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Four Reasons to Enter Drug Abuse Treatment Before Summer

Entering drug abuse treatment now will help you have a fun and sober summer.  When was the last time you really were able to enjoy the season? Right now, the chill is still in the air, and spring has not yet arrived in most parts of the country you have the opportunity to get 90 […]

Important Things to Look for in an Addiction Treatment Program

Entering an addiction treatment program is not something most women do on a whim.  Many women recognize the need for substance abuse treatment long before they enter a rehab program, still others hit rock bottom before they recognize that things need to change.  No matter which situation you are in, there are some important things […]

The Effects of Drug Abuse on Your Pancreas

Many of the effects of drug abuse on our bodies are well known. Often, because of denial about our drinking and drug problems, we pretend that our bodies can handle the effects of alcohol and other drugs; that it adjusts to our intake and that our bodies work as efficiently as they always have. However, too much of anything is never a good thing, and in the case of heavy drinking, the pancreas is one of the organs that takes a heavy hit. What exactly are the effects of drug abuse on your pancreas? To understand the effects, we need to know more about the pancreas.

What is the pancreas? What does it do?

The pancreas is an organ embedded deep in the center of your body. About the size of a medium banana, it is located between the stomach and the spine. It functions as an endocrine gland, producing several hormones, the most notable of which is insulin. It also functions as an exocrine gland, secreting digestive enzymes that aid the breakdown of food products from the stomach. Because it is so small, you cannot feel it from the outside of your body, even if something is wrong. Problems with it are usually not detected until damage is severe enough to involve other organs.

Dealing With Drug Abuse and Addiction in a Spouse

Drug abuse and addiction are difficult for anyone to deal with, but can be especially difficult if you are on the outside, watching a spouse go through a troubling situation. Not only are you feeling the effects of the addiction, you also have to watch someone who you love so much suffer. When it comes to drug abuse and addiction in your spouse, what can you do?

Helping A Spouse With Drug Abuse and Addiction
Recognizing the Problem
Dealing with drug abuse and addiction means that someone needs to recognize that a problem exists. You might be tempted to pretend like the issue is not there because you do not want to cause problems in your marriage. However, be honest with yourself and your spouse. Hiding the problem will not make it go away and certainly cannot make it better.Talking About the Issue. You are likely the closest person in the world to your spouse, so you are may to have to start a conversation about it. Of course, you could ask your spouse’s best friend or sibling to help, but do not get too many people involved. Feeling “ganged up on” is not going to help the situation at all. Make sure your spouse knows you are concerned and that you are there to offer support. If you decide to have an intervention to handle the drug abuse and addiction, ask for professional help.

How widespread is Methamphetamine Abuse?

Methamphetamine abuse is all over the news, but how widespread is it? Amongst the most abused and dangerous drugs in America is methamphetamine. It’s known in many forms and by many names: meth, crystal, crank. But it’s all the same drug with the same detrimental consequences.
Methamphetamine is a highly addictive stimulant that affects the central nervous system. It is a white, odorless, bitter-tasting powder that easily dissolves in water or alcohol. A derivative of amphetamine, methamphetamine causes increased activity, talkativeness and gives the user a sense of well-being. Methamphetamine mostly comes from superlabs, however home brews are widespread and dangerous to not only the user, but those that are in the physical area.

Meth has been idealized and even romanticized in different breeds of popular culture. Most people can recognize the music that discusses the usage of the drug. Artists singing about the topic of addiction and abuse (in both positive and negative connotations) includes My Chemical Romance, Fall Out Boy, Hollywood Undead, and Rick Ross. It’s history, surprisingly, includes official government sanctioning and usage in the military. While in conflict, it wasn’t uncommon for soldiers to be feed “Go Pills.” These were, of course amphetamines. Methamphetamine was one of the more common forms of the Go Pill available. Methamphetamine abuse in veterans is a considerable problem.

10 Tips for Getting Through Medical Detox and Alcohol Withdrawal

Medical detox is the first step in the road to recovery. This is also one of the most difficult steps. You will most likely experience unpleasant symptoms during alcohol withdrawal, such as chills, fever, depression, cravings and anxiety. You may even experience blackouts. Fortunately, there are things that you can do to make the process […]

Dealing with substance dependence through family therapy

Substance dependence affects more than just the user.  That’s why we feel so strongly about ensuring that family therapy programs are an integral part of everyone’s recovery process.  Although it’s just one tool in the recovery treatment box, it can be very effective at understanding and in some cases overcoming underlying family issues. Can Family […]

Understanding the Effects of Alcoholism on the Skin

The effects of alcoholism can be very serious on the entire human body. Addiction to alcohol can cause numerous internal health problems including liver disease, high blood pressure and cancer. But, it can also take a big toll on your physical appearance as well. In fact, alcoholism and alcohol abuse can impact your skin in some pretty significant ways.

Ten Statements That Deny Your Drug Abuse and Addiction Problem

Drug abuse and addiction problems can be devastating to an individual and a family.  Unfortunately, many people don’t recognize they have a problem with substance abuse until they’ve hit the bottom or run into trouble with the law or loved ones.  So, when do you know that drug abuse and addiction are taking over your […]

10 tips for overcoming addiction from drug abuse program graduates

A drug abuse program or overcoming your addiction may sound impossible to you right now. However, there are many resources available to help you! Here are 10 tips to help you walk through the best journey you will ever choose to take, we hope you follow through with them and achieve a successful path to […]