessment. Addicts will continue to use regardless of everything that is happening to them and happening around them. They may drain the family bank account, lose their job, fail in school, damage relationships, ruin their health, or run into problems with the law.

If you are questioning your own drug use, ask yourself some questions. Have you developed a higher tolerance for the drug. Does it take more and more of your drug of choice to get the desired effect? Top 20 questions to assess drug addiction symptoms 1. Has their appearance changed; they don't care how they look? 2. Are they eating properly? 3. Have they lost weight, or have they gained weight? 4. Have you seen needle marks on their arms or legs? 5. Are they slowing down? 6. Do they have the shakes? 7. Are their hands cold and sweaty? 8. Have you smelled something on their breath, or their clothing? 9. Do their eyes appear red? 10. Are their pupils dilated? 11. Is their face puffy? 12. Has their coloring changed, become flushed or pale? 13. Do they have a blank stare? 14. Has their physical coordination changed? Are they staggering? 15. Have they missed a lot of school, or work? 16. Have their sleep habits changed? Are they always tired? 17. Have they become lazy? 18. Are they hyper? 19. Do they talk a million miles an hour? Do they slur their words? 20. Have you seen drug paraphernalia?

This list is by no means an exhaustive list of drug addiction symptoms, and even if they/you have these drug addiction symptoms, it doesn't necessarily mean a person is addicted. Try to avoid being judgemental or jumping to conclusions. But also don't deny what is right in front of you! Addiction and depression commonly go hand and hand: Click here for more symptoms about Addiction and Depression See it as "Your Problem" Another problem is simply that addicts see their behavior as your problem. Even if they are in trouble and need help, they believe the problem is not with them, but with everybody else. Even if you are correct in assessing drug addiction, understand that the addict will blame you for accusing them. Think of it this way, your relationship with them may be the key to their recovery. Learn about the recovery programs offered by drug abuse treatment facilities in your area. If they pull away from you and others, it could lead to their falling deeper into addiction. We encourage you to seek professional counsel from a drug addiction therapist, or a physician if you think there is a problem. Please dont wait too long! Drug addiction symptoms in teenagers Nowhere is drug addiction more heartbreaking than in the case of parents who suspect something is wrong, but do not have the tools to recognize what is going on with their son or daughter. Here are some of the things to look for specifically with kids. School: Is your child keeping up with their school work? Have they lost interest in going to school and look for excuses to stay home? One suggestion to follow is to call the school and keep track of your childs attendance in class. Are there days when you think your child has gone to school, but the attendance records do not match up? Children who are in trouble with drugs will often begin failing classes, not turning in homework assignments or in general just fall behind. I cant believe Johnny is failing math, it was always his favorite subject. A new pattern has emerged and it isnt pretty. To Learn more about drug addiction symptoms in teens please click here. Health: As a person slips into addiction a variety of physical signs can point to drug abuse. Are they listless all of the time? Kids dont want to get up in the morning, but they dont always refuse to get moving. Weight loss and weight gain are signs. The eyes are often an indicator. Has the life gone out of their eyes, or is there a major change?

Appearance: This can be a difficult area to discern, as fashions change and often times what adults feel is acceptable dress may not have anything to do with current trends. Watch for changes in dress. Does a child lose interest in how they look? Kids want to fit in and there is peer pressure to influence the way they dress. Girls, especially, are bombarded with images on appearance. Attitude and Behavior: As children enter their teen years it is natural for them to want to break away from the family. When kids go to extremes to make sure you dont know who they are with or what they are doing, the red flag should go up. When they become secretive and guarded, when their privacy at home prevents your open access to them, there may be something beyond mere adolescent rebellion. Perhaps their only interaction with the parents is to ask for money, and when asked why they need money they refuse to answer, or become indignant. Worse yet, they may steal items from home to buy drugs. Still Not Sure? Go to more on drug addiction symptoms; the list of Top Ten Signs That