Addiction to drugs is a serious, chronic, and relapsing health problem for both women and men of all ages and backgrounds. Among women, however, drug abuse may present different challenges to health, may progress differently, and may require different treatment approaches.

Understanding Women Who Use Drugs
It is possible for drug-dependent women, of any age, to overcome the illness of drug addiction. Those that have been most successful have had the help and support of significant others, family members, friends, treatment providers, and the community. Women of all races and socioeconomic status suffer from the serious illness of drug addiction. And women of all races, income groups, levels of education, and types of communities need treatment for drug addiction, as they do for any other problem affecting their physical or mental health.

Many women who use drugs have faced serious challenges to their well-being during their lives. For example, research indicates that up to 70 percent of drug abusing women report histories of physical and sexual abuse. Data also indicate that women are far more likely than men to report a parental history of alcohol and drug abuse. Often, women who use drugs have low self-esteem and little self-confidence and may feel powerless. In addition, minority women may face additional cultural and language barriers that can affect or hinder their treatment and recovery.

Many drug-using women do not seek treatment because they are afraid: They fear not being able to take care of or keep their children, they fear reprisal from their spouses or boyfriends, and they fear punishment from authorities in the community. Many women report that their drug-using male sex partners initiated them into drug abuse. In addition, research indicates that drug-dependent women have great difficulty abstaining from drugs, when the lifestyle of their male partner is one that supports drug use.

Consequences of Drug Use for Women
Research suggests that women may become more quickly addicted than men to certain drugs, such as crack cocaine, even after casual or experimental use. Therefore, by the time a woman enters treatment, she may be severely addicted and consequently may require treatment that both identifies her specific needs and responds to them.

These needs will likely include addressing other serious health problems-sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and mental health problems, for example. More specifically, health risks associated with drug abuse in women are:

Poor nutrition and below-average weight
Low self-esteem
Depression
Physical abuse
If pregnant, preterm labor or early delivery
Serious medical and infectious diseases (e.g., increased blood pressure and heart rate, STDs, HIV/AIDS)
Drug Abuse and HIV/AIDS
AIDS is now the fourth leading cause of death among women of childbearing age in the United States. Substance abuse compounds the risk of AIDS for women, especially for women who are injecting drug users and who share drug paraphernalia, because HIV/AIDS often is transmitted through shared needles, and other shared items, such as syringes, cotton swabs, rinse water, and cookers. In addition, under the influence of illicit drugs and alcohol, women may engage in unprotected sex, which also increases their risk for contracting or transmitting HIV/AIDS.

From 1993 to 1994, the number of new AIDS cases among women decreased 17 percent. Still, as of January 1997, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention had documented almost 85,500 cases of AIDS among adolescent and adult women in the United States. Of these cases,

About 62 percent were related either to the woman's own injecting drug use or to her having sex with an injecting drug user.
About 37 percent were related to heterosexual contact, and almost half of these women acquired HIV/AIDS by having sex with an injecting drug user.
Treatment for Women
Research shows that women receive the most benefit from drug treatment programs that provide comprehensive services for meeting their basic needs, including access to the following:

Food, clothing, and shelter
Transportation
Job counseling and training
Legal assistance
Literacy training and educational opportunities
Parenting training
Family therapy
Couples counseling
Medical care
Child care
Social services
Social support
Psychological assessment and mental health care
Assertiveness training
Family planning services
Traditional drug treatment programs may not be appropriate for women because those programs may not provide these services. Research also indicates that, for women in particular, a continuing relationship with a treatment provider is an important factor throughout treatment. Any individual may experience lapses and relapses as expected steps of the treatment and recovery process; during these periods, women particularly need the support of the community and encouragement of those closest to them. After completing a drug treatment program, women also need services to assist them in sustaining their recovery and in rejoining the community.

Extent of Use
The National Household Survey on Drug Abuse (NHSDA)* provides yearly estimates of drug use prevalence among various demographic groups in the United States. Data are derived from a nationwide sample of household members aged 12 and older.

In 1996, 29.9 percent of U.S. women (females over age 12) had used an illicit drug at least once in their lives-33.3 million out of 111.1 million women. More than 4.7 million women had used an illicit drug at least once in the month preceding the survey.

The survey showed 30.5 million women had used marijuana at least once in their lifetimes. About 603,000 women had used cocaine in the preceding month; 241,000 had used crack cocaine. About 547,000 women had used hallucinogens (including LSD and PCP) in the preceding month.

In 1996, 56,000 women used a needle to inject drugs, and 856,000 had done so at some point in their lives.
In 1996, nearly 1.2 million females aged 12 and older had taken prescription drugs (sedatives, tranquilizers, or analgesics) for a nonmedical purpose during the preceding month.

In the month preceding the survey, more than 26 million women had smoked cigarettes, and more than 48.5 million had consumed alcohol.

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Many people view drug abuse and addiction as strictly a social problem. Parents, teens, older adults, and other members of the community tend to characterize people who take drugs as morally weak or as having criminal tendencies. They believe that drug abusers and addicts should be able to stop taking drugs if they are willing to change their behavior.

These myths have not only stereotyped those with drug-related problems, but also their families, their communities, and the health care professionals who work with them. Drug abuse and addiction comprise a public health problem that affects many people and has wide-ranging social consequences. It is NIDA's goal to help the public replace its myths and long-held mistaken beliefs about drug abuse and addiction with scientific evidence that addiction is a chronic, relapsing, and treatable disease.

Addiction does begin with drug abuse when an individual makes a conscious choice to use drugs, but addiction is not just "a lot of drug use." Recent scientific research provides overwhelming evidence that not only do drugs interfere with normal brain functioning creating powerful feelings of pleasure, but they also have long-term effects on brain metabolism and activity. At some point, changes occur in the brain that can turn drug abuse into addiction, a chronic, relapsing illness. Those addicted to drugs suffer from a compulsive drug craving and usage and cannot quit by themselves. Treatment is necessary to end this compulsive behavior.

A variety of approaches are used in treatment programs to help patients deal with these cravings and possibly avoid drug relapse. NIDA research shows that addiction is clearly treatable. Through treatment that is tailored to individual needs, patients can learn to control their condition and live relatively normal lives.

Treatment can have a profound effect not only on drug abusers, but on society as a whole by significantly improving social and psychological functioning, decreasing related criminality and violence, and reducing the spread of AIDS. It can also dramatically reduce the costs to society of drug abuse.

Understanding drug abuse also helps in understanding how to prevent use in the first place. Results from NIDA-funded prevention research have shown that comprehensive prevention programs that involve the family, schools, communities, and the media are effective in reducing drug abuse. It is necessary to keep sending the message that it is better to not start at all than to enter rehabilitation if addiction occurs.

A tremendous opportunity exists to effectively change the ways in which the public understands drug abuse and addiction because of the wealth of scientific data. Overcoming misconceptions and replacing ideology with scientific knowledge is the best hope for bridging the "great disconnect" - the gap between the public perception of drug abuse and addiction and the scientific facts.

Be especially scrutinizing as you determine the drug rehab program that meets your specific needs. This site has listings of drug rehab programs and treatment centers, alcohol rehabilitation programs, teen rehabs, sober houses, drug detox and alcohol detox centers.

Please call (866) 762-3712 to find the right drug rehabilitation center for you or your loved one.

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Buprenorphine, a derivative of thebaine, is an opiate that has been marketed in the United States as the Schedule V parenteral analgesic Buprenex®. In 2002, based on a re-evaluation of available evidence regarding the potential for abuse, diversion, dependence, and side effects, the DEA reclassified buprenorphine from a Schedule V to a Schedule III narcotic.

In October 2002, Reckitt Benckiser received FDA approval to market a buprenorphine monotherapy product, Subutex®, and a buprenorphine/naloxone combination product, Suboxone®, for use in opioid addiction treatment. The combination product is designed to decrease the potential for abuse by injection. Subutex® and Suboxone® are currently the only medications to have received FDA approval for this indication. In January 2003, Reckitt Benckiser began shipments of Suboxone® to pharmacies in the United States.

The approval of these formulations does not affect the treatment standards of previously approved medication-assisted treatments, such as methadone and LAAM (levo-alpha-acetyl-methadol). As indicated in Title 42 Code of Federal Regulations Part 8 (42 CFR Part 8), these therapies can only be dispensed, and only in the context of an Opioid Treatment Program. Also, neither the approval of Subutex® and Suboxone®, nor the provisions of DATA 2000, affect the use of other Schedule III, IV, or V medications, such as morphine, that are not approved for the treatment of addiction. Lastly, note that other forms of buprenorphine besides Subutex® and Suboxone®, e.g., Buprenex®, are not approved for treatment of opioid addiction.

Applied Pharmacology

Buprenorphine is an opioid partial agonist. This means that, although buprenorphine is an opioid, and thus can produce typical opioid agonist effects and side effects, such as euphoria and respiratory depression, its maximal effects are less than those of full agonists like heroin and methadone. At low doses, buprenorphine produces sufficient agonist effect to enable opioid-addicted individuals to discontinue the misuse of opioids without experiencing withdrawal symptoms. The agonist effects of buprenorphine increase linearly with increasing doses of the drug until at moderate doses they reach a plateau and no longer continue to increase with further increases in dose—the so-called “ceiling effect.” Thus, buprenorphine carries a lower risk of abuse, dependence, and side effects compared to full opioid agonists. In fact, in high doses and under certain circumstances, buprenorphine can actually block the effects of full opioid agonists and can precipitate withdrawal symptoms in an acutely opioid-intoxicated individual.

Buprenorphine has poor oral bioavailability and moderate sublingual bioavailability. Thus, formulations for opioid dependence treatment are in the form of sublingual tablets.

Buprenorphine is highly bound to plasma proteins. It is metabolized by the liver via the cytochrome P4503A4 enzyme system into norbuprenorphine and other metabolites. The half-life of buprenorphine is 24–60 hours.

Safety

Because of its ceiling effect and poor bioavailability, buprenorphine is safer in overdose than opioid full agonists. The maximal effects of buprenorphine appear to occur in the 16–32 mg dose range for sublingual tablets. Higher doses are unlikely to produce greater effects.

Respiratory depression from buprenorphine (or buprenorphine/naloxone) overdose is less likely than from other opioids. There is no evidence of organ damage with chronic use of buprenorphine, although increases in liver enzymes are sometimes seen. Likewise, there is no evidence of significant disruption of cognitive or psychomotor performance with buprenorphine maintenance dosing.

Information about the use of buprenorphine in pregnant, opioid-dependent women is limited; the few available case reports have not demonstrated any significant problems due to buprenorphine use during pregnancy. Suboxone® and Subutex® are classified by the FDA as Pregnancy Category C medications.

Side Effects

Side effects of buprenorphine are similar to those of other opioids and include nausea, vomiting, and constipation. Buprenorphine and buprenorphine/naloxone can precipitate the opioid withdrawal syndrome. Additionally, the withdrawal syndrome can be precipitated in individuals maintained on buprenorphine. Signs and symptoms of opioid withdrawal include:

Dysphoric mood
Nausea or vomiting
Muscle aches/cramps
Lacrimation
Rhinorrhea
Pupillary dilation
Sweating
Piloerection
Diarrhea
Yawning
Mild fever
Insomnia
Craving
Distress/irritability

Abuse Potential

Because of its opioid agonist effects, buprenorphine is abusable, particularly by individuals who are not physically dependent on opioids. Naloxone is added to buprenorphine to decrease the likelihood of diversion and abuse of the combination product. Sublingual buprenorphine has moderate bioavailability, while sublingual naloxone has poor bioavailability. Thus, when the buprenorphine/naloxone tablet is taken in sublingual form, the buprenorphine opioid agonist effect predominates, and the naloxone does not precipitate opioid withdrawal in the opioid-dependent user.

Naloxone via the parenteral route, however, has good bioavailability. If the sublingual buprenorphine/naloxone tablets are crushed and injected by an opioid-dependent individual, the naloxone effect predominates and can acutely precipitate the opioid withdrawal syndrome.

Under certain circumstances buprenorphine by itself can also precipitate withdrawal in opioid-dependent individuals. This is more likely to occur with higher levels of physical dependence, with short time intervals (e.g., less than 2 hours) between a dose of opioid agonist (e.g., methadone) and a dose of buprenorphine, and with higher doses of buprenorphine.

Evidence of Effectiveness

Studies have shown that buprenorphine is more effective than placebo and is equally as effective as moderate doses of methadone and LAAM in opioid maintenance therapy. Buprenorphine is unlikely to be as effective as more optimal-dose methadone, and therefore may not be the treatment of choice for patients with higher levels of physical dependence.

Few studies have been reported on the efficacy of buprenorphine for completely withdrawing patients from opioids. In general, the results of studies of medically assisted withdrawal using opioids (e.g., methadone) have shown poor outcomes. Buprenorphine, however, is known to cause a milder withdrawal syndrome compared to methadone and for this reason may be the better choice if opioid withdrawal therapy is elected.

Non-pharmacological Therapies

Effective treatment of drug addiction requires comprehensive attention to all of an individual’s medical and psychosocial co-morbidities. Pharmacological therapy alone rarely achieves long-term success. Thus Suboxone® and Subutex® treatment should be combined with concurrent behavioral therapies and with the provision of needed social services.

The choice of treatment setting in which to provide non-pharmacological therapies should be determined based on the intensity of intervention required for a patient. The continuum of treatment setting intensities ranges from episodic office-based therapy to intensive inpatient therapy.

Ideal candidates for opioid addiction treatment with buprenorphine are individuals who have been objectively diagnosed with opioid addiction, are willing to follow safety precautions for treatment, can be expected to comply with the treatment, have no contraindications to buprenorphine therapy, and who agree to buprenorphine treatment after a review of treatment options. There are three phases of buprenorphine maintenance therapy: induction, stabilization, and maintenance.

The induction phase is the medically monitored startup of buprenorphine therapy. Buprenorphine for induction therapy is administered when an opioid-dependent individual has abstained from using opioids for 12–24 hours and is in the early stages of opioid withdrawal. If the patient is not in the early stages of withdrawal, i.e., if he or she has other opioids in the bloodstream, then the buprenorphine dose could precipitate acute withdrawal.

Induction is typically initiated as observed therapy in the physician’s office and may be carried out using either Suboxone® or Subutex®, dependent upon the physician’s judgment. As noted above, Buprenex®, the parenteral analgesic form of buprenorphine, is not FDA-approved for use in opioid addiction treatment.

The stabilization phase has begun when the patients have discontinued or greatly reduced the use of their drug of abuse, no longer has cravings, and is experiencing few or no side effects. The buprenorphine dose may need to be adjusted during the stabilization phase. Because of the long half-life of buprenorphine it is sometimes possible to switch patients to alternate-day dosing once stabilization has been achieved.

The maintenance phase is reached when the patient is doing well on a steady dose of buprenorphine (or buprenorphine/naloxone). The length of time of the maintenance phase is individualized for each patient and may be indefinite. The alternative to going into (or continuing) a maintenance phase, once stabilization has been achieved, is medically supervised withdrawal. This takes the place of what was formerly called “detoxification.”

Be especially scrutinizing as you determine the drug rehab program that meets your specific needs. This site has listings of drug rehab programs and treatment centers, alcohol rehabilitation programs, teen rehabs, sober houses, drug detox and alcohol detox centers.

Please call (866) 762-3712 to find the right drug rehabilitation center for you or your loved one.

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Being a teenager and raising a teenager are individually, and collectively, enormous challenges. For many teens, illicit substance use and abuse become part of the landscape of their teenage years. Although most adolescents who use drugs do not progress to become drug abusers, or drug addicts in adulthood, drug use in adolescence is a very risky proposition. Even small degrees of substance abuse (for example, alcohol, marijuana, and inhalants) can have negative consequences. Typically, school and relationships, notably family relationships, are among the life areas that are most influenced by drug use and abuse.

One of the most telling signs of a teen's increasing involvement with drugs is when drug use becomes part of the teen's daily life. Preoccupation with drugs can crowd out previously important activities, and the manner in which the teen views him or her self may change in unrealistic and inaccurate directions. Friendship groups may change, sometimes dramatically, and relationships with family members can become more distant or conflictual. Further bad signs include more frequent use or use of greater amounts of a certain drug, or use of more dangerous drugs, such as cocaine, amphetamines, or heroin. Persistent patterns of drug use in adolescence are a sign that problems in that teen's environment exist and need to be addressed immediately.

What causes adolescent substance abuse?
There is no single cause of adolescent drug problems. Drug abuse develops over time; it does not start as full-blown abuse or addiction. There are different pathways or routes to the development of a teen's drug problems. Some of the factors that may place teens at risk for developing drug problems include:

• insufficient parental supervision and monitoring
• lack of communication and interaction between parents and kids
• poorly defined and poorly communicated rules and expectations against drug use
• inconsistent and excessively severe discipline
• family conflict
• favorable parental attitudes toward adolescent alcohol and drug use, and parental alcoholism or drug use

It is important to also pay attention to individual risk factors. These include:

• high sensation seeking
• impulsiveness
• psychological distress
• difficulty maintaining emotional stability
• perceptions of extensive use by peers
• perceived low harmfulness to use

How do you know when to seek help?
The earlier one seeks help for their teen's behavioral or drug problems, the better. How is a parent to know if their teen is experimenting with or moving more deeply into the drug culture? Above all, a parent must be a good and careful observer, particularly of the little details that make up a teen's life. Overall signs of dramatic change in appearance, friends, or physical health may be signs of trouble. If a parent believes his or her child may be drinking or using drugs, here are some things to watch for:

• Physical evidence of drugs and drug paraphernalia
• Behavior problems and poor grades in school
• Emotional distancing, isolation, depression, or fatigue
• Change in friendships or extreme influence by peers
• Hostility, irritability, or change in level of cooperation around the house
• Lying or increased evasiveness about after school or weekend whereabouts
• Decrease in interest in personal appearance
• Physical changes such as bloodshot eyes, runny nose, frequent sore throats, rapid weight loss
• Changes in mood, eating, or sleeping patterns
• Dizziness and memory problems

Howard Liddle, Ed.D.

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Jumping on the low-carb bandwagon, Anheuser-Busch Cos. Inc. has introduced Bacardi Silver Low-Carb Black Cherry, a so-called "malternative" beverage, Fox News reported June 8.

The alcoholic drink contains 2.6 grams of carbohydrates and 96 calories, compared with 32 grams of carbs and 225 calories for other Bacardi Silver drinks.

Don Meyer, director of new products for Anheuser-Busch, said the company plans to target 21- to 27-year-olds with the new product. Anheuser-Busch also plans to promote Bacardi Silver Low-Carb through television commercials that emphasize the characteristics of the drink, rather than the lifestyles of consumers.

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A Louisiana Senate panel passed a bill to partly close a legal loophole that allows minors to possess and consume alcohol at private residences, the Baton Rouge Advocate reported June 9.

Rep. Rep. Daniel Martiny (R-Kenner) introduced the bill after an incident at a private home in Ascension Parish that involved drinking by underage partygoers. Murphy Painter, the state Alcohol and Tobacco Control commissioner, said current drinking laws exempt private residences, thus hindering the ability of prosecutors, sheriffs, and police chiefs to break up underage-drinking parties.

"They argue that they cannot stop a 12-, 13-, 14-, 15-, 16- or 17-year-old from drinking in a private home, whether their parents are there or not," Painter said.

The new bill would only permit teens ages 18-21 to drink unsupervised in a private home. Those under 18 would only be able to drink in a private home if a parent or guardian is present.

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Reaching the Addict through Multifaceted Therapy Efforts

Opening up with Drug Rehab Therapy The setting: a support group meeting in a residential drug rehab facility. The group is made up of only male treatment patients, and the topic for group: Things in life that can influence addiction. A man in his mid 30's begins to share with the group. He discusses some things about his past that led him to drink. For the story's purpose, we will call him 'Tom'. Tom is approaching his second month of sobriety and has been in alcohol rehab just shy of 60 days. He is very open in this group, as he shares things about himself that fellow patients did not know.

Of course, originally it wasn't like this at all. Over the past two months of treatment, Tom has learned and developed through many different types and kinds of therapies.

When he first arrived to rehab, Tom was in pretty bad shape. His wife and parents forced him into this situation, and he wanted no part of it. He felt almost like he was betrayed by his family. Group was very different then. He wouldn't share; he felt he had nothing to share. Treatment was a struggle as Tom's unwillingness to work the program was evident. However, he couldn't leave, and he felt that he should at lease improve some for his wife and kids.

The drug rehab program, stepped up its approach with Tom, and used more personalized psychotherapy sessions. Initially this wasn't a help either. But, as he became more comfortable around the therapist, Tom began to open up. Soon, he learned that he could discuss everything that was troubling him.

At first, it was trivial day-to-day things that were happening in rehab. Things like his roommate's bad bathroom habits, or how the food was too spicy. Eventually however, Tom began to open up about other things in his life. The therapist assisted Tom in recognizing the things in his life that led him to drinking. One of which was a rift he developed in adolescence with his father.

A few weeks went by and Tom's progress began to show. He began to share in group. Not as much at first, but it was a considerable improvement. Before these breakthroughs he would just sit there with his arms folded. A couple of weeks went by and a different element of drug rehab came into play; Family Program. Tom was nervous and anxious to go through rehab courses with his family.

His kids were still pretty young, so he was just joined by his wife and parents. The different elements of family week began to show proof of the strained relationship Tom had with his father. In an intimate family therapy session, the issues of this problem were brought to light. A few weeks prior, Tom wouldn't have shared at all. However, because of breakthroughs, he was more open. In that setting amends and apologies that have been required for decades were made. Tom and his father, for the first time in years, embraced in a tearful exchange.

Back to present, in the group meeting, Tom shares with his fellow residents about his father and the healing and growing they are doing. He tells the group how every fight with his dad led to drinking when he was younger. He then expressed his hope that in the future he could learn to just communicate with his father, without fear and contention.

The many elements of drug rehab therapy made this possible. It worked miracles to show Tom not only how to stop drinking, but also what to change in his life to make this possible. Multifaceted alcohol and drug rehab therapies makes these types of breakthroughs happen. It all stems from the caring provided by a dedicated drug rehab counselor, staff member or therapist.

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A more personal approach to treating alcohol and drug addiction

One-on-One Drug Rehab Therapy Addiction to alcohol and drugs can be the result of a number of things. Whether it is psychological or sociological means, or just the result of bad decisions in life, a number of factors can build into an uncontrolled addiction problem. Now there are a number of methods and treatments that go into bringing an end to addictive practices. It seems however, the more personalized the treatment, the more effective the result. Many of the leading alcohol and drug rehab programs offer personalized one-on-one therapy. A one-on-one approach between alcoholic/addict and a licensed therapist can address the underlying emotional, psychological, and behavioral issues that fuel addiction.

There are a number of underlying things that can be at the heart of addiction. The use of alcohol and drugs can simply be a cover up of more deeply seeded emotional problems. These problems can be the result of traumatic experiences in life. Things like abuse, personal tragedy, and a dysfunctional home can be emotional issues that cause a deeply seeded hurting. A person can turn to drugs and alcohol to self medicate away this hurting. The sensation of numbness can greatly desired over the feelings of these emotional issues. The result is usually an addiction, and not a solution for these emotional things. In drug rehab, one-on-one therapy is a welcome release for these traumatic elements that have left alcoholic/addict emotionally scarred.

Not all underlying problems are traumatic experiences. Some are actually caused by psychological things. Psychiatric disorders like depression can prime the central nervous system (CNS) for addiction problems. The delicate chemical structure of the CNS is already altered by the imbalances of psychiatric disorder. When alcohol or drugs is introduced, it almost is like the high is amplified by this imbalance. Drugs and alcohol become an obsession, because it comes a way to do away with the struggles of the disorder. Dual diagnosis drug rehabs offer a one-on-one therapy to treat not only the addiction, but the clinical disorder as well. This provides very much a solution to both problems in a personal therapeutic setting.

Finally, a one-on-one therapy can help in addressing addiction problems caused by behavioral means. Many times, alcohol and drug addiction can be a result of behavioral things or social environment. Behavioral therapies take an in depth look at the social elements that fuel the addiction. In this therapy, developing behavioral strategies against the social environment is imperative. This therapy addresses the triggers that can compel the impulse of addiction. A "trigger" can be anything. It can be people, places and situations that spark the impulse to use. The individual in drug rehab can benefit from behavioral one-on-one therapy to develop coping strategies against these triggers.

There is an effective advantage to one-on-one therapy. It is personalized. The therapist is working solely with the alcoholic/addict. In other situations you are looking at a large group environment for alcohol and drug rehab. A one-on-one element to the addiction treatment program can help the addict come to terms with the aspects of addiction that are beneath the surface. This article was provided by Cirque Lodge, a private drug and alcohol treatment center in the mountains of Sundance Utah. Treatment at Cirque Lodge is personalized for the best results with an effective attention to one-on-one recovery therapy.

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Personalized Therapy Gets to the Heart of the Matter When it comes to Drug and Alcohol Addiction

Breakthroughs in Drug Rehab Therapy There are many ways to address the problems of drug and alcohol addiction. Each treatment modality yields a different result depending on the individual. Most addiction treatment centers do provide forms of therapy to assist the alcoholic and addict. Personalized therapy, in a one-on-one setting, is an effective way to break down the barriers of addiction and address the core addiction issues. Now, how personalized therapy is provided by the drug rehab facility may vary, but it is a great tool used in bringing an end to the destructive capabilities of addiction.

There are many subconscious defense mechanisms developed to protect the habits of drug and alcohol addiction. These mechanisms do not protect the addict themselves, just the behavior of seeking and using drugs. One defensive mechanism is building a barrier around the emotional feelings of the addict or alcoholic. This may seem harmless to some, but it can deeply affect the addict and pretty much everybody they influence. A part of personalized therapy is to break down these barriers, and make the addict feel something again.

In therapy of alcohol and drug addiction, you are dealing with several different personalities and behaviors. One addict may be very open and expressive, while another may be introverted. By personalizing therapy, an environment can be created to address the needs of the addict or alcoholic on their level; where they feel comfortable. The therapist can make breakthroughs into tearing down the defensive barriers of addiction.

Therapy is also meant to address many of the core addiction issues that can spark and fuel the addiction. Alcohol and drug addiction itself can be a result of underlying things. Underlying things can be anything from a traumatic experience to a psychiatric disorder. Alcohol and drugs are used to suppress these underlying things. Overtime this habitual practice develops into addiction and chemical dependence. Therapy can help the addict come to terms with these things. For the traumatic experiences, it is a therapeutic environment to discuss and give closure. For the psychiatric disorder, there is also discussion on ways to overcome, but also alternatives to helping them through modes of treatment. For a number of people, treating the underlying things is more impacting than treating the addiction itself.

So, when looking for a drug rehab program for you or a closed loved one, look for treatment facilities that provide personalized, one-on-one therapy. It can greatly assist in the recovery process. Many treatment centers offer personal therapists to work with through the entire drug rehab program. Cirque Lodge in Sundance Utah is one such program. The Cirque program is one that is committed to helping those in need of recovery from addiction. It is a treatment center that treats each addict personally and supplies them with needed elements of personalized therapy; to break down the barriers of alcohol and drug addiction.

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The Influential Aspect of Drug Rehab in the Spectrum of Recovery

Influential People in Recovery At a 12-step meeting, someone is always looking forward to sharing their recovery story. Most times it is one of several triumphs and heartaches, fit for a Hollywood screenplay. They share of trials and downfalls, and ultimately the joy of finding recovery. There is always an applause and support for the days and years of sobriety. For many of these individuals, sharing their stories of recovery took a long process to get to this point. It took work, drug rehab, support, and influential people to make this possible.

Influential people can greatly impact the lives of those in recovery. Whether it is a sponsor, a parent, a therapist, or just a guy in drug rehab that wouldn’t give up on that individual; the influential people play an important roll in recovery. Many times influential people come from drug rehab. After a person has come off of drugs and alcohol is when they are most impressionable. It is in this time that a counselor, a therapist, or even a fellow rehabee can be the influential mouthpiece of recovery. After treatment is completed, a sponsor and those of a 12-step group can continue to be influential in maintaining sober practices.

Recovery is however, a process. It isn’t something that is obtained overnight. For a lot of people it is a process of countless trials and errors. Addiction has its way of producing this. In a lot of cases, it takes more than one stint in an alcohol or drug rehab facility. Finding recovery can also require different modes or styling of treatment. No matter the situation, or how recovery is finally obtained, influential people can still make all the difference in finding a lasting answer to drug and alcohol addiction.

Recovery still requires a change within oneself. This change alters the focus and makes recovery more desirable, and even a little easier. For some it is a spiritual change. They find a hope and relationship with something greater than themselves. For others it is a conviction change, and a desire to improve their lives. And finally for some, it is an example of someone influential to them that invokes a spiritual or convictive change.

There is never a shortage of influential people for recovery. There are always individuals willing to help those who need a hand in maintaining sobriety. The final step of the 12-step process admonishes individuals to help others in recovery; to share with them the vital experience of overcoming drug and alcohol addiction. For this reason, a lot of drug rehabs employ those in recovery; to be influential in someone else's recovery. Cirque Lodge, a private drug and alcohol treatment facility in Sundance Utah is known for its influential staff and their assistance that they offer. It is treatment staff that is dedicated to being the influential people in recovery from drug and alcohol addiction.

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Acupuncture as a Method of Addiction Treatment for Drug and Alcohol Rehabilitation

Acupuncture is an Eastern medicine technique that has been utilized for centuries. It has been used for various physiological issues in Asian culture but only more recently has entered the United States. Since it’s induction into popular culture, use of acupuncture has been broadening to treatment for many different health problems. Some of which include: back and neck pain, sports injuries, knee injuries, fibromyalgia, headaches, digestive and gynecological problems, among other things. One of the uses that surprises most people, is acupuncture as a method to treat symptoms of substance abuse withdrawal.

A Treatment Found by Mistake

It was 1970 and a neurosurgeon by the name of H.L. Wen, the only one in all of South China, was getting ready to use electro-acupuncture as a method of surgical analgesia. The patient who happened to be withdrawing from opium, reported a relief in symptoms of withdrawal. Wen immediately canceled the surgery and went looking for patients who were also experiencing symptoms of withdrawal. Wen utilized the same acupuncture treatment and found that these patients also experienced a reduction in symptoms. It was at this moment that acupuncture as treatment for substance abuse withdrawal came into fruition.

How Can Acupuncture Reduce Withdrawal Symptoms?

• Physical withdrawal symptoms are reduced.
• Relieves: depression, anxiety, and insomnia brought on by withdrawal.
• Specific withdrawal symptoms include:
o cravings
o body aches
o headache
o nausea
o sweating
o muscle cramping

What exactly is Qi?

Qi, pronounced chee, is achieved by inserting needles into routes underneath the skin which are called ‘meridias’. The only translation for the word Qi, which is not exact, is ‘vital energy’. If Qi is working properly it protects the body and makes the transition from one body state to another smooth. Chinese medicine works under the assumption that sickness occurs when energy cannot flow through the meridas freely. The needles utilized in acupuncture work by unblocking the meridias and allowing Qi to flow freely.

How Does Acupuncture Treatment Work?

There are points in the ears that pertain to specific organs in relation to detoxification treatment. To be more specific, this includes: the liver, kidneys, lungs, and the nervous system. Needles are placed in each ear, which relate to each organ mentioned prior. The entire treatment takes approximately forty five minutes. This is a good time for the patient to relax, meditate and take this time to think about changes that need to occur in one’s life. One of the reasons that acupuncture helps to relieve symptoms, is because endorphins, a natural body chemical, are released. Endorphins can be called the ‘happy hormones’. Endorphins tend to reduce cravings, ease symptoms of withdrawal and also tend to increase feelings of relaxation.

How Do They Know Where to Stick Those Needles?

The Chinese have been utilizing the proper acupuncture points for years; however, it wasn’t until 1955 that Paul Nogier, a French doctor completed research on these positions. Dr. Nogier, when testing for electrical activity on the surface of the skin, found that all the traditional acupuncture points on the body had a parallel point on the human ear. From that point on, needle stimulation of the ear, otherwise known as auricular acupuncture has been used. This type of stimulation has particular benefit in substance abuse treatment as it allows for several treatments to take place simultaneously thus eliminating the need for privacy.

What Does the Treatment Feel Like?

When needles are placed in the individual’s ears, they may begin to feel warm or start to tingle. Some people do not feel anything and others may even fall asleep. Regardless of which response the person has, they are all natural and normal. Acupuncture is a treatment which will not reap immediate results. It is only after treatments taking place over time, that a true benefit will be felt. The important thing to remember is that it takes time for the treatments to show results.

What is the Detoxification Process?

The purpose of detoxification is to remove toxins from the blood stream that have been building up due to substance use. Your body is able to filter out the toxins that have been stored up. This improves the circulation of blood throughout the body. It is possible to feel out of sorts during this period. One may have aches and pains and may not be sleeping well. Some people have even reported dreaming about substance use. If any of these symptoms occur, it is advisable to let the acupuncturist know in order to alter the pressure points utilized or add additional points in.

Is Acupuncture Treatment a Sufficient Form of Substance Abuse Treatment?

No. Acupuncture is a wonderful complementary treatment to add on to traditional for substance abuse management. In order for substance abuse to be effectively dealt with, a whole team of professionals need to be incorporated. If an individual is interested in natural treatments such as acupuncture, it is advisable to locate a program that specializes in Holistic addiction treatments.

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Lorcet Abuse: Another Derivative of Hydrocodone

What is Lorcet?

Lorcet is a combination of acetaminophen (Tylenol) and hydrocodone. Hydrocodone is an analgesic opiate which is used to treat mild pain and reduces coughing. The chemical formation of Hydrocodone is very similar to morphine. Hydrocodone is a derivative of the opium plant and is considered to be potentially addictive. Lorcet is considered a Schedule II drug which means that its administration must be closely monitored due to the potential for addiction.

How is Lorcet Administered?

Loracet is prescribed to be taken usually every four to six hours in tablet, capsule, and liquid form by mouth.

How Does Lorcet Work?

Lorcet is a combination of medications which is why it works so well. The Hydrocodone in Lorcet binds to the pain receptors in the brain which alleviates the sensation of pain. The acetaminophen in Lorcet stops the production of prostaglandins which are released by the body as part of the inflammatory response, which in turn can cause pain. The result of proper use of Lorcet, is a reduction of pain and comfort on the part of the ailing party. Lorcet travels through the bloodstream quickly and stimulates opiate receptors which leads to feeling of pleasure. Hydrocodone specifically stimulates the body’s productioni of Dopamine. The high that is produced is followed by feelings of relaxation and contentment which can last for a number of hours. However, using Loracet in large doses in potentially damaging and should be avoided. In fact, continuous and extreme dosing of Lorcet can lead to the very serious side effect of respiratory depression which essentially means the individual can stop breathing and this is fatal.

What are common side effects of Lorcet?

* dizziness and lightheadedness
* nausea
* drowsiness
* euphoria
* vomiting
* constipation
* allergic reaction or rash
* blood disorders
* changes in mood and mental fogginess anxiety lethargy
* difficulty urinating or spasm of the ureter
* irregular or depressed respiration (which can be fatal)
* Liver or renal dysfunction or failure if taken in large doses
* Hearing loss

What Are Risks Associated With Lorcet Abuse?

As with any type of drug abuse, there are both psychological and physiological risks associated. Abuse of Lorcet, because of the Acetaminophen, is very toxic to the liver and long term abuse can lead to liver destruction. In order to bypass this complication may drug abusers extract the Acetaminophen using the hot/cold water method. This way, they get a purer dose of the Hydrocodone, which is what they are after. Long term use of Lorcet can lead to physical and psychological dependence. This means not only does the person mentally want to experience associated with the drug; their body also becomes dependent on the effects the drug provides. Perhaps the most serious risk associated with Lorcet is the possibility of respiratory depression which is associated with all opiate use. As Lorcet relaxes the body, it causes breathing to be slowed. This can happen to such an extent that the individual may completely stop breathing, which can lead to death.

Is Lorcet Abuse Common?

Addiction to Hydrocodone and all of its derivatives is on the rise in the United States. Between the years of 1990 to 2000 there has been a 400% increase of both the sales and production of Hydrocodone. Currently about 20 tons of Hydrocodone is used annually in the United States. It is more likely that Lorcet will be used orally as opposed to by injection use.

In 2005 124 million prescriptions for drugs containing hydrocodone were administered. According to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration drugs with hydrocodone are the most popular type of prescription drug in the country. As hydrocodone is found in a variety of different medications and under many different trade names, it is easy to have that be the source of one’s addiction. Since 2001, the DEA has reported the distribution of drugs with hydrocodone has grown by 66 percent.

What kind of treatment is available for Lorcet abuse?

There are many different approaches to drug detox and rehabilitation. It is common for Lorcet abuse to be treated using methadone, another opioid. However, this treatment is considered to be quite controversial. Perhaps the best method of drug treatment is one that combines different methods and is all encompassing. Meaning, it is not enough to help someone detox from the drug. In addition, psychological counseling is necessary to determine why the addiction commenced to begin with. If all of these variables are considered, the individual has a better chance of properly and effectively detoxing from Lorcet.

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Rohypnol Addiction and Abuse

Rohypnol (Flunitrazepam) is a benzodiazepine class of drug. It is primarily used as a hypnotic/sedative type of drug in Europe and South America. It is primarily used for sedation for general anesthesia. Flunitrazepam has similar pharmacological effects to other benzodiazepines but is 10 times more potent than valium. Rohypnol is not manufactured nor has it been approved for clinical use in the United States. It has been widely used in Europe and South America for more than a decade.

The majority of Rohypnol in the USA has been smuggled in from Europe, South America and Mexico. Recent seizures indicate that a significant amount of the drug is smuggled and distributed by the Israelis and Russian drug traffickers. Illicit use of Rohypnol originated in Europe in the 1970s and has increased worldwide since then. However, Rohypnol did not appear in the United States until the early 1990s.

Dose

Flunitrazepam is marketed under the trade name Rohypnol. It is available as a 1- and 2-milligram tablet. In Europe, liquid preparations are available for intravenous use. The effects of flunitrazepam appear approximately 15 to 20 minutes after oral administration, and last for approximately four to six hours. Some residual effects can persist up to 12 hours or more after administration.

Rohypnol Abuse

The drug is frequently available at raves, night clubs, all night parties and bars. The drug has been widely used as a “date rape” drug. Most users of Rohypnol also abuse other drugs including methamphetamine, alcohol and heroin. In the United States, Rohypnol is used widely in Texas and Florida where it is popular among high school students. All reports indicate that the population which uses Rohypnol is rapidly growing. Numerous seizures of the illegal drug have been made by the DEA.

Rohypnol is abused by individuals especially high school students and college students. In the US, each tablet costs about 2-4$. It is usually ingested with alcohol and frequently mixed with other drugs (cocaine, marijuana). Individuals who take it with alcohol report a euphoric feeling and lightheadedness.

Date Rape

Flunitrazepam is known to induce antegrade amnesia in sufficient doses; individuals are unable to remember certain events that they experienced while under the influence of the drug. This property of flunitrazepam has been used by males to aid in the commission of a sexual assault. Most victims do not remember or recall sexual assault, the assailant, or the events surrounding the event.

If an individual suspects that he or she has been a victim of a flunitrazepam-facilitated sexual assault, laboratory testing for flunitrazepam should be done as soon as possible. Recent technological advances can detect flunitrazepam and related compounds in urine for up to 5 days after administration of a single dose of Rohypnol and up to a month in hair.

In the United Kingdom, the use of flunitrazepam has been connected to robbery from sedated victims. Many individuals are robbed each year after having their drinks spiked with sedatives, making drug-assisted robbery as common as drug-assisted rape.

Side effects

Flunitrazepam is considered to be one of the most addictive of the benzodiazepines. It can produce several side effects including:

• Drowsiness, Fatigue
• Gait problems
• Dizziness, lethargy
• Lack of motor coordination
• Slurred speech
• Amnesia and forgetfulness
• Confusion
• nausea, vomiting
• Respiratory depression

Overdose with rohypnol can lead to coma, respiratory arrest and death. Although the drug is classified as a depressant, Rohypnol can cause paradoxical reactions in some individuals that may include excitability or aggressive behavior.

Rohypnol Addiction

Both short and long term use can lead to physical dependence on Rohypnol. The addictive features are more pronounced in individuals who use Rohypnol in large doses for a long time. Long-term use of flunitrazepam can result in psychological and physical dependence and the appearance of withdrawal symptoms when the drug is discontinued.

Flunitrazepam impairs cognitive and psychomotor skills, affects reaction time and driving skills. The use of this drug in combination with alcohol potentiates these side effects, and can lead to toxicity.

Legal status

Flunitrazepam is currently a Schedule III drug under the international Convention on Psychotropic Substances of 1971; in the United States, it is on Schedule IV. According to FDA Associate Director for Domestic and International Drug Control

Nicholas Reuter:
Flunitrazepam was "temporarily controlled in Schedule IV pursuant to a treaty obligation under the 1971 Convention on Psychotropic Substances. At the time flunitrazepam was placed temporarily in Schedule IV . . . there was no evidence of abuse or trafficking of the drug in the United States."

Rohypnol is currently under consideration to be rescheduled to Schedule I, and is already considered such in the States of Florida, Idaho, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, and Pennsylvania. Most states have introduced legislation that provide for stiff prison terms for the possession of flunitrazepam; penalties for use or distribution include life in prison, should death or serious injury occur.

The drug must be declared to US Customs upon arrival. If a valid prescription cannot be produced, the drug may be subject to Customs search and seizure, and the traveler may face criminal charges or deportation.

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Awareness is growing within the music industry that recreational drug use can develop into addiction, Reuters reported May 22.

Courtney Love, Whitney Houston, Kelly Osbourne, Jo Dee Messina, and Scott Weiland are just a few of the long list of rock or pop stars that have been in and out of rehab for alcohol and other drug addiction.

"In rock 'n' roll, you're supposed to be outrageous," said Dr. Lou Cox, a New York-based psychologist who specializes in addictions. "Being bad is good. The culture is not only supportive, it's as if there is a demand for it -- like it's part of the credibility package."

While there's a long list of rock 'n' roll icons -- such as the Doors' Jim Morrison, the Who's Keith Moon, the Sex Pistols' Sid Vicious, Blind Melon's Shannon Hoon, Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, and the Rolling Stones' Brian Jones -- who have died over the last 30 years from drug overdoses, there is also a growing concern among artists, managers and others in the music industry about recreational drug use.

"There is a higher degree of awareness," said industry veteran and author Walter Yetnikoff. "People know that recreational use can kill you."

Atlantic Records Chairman/CEO Jason Flom said recreational use can also be detrimental to an artist's career. "The artists that keep it together are the winners," he said. "Today, there is a lot more demand for an artist's time. Artists must perform at the top of their game at all times."

Drug use has declined in recent years, industry observers say. Part of the reason, said Yetnikoff, is that more artists are going public with their sobriety, improved communication about the dangers of addiction, and more rehab facilities offering a greater range of services.

Within the music industry there are also support groups, such as MusiCares, the Musicians' Assistance Program, and Road Recovery.

"It's now considered hip for artists to take care of themselves," said Liz Rosenberg, senior vice president at Warner Bros. "In previous years, drugs were more like a status symbol. Now, a healthy lifestyle is cooler than it used to be."

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Jumping on the low-carb bandwagon, Anheuser-Busch Cos. Inc. has introduced Bacardi Silver Low-Carb Black Cherry, a so-called "malternative" beverage, Fox News reported June 8.

The alcoholic drink contains 2.6 grams of carbohydrates and 96 calories, compared with 32 grams of carbs and 225 calories for other Bacardi Silver drinks.

Don Meyer, director of new products for Anheuser-Busch, said the company plans to target 21- to 27-year-olds with the new product. Anheuser-Busch also plans to promote Bacardi Silver Low-Carb through television commercials that emphasize the characteristics of the drink, rather than the lifestyles of consumers.

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Studies by Brown University researchers conclude that motivational intervention combined with alcohol education is effective in reducing heavy drinking among college students disciplined for alcohol use, Medical News Today reported June 15.

The researchers compared the disciplinary approaches used with college students who drank an average of seven drinks in one session. The research found that college students disciplined for alcohol use are heavier drinkers than their peers, but counseling curbed their drinking and other alcohol-related problems, such as vandalism and fighting.

Both alcohol education and brief motivational interventions were found to help students.

The studies are published in the June 2004 issue of the journal Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research.

More News Summaries

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A law in Cincinnati, Ohio, that requires panhandlers to register with the city is up for renewal next month. City officials plan to discuss renewing the panhandling ordinance, which was put in place last year to enhance outreach to homeless residents with addiction and mental-health problems, the Cincinnati Enquirer reported May 18.

Under the regulation, police officers can arrest anyone who solicits money and doesn't have a panhandling permit.

Brent Chasteen, an outreach coordinator who works for Downtown Cincinnati Inc., said the ordinance has given him an opening to approach panhandlers. First, he asks them if they have a panhandling license, and then talks with them about places where they can receive various services, including a hot meal, housing, and addiction and mental-health treatment.

"I think I've proven that they can trust me, and that I'll do what I say," said Chasteen. "You have to build that trust."

According to Chasteen's statistics, of the 204 panhandlers he had made contract with, 78 are now off the streets.

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Hawaii Circuit Court Judge Michael Town ruled that a woman who took crystal methamphetamine five days before and two days after the birth of her child can be charged for manslaughter in the child's death, the Honolulu Star Bulletin reported June 4.

Tayshea Aiwohi, 31, faces 20 years in prison in connection with the death of her two-day-old son. An autopsy found that the baby's body contained toxic levels of amphetamines.

Under Hawaiian law, a crime exists if the child is "born alive" and "reckless" behavior is the cause of death. According to Deputy Prosecutor Glenn Kim, if Aiwohi had a miscarriage because of her drug use, she would not be facing manslaughter charges.

"This is a flawed ruling," said Deputy Public Defender Todd Eddins, who is representing Aiwohi. "Conduct perpetrated on an unborn child is not a crime at the time it is committed."

Eddins argued that most of the crystal methamphetamine that affected the baby was delivered while he was in his mother's womb and not legally a person. "We are highly optimistic that we will prevail at trial and, if not there, our appellate courts will find this ruling was erroneous," he said.

The case is the first in the state to go to trial that involved the behavior of a woman during pregnancy that killed or injured a baby who was delivered alive.

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Compared to 2002, fundraising in 2003 improved for most nonprofit organizations, with 73 percent of the 3,000 charitable fundraisers surveyed saying they raised the same amount of money or more in 2003 than in 2002, the Philanthropy News Network reported March 16.

The annual State of Fundraising 2003 Survey from the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) found that 53 percent of charities raised more money in 2003 than the previous year, 20 percent raised about the same amount, and 27 percent said they raised less money in 2003.

"We have to keep in mind that 2001 and 2002 were some of the worst years for charitable giving over the past 40 years," said AFP President and CEO Paulette Maehara, CFRE, CAE. "Charitable giving, while not outright decreasing, was very flat. While our survey can't measure exactly when it happened, at some point in 2003, charitable giving turned the corner."

The average overall increase among those surveyed was 5.74 percent. Education charities did the best in 2003, with environmental, religious, healthcare, and social-service organizations also performing well.

The survey also found that online giving is growing in popularity among charities and contributors. According to the report, 47 percent of the organizations queried said they used the Internet to solicit gifts, compared to 34 percent in 2002. Of those charities with online-giving capabilities, 61 percent raised more money online in 2003 than they did in 2002.

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The District of Columbia Superior Court has ordered Washington, D.C., to halt its practice of filing criminal charges against underage drinkers, the Washington Post reported May 30.

The ruling was made in a case filed by college students and others arrested and charged with underage possession of alcohol.

Judge Zoe Bush ruled that under city law, possession of alcohol by a minor is a civil offense, punishable by fines and suspensions of driving privileges. As a civil infraction, offenders should have been given a citation rather than being, and held at the police station.

D.C. police and prosecutors argued that the city law was changed in 2001 to say that underage alcohol possession was a criminal offense. David Rubenstein, deputy attorney general for public safety, said the threat of arrest served as a deterrent.

"What happens, by decriminalizing it, is the police lose the ability to use it as a law-enforcement tool, and there is a substantially reduced deterrent effect for young people," Rubenstein said.

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