The effect of making the decision to abstain from alcohol is immediate. It may not seem apparent at first, and the outward signs will not change straight away. The first effect, though, is in the mind. It is here, that will determine the success, or failure, of that decision to be released from Alcohol addiction. Alcohol is a drug that is voluntarily fed into the system, by you and you alone.

So therefore the option to do, or not to do, is always there to take. As much as it seems impossible to not drink, it is always possible. Determination in the mind, will lead to success in the body. One extremely helpful tool is writing about it. (more…)

The biggest misconception out there regarding drug abuse is that it’s a moral issue, or even a faulty willpower. Nothing could be further from the truth. when it comes to substance abuse there are many complications. One of those complications is when repetitive drug use creates a change in the brain, leading to stronger impulses. In many cases these impulses become obsessions where the person focuses only on the next hit or high. All else, including family, friends, and work become secondary.

But, what is drug abuse?

Generally speaking, drug abuse involves the repeated and excessive use of chemical substances to achieve a certain effect. There are different types of substances: illicit, which are illegal due to their potential for addiction and are scheduled by the Controlled Drugs and Substance Act; and prescription and painkiller abuse for something other than medical reasons. (more…)

Deciding to stop smoking weed can be a life changing experience. Smoking pot starts to run your life and it can sometimes feel that there is no possible way to quit altogether. Although it can seem hopeless it is possible to quit smoking weed. The process of cutting marijuana out of your life is a long process but in order to succeed you have to be 100% committed to becoming clean.

While there are thousands of people that have tried to quit only a small percentage actually stay weed free. The majority of marijuana smokers do not believe they are addicted to the drug and can quit whenever they want which makes it harder to quit. What must be understood is that marijuana is an addictive drug and is very difficult to stop. The long term pot smoker will have problems sleeping and going about their everyday lives you have to be prepared. (more…)

Many people choose to ingest certain substances in order to achieve a mental or physical “high,” but recreational drug use can quickly devolve into destructive drug abuse. Smoking marijuana and snorting cocaine are two of the most common forms of substance abuse, and these addictions afflict children, teens, and adults alike.

Other illicit substances typically used as a vehicle for abuse include methamphetamines, ecstasy, and heroin. Each of these drugs poses a significant health risk and inevitably leads to harmful side defects such as respiratory problems, extreme weight loss, rotting teeth, and heart failure. Even legally obtained drugs, such as prescription painkillers or mood altering medications for anxiety, can lead to chemical abuse if they are taken irresponsibly. Commonly administered medications such Vicodin, Valium, and Xanax have all been co-opted by addicts and turned into popular avenues for getting high. The most dangerous aspect of prescription drug abuse is the complacency which develops because the substances are not viewed as illicit drugs. (more…)

Most people associate dangerous addiction with the use of illegal drugs, but substance abuse consists of any dangerous dependence, including alcoholism and reliance on prescription drugs. For centuries, substance abuse was regarded by society as a personal failing or moral fault, and addicts were shunned and forced to the fringes of the community.

Substance abuse today is recognized as a disease, typified by the brain becoming reliant on certain substances to deliver neurotransmitters like dopamine or serotonin. Street drugs like marijuana, cocaine and methamphetamines react with the brain in a similar way to legal addictives, such as alcohol, tobacco, and inhalants. (more…)

Congratulations! You’ve decided to take the step towards recovery from your drug or alcohol addiction.

There are two important stages towards addiction recovery: physical recovery and emotional/mental recovery.

Physical Recovery

Addictions are physical diseases, as well as emotional, mental and spiritual diseases. Because of tolerance, the physical aspect of addictions needs to be addressed first—one must remove the abusive substance inside the body. This stage is often referred to as detoxification; a stage when the addict is not immediately, or eventually allowed to consume the substance. (more…)

Benzodiazepines are used for the treatment of insomnia, anxiety, and prevention of seizures (convulsive attack) and muscle spasms. Benzodiazepines are sleep inducing in high doses, reduce anxiety in moderate doses, and are soothing medicine when taken in low doses. People who take high dose of benzodiazepines may appear drunk or relaxed. Benzodiazepines can be detected in specimen using Urine, Hair, and Saliva drug testing methods.

Urine Drug testing
Urine drug testing is one of the most convenient, easy, inexpensive, and reliable testing methods to find Benzodiazepines drug addiction. Urine drug test check for oxazepam specimen presence, a major metabolite of benzodiazepines. When concentration of the metabolite is present above the cut off levels, the test strip will display two red or pink bands, one each in Control region [C] and Test region [T], indicating a positive result. Positive screening results can be confirmed by sensitive methods like Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS) test. (more…)

It’s true for most things: prevention is better than cure. We need not always learn via the school of irreparable mistakes. If you are still in the stage of drug and alcohol experimentation or recreational use, wake up and catch yourself in time!

Know if you are at risk!

Addiction-prone Personalities

Some people are more at risk than others to develop addictions, and it is important that you recognize in yourself whether you have to work twice as hard than others not to fall prey into this disease. If you are a high risk for addiction, it is best to not even attempt to try something addictive even if you only plan to partake of it in moderation. (more…)

We hear on the news day after day that people are getting into accidents while under the influence of alcohol. How can we as a society prevent alcohol-related accidents among people who are dependent on alcohol? Is there a sociological approach?

Alcohol dependency is a problem that affects all of us. Therefore, we all have to do what we can to limit its negative impacts on society, whether taking a friend or family member to alcohol rehab centers or volunteering on a regular basis as a designated driver. The addiction to alcohol is chronic and progressive in nature, (Alcohol Research and Health). This disorder is a disease like any other medical conditions that needs medical interventions or treatments. Punishing offenders of alcohol induced infractions is only a part of the solution. (more…)