Oct 17 2015
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Addiction

The Dangers Of Drinking In Excess

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Alcohol use carries various side effects that often result in tragic outcomes for people who drink excessively. This leaves a huge toll on the society in terms of extinguished human potential. As a result, drinking in excess has become a huge lifestyle-related killer, claiming more victims than other behaviors.

This thus means that curbing excessive drinking needs to be prioritized in order to reduce the resulting illnesses and deaths. The incentive is even higher for people with excessive drinking traits and who find it hard to manage their behavior. Simply put, too much alcohol consumption has become a life-and-death issue.

Risks of Drinking in Excess

There are various risks associated with too much alcohol use. Chronic health conditions and various personal injuries could result from both short and long-term consumption. In short term use, injuries could result from binge drinking which prompts the person to take part in risky activities. Such include falls, drowning, gunshot wounds and traffic injuries.

Excessive drinking results in alcohol poisoning. This is a state where the body’s vital functions are inhibited. Alcohol poisoning results in unconsciousness, respiratory complications, coma and even death.

Violence is also a common result of excessive drinking. This includes domestic violence where the person’s kin fall victim to the injurious habit. Children could also bear additional brunt in terms of neglect.

Effects on Mental Health

Prolonged alcohol consumption is also linked with several psychological, emotional and physical disorders, some of which claim lives. There are various neurological deficiencies and chronic illnesses that form part of the side effects of excessive alcohol consumption. Social problems, anxiety and depression that result could also lead to the troubled persons attempting suicide.

Drinking excessively also has an impact on cardiovascular function. In addition to worsening of pre-existing conditions, arterial fibrillation, hypertension and cardiomyopathy can all be caused by prolonged drinking. One also stands a higher risk of falling victim to various forms of cancer. The habit also affects the liver’s ability to function efficiently. Alcohol causes inflammation and cirrhosis, both of which often lead to death.

Drinking in excess carries a number of tragic consequences. Managing this habit by reducing binge drinking is a good way to reduce the toll exerted on society by the grave outcomes. Managing long-term use is also vital in reducing the fatalities attributed to alcohol consumption.

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Sep 06 2015
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Health

What Are The Most Common Drug That Cause Overdoses

98159593If you or a friend take drugs, overdoses are always at the back of your mind. Although drug overdoses don’t always result in death, they can create dangerous situations such as organ damage.. Overdoes occur when one’s body is overwhelmed by the drug, creating a toxic effect whereby the drug can no longer be processed.

Individual tolerance levels for specific drugs play huge rule in determine when overdoses occur. Those who abuse drugs build up a tolerance over time to an unsustainable point. The reverse happens when one does not take drugs, which can have a potentially deadly effect if one takes the same amount of drugs that one did before stopping. Tolerance levels vary with age, weight, health and other factors. Overdoses occur when the body reaches the limit of what it can handle.

Signs that someone is overdosing depend on the substance ingested. Some signs are the same no matter what the drug is, but the overdose may not always be apparent. Many times, an individual will become unconscious, but that doesn’t necessarily have to occur. Other common signs include seizures, severe head pain, severe chest pain, difficulty breathing and extreme agitation, confusion or delerium.

Here are some of the common drug tha cause overdoses.

OTC drugs like Benadryl and cough syrups are used to create a cheap high. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting and extreme pain.

Prolonged or illegal use of prescription pain relievers can produce disorientation, confusion, seizures and difficulty breathing and are responsible for thousands of overdoses every year.

Heroin is a highly addictive drug that’s very easy to overdose on because its high mimics overdose symptoms, which include constricted pupils and a discolored tongue.

Methamphetamine overdoses occur quickly because of the drug’s stimulant nature, with symptoms including profuse sweating, severe convulsions, seizures or even pain in the chest.

Cocaine users increase their intake quickly and can ingest the drug in several ways. Symptoms can include confusion and potential organ failure in addition to pain and seizures.

Sedatives and antidepressants are commonly prescribed drugs that can result in vomiting, urinary retention, irregular heartbeat, or loss of consciousness.

OTC overdoses are usually intentional while those produced by other substances are generally not intentional. Follow our blog for more information and resources on drug abuse and treatment.

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Jul 28 2015
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Addiction

How Is Cocaine Made?

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Cocaine is one of the most addictive recreational drugs ever manufactured. It is known for its stimulative and anesthetic effects. It remains a popular drug of choice because it produces feelings of euphoria, high energy, alertness, self-confidence and even increased sexuality in users. On the down side, it also causes increased heart rate, restlessness, anxiety and paranoia. After cannabis (marijuana), cocaine is one of the most commonly used illicit drugs in the USA.

How is Cocaine Made?

Cocaine is made from the leaves of the coca plant (genus Erythorxylum). It grows mainly in the western and northern parts of South America. Today, the main source of illegal cocaine is Colombia, followed by Chile, Peru and Bolivia. Coca plants grown in the conditions in these regions contain higher amounts of cocaine, an alkaloid that occurs naturally in this genus.

To make cocaine, the coca leaves are hand-picked, then processed to achieve different products from which cocaine may be further extracted. These products include coca paste, crystal (cocaine hydrochloride) and coke base. The type of method used to extract these substances vary from one laboratory to the next, with certain labs using a different set of chemicals or formula to achieve their desired end product.

There are two main methods used to make cocaine paste: acid extraction and solvent extraction. Here is a summary of each method:

Acid Extraction

Coca leaves are mixed with a diluted form of sulfuric acid and placed in a large vat or pit. Workers then stomp on the mixture with bare feet for as long as 2 hours. The sulfuric acid will react with the leaves to produce cocaine sulfate. This substance is further processed by exposing it to heat. Once the sulfate has been filtered, carbonate or lime is added, resulting in a curdled mixture which is then mixed using kerosene. It is then filtered again and processed with sulfuric acid to produce cocaine.

Solvent Extraction

Chopped coca leaves are dusted with carbonate salt or lime and a little water. Diesel fuel or kerosene is added and the mixture is stirred vigorously for about 3 days to extract the cocaine. The liquid cocaine is then heated, filtered and mixed with sulfuric acid. This process produces cocaine sulfate which is then mixed with caustic soda or lime. The gum-like yellow paste that results from this process is then dried and packaged.

Making Street Cocaine

To make street cocaine, cocaine paste is mixed with an oxidizing agent to turn the yellowish-brown paste to a white or colorless mix. This purified solution is then filtered, mixed with ammonia and dried, producing cocaine hydrochloride. In this form, cocaine can be snorted or injected by the end user.

Making Crack Cocaine

To make crack cocaine, cocaine hydrochloride is mixed with ammonia or sodium bicarbonate and heated. The result is a rough chunk of white crystal known as crack cocaine. In this form, crack cocaine may be heated and inhaled as vapor.

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Jul 04 2015
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Health

What’s The Best Time Of Day For Caffeine?

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Many people like to have a cup of coffee or tea first thing in the morning. But, this may not be the best time to get the maximum benefit from caffeine. The body produces cortisol, which naturally enhances mood and mental alertness. The process occurs several times each day. However, the body is usually most active in cortisol production in the morning. For the typical adult, this is between 8:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m.

When the body produces cortisol, there is no need for caffeine. In fact, by consuming a cup of coffee or tea during this time, an individual may miss out on the natural benefits of cortisol production. Over time, the body may lose its ability to produce optimum levels of the hormone,

The best time to have the first cup of a caffeinated beverage, is between 9:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. By then, cortisol levels have dropped off. For a person recovering from alcohol or drug addiction, avoiding caffeine first thing in the morning can help keep energy levels stable and help prevent strong cravings.

The next time the body typically produces higher levels of cortisol is around noon. So, for those who want a second cup of coffee or tea with caffeine, the best time is from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. It is not a good idea to consume caffeine too late in the evening, as this may disturb natural sleep patterns. People recovering from addiction may find it particularly difficult to get to sleep and stay asleep. Allowing the body to wind down naturally at the end of the day is the best way to ensure a good night’s sleep.

There is no need to avoid caffeine entirely, when recovering from addiction. However, by working with the body’s natural rhythm, the body can begin to function normally again. Many drugs, alcohol, and caffeine can interfere with cortisol production and lead to depression or lack of energy. By being mindful of times when the body doesn’t need an energy boost, a person recovering from addiction can still enjoy a cup of coffee or tea, while allowing the body to repair its own natural processes.

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Jun 09 2015
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Health

Talking About Hangovers And Their Effects

The topic of hangovers, how long they last, and their effects is one that can be somewhat frightening, and one that must be taken very seriously. In the past, in movies and in conversations taking place between old friends after celebrating some event, many jokes have been exchanged and many laughs shared about the “big head” that was earned by extensive efforts. A joke is a joke, but the truth is that hangovers are truly not one at all. Let’s take a look at some of the reasons why.

Hangovers carry with them very unpleasant physiological and psychological effects which include a wide variety of different unpleasant feelings. Prominent among these are severe headaches, drowsiness, serious concentration issues and problems, dry mouth, dizziness, fatigue, absence of hunger, sweating, nausea, hyper excitability, bad anxiety, and gastrointestinal distress. All of these are truly awful and difficult problems for one to be dealing with, and typically the hangover is going to last 24 hours or perhaps even a bit longer. Whatever fun one started out to have as they began their journey down this road, was canceled out when they went over the limit!

Still another extremely serious consequence that the hangover brings with it is the state of depression. They find themselves in that state of low mood and aversion to activities that affects their thoughts, behavior, feelings, and their sense of well-being. They find themselves losing any interest in those activities they once so much enjoyed. Very often they are overcome by feelings of restlessness, irritability, hopelessness, worthlessness, guilt, emptiness, emptiness and anxiety. Any and all of these things are not a place where one wants to find themselves. There are no positives to be found here, and continuation of the course that leads one to this place is something that one must confront and start to deal with.

The bottom line is basically this: The person who finds themselves facing the problem of hangovers more and more, has issues that they are going to have to confront and deal with going forward. If they are able to do this on their own, great! But if they cannot, they must get themselves the help and assistance they need to get the job done.

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May 09 2015
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Addiction

What Can I Do If I Can’t Control My Drinking?

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The number one symptom of alcoholism is denial. Those who abuse alcohol will lie to others and themselves to avoid facing the reality of their behavior. Alcohol abuse is a progressive condition, which means that its effects always worsen. Over time, if the problem is left untreated, it will lead to mental incapacitation or even death. So, what should you do if you can’t control your drinking? Here are some suggestions.

Controlled drinking is possible

Yes, you can control your drinking if you’re not an alcoholic. In fact, some people can lower the frequency and drinking amounts using monitoring tools. Controlled drinking, however, isn’t for everyone. About two thirds of people who drink too much can’t completely control their habit. So, the best way for these people to get help is to seek the services of a professional.

Self-honesty is important

Some people try to prove they can control their drinking by continuing the habit despite physical, emotional and mental consequences. They may be sober for some days, or months; but once they drink again, they soon find themselves getting into alcoholism. Abstinence vs control will depend on one’s ability to consistently reduce the quantity and frequency of their drinking. If this is not possible, one needs to mull over what’s going on.

If your drinking problem makes you seek professional help, it’s important that you’re honest with yourself, your counselor, therapist, or spiritual adviser. If you stubbornly believe that you don’t need help, and continue to believe that you can handle your drinking without help, you can fill in one of the many online questionnaires created to help you assess your own drinking behavior. However, unless you’re self-honest in answering those questions, the self-tests are useless.

Support systems may help

An intervention is no guarantee that an alcohol addict will seek help. Intervention only confronts the alcoholic with facts, leaving him or her with a decision to make. Once in treatment, the alcoholic will learn from those who have unsuccessfully tried to control their drinking. It’s difficult, almost impossible, for people to overcome their drinking problems without the help of like-minded individuals.

These are some of the things you can do if you think you can’t control your drinking. Try them and see if you can successfully overcome alcohol abuse.

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Apr 19 2015
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Addiction

What It Feels Like To Go Through Alcohol Withdrawals

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There is a popular myth that insists that alcoholism is a mild condition that people can get through if and when they want to, without any intervention or side effects. Alcoholism is a serious addiction that, although treatable, can result in serious psychological and physiological withdrawal symptoms (that could lead to death) if and when people stop alcohol indulgence abruptly, and without professional help. Most people, undergoing alcohol withdrawal experience problems with their digestive, respiratory, blood circulation and blood purification systems, as well as mental and cognitive abnormalities. Delirium tremens (DTs) is the word that is used to refer to serious alcohol withdrawals.

What does it feel like to go through alcohol withdrawals?

Physical and physiological withdrawals

Heart palpitations, extreme sweating, skin crawling, vomiting and stomach churns, excessive thirst, and violent body trembling comprise some of the withdrawals that alcoholics cited when they suddenly ceased indulging alcohol. The violent body shaking reduces motor coordination and a sense of direction/ balance. The increased heart rate and violent body shaking may, in some alcoholics, rupture some blood vessels, especially thin blood capillaries inside body cavities, leading to bleeding. Nose bleeding is commonly cited during alcohol withdrawal.

Psychological withdrawals

A high level of confusion/ extreme hallucinations is also reported among many cold turkey alcohol withdrawers. Some patients get paranoid and anxious, to the extent of feeling close to death, due to the abrupt chemical changes in the brain induced by the abrupt absence of alcohol or withdrawals treating drugs. For some alcoholics, the feeling of doom, anxiety and paranoia may be triggered by the shock they get from experiencing extreme physical and physiological withdrawals such as heart palpitations, body shaking, splitting headaches, vomiting and excessive sweating.

Ceasing alcohol indulgence is always a good idea as long as alcoholics do not undertake the process without proper medical supervision and assistance. Alcoholics who stop taking alcohol suddenly can experience a range of mild and or extreme physiological and mental withdrawals. Common alcohol withdrawals experienced by alcoholics undergoing alcohol withdrawal include delirium, headaches, vomiting, heart palpitation and sweating. Follow us for more information and resources on drug abuse and treatment.

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Apr 03 2015
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Addiction

How To Stop Your Addiction To Black Tar Fast

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If anyone has ever bought heroin on the street, you know the name is called Black tar. That’s because it is dark in color, and highly expensive, not to mention extremely addicting. Derived from poppy seeds, it is a very dangerous and potent drug that can make you addicted just like all other opiate drugs can. The effect of mu receptors in your brain, and with his potency, not only is it dangerous for you to take, but you could become a lifelong addict. Here is a simple way that you can stop taking smack and get yourself clean fast.

Why Heroin Is So Addicting

By affecting the mu receptors in your brain, it causes them to expect more stimulation. You become used to the rush that you get, the amount of endorphins and other happy hormones that people absolutely love, but your body also becomes addicted to. So when you are taking junk on a regular basis, you can soon find yourself unable to stop. You will do anything to get the money for your next hit, and if you can’t, you will go through horrible withdrawals. That’s why you need to check into a treatment center to get the help that you need. Here is how you can find them very quickly in your immediate area.

Addiction Treatment For Heroin

All you have to do is check into a treatment center that handles drugs that are extreme. Cocaine, opiate addictions, and heroin are definitely at the top of the list, all of which require special forms of treatment and service to help people through the withdrawals. Once you are done sweating, shaking, vomiting, and everything else that comes with getting over this addiction, you will be able to start living your life again drug-free.

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Feb 27 2015
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Addiction

Ending Your Addiction To PCP In A Few Weeks

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A drug known as Angel dust, technically phencyclidine, is a very popular substance that is sold on the streets today. It was developed even before LSD, back in the 50s, and was used as an intravenous anesthetic. As with most drugs that alter your mind your state of consciousness, they are often moved into some type of scheduled designation. It is a schedule 1 drug just like marijuana and LSD, primarily because of its ability to augment your perceptions. Any drug that is taken in excess can lead to damage to your body and mind which can include alcohol and Tylenol at your local store. However, if you would like to simply and your addiction to PCP, here’s what you need to do.

Side Effects Associated With PCP

When you buy wack on the street illegally, you are doing so because of how it makes you feel. It has a very chemical like taste, unless of course you snorted, but it can be taken in a capsule form or as a colored powder. As with LSD and other schedule 1 substance is, you’re going to develop rapid eye movement, a blank stare, and you may develop mood disorders such as paranoia, hostility, or even schizophrenia. If you feel that you’re out of control, and you need to get a handle on using this drug, there are many remedies for you to use.

Ending Your Addiction To PCP Easily

PCP, like any other schedule 1 substance, can be stopped if you are able to not use drug after several weeks. The amount of time that you use it will have a lot to do with how addicted your body has become, and although it does interact with your central nervous system as a depressant like alcohol and benzodiazepines, it does not have a long-lasting addicting effects of heroin or opiates. You can check into a treatment center to get the help that you need right away to end your addiction and get your life back on track.

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Jan 26 2015
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Health

Dextromethorphan In Cold Medicines Is Dangerous To Use

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In high doses, people like to use dextromethorphan to cause a trip. This can be dangerous even though this kind of drug can be found in common over the counter medications. You have to be sure that you learn what to do if you’re trying to quit abusing this substance to get the help you need.

You’ll want to make sure that when you get cold medicines that you take them the way it says to on the packaging. When you try to get high off of this, you’re getting into overdose territory and could end up harming or killing yourself. There’s no telling what you could do while you’re tripping, and you may not have a recollection of what went on. This could land you in a lot of trouble so be sure to be careful.

It’s important that you work at making sure you’re getting the professional help that you need if this is a drug that you’ve been taking. There are treatment options, whether they are outpatient or inpatient. Either way, you probably will need help getting off of the drug because your mental health may not be doing all that great. Make sure that you’re honest with those trying to help you so they can design a plan that works for you. Then you’ll be happy with the results and won’t have as many issues when taking on your addiction.

Now you’re able to see that this kind of drug isn’t something you should be on. It can help with colds and the like in low doses, but in high ones it causes too much trouble for people to be taking time and again. Take what you’ve learned and keep it in mind before using any kind of drug.

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