Addiction Treatment Blog by Addiction Experts » Entries tagged with "chemical dependency"
The Dangers of Self-Detoxing
Detoxing from any substance, be it alcohol or drugs, is a dangerous practice even when in the care of professionals. Trying to detox alone without the supervision of a specialist is even more unsafe. When people self-detox they take unforeseen risks that could result in serious injury or death. It is always wise to have professionals help with the process to oversee the completion of an effective and, most importantly, safe detox. There are three substances in particular that are extremely dangerous to get off of and the utmost precaution must be taken when doing so. The first is alcohol, which is the most dangerous substance to detox from and can, in some cases, lead to death. Initial alcohol detox symptoms may include the following: Anxiety Convulsions Delirium tremens Hallucinations Heart failure Insomnia Nausea Seizures Shakiness Most people addicted to alcohol need … Read entire article »
Addiction in the Middle East
Addiction in Arab countries in the Middle East lends itself to an interesting sociological and health phenomenon. Arab countries often encompass troubling dynamics in which drugs, the drug trade, religious principles and ideals, and addiction interact. Within many countries, like Saudi Arabia, Iran, and Pakistan, laws ban alcohol (Mayton, 2012). This ban is derived from Islamic law. Here is a quote from the Quar’an Al-Ma’idah 5:91, talking about intoxicants: “Shaitân (Satan) wants only to excite enmity and hatred between you with intoxicants (alcoholic drinks) and gambling, and hinder you from the remembrance of Allâh and from As-Salât (the prayer). So, will you not then abstain?” I won’t pretend to be an expert on the Qur’an or Islam by any means. Based upon my rudimentary research, this seemed to be a stronger statement about … Read entire article »
Filed under: Addiction, Substance Abuse
Methadone Treatment
New studies done by researchers at the Norwegian Institute of Public Health have found that long-term methadone treatment is the source of changes made to the brain. They concluded that methadone treatment may be affecting the nerve cells in certain regions. The study was done on rats rather than humans because studying methadone patients is difficult and attempting such a study on healthy volunteers is unethical. Past studies and research have shown that the drug can affect the cognitive functioning of both rats and humans. The study began with experimental rats being given a dose of methadone every day for three weeks. Once the treatment concluded, certain areas of the brain were removed which are essential for learning and memory and examined for neurobiological shifts or damage. In one study, after … Read entire article »
Filed under: Alcohol and Drugs, Featured
Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome: A Severe Distress for Some Addicts
Typically every individual, when detoxing from whatever substance he or she is addicted to, experiences a first stage of withdrawal, called the acute stage. This stage lasts anywhere from one to several weeks, depending on the person and how the drug has affected them. Unfortunately, during this time, most addicts are under immense physical pain, which is why many are unable to even try quitting. The second stage, which some addicts go through, is called Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome (PAWS). This second phase of withdrawal carries with it less physical pain, but has more psychological and emotional symptoms. Most addicts’ brain chemistry has been toyed with for so long because of recurring drug use that when they stop, even though their brains steadily return to normal, drastic chemical changes occur that lead … Read entire article »
Filed under: Conditions and Disorders, Featured
Bobby Brown in Rehab
Bobby Brown, singer and ex-husband to the late Whitney Houston, has entered a “confidential alcohol treatment facility” for his raging drinking problem. This is not the artist’s first time in rehab. In March of this year, less than a month after Houston’s death, Brown was arrested for suspicion of drunk driving. On the afternoon of March 26th, he was cited by police in Reseda, CA for talking on a cellphone while driving, and then later … Read entire article »
Filed under: Celebrity
Snoop Dogg/Lion Faces Another Drug Bust
The rapper formerly known as Snoop Dogg and now renamed Snoop Lion allowed his drug habit to hold him up once again when he was caught with marijuana in Norway! Known for being a heavy marijuana user, Snoop got caught by Norwegian authorities with marijuana and more cash with him than was allowed without declaring it upon entering the state. Airport security cited the music artist, legally named Calvin Broadus, less than 2 weeks ago … Read entire article »
Filed under: Celebrity
Sirius picks up Addiction Radio Show
Sirius Radio has picked up the KLEAN Radio Show, a radio program that addresses addiction. The program airs on 980 News Talk Los Angeles KFWB, in San Diego, and in New York. The program, hosted by Judah Friedman and Klean Treatment Center CEO, Andrew Spanswick, offers an interactive approach to providing resources, awareness, and hope to listeners. Listeners call in with their concerns about their or a loved one’s drug use, and the hosts and … Read entire article »
Filed under: Featured, Uncategorized
Getting a “HIGHER” Education – Drugs and College
At CAST Recovery, many young individuals come in seeking chemical-dependency treatment with the hopes of entering or returning to college or furthering their education. They face a larger challenge than the average college hopeful or college student who took a break and is hoping to return to class: staying sober. The college student culture, at least on campus, is often submersed in drug and alcohol use. My experience with college, residential life, class projects, and often … Read entire article »
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