Drug-Free Withdrawal From Heroin Options

We all know that hot tubs, massages, natural sleeping aids (tart cherry and melatonin), as well as vitamins, minerals and amino acids all are great for providing some relief of heroin withdrawal symptoms. We can take long walks to remove the attention from our body and we can do stuff to take our minds off the pain. I have even heard news of a new "drug" called Elimidrol, which works to provide opiate withdrawal relief. It really isn't a drug, it is basically a combination of natural ingredients, such as kava-kava, Ginseng root, Passionflower, 5-HTP, and Melatonin. Most people say they wouldn't expect miraclesbecause it doesn't eliminate the kick. The only thing that eliminates the kick is a Subutex or Suboxone, but then you have to come off of  that, too. With the drug-free route, you are always going to have a kick. Even when you come off of Subutex and Suboxone, you are not going to feel 100%. It takes the body a while to push those opiates out.

My own personal tips for once you get over the hump of heroin detox are:

• Drink lots of water
• Take adequate amounts of herbs, minerals, vitamins, and amino acids
• Get plenty of physical fitness in your day
• Get the proper nutrition

Remember, your body is a natural machine. It is an Oxygen breathing machine. It is very resilient and it pushes to the end of all limits and survives. The body is a very complex, but stable and strong machine. Even when you attempt to kill it with opiates, it can come back. It WILL make you pay and it WILL make you hurt, but it can come back. There is no easy way to detox from opiates. There is no perfect and painless withdrawal. Remember that when you come into withdrawal from opiates, it is never 100% painless.

What is Polysubstance Dependence?

Polysubstance dependence is a condition in which a person exhibits physical or psychological dependence on several substances. The individual appears to be addicted to the feeling of intoxication and thus has no preference or allegiance to any one substance. People who suffer from polysubstance dependence usually use three different substances. The combination may consist of cocaine, alcohol and heroin or marijuana, opiates and inhalants. Medical studies have shown that alcohol is the most common substance in a large amount of polysubstance dependence cases.

The Causes of Polysubstance Dependence

The experts have not yet stated a specific cause for polysubstance dependence. The condition can arise from a number of factors such as childhood trauma, mental illness, biological factors and environmental factors. Males tend to be diagnosed with polysubstance dependence more than females are, and the age range of the people who mostly suffer from the condition is 18-24. The development of the condition may have something to do with the sufferer’s ability to deal with life troubles such as college pressure and peer pressure.

Symptoms of Polysubstance Dependence

The symptoms of polysubstance dependence are very similar to the symptoms of a single substance abuse issue. A person who has a dependence on drugs and alcohol will increase his or her intake periodically to accommodate for bodily tolerance. Friends and family members may notice the person drinking every night and consuming illegal substances at the same time. They may notice that the person is intoxicated in some form on a daily basis.

A person who suffers with polysubstance dependence will often exhibit mood swings and social isolation. He or she may avoid family gatherings and friendly meetings to consume drugs and alcohol. The person may become irritated whenever the substances run out of his or her system. The individual may get involved in criminal activities to support the habit. Loved ones may notice an increased request to borrow money. Additionally, school grades may drop and romantic relationships may suffer.

A person who is dependent on drugs will often have difficulty stopping. Stopping may be a problem even if doing such could salvage the person’s job, relationship or reputation. Once the body becomes dependent on one or several substances, professional help is usually necessary. The dependent person may need a family intervention or rehabilitation services to turn his or her life toward the path of light.

Help for Polysubstance Dependence

Help is available for families and individuals that are suffering with polysubstance dependence. The best treatment to seek for such help is inpatient treatment. Inpatient facilities offer a plethora of healthful services such as detoxification aid, individual counseling, cognitive behavioral therapy, group counseling, emotional support, relapse prevention support and more. The same facilities that provide single substance help can provide polysubstance dependence help. A person can locate a reliable inpatient facility using a number of resources.

Hundreds of online sites offer referrals to reputable rehab institutions. These referral companies offer free help and referrals 24 hours per day and seven days a week. The communication is confidential, so any person with a multiple drug problem can feel secure about speaking with a guide.

People who have medical insurance can contact their providers. Most health insurance policies offer assistance for drug addiction and mental health care. The number for these special services is usually on the back of the insurance card. 

State facilities can provide guidance and free care to individuals with polysubstance dependence issues. No one will be left alone to fight the battle of drug addiction or dependence. Caring and compassionate people are always just a phone call away.

Why Keeping Employees Happy is Vital to Productivity

Any employer worth his salt knows the importance of keeping individual and group morale on a high plane. But on what does this depend? You could be the most agreeable fellow in the world, yet get absolutely nothing done. You could be a surly taskmaster who is uniformly resented. But is there a sane middle ground between jovial pushover and ill-tempered tyrant? Of course there is. Here are some tips for building and maintaining a happy AND productive work atmosphere:

Happy = Productive

A fundamental point to understand is that a HAPPY employee is a P-R-O-D-U-C-T-I-V-E employee. If someone is not productive on his job, no amount of patting on the back or sympathy will make him a happy employee. If you want a happy staff, get them to work. Once productivity is rolling forward and people are earning their paychecks, THEN take up major and minor points relating individual and group morale – don’t neglect either step.

Tools of the Trade

Do people have what they need to do their jobs? A carpenter or mechanic without the right tools would be severely limited. An office with a broken or non-existent printer or scanner would be seriously impeded. Any job requires specific things in order to function. Without those essentials, productivity suffers and people aren’t happy anymore. But they don’t always alert you when they should. So you must ask around and take a look around yourself. You may be shocked by what you find. Work out what tools are needed and ensure they exist and are used and taken care of.

Equity

Nothing stirs up ill-feelings and outright rage more than injustice. Equity, fairness, justness, etc. are vital to maintain in a business or any activity. People deeply resent double standards, favoritism, nepotism, and other such isms. There’s nothing wrong with hiring your nephew, but if you give him the promotion when someone else does twice the work, you are making a BIG mistake. Be fair in your dealings. Always hear both sides of a dispute before making a call. Make decisions based on productivity and you’ll get more productivity.

Invite Contribution

People have good ideas. They also have bad ideas. Regardless, listen to their ideas. Discuss them. Then you can sort out which ones to act on. People like to know they are a contributing force in a group, so allow them to be so. Very often the people with the best ideas are the ones who are in there pitching, but it can also be the person looking in from outside who best sees how something can be improved. Allow a cross-flow of perspectives and you may get some dramatically productive results.

Culture

Certain extremely successful companies, like Google and the Virgin Group (Virgin Records, Virgin America, Virgin Atlantic, Virgin Galactic, etc.), have made a point of crafting a company culture that centers around PEOPLE – its employees AND its customers or users. The basic philosophy is that the company is nothing without its people, and when you invest in that it will pay dividends. The stats of those companies seem to prove a point.

While we can’t all be Google, and last I checked there was only one Richard Branson, any company can work to build a company culture that values people and productivity. Take a look at your business and if you haven’t already done so, look at what makes it unique in its field and start laying down some of the basics of your company’s culture.

Policy

“Company Policy” does not mean everyone acts like a robot and only does what they are told and nothing more and nothing less. It is the opposite of that. Good, sound, sensible policy means you have a yardstick for operation and a set of standards to adhere to, not because you are a mindless automaton, but because you have pride in accomplishment. Your company’s culture and policy should be integrated, meaning they should mesh together with the same purpose, the same vision, the same spirit.

Speed

Want to increase productivity and happiness? Move faster. Get others to move faster. Who wants to work in a slow and sluggish workplace? But that is just the start. Isolate what is slowing or stopping operations or processes and take remedial action. Free up communication channels and production channels. You’ll breathe sighs of relief as you do so and so will your employees.

Fun

Don’t forget to have a good time. If it isn’t fun, it probably isn’t really worth doing in the first place. Ask any child. Nothing beats fun. You may have deducted that “happiness” and “productivity” and “fun” are inextricably linked. Cultivate an atmosphere wherein all three exist in abundance. “Work” should for the most part be fun and enjoyable. The difference is in the attitude. If you approach work as arduous, difficult and not fun, then it will be arduous, difficult and not fun. If you approach it as worthwhile, animate and adventurous, then that is what it will be.

Sources: 

1. entrepreneur.com 

2. fastcompany.com

The Benefits of Acupuncture in Treating Addiction

Acupuncture is a practice which has been used in China for thousands of years to treat many conditions. It has only recently migrated into Western civilization.

Traditionally, acupuncture is based on the idea that there are patterns of energy (or Qi) flowing through the body which are essential for health. The theory in Chinese medicine is that when these energy flows are disrupted, disease and pain are the result. Acupuncture uses stimulation of specific anatomical locations (also called meridians) to correct the imbalances in the body and return the individual to health.

Is Science Involved in Acupuncture?

The Science Behind Acupuncture

While there have been discussions about meridians and Qi, scientific fact could very well be what makes acupuncture work. The process of acupuncture stimulates the nerves of the brain and spinal cord. These stimuli help the body release specific neurotransmitters and aid the individual’s mood and health.

The neurotransmitters or “feel good” chemicals which acupuncture releases include serotonin and endorphins. Serotonin is a chemical substance which plays a key role in mood, sleep, and healing wounds. Endorphins are the chemicals which are commonly known for being released during pleasurable activities including physical exercise. But endorphins have a much deeper function. They help the body deal with pain along with enhancing pleasure. Endorphins are your body’s natural analgesics. Acupuncture can help an individual experience relief from pain as well an elevated mood through these chemical releases.

Acupuncture has been gaining ground in the US over the years. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has moved acupuncture needles from the category of “experimental medical devices” and now regulates acupuncture needles, just as it does with surgical implements and medical drugs. A properly trained acupuncturist follows the FDA standards, keeping the environment sterile and following the single-use health practices as listed by the FDA.

According to Dr. Adrian White and his respected scientific journal, Acupuncture in Medicine, the scientific nature of correctly done acupuncture has been tested and proven. The World Health Organization (WHO) has listed acupuncture as a solution to many ailments including pain, headaches, mobility issues, gout, infections, high or low blood pressure, as well as neurological and mental disorders. Acupuncture has been used to effectively combat stress, depression, and even drug dependence.

There isn’t any specific evidence indicating that acupuncture alone can enable a person to beat addiction, but it is often considered effective when used in conjunction with other traditional and holistic treatment methods. Additionally, because acupuncture has been proven to effectively treat pain, it can be helpful in relieving withdrawal symptoms.

Use of Acupuncture in Drug Detox

The symptoms of drug and alcohol withdrawal can be so uncomfortable, painful and even dangerous as to deter people from even attempting to quit. Drugs like methadone and buprenorphine (Suboxone and Subutex) were developed to alleviate the pain of opiate withdrawal, yet those drugs are themselves opiates with potential for abuse. Methadone in particular can be more addictive than heroin. In conventional detox, many addicts are prescribed antidepressants, anti-anxiety drugs, and other pharmaceuticals in an effort to avoid the physical and mental disturbances of withdrawal. Yet, even those drugs are linked to dependence and other complications.

The practice of acupuncture, along with standardized nutrition and other therapies can help the body and mind safely through the period of detoxification and withdrawal.

Some of the most common drug withdrawal symptoms are:

• Anxiety 
• Depression 
• Appetite changes 
• Insomnia 
• Exhaustion 
• Headaches and migraines 
• Digestive problems like nausea, vomiting, constipation, diarrhea 
• Heart palpitations

There are a number of ways to address these issues. Acupuncture has been listed by the World Health Organization as helpful for several of the above withdrawal symptoms. Specifically, it is listed as a non-addictive method for treating:

• Pain 
• Any type of headache or migraine 
• Muscle spasms common to opiate withdrawal 
• Digestive disorders like nausea and vomiting 
• High and low blood pressure

In conjunction with other treatment, acupuncture has been used in the remedy of infections. An addict may be suffering from medical conditions and infections which require immediate treatment. So while emergency or routine medical attention is given, acupuncture has been found to stimulate the immune system and thus help the body and medication work together to fight the infection.

Other Holistic Addiction Treatment Options

As explained above, while acupuncture can help with many withdrawal symptoms, it does not necessarily help with all of them and would not be used as the sole treatment in drug detox. If it is used in addiction treatment, it should be coupled with other proven, effective therapies. Scientific tests and studies have shown that the major results of acupuncture are elevated mood, pain relief, and a body stimulated to heal itself – all valuable in addiction treatment.

In keeping with the holistic approach, some of the additional treatments which can help relieve withdrawal symptoms and aid in addiction recovery are:

Nutrition therapy: Many individuals who have suffered from addiction are in need of additional nutritional supplementation. A diet filled with plenty of fruits, vegetables and protein can help. Vitamins and minerals can help ease the stress of withdrawal and help the body in the healing process. Group or individual therapy: There are therapies which have been proven effective for addiction treatment. An addicted individual can seek treatment in group or one-on-one therapy at a rehabilitation center or with someone they choose independently. Support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous. Exercise, sports, massage, yoga and even martial arts have been found effective when integrated in the recovery process.

Summary

Acupuncture is but one of many methodologies. There are a number of medical and holistic treatment systems which have been proven effective during the detoxification, recovery, and aftercare sections – all of which combined can make for a truly rewarding rehabilitation experience. The best approach focuses on the individual and his or her needs. A thorough assessment and subsequent tailor-made program that addresses those needs has been found to help immeasurably.

Sources:

www.MedicalNewsToday.com
www.BMJ.com
www.Medicinenet.com
www.NCADD.org
www.The-Scientist.com
www.FDA.gov

The ABCs of Addictive Behavior

Addiction is characterized by a number of very specific behaviors. While there are symptoms of addiction specific to a particular drug, like the “doctor shopping” those addicted to prescription medications get involved in, there are a number of symptoms and behaviors common to most addicted individuals.

Here is a simple breakdown of these phenomena to assist you in identifying and helping an addict or alcoholic – whether that person is yourself or a friend or family member:

A. Actively seeks out drugs as priority 

Many individuals suffering from addiction will treat obtaining their drug of choice as a priority above all other activities. A normally reliable individual might start dodging obligations or a dedicated hobbyist could suddenly stop practicing his/her hobby. They might miss school or family time while searching out the drug. Skipping work or failing to do homework is nothing compared to locating and using the drug. Drug use takes more and more priority in the person’s life.

Additionally, more time is spent recovering from drug use. An addict might repeatedly call in sick to work after binging the night before. They may completely change their schedule in order to support their chronic use/recovery habit.

B. Blackout

Blackout

An addict or alcoholic may compulsively use to a point where they no longer recall how much they consumed or what they did while high or drunk. This is called a “blackout.” During the blackout, the individual may seem lucid or as if they understand what is going on in the world around them – but the next day will not remember what they did or what happened throughout the period of the blackout.

One of the unfortunate aspects of a blackout is that the addict may have been trying very hard to control their behavior. Another part of the addiction is the compulsiveness the individual demonstrates when using. For example, an alcoholic may have meant to limit himself to just one beer, but will likely end up drinking so much he gets drunk or blacks out.

C. Cravings

An addict may understand they are addicted, and even dislike their addiction – but still feel an intense need for the drug. This goes beyond wanting to take the drug or even enjoying the highs and lows which come from drug use.

Drug or alcohol craving is largely the brain and body’s reaction to addiction. Chronic use of addictive substances triggers over-production of dopamine and other neurotransmitters to such an extent that when use is abruptly ceased, the brain and central nervous system will react as though it cannot perceive pleasure. This means the addict feels unhappy emotionally and uncomfortable physically (at the very least) when they stop using. The brain causes the addict to crave the drug and the only way to “cope” with this is to get another hit.

A person who has not been addicted can get an idea of drug craving when they consider coffee. If you have been drinking coffee at 9AM every morning for years, then one day you suddenly stop, you crave coffee to feel “normal” or to face the day. You might suffer relatively minor withdrawal symptoms like a headache or feeling foggy or grumpy without your caffeine fix. A caffeine-related headache can get pretty bad, but the level of pain, discomfort and danger is minor compared to opiates, cocaine, meth, countless prescription meds and many other types of drugs.

D. Dependence

Drug dependence means the individual must take the drug in order to feel at all “normal.” Stopping use at this point would lead to withdrawal symptoms which can include irritability, cravings, restlessness, nausea and depression. Unsupervised withdrawal from long-term use of certain substances can be dangerous and even fatal, such as with alcoholism, benzodiazepines (anti-anxiety drugs), methadone and others. Instead of going cold turkey in an unsupervised setting, one should consult with an addiction specialist regarding medical or holistic detoxification options.

E. Experimentation

An addict may experiment with multiple substances, with different strengths of the same substance, or even with mixing the substance of their choice with other drugs. This is one of the most dangerous activities any drug user can become involved in.

Often the reason an addict will experiment like this is to “chase a high” – they are attempting to experience the same high they felt when they earlier took the drug. Their body has built up a tolerance to the drug or drugs, so they must take progressively greater quantities in their effort to get the desired result.

Such experimentation is a common factor in drug overdose. The user either takes too much at once or mixes drugs which react together. John Belushi and River Phoenix died from a “speedball” – a mixture of cocaine and heroin. Another common mixture is alcohol and any other drug. Alcohol will intensify the effects of depressants like prescription painkillers or heroin, and it will complicate the effects of stimulants like cocaine or meth. Heroin with alcohol killed actor Cory Monteith. Philip Seymour Hoffman died of an overdose involving heroin, cocaine, benzodiazepines and amphetamines. No matter how you cut it, mixing a drug with alcohol or with any other drug can have unpredictable and deadly consequences.

F. Finds hiding places for drugs or alcohol

An addict may feel panicky without drugs or alcohol nearby, which can lead them to hide stashes in unlikely places. They may bring alcohol in a coffee container to work or keep prescription opiates in an aspirin bottle. They will find unique ways to hide drugs and drug paraphernalia. Parents with teenagers who are using are often dismayed upon finding drugs and drug-related items such as cigarette paper, glass pipes, bongs, baggies, syringes, needles, etc. hidden in their child’s room.

G. Goes on using although drugs have proven harmful

Drug and alcohol abuse bring on many harmful physical and mental effects; they wreak havoc in someone’s life, yet the person goes on using no matter what. These effects include:

• A broken home 
• Loss of friends 
• Loss of employment 
• Estrangement from family, parents, spouse, or children 
• Incarceration 
• Depression, paranoia, intense mood swings 
• Hallucinations
• Psychosis 
• Abscesses 
• Organ (liver, kidney, stomach, etc.) damage 
• Brain damage 
• Diseases like HIV/AIDS, lung disease, or severe gum disease 
• Seizures 
• Coma 
• Death

With certain drugs – heroin, meth, desomorphine (aka “Krokodil”) – an addict may begin to look like a real-life zombie. Drug addiction can trigger psychosis and dangerous behavior such as that associated with alcohol, speed, cathinones (aka “Bath Salts”) and many other substances, both illicit and available with prescription. Even with such horrific consequences, the addict continues to use their drug of choice, often mixed with other mind-altering substances and in too many cases to the point of death.

H. Hope!

There is ALWAYS Hope

Addiction can cause complex emotional changes, erratic ups and downs, theft and criminal activity, changes in morals, social alienation and many other unpleasant and unbearable phenomena. These issues boil down to the intense feeling of need – physical, mental, spiritual – the addict feels and the desire to escape or erase their increasingly difficult existence.

The best way to help an addict is to get him or her into an effective detox and rehab program which will not only get them safely off drugs, but will address why they began using in the first place, as well as the many factors that contributed to protracted substance abuse.

With the proper tools, changing addictive behavior becomes a responsibility – a task borne by those willing and able to do something about it. There is hope and there are solutions!

I am living proof there is always hope. Read more about my journey from addict to entrepreneur. 

 

Sources:

Nlm.nih.gov 
Indiana.edu 
ASAM.org

What is Detox?

The detoxification of drugs and alcohol is a method of treatment for those who have developed a physical dependency on either drugs or alcohol to the point where cessation would cause serious complications during a period that is called withdrawal. A rehab will provide care under medical supervision during this withdrawal period to help stabilize patients and treat the unbearable symptoms. A detox can also be used for a drug that has created psychological dependencies by providing a structured environment.

Is Supervision Necessary?

For most addictions, it is absolutely critical to have an inpatient setting and to avoid self-detox. For example, withdrawal symptoms from drugs like alcohol or heroin can be deadly if attempted alone without medical supervision. During detox, patients will be monitored for complications about to emerge.

When admitted to an inpatient facility, counselors will work with the person to create a treatment plan depending on the general health of the patient, the kind of addiction he faces, and a number of other factors. This plan will then be used to help the patient adjust to the cessation of the addiction and cope with symptoms that can be dangerous.

Typically, detox occurs in a secure inpatient treatment where patients are not permitted to have access with the outside world. They are monitored every hour of the day by medical staff and trained personnel. Some may also be given counseling as a part of treatment, but this is not always beneficial during the initial period of treatment as the patient may be unaware of his own surroundings.

When it comes to treating an addiction, going to an inpatient clinic is the first step. When the patient is capable enough and medically stable after experiencing the withdrawal process, then other treatments like counseling could be explored. Some facilities provide an inpatient setting and offers both detox and counseling under one roof while others may also provide aftercare services for patients who are now comfortable enough to leave the clinic.

How Long Does Detox Last?

 

It's very important to remember that addiction can only be managed, never cured. For example, once someone becomes an alcoholic, he always will be one, but he can choose to always avoid alcohol thanks to substance abuse treatment. There are various plans available for those who have completed detox, and what works for some may not work well for others; however, it's always possible to explore other options.

Depending on the number of resources available, the level of cooperation of the addict and how long the addiction went on, the process of detoxing can considerably vary in length. Detoxing can be as short as three days as the introductory procedure, but the programs that follows will require a lifetime commitment in order to successfully remain free from the addiction. The general rule to follow is that it takes "as long as it takes," which will vary depending on each individual situation. One addict might recover in 30 days while others might need to stay at an inpatient clinic for over a year.

The fastest kind of rehab will only last as long as the body needs to fully flush out the drug from its system. In a medical setting, the addict will detoxify his body while medical professionals can assist with symptoms and overseeing the patient. With alcohol addictions, this just takes a couple of days, but drugs like methamphetamine and heroin will need a week. Typically, detoxing is just step one of a major life plan.

 

Different Inpatient Facilities

 

Short-term programs typically will provide treatment to a patient for a predetermined amount of time. In this setting, the addict will commit to remaining at the inpatient center for one, two or three months, after which period of time, he will be discharged from the facility.

During the time spent at the facility, he will learn about how to manage stress, how addiction affects relationships and other aspects of the situation. Some of these programs are typically covered by insurance but will generally only last about a month, though this can vary depending on how long the patient requires. Typically, an addict can see the greatest success when he has had enough time to address any mental illness, addiction, housing issues, or employment issues.

There is also an option for long-term inpatient housing in a semi-structured environment for a longer period of time than a typical residency, such as about nine months or even a full year. This is a good choice for those who have gotten into legal trouble due to the addiction or are in danger of becoming homeless or cannot maintain a job due to the addiction.

Understanding the Cycle of Addiction

Alcohol and drug addictions are not a matter of choice and willpower. Despite the negative effects drugs and alcohol has on the body and despite the fact that most people do not expect an alcohol or drug addiction to happen because they use them, it oftentimes does happen. To understand the forces behind addiction, we have to first understand the cycle of drug and alcohol addiction.

When someone starts taking drugs or drinking alcohol, the compounds in the drugs and alcohol change the chemical composition in the brain. Both drugs and alcohol cause a release of endorphins from the brain. The endorphins are the agents that make us feel pleasure. Consequently, the person feels “high” and loses his or her inhibitions.

The process of addiction is full of peaks and troughs. When the intoxication begins wearing off, feelings of depression and let down occur. The person begins automatically craving the next fix because his or her body needs it. His or her focus becomes one single thing – the next rush or high. The person then spends a lot of time and energy finding the drug or alcohol they need. Nothing else in life matters.

Addiction is Not a Matter of Choice

 

Being addicted to drugs or alcohol is not a matter of choice. It goes beyond having the willpower to just say no. When a person becomes addicted, willpower weakens and using the drug or alcohol becomes a conditioned reflex. Almost every single person is at risk of addiction; however, some people have a greater risk than others. Many factors are considered with addictions:

• Genetics – If a substance or drug abuse runs in the family, there is naturally a greater risk of someone in the family becoming addicted due to the chemically altered nature of the person’s brain being potentially hereditary.
• Low Self-Esteem – A person with depression or low self-esteem tendencies is more inclined to become an addict. Why? People who suffer low self-esteem and lack of confidence might search for outlets to make them feel better. Alcohol and drugs will give the person the high feeling they need and makes that person feel that they are good enough or better than they perceive before using these substances.
• Emotional Factors – For a person who has not felt loved, known unconditional love or never had their needs met, there is a higher risk of them becoming addicted to drugs or alcohol. Some children want to feel loved and needed. When they do not get that affection at home, they seek this from their peers. In many cases, just to feel that they fit in with friends or to please their friends, they get involved in alcohol and drugs. Oftentimes, this leads to an addiction.

 

 The Dangers

 

An addiction is a serious problem that is capable of ruining an intelligent person. Drug and alcohol addiction requires treatment just like other serious diseases and illnesses. In many cases, the patient is not aware of his or her addiction and might deny it. With the right inpatient treatment center for drugs and alcohol addictions, the person can have his or her life put back in order.

Everything You Need to Know About Addiction

Presently, the United States is experiencing some of the highest levels of drug and alcohol addiction than at any other time in its history. Since 1990, the number of people illegally engaging in recreational use of prescription drugs has risen over 500 percent. Since 1980, the number of deaths related to drug overdoses has also risen over 540 percent. Addiction has invaded nearly every segment of our society like an epidemic of tremendous proportions. More than six million children are living and being raised with at least one parent with an addiction. Annually, drug addiction costs employers over 122 billion dollars in lost productivity and 15 billion dollars in health insurance. Drugs are cited as the instigating cause of emergency room visits in around 5.1 million cases each year as well.

The most commonly abused drugs in the United States are now alcohol, marijuana, prescription drugs, cocaine, and hallucinogens. There is an estimated 22.6 million Americans over the age of 12 that currently are using, or formerly have used, illicit drugs, which is nearly 8.9 percent of the entire population. After alcohol, marijuana has the highest rate of addiction among all drugs, with more than 4.2 million Americans meeting the clinical criteria for dependence on marijuana. In addition, there are an estimated 21.6 million Americans total that need treatment for an addiction, but only about 2.3 million, less than 1 percent, are receiving the necessary treatment at a specialty facility.

Due to the increasing prevalence and alarming statistics, it is essential that individuals become more aware of addictions, as well as their dangers. Read on to learn more about the warning signs and how to overcome addiction. If you or someone you love are living with an addiction and co-morbid disorders, please seek help immediately from mental health professionals at an inpatient treatment center.

What Is Addiction?

While many people use substances and engage in recreational drug use without any significant consequences, others experience damaging psychological and physical effects as a bad habit turns down the dangerous road towards addiction. Addiction not only includes substances, but can also be basically anything else, including gambling, sex, and even the internet.

An addiction is characterized by an individual’s inability to control aspects of the use without help because mental or physical conditions are involved. Those addicted become dependent on the drug or activity to cope with their daily life, and it often becomes all-consuming on their behaviors. As a result, addictions often lead to severe problems with the addict’s home, work, school, and social lives. In most cases, the person attempts to give up, but is unsuccessful at stopping use when they experience withdrawal.

What Are the Warning Signs of Addiction?

The signs and symptoms of substance dependence and addiction vary according to the person, the substance, their genetics, and personal situation. Continued use of these substances leads to noticeable symptoms that can be detected by interacting with or examining the addict. The most common symptoms of addiction include:

• withdrawal symptoms, such as intense cravings, irritability, depression, insomnia, hallucinations, frustration, anger, and mood swings when the body has low levels of the substance
• continued use despite developed cancer, heart conditions, or other health problems
• repeated neglect of social and/or recreational activities that once were enjoyable, in order to participate in feeding the addiction
• spending excessive time, energy, and money to maintain a good supply for their next fix, even if on a tight budget
• engaging in risky behaviors, such as stealing, trading sex for substances, driving under the influence, and other dangerous actions from impaired judgment
• increased levels of secrecy and solitude, as well as isolation from friends and family members
• false beliefs that the individual needs to take the drug of choice to handle their problems
• denial that they are addicted to the substance, unaware, or refuses to acknowledge that there is a problem

What Causes Addiction?

Medical research has found a significant correlation between repeated use of an addictive substance and how the brain reacts to pleasure. When individuals take in their drug of choice, the neuron cells release neurotransmitters and chemicals that activate the reward system of the brain. After continued use of the drug for a long period of time, the addict does not receive the same high or pleasure as before. Therefore, he or she must increase the dosage as the body becomes more tolerant to the drug. Experts say that once this tolerance increases, the risk for addiction is drastically greater.

Although anyone can potentially have an addiction problem, certain individuals are at higher risk for developing an addiction than others. Those users that have a close relative with an addiction are at a tremendous risk for having one because of genetics. For instance, alcoholics are six times more likely than non-alcoholics to have relatives that are addicted to alcohol too. Other risk factors include mental illnesses, peer pressure, family environment, loneliness, stress, and age of first drug consumption.

Overcoming Addiction

One of the most crucial first steps for the addicted individual to overcome the problem is by acknowledging that they are dependent on the substance. After the person accepts that there is a problem, the next immediate step is to seek help from a trained and experienced health professional. Mental health professionals will often refer the addicted individual to a treatment program at an inpatient rehabilitation center.

Within the safety of the drug treatment center, the person can undergo detoxification to rid the body of the lasting effects of the drug and make it through the withdrawal period. Treatment will also include counseling, group therapy, self-help, and psychotherapy to deal with the underlying emotional or mental issues. If you or someone you know is suffering from an addiction, please seek help at one of the various inpatient treatment centers around the country. When addicts commit to overcoming their addiction with the help of these professionals, they are much more likely to avoid relapse and get on the road to a bright future in recovery.

Heroin and Artists

“When the heroin is in my blood And that blood is in my head Then thank God that I'm as good as dead Then thank your God that I'm not aware And thank God that I just don't care And I guess I just don't know And I guess I just don't know”

-Lou Reed (from “Heroin” by The Velvet Underground)

New York poet and songwriter Lou Reed (1942-2013) didn’t die of heroin. Lou wised up, but only after drugs and alcohol had taken a harsh toll on his body.

Heroin and Death

 

Virtually anyone in America can name one famous person who was a heroin addict or died of a heroin overdose. River Phoenix, John Belushi, Cory Monteith, and Philip Seymour Hoffman all died from a heroin overdose or a mix of heroin and cocaine. Other artists such as Kurt Cobain, Janis Joplin, Jimi Hendrix, Miles Davis, Lenny Bruce, and Billie Holiday all suffered from heroin addiction. Those are just a few names on the list of artists who have abused, were addicted to, or died from heroin.

Heroin and Brain Chemistry

 

Heroin works by mimicking or triggering neurotransmitters released within the central nervous system, specifically the “reward” or analgesic chemicals such as dopamine and endorphins. These chemicals control how the body perceives pain and deals with stress, and they can help a person feel happier. There are natural activities that trigger the flow of neurotransmitters. These include exercise, massage, sex, eating dark chocolate, aromatherapy, and doing things that you enjoy, including creating art. Triggering endorphins and dopamine can help with creativity. This may be why many creative people take up running and other activities which clear their head and boost their mood. This fact is an excuse that is used by many addicts who believe they would be unable to create if they did not have drugs to boost their brain chemistry.

The Pull of Heroin and Other Drugs

 

The truth is that when an individual begins using addictive drugs like heroin or cocaine, their brain chemistry shifts. They become dependent upon that drug to “feel good” or “be creative.” The drug has such a hold on them that they are depressed and miserable when they aren’t high. The body and mind are in a sense tricked into perceiving that only the drug will provide any happiness whatsoever. Another reason an artist might use heroin or any drug is that it appears “cool” or “edgy.” The battle cry of “Sex, Drugs and Rock & Roll!” has been used as an excuse for self-destructive behavior. Singers, actors, painters, and authors have been led to believe that drinking or drugging will improve their work or that they are not a “true artist” unless they are stoned most of the time and living a micrometer away from death. These erroneous ideas probably go as far back as ancient Greece, Rome, Persia, or even further. Artists, musicians, writers – famous or not – are admired and even revered by most of the population, but those with less-than-noble intentions will latch onto the artist and covertly work to drag them down and too often this involves drug abuse.

Combating Heroin Addiction

 

Many artists have kicked their habit and experienced a powerful resurgence in their creative abilities. Anthony Kiedis of the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Stephen King, Samuel L. Jackson, and Robert Downey Jr. moved beyond their addiction to have very successful careers. Robert Downy Jr. spoke about his struggle when he said, “The lesson is that you can still make mistakes and be forgiven.” Though he was in and out of rehab, and even jail, in the early stages of his career, he got clean and sober and is now an A-list star at the top of his game. Heroin is rarely perceived as a “party drug.” But in recent years, people abusing prescription painkillers have been switching to heroin, a shift due at least in part to price, availability, and government crackdowns on these medications, specifically opioids like OxyContin (oxycodone) and Vicodin (hydrocodone). In fact, heroin use in the US has almost doubled in the last five years, while abuse of the prescription opiate OxyContin has fallen dramatically in the past two years.

Heroin Addiction

 

Highly influential American jazz singer Billie Holiday (1915-1959) struggled with heroin and had this to say about its effect on the user, “If you think dope is for kicks and for thrills, you’re out of your mind. There are more kicks to be had in a good case of paralytic polio or by living in an iron lung. If you think you need stuff to play music or sing, you’re crazy. It can fix you so you can’t play nothing or sing nothing.” Whether it is snorted, smoked, or injected, heroin is a very addictive opiate. One can go from casual user to addict by trying it only once or twice. One of the reasons heroin is addictive is that it mimics or triggers a natural physical response (as detailed above), only this chemical rush is artificial and has a debilitating effect upon the internal organs and mental state of the user.

Withdrawal and the Effects of Heroin

 

Another powerful force behind heroin addiction is the withdrawal symptoms one might experience when attempting to quit. The pain and discomfort of withdrawal can last anywhere from 7-10 days and include anything from heavy sweating to nausea and fever to hallucinations. William S. Burroughs, author and figure of the Beat Generation, wrote these succinct words about heroin, “Junk is the ideal product…the ultimate merchandise. No sales talk necessary. The client will crawl through a sewer and beg to buy.” Many of the effects and risks involved with using heroin are far worse than any withdrawal symptom. These include:

• Dry mouth 
• Severe itching 
• Lethargy 
• Nausea and vomiting 
• Depressed breathing and heart rate 
• Inability to orgasm 
• Spontaneous abortion 
• Depression 
• Tolerance 
• Addiction 
• Bacterial infections 
•  Impotence 
• Abscesses 
• Collapsed veins 
• Gaunt, emaciated appearance 
• Infection of the lining and valves in the heart 
• Liver and kidney disease 
• Arthritis 
•  Coma 
• Overdose & Death (by respiratory depression, also called hypoventilation, defined as breathing at an abnormally slow rate, resulting in an increased amount of carbon dioxide in the blood.) 

Freedom from Heroin

 

With such a horrific list of effects (that was the short version), why would someone keep using heroin? Nikki Sixx of Motley Crue fame, who is miraculously still alive, said about heroin addiction, “When you can’t climb your way out of such a hole, you tend to crouch down and call it home.” Anthony Kiedis of the Red Hot Chili Peppers overcame heroin addiction and wrote a book about it, Scar Tissue, where he wrote, “These aren't just physical allergies, they're obsessions of the mind and maladies of the spirit. It's a threefold disease. And if it's partly a spiritual malady, then there's a spiritual cure.” Fortunately, through medical detoxification and holistic rehabilitation, an addict can work at it and get free from the shackles of heroin and can re-open the doors to creativity and joy.

What are the Most Vital Leadership Skills?

What are the Most Vital Leadership Skills?

What makes a leader? Many consider that effective leadership requires an “X” factor involving certain mysterious, nebulous characteristics reserved for a chosen few who are simply born to lead – either you’ve got the leadership DNA or you don’t. While people do have specific knacks or skills or natural inclinations, the subject of who makes a great leader and who does not are often shrouded in a cloak of mystery and authoritarian opinions. Based on my studies and experiences, I can tell you point blank that being a successful leader is a lot more “nuts and bolts” than you may have been led to believe. While it is true that some excel at it more than others, leadership nonetheless involves skills that can be learned and practiced. What then are some of the most vital leadership skills?

Integrity

Being honest with oneself and others is fundamental to life, regardless of whether one is a leader or not. When you stick to your guns and remain an honest individual, people respect you whether or not they admit it. Words like integrity and honestly get used in insincere and hollow ways – thus violating the very spirit of those words. The way I’m using these words is rather simple. Do you keep your word once given? Can you be trusted? If you mess up, do you do all you can to properly fix it? Expect this from yourself and you can start expecting it from others.

Productivity

A key part of leadership is to lead by example. When your own personal output is impressive, you can demand the same from others. Many executives and business owners have a distinct quality wherein they work very hard on a consistent basis. Thomas Edison famously said, “Genius is one percent inspiration and ninety-nine percent perspiration.” The word productivity indicates that you see your work through to completion and tangible results. The leader is often the one working the hardest since he or she sees the big picture.

Ability to Communicate

Being able to communicate is a fundamental skill in a leader. The most important aspect of this is the ability to get others to complete assignments. If you issue a directive, does it get done? Making sure it does get done is a crucial component. How do you make sure it gets done? Do you simply threaten to fire people? I suppose that has some workability, but it is extremely limited. The most valuable skill you have in this regard is your ability to communicate. Can you get through to people? Do they listen to you? When you are passionate about what you are doing, when it is a worthwhile endeavor, it becomes easier and simpler to get others on board. Ideally, everyone else is just as excited as you are.

Skill in Organizing

Being able to establish a new activity and get it rolling, and organize an existing activity and make it expand, are all integral to a leader’s formidable skill set. Organizing in the broad sense requires the ability to get finance, hire new people, acquire premises, get a product line running, and a myriad of other skills. Being able to do parts of this and partnering for the rest is often what is required. Many of these skills are not taught in schools or even business school. You have to either figure it out yourself as you go along, or seek out and find reliable sources.

New Ideas vs. What Works

A leader should not be afraid of trying new things, yet should be keenly aware of what works. Many an impressive leader demonstrates the remarkable ability to walk this fine line. Don’t be afraid of new ideas. But if something works, don’t be afraid of sticking to it and not changing anything. Probably the most notorious example of a major marketing error was Coca-Cola’s introduction of New Coke. After some supposedly positive results in test markets, the broad announcement and distribution of New Coke elicited 400,000 calls and letters berating the company for altering an American staple. Less than three months later and an avalanche of bad publicity, Coke was reintroduced as Cola-Cola Classic and the American public breathed a sigh of relief. I’m not an advocate of sugary drinks nor am I an advocate of stupidity, but I do tell people to “think outside the box.” I guess it’s up to you how far you wish to go. Some of the most effective and revolutionary ideas came from people who broke the mold and refused to conform. Courage and imagination are notable leadership characteristics.

Fairness

No one likes to work night and day only to see a lazy associate get promoted due to his “connections.” A great leader operates on performance and productivity. The people working for you should feel secure in the knowledge that they will be rewarded and compensated for their hard work and contribution, not their penchant for flattery or their golf score. And those that think flattery and golf scores are the sole yardstick for promotion will discover they are mistaken (no offense to golf intended). Equality and fairness should not be treated as hollow slogans – they are words to abide and live by and great leaders exemplify them.

Ability to Delegate

Start combining all these skills and traits and you’ll start to see a complete picture forming. A fundamental part of that picture is the ability to delegate. Key to that is the willingness to delegate. Some businesses stay small when the owner feels he must do everything himself because he’s the “only one who can do it right!” There comes a time to get over that idea. True, finding people to do the work the way you want it done can be difficult, but it can be done. You may need to carefully select people and you may have to train them personally. Proper delegation of work could mean fewer grey hairs for you, as well as the potential to grow as a person and as a company.

Vision

Many great leaders and great minds have a common trait which is the ability to visualize something and work industriously towards its attainment. Edison said one percent inspiration, but do not underestimate that one percent. That single percentage is the catalyst that sets the whole chain reaction into motion. The ability to look into the future and see what others do not, and the skill to act in the present and effectuate a positive result in the future – these are upper level leadership qualities.

Persistence on a Given Course

One of the ways that a true leader stands out from others is that he or she never seems to give up. They get knocked down by bad timing or bad luck or whatever it may be, and they proceed to get up and go back at it with even more tenacity. The word “failure” doesn’t seem to exist in their vocabulary. When others hear “failure,” they hear “lesson” or “opportunity.” An infinite number of things don’t get done simply because no one did them or gave up in the process. One’s level of persistence could be a personality trait, but it can also be a skill to practice and hone as you would any other skill. This is done (at least in part) through self-discipline and removal of distractions and ignoring the naysayers. We all get discouraged, but we can all benefit from cultivating such positive qualities in ourselves.

Professionalism

A common trait in leaders is that they are good at what they do. If they run a fine tailoring business, they are extremely good at it. If they do bookbinding, they do it with quality and flair. Any skill can be brought up to the level of being almost art – or indeed being art. You can detail a car to the point of it being a work of art. Even just watching someone operate at this level is like watching art being created before your very eyes. A good yardstick is to promise an excellent job and then work to exceed this. Work to deliver higher quality than what was expected and deliver it ahead of time and with courtesy. But at the very least deliver what was promised. A leader should continuously cultivate this mindset within the company.

The Details vs. The Big Picture

“Detail oriented” is something you see on resumes and it is an important quality. A lot of the time, doing a good job boils down to the details. In some professions, like neurosurgeon or bomb technician, a micrometer or microsecond can be the difference between life and death. Other jobs have a wider margin of error, but details are always important. When you run a company, large or small, it is necessary to THINK BIG and ACT BIG. Often, it is up to the person in charge to see the big picture and act accordingly. You can have everything arranged perfectly in your retail displays, yet the shop remains empty. So a primary focus will always be expansion, acquiring new customers, and retaining already existing customers. At the same time, it is often the details that can make or break you, such as a website that doesn’t work right, a misplaced file, or a delivery that doesn’t happen. The details vs. the big picture is yet another tight rope act a leader must be able to perform.

Responsibility

No one expects you to be a perfect leader overnight. You have to work at it and dedicate your time and effort. It’s not something everyone wants to do. There is another word forever intertwined with leadership: RESPONSIBILITY. Not everyone rushes headlong into responsibility. Some bolt in the opposite direction at its mere mention. Factually, responsibility doesn’t have to be scary or menacing. Simply deciding to be responsible for something and confronting (facing) it takes you a long way toward its resolution.

The Secret

What is the secret? I’d sum it with the words CREATIVITY and ENJOYMENT. That’s right, just plain having a good time doing what you’re doing works its own distinct brand of magic. Combine all the elements listed above and don’t forget to make it creative and fun. Maintain your sense of humor and keep things on a high plane. People are drawn to a person who has the ability to make nothing of adversity and emerge victorious no matter the odds and keep a sense of humor in the process. Enjoy what you do. Stay passionate about it and stay true to the sense of wonder that you started with.

About the CEO

Per Wickstrom is the CEO of Best Drug Rehabilitation, a treatment center with a program that focuses on helping people through holistic methods. After overcoming his own struggles with addiction over a ten-year period, Per graduated from rehab and decided to dedicate his life to helping others find their freedom from addiction. His rehabilitation facility has helped thousands enjoy a lasting recovery. Wickstrom also offers both business, health, and addiction recovery inspiration on his personal blogging site, www.perwickstrom.com