Holidays and Substance Issues

December 19, 2010 By Leave a Comment

1. Holidays promote Substance Use

Commercials and jingles tell of exotic drinks and parties during welcoming in the holiday season. Most holiday events are centered around themes that include festive alcoholic beverages. Not only does alcohol use increase during the holidays some people plan for it year round. A special annual two week license to party. During this time of year addictions that are usually masked surface. The feel good mood enhanced by being in a party state of mind is what feeds the addiction.

2. Pay Attention
In the manic stage of addiction people are out of control. It is the classic stereotype of the happy drunk that is so blind to her self destruction that nothing that is happening is taking seriously. This is where we may lose things if we are not careful. Unresolved issues and a lack of balance in self work havoc to increase substance use and placing you at risk.

3. Substance Abuse Help

There are many options for treatment. Congratulations on deciding to check them out. Health well being means taking responsibility for what happens in our lives. Substance abuse is a slow and painful death. You can use for years slowly killing body vital organs and missing out on life. Even if you think life is great substance abuse will kill you if you don’t get help. Liver disease is a slow and painful illness. Avoiding this type of pain can add years to your life.

4. Saying No

Finding your voice to reject offers that take you off the path of sobriety has to happen if you want to live sober. Real simple. Placing yourself in dangerous situations that increase anxiety may be good places for you. Establishing coping skills that give you tools to refuse people who encourage and invite you to use.

Filed Under: General Rehab & Addiction Tagged With: , ,

Handling Stress While in Recovery

December 17, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Handling Stress While in Recovery

1. Stress is a fact of life. How we deal with it is what makes the difference. While in recovery handling stress is very important. If stress takes over it can lead to poor health conditions increasing the chance for relapse. Recovery demands that we pay attention to stress.

2. Good Stress vs. Bad Stress

Understanding the difference between good and bad stress helps determine a course of action. An example of good stress is exercising to increase blood flow and circulation. This has a direct impact on the bad stress caused by anxiety and depression. Exercise and a healthy diet aid in producing good stress.
3. Dangers of Stress

Stress can lead to chronic illness and death. Overeating can lead to many diseases including, high blood pressure, stroke, and heart attack. Smoking increases the risk of the previously mentioned illnesses as well a variety of cancers. Yet smoking is something many people still do to relax. It is kind of ironic and even more reason to find ways to stay balanced. Recovery requires that we learn to be aware of our stress levels.

4. Positive Relaxation

Positive relaxation is good for the mind, body, and spirit. It reduces stress and allows us time to reflect and to find peace. Stress doesn’t allow for peace. It keeps us anxiety ridden threatening our health. Exercise, no matter how light is helpful for our bodies and our minds. Before joining a gym and or starting an exercise program you should be evaluated by a physician.

5. Recovery and Relapse

Recovery is possible. The same holds true for relapse. A positive attitude is essential in reducing stress levels. Our attitudes help us deal with handling our issues. Life happens and finding ways to deal with stress keeps us as healthy as possible.

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Substance Abuse and Exotic Dancers

December 14, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Exotic Dancers and Substance Abuse

Dancing and Drinking

1. Exotic dancing is an occupation that carries a lot of hazards. Near the very top of that list is substance abuse. The dance environment usually alcohol and dancers are encouraged to “drink up”, before hitting the stage. It makes the job easier to do if you are high.
2. Alcohol and More
Alcohol is not the only drug one can become addicted to on the street. The industry that supports males fixating on women as objects also allows for workers to imbibe on the job. This opens the door for addiction, lowered self esteem, and too often death. Illegal drugs are not uncommon and are often encouraged. Marijuana, Cocaine, Ecstasy, Meth are all things girls load up before going stage. After wards the party continues. It is an up and down thing because the more you use the more your body requires.

3. Dancers, Unprotected Sex, and Recovery

Dancers who elect or are forced to perform sexually as part of their job run the additional risk of STD’s namely, HIV and AIDS from unprotected sex with customers. Not all girls do the sex deal. But, many do and even more are addicted to some type of substance.

4. Exiting Stage Left
Getting out of the dance industry isn’t always easy. There can be many obstacles. Perseverance and a plan are key tools when leaving the business. There are many people who are not at all offended my by their career choice and many are very good at it. Dancing pays and for some it pays very well. Loads of money for shaking your groove thing while scantily clad is impressive to some. We live in a culture that vibes on sexy. The sexier the better. Determining ways to stay healthy and sexy or not, at the same time should be a personal priority. Recovery demands it.

Filed Under: Causes Of Alcohol Abuse Tagged With: , , , ,

Beware of “Caffeine Side Effects”

December 11, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Consumption of caffeine on a regular basis can become an addition, like alcohol. Getting rid of the addiction involves several withdrawal symptoms, but with time, these symptoms can be curbed. To break caffeine addiction, the first step involves stopping the consumption of all beverages that contain caffeine. Caffeine is not restricted to coffee only. Soft drinks contain caffeine in a higher amount. If you can’t live without soft drinks, try switching caffeinated ones for other varieties like ginger ale or a simple cup of tea.

The second step is to get plenty of rest. Most of the time, people consume caffeine so that they can stay awake longer. People who work for long hours crave caffeine. Begin by getting ample rest. If you get to sleep on time, you will wake up fresh every morning and will not feel the need for caffeine. These two are the most natural ways to get rid of caffeine addiction. Of course, an aspect of caffeine side effects is withdrawal symptoms.

Suddenly you may get headaches and, no matter how many aspirins you take, the throbbing or banging sensation in your head does not go away. Similarly, you may get cold. When you start to experience the withdrawal symptoms, the best way to tackle it is to take standard prescription medicines. If your condition still does not improve after 2-3 days, then doctors recommend having small amounts of caffeine daily. Doing this helps to heal the withdrawal symptoms and balance your body. If you can control your caffeine craving for almost 10 days, then you can see noticeable a change in you. The withdrawal symptoms do not stay for long. They start to dissipate within one week, and by the time you know it, you are free from caffeine addiction and “caffeine side effects”.

Filed Under: Causes Of Alcohol Abuse

Substance Abuse in Senior Populations

December 11, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Substance Abuse in Senior Populations

Seniors and Substance Abuse

1. Seniors who abuse substances are at greater risk of health problems than those who don’t. That doesn’t take a science degree, but we don’t always know how to chart how far the disease has advanced. A senior who has been drinking for fifty years will likely have more health related issues from alcohol than a younger person. Older people work harder to breathe and to get blood to their heart. These are serious issues. Substance abuse can throw your balance off for seniors this is especially dangerous.

Seniors and Prescription Medicine

2. As we age things may not work so well any more. Body parts like legs may stiffen with arthritis and our sight may decrease over time. Because growing old involves our bodies changing we have to make adjustments. Sometimes this includes prescription medicine. This will certainly have a negative effect if we are also abusing substances while taking prescription medicine. Your dosage won’t be as effective and you run the risk of an allergic reaction from mixing chemicals.

3. Help is Available

Don’t let age stop you from getting help. Detox programs and rehab centers have clients and patients of all ages. Congratulations for taking time out to stop and think about life and your future. The title of Senior carries some weight. You have lived a bit. Deciding to live better is one of the best gifts you can give to yourself.

4.Staying Sober

Staying sober may seem hard some days. But you can do it. Support groups and meditations help. Finding friends who don’t drink alcohol but prefer a healthier way of living may be more of what you need. Sobriety is possible. People can change. The desire has to be there. Working towards ending addiction is a process that doesn’t

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Detox

December 9, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Detox

1. Detoxing Means Cleaning Up

Detoxing means getting clean. Pushing poisonous toxins out of the system is the goal of detox. It gets you past the physical and dependency of substance abuse. The rush, the high, the good feeling that comes from addiction when segregated loses some of its power.

2. Hard Work

Because poison is exiting your system through the detox process it can get ugly. Depending on what you are kicking physical discomfort is likely. When high we don’t feel things the way sober people do. If you have been abusing substance for a long period of time you may not even know how to process that you are fighting a cold or the flu when you are in the detox process. If you are numb from years of self abuse your body doesn’t know how to feel normal pain of a cold. It will feel like death and an excuse to use and get high to deal with the pain and the underlying fear of getting sober.

3. Hard Work Can Pay Off

The good news is hard work pays off. If you are able to stop using you are able to regain control of your life. It is that simple. Addiction is not being able to control use. Being physically dependent is harder but you can break those negative habits as well. Treatment centers and programs offer viable suggestions and hope if you bring the desire.

4. Coping Skills
We can find help for substance abuse in a variety of places. Churches and community based programs both offer resources for overcoming substance abuse. Taking a friend for support or finding the courage to talk to someone about the problem acknowledges that a problem exist. Once thie happens be encouraged that sobriety is indeed possible. Best of luck in your new walk.

Filed Under: General Rehab & Addiction Tagged With: , , ,

Being Honest with your Tween about Substance Abuse

December 5, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Being Honest with your Tween about Substance Abuse
1. Honesty Counts

If you are a parent with substance abuse issues it may not be a secret. Many parents think they are protecting their families and especially children by keeping the illness of Substance Abuse secret. The truth is addiction is so powerful it changes our make up so people know anyway at some point. It is our denial of the abuse and the high being chased that causes us to dodge the truth.

2. Substance Abuse is not pretty

Substance abuse isn’t pretty. Actually, it can get pretty nasty and ugly. Substances contain chemicals that play with the way our brains are wired. Too much of the wrong thing and you have a problem. The other problem is you never know exactly what you’re getting. Is it laced? Is it too strong. Will it kill me? These should all be on the question list you check off before answering your tween honestly.

3. Respect begets Respect
If you are able be frank about where you are in you addiction. It will help down the road even if you can’t see how right now. If you are honest you can keep yourself respect, your family and your job if you focus. People fall down it happens. It is how we handle adversity that matters. Being honest with a tween aged child about substance and abuse it good policy. Trust from a Tween isn’t always guaranteed. How many adults did you raise an eyebrow to receiving great advice. Sometimes we have to consider the source.

4. Your tween is less likely to do drugs and alcohol if you don’t- They may decide later in life that alcohol in moderation isn’t all bad. As adults with good coping skills who are able to be honest about their usage they will be better prepared to handle the responsibility of drinking socially if they desire.

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Girl Power

December 3, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Girl Power

1. Be Smart

Be Smart. Clubs are for good times sometimes though they can be a spot where hard lessons are learned. Dressed up and feeling sexy but not always as confident can lead to alcohol and other substance abuse issues. Drinking to relax while looking good with members of the opposite doing the same creates interesting scenarios.

2. Be a Friend

Be a real friend. If you are hanging out with your girls and alcohol is being served in a public place there are rules. Watch out for jokers looking to slip a little something into your glasses. If you leave your drink unattended for even five seconds leave it alone. Date rape drugs dissolve easily and are not easy to detect until after you have been violated.

3. Network for Support

Girls even grown up ones benefit from friendships where people genuinely care about the well being of each other. Girls who look out for each other have a bond that is real. Looking out for someone especially if they are jammed into a compromising position will be remembered. Paying attention while you’re out on the town is paramount to health and safety.

2. Smoke and Mirrors

Night clubs and dressing room designers must shop from the same store of smoke and mirrors. The buzz of the club is a sort of addiction in itself. The music, lighting and even the drink names are meant to draw you in to have fun. Lower your inhibitions and have fun is the message from the club entrance to the dance floor and bar. Don’t get caught up. Although your friends can help being safe and responsible for yourself is really on you.

Clubs offer their own brand of fun. Taking time to know our boundaries and if that type of atmosphere is conducive to staying healthy and addiction free

Filed Under: General Rehab & Addiction Tagged With: , ,

Substance Abuse

December 1, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Help For Substance Abuse

1. Substance Abuse Is a Dis-ease

Substance abuse is a dis-ease. People who abuse substances have an illness. If not excessive use of alcohol will cause problems both emotionally and physical.
Excessive use of alcohol and drugs can cause dependency and even death. The physical death of a person as a result of substance abuse is frequent. A longer slower and more painful death comes from abusing substances.

2. Getting Help

Getting help for addiction can come from a group or a trusted friend. Mostly it comes from within and from recognizing that we have a problem. Believing and trusting self enough to seek help can make a difference in how long we progress negatively. Abuse of alcohol and drugs creates a dependency that makes it hard to walk away from the substance of choice regardless to the dangers.

3. Persistence

When seeking help from overcoming substance issues be prepared to be persistent. As you become strong enough to think clearly you may subconsciously begin to reject the toxins entering your body. This is forcing you to begin to chart a different course of action. Finding ways to stay in control and not use helps. The more coping skills you develop the more you gain strength and courage to stay sober.

4. Substance Abuse Robs

Substance abuse is like an angry storm. It goes about making a lot of noise and knocking down everything in the way. Recognizing that there is a problem is the first step. Actively seeking solutions towards recovery can help as well as finding support for treatment options. Following through on therapy will help to replace some of what addiction steals from you. Time is the one thing you can’t get back. Making up for lost time and making positive changes should be part of the new life plan.

Filed Under: Alcoholism Tagged With: , , ,

Let Electronic Cigarettes Help Conquer Your Addiction

November 30, 2010 By Leave a Comment
f6 are famous for their short filters
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Anyone who smokes, or who has been a smoker in the past, knows that it can be very difficult to quit. Some people seem to accomplish it more easily than others, but there is usually at least some degree of struggle. People can lash out in anger, overeat, or turn to other kinds of addictive behaviors when they try to quit smoking. There are options they can use, but not all of them work well for every person out there. If you’re trying to quit, it’s important that you find the option that works for you, instead of only trying what’s been said to work for others.

Electronic ciagarettes are one of the newer choices available today. These don’t actually produce smoke, so you can use them even in places where smoking isn’t allowed. You also won’t be inhaling all of the chemicals that are commonly seen in standard cigarettes. The e-cigarettes have batteries, and a replaceable cartridge that’s filled with nicotine. The nicotine vapor is all that you inhale, so it’s much better for you than a standard cigarette. Of course, the goal is to quit entirely, but the electronic cigarette is a great way to ‘step down’ your addiction to cigarettes so that you can quit more easily.

Some people just assume that they can keep smoking the electronic version forever, which is an option, but most people use them as a way to reduce the damage that they’re doing to their bodies and the danger that they pose to the people around them who were being exposed to secondhand smoke. Once they’ve gotten used to the e-cig version, they can start reducing their dependence on it and the number of times per day they use it. Over time, this can be a great method to help them quit smoking completely and lead healthier lives.

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