Changing a drug addict would be similar to changing a tree into a convertible. It simply cannot be done. If the addict accepts help and receives rehabilitation, then they may change but a drug addict does not and will not change as long as they are addicted to their drugs. It is, however, possible to convince them to get help. It usually doesn’t happen overnight and you have to be persistent, but it can be done. The drug addict is acting on the instructions and reflexes of the drug. The drug … [Read more...] about How to Change a Drug Addict
Addict Help
How to Handle a Crack Addict
Depending on how long a crack addict has been addicted, will have a great bearing on how to handle the person. If the person has not been addicted very long, maybe it will be easier to talk to him or her and get him into a program, perhaps even an outpatient one. However, if the person has been on it for awhile, there may be a big problem with denial and it is best to seek the advice and counsel of professionals. An intervention is a good way to go with a crack addict and doing so with a … [Read more...] about How to Handle a Crack Addict
Living with a Prescription Drug Addict
Living with a prescription drug addict is a roller coaster ride that neither of you set out to be on. One of the hardest types of addiction to face, understand as well as identify, is when a person gets hooked on the medication he supposes to be taking. If your partner or loved one is on a prescription medication and seems to be going through it rather quickly, this is a sign that he is becoming addicted, and it is important to be watching and making accountability of the dosages. If this is … [Read more...] about Living with a Prescription Drug Addict
What is Drug Addiction?
Drug addiction is the inability to control the consumption of a prescription medication, or an illicit drug or an alcoholic beverage. It is the inability to say no, the inability to know when to stop before things go too far. It is the inability to see things in a rational and sensible manner because it has taken over your brain. Drug addiction is also a disease that affects a person both physically and mentally. It can completely change a person's behavior and make him or her do or say things … [Read more...] about What is Drug Addiction?
Drug & Alcohol Statistics
The first thing to mention is that alcohol IS a drug. In fact, it is one of the most abused drugs globally. There are many statistics about drugs and alcohol and none of them are pleasant. They aren’t meant as a scare tactic, but as a wake up call to the heart-wrenching facts of what drugs and alcohol can do. These statistics are based on the use of alcohol and drugs, starting with the first one. In other words, someone doesn’t have to be stoned out of their minds to be involved in an … [Read more...] about Drug & Alcohol Statistics
Information on Substance Abuse
Substance abuse simply means that the proper way of taking the substance is being changed for the purpose of altering your mood. Medical books such as Medline define drug abuse as the use of prohibited drugs, abuse of prescription or over the counter drugs for other purpose than the indicated manner or quantities directed. However, the definition of substance abuse in today’s community is not that simple. Inhalants and solvents are among the most common abused substance because of its mood … [Read more...] about Information on Substance Abuse
What made him do it?
Many crimes in sad situations have been pointing their fingers to drug addiction as the main reason why all this is happening. However, there are some people who are contradicting the idea. Although, addicts are not able to think or act properly if they are under the influence of drugs, but still it does not mean that this is the reason why they are committing such crimes. Here is a short sad story that might give you an idea on what I am trying to imply. Crimes in sad situations have been … [Read more...] about What made him do it?
Make me go to Rehab
It is not easy for a person to accept the fact that he needs to go to rehab. What this person needs is a good reason why it is important for him to go to rehab. There is some abuser who challenges their family or friends to convince him that he needs to go to rehab. Most of the time, advice pleas, demands and suggestions fall on deaf ears. For the love ones, this situation is very frustrating especially if they know that the abuser is seriously in need of an alcohol or drug addiction treatment … [Read more...] about Make me go to Rehab
How to Help Alcohol Abusers
Studies have shown that if a person regularly drinks more than two drinks per day that they could have an alcohol problem. When many of us think of alcohol abuse, the worst case scenario comes to mind. We envision an alcoholic who has lost all concept of everything around them and live for the next drink, just as a drug addict would live for their next fix. What many do not realize is that there is a difference between alcohol abuse and being an alcoholic, although if left untreated, alcohol … [Read more...] about How to Help Alcohol Abusers
Make Me Go to Rehab
Most drug addicts cannot come to terms with the fact that they are actually addicted to drugs. Family and friends must stop protecting and rescuing the drug addict from the consequences of his actions. They vehemently deny their addiction and live in a state of total denial. They refuse any help offered to them, and usually become very angry with any person offering to help them. At times, it seems almost as if they are throwing out a gauntlet and daring the friend or family member “Make me go … [Read more...] about Make Me Go to Rehab
Youth: The New Face of Drug Addiction
Young people are among the biggest groups of drug addiction problems all over. Some give in to peer pressure, some come from families with drug addiction problems, others fall victim to it through prescriptions or curiosity. No matter how the drug addiction begins, it is a battle that many of the world's youth go through. Once upon a time drug addicts were looked upon as bad people. They were dealers and they were mob people, they were criminals. Now, the new face of drug addiction is youth. … [Read more...] about Youth: The New Face of Drug Addiction
Can a Meth Addict Stop on Their Own?
Since there have been meth addicts who have stopped using on their own, the answer would be yes, but with a clause. Most meth addicts who quit on their own were forced to due to incarceration or other circumstances and most of them went back to using drugs soon after. The best way to beat meth addiction is in a facility which has trained staff and the proper equipment and tools for the addict to achieve success. Depression and suicidal thought can be a part of the withdrawal and recovery … [Read more...] about Can a Meth Addict Stop on Their Own?
Helping Drug Addicts
At some point in our lives, many of us will either know someone who is a drug addict, or know someone whose life has been affected by a drug addict. For most of us, our response is to find a way to help the drug addict get help with their addiction, but many of us have no idea where to begin. There are many things to consider when wanting to help a drug addict, and first is that even though we may not understand how the person could become addicted to drugs, that it is a disease and should be … [Read more...] about Helping Drug Addicts
How to Talk to a Drug Addict
Dealing with a drug addict while they are under the influence is impossible. If the time comes when the addict’s response is needed for something, it is best done when they are sober. Although it would be tempting to be accusatory during the talk, it is best to keep things on a positive, but firm note. If they are adults, talk to them like adults and treat them as adults. If the opportunity does arise to talk to an addict, it may be the only chance to convince them that they have a problem. Do … [Read more...] about How to Talk to a Drug Addict
Living with a Drug Addict: Stand Up and Just Say No
Living with a drug addict can be one of the most frustrating things a person can do. Sometimes there is no choice involved, or at least it feels like it. Are you the child of a drug addict, a sibling, a partner, a parent? You love the drug addict with all your heart; you hate the drugs that have taken over his or her life and personality, and by extension, your life as well. Chances are, unless you are the partner and can choose to leave the relationship, you are going to continue to live with … [Read more...] about Living with a Drug Addict: Stand Up and Just Say No
Why People Drink Alcohol
Alcohol is used in many settings and for many occasions. It can be used in a religious ceremony as it has been since centuries. It can be used in a party setting or for a special occasion such as toasting, or the bride and groom at a wedding, or even when celebrating something special that has happened in someone's life. It can also be used to calm a person's nerves or shake loose some inhibitions. Some people simply drink to forget. The common reasons? * People drink due to stress. … [Read more...] about Why People Drink Alcohol
How to Help an Addict in Recovery
Recovery from alcohol and/or drug addiction is not an easy process. While there are things that loved ones can do to be supportive and helpful, it also is not necessary to walk on eggshells. Encouragement is one of the best aids a recovering addict can receive. Whether the person has been through rehab once or several times, encouragement will still help. It shows confidence which often is what the addict is lacking at this time. Along with encouragement, a positive attitude helps. No one … [Read more...] about How to Help an Addict in Recovery
How to Stay Sober after Drug Addiction
You have been on a long journey. You got hooked on drugs, went through many life-changing experiences, lost just about everything and finally decided to get clean. You did a residential program and you vowed to your family, friends, counsellor and most importantly, to yourself, to stay sober. You have been released from the residential program. How do you keep the promise to stay sober after drug addiction? 1. Get in and stay in a support group. These are people just like you who have been … [Read more...] about How to Stay Sober after Drug Addiction
How to Live with a Recovering Drug Addict
When a recovering addict comes home from rehab, things may feel a little awkward. That is only natural considering everyone in the household is recovering as well. Addiction affects everyone and hopefully, everyone is getting counseling. Since everyone is recovering, be gentle on the addict and yourself. To be safe, it is best to remove all alcohol and intoxicating substances from the home. Any addict who really wants, can go and find the alcohol or drugs, but don’t make it easier by keeping … [Read more...] about How to Live with a Recovering Drug Addict
Percocet and Percodan Drug Addictions
Drug addiction is a problem within the US, Canada and throughout the world. Illegal drugs finance many criminal enterprises. However, a sad but true fact is that sometimes, a person who is taking a prescription drug can fall victim to the same problem: drug addiction. Percocet and Percodan are common prescription drugs that, when not used properly, can turn into major drug abuse situations. These two medications are used to help a person with pain relief that simple over the counter … [Read more...] about Percocet and Percodan Drug Addictions
Substance Abuse Facts
The Number OneFact about Substance Abuse? It does exist. Though at first, people deny it, substance abuse is real and not only affects the user but family, friends, co-workers, even strangers. It affects relationships, careers, grades, finances and health. A quarter of the deaths in the U.S. can be attributed to substance abuse through alcohol and the use of illicit drugs. These deaths can be overdoses, health problems the user has succumbed to due to a substance abuse problem or accidental … [Read more...] about Substance Abuse Facts
What to do with a Heroin Addict in your House
You have just found out that you have a heroin addict living in your house. Whether it is your partner, your teenage child or another family member, it is time to make some hard choices and take the steps to deal with the situation without anyone getting hurt or further traumatized. The first thing to do is make sure that access to credit cards and money is not available. A person who is a heroin addict is quite likely to “borrow”, in other words, steal from the family in order to buy heroin … [Read more...] about What to do with a Heroin Addict in your House
Drug Addiction 101
Drug addiction is sometimes a very fast process. Some drugs lend themselves to addiction much more quickly than others. Sometimes in the beginning, the signs are small and barely noticeable. Other times, and as the addiction grows, the signs become more obvious and more severe. Since every drug is different, they all present a different set of symptoms. There will be, however, a change in habits regardless of what the drug is. When there are several signs occurring, it is best to contact a … [Read more...] about Drug Addiction 101
Family Matters
Having one alcoholic in the family is bad enough. Two is extremely confusing and three or more is absolute hell. Both my Mother and my Father were alcoholics. My sisters and I grew up with them not realizing the impact it would have on our lives. I can remember being a teenager and the family doctor putting me on tranquilizers for stress because he “understood that my Mother was an alcoholic”. Hmmm, ok, well so was Dad but it seems Mom was also addicted to codeine. Rehab? Oh, certainly not. For … [Read more...] about Family Matters
Drug Abuse Help
Unless someone is directly involved with an addict in some way, it is difficult to understand that the sad words, pictures and lives are for real. It hits home when we, or someone we love becomes addicted to drugs. The misery and the worry that go along with loving a drug abuser goes way beyond the pictures and the words, it cuts right through to the heart. There is drug abuse help; the problem is that it is so hard to ask for. Often the addict cannot or will not do it and it is up to a loved … [Read more...] about Drug Abuse Help
How to Outsmart a Drug Addict
Most addicts consider themselves very able to outsmart everyone else. Very few of them consider that they can be outsmarted, but they can. Dealing with a drug addict is not easy. It can cause total upheaval in a family and even a neighborhood. Although it may feel very much like betraying your loved one, the best way to help them is to stop them in their tracks, so to speak. If someone you love is addicted to prescription medication, call their regular physician. They can be an incredible help … [Read more...] about How to Outsmart a Drug Addict
How to Explain a Drug Addiction to a Loved One
Explaining a drug addiction to anyone can be difficult, but explaining to loved ones is even tougher. It could be you are explaining your drug addiction or that of another member of the family. Perhaps you are explaining drug addictions to your children. Whatever the reason, tact and sensitivity must be used. The word “disease” used to be spread around fairly regularly to describe alcoholism and drug addiction, but one must be careful not to shift the blame to some unforeseeable force. Drug … [Read more...] about How to Explain a Drug Addiction to a Loved One
How to Confront a Drug Addict
It is best to do your homework before you confront your loved one. Despite what some reality shows may air on television, confronting a drug addict should be done in a gentle manner and not one which will make the addict feel overly defensive. Find out if insurance covers addiction recovery and find out some information about local (and some not so local) drug treatment centers. You will want to be well armed even though you must try to remain calm and supportive when you confront your loved … [Read more...] about How to Confront a Drug Addict
I am a Drug Addict and I Need Help
I am a drug addict because the drug controls me, I cannot control the drug. I am a drug addict because the drug means more to me than the people I love. I didn’t intend on becoming a drug addict, but it did happen and now I need to do something about it. I’m scared and I don’t want to admit that I have a problem, even though I do. I need help because breaking free of this drug is going to take more than just me wanting to be better. I am a drug addict because my drug of choice is the first … [Read more...] about I am a Drug Addict and I Need Help
Helping a Drug Addict Get Clean
The first thing people need to realize is that in actuality, the drug addict is not in control of his or her actions. They probably do not understand the “facts” about drug addiction at all. What they do understand is that they need their next fix as soon as possible. While it is natural for loved ones to want to do as much as they can for the addict, they must first realize that they have an advantage; that is, they can learn about the addiction. They can also learn what they can change … [Read more...] about Helping a Drug Addict Get Clean
Oxycontin Addiction Help
Finding out that someone we love has an addiction is very hard. Finding out they have an addiction to a drug as strong as Oxycontin can be twice as tough. The first thing you can do if you suspect Oxycontin addiction is to find out all you can about the drug. Since it is an Opiate, it is very strong and there are many things you can learn about the drug, the symptoms and the withdrawal. As hard as the temptation may be, try not to judge too harshly. Instead, suggest they get treatment. You may … [Read more...] about Oxycontin Addiction Help
Helping a Drug Addict
Drug addicts have a tendency to deny they even have a problem. In fact, it is part of the addiction. The first way of helping a drug addict is to stop denying it yourself. Gather together anyone who cares about the addict (after consulting with a drug rehab staff member) and together let the addict know that you are aware of his or her drug addiction and that you are not going to tolerate it. Of course, they will deny there is a problem, but stand firm. Let them know you will not lie for them or … [Read more...] about Helping a Drug Addict
Signs of Drug Addiction
Depending on the drug in question, some signs of the addiction can be very easy to see while others take a while to make themselves known. While there are many different drugs which can produce many different symptoms, the signs of addiction are fairly universal. Once a person becomes addicted to a drug, any drug, they will stop at nothing to get that drug. Their drug of choice becomes more important than family, job, friends or anything else. This is the most noticeable sign of drug … [Read more...] about Signs of Drug Addiction
How to Help a Drug Addict
One of the most frustrating and futile feelings in the world is watching someone you love suffer through drug and/or alcohol addiction. Because of the nature of addiction, more often than not they will not even see that they have a problem. Everyone else sees it, however. It used to be thought that only the drug addict could ask for help, but that theory is outdated. It is not uncommon at all for a loved one to be the first to call in to a drug rehab center and ask how to get help. The family … [Read more...] about How to Help a Drug Addict