Drug Treatment Programs –Facts You Must Know

Here is an excellent article on Drug Treatment Programs…It is important for anyone considering a program to do some investigative research prior to admission.  Here at marijuana withdrawal, we offer sound advice on marijuana withdrawal treatment and marijuana withdrawal help for those struggling with a marijuana addiction.  Enjoy the article

 

Drug abuse is a widespread issue. The intensity of addiction depends upon the individual and behavior. It is disheartening to know that immature youth fall prey in to the trap without knowing the consequences. The only good news is that drug addiction is treatable. The treatment process is called drug rehabilitation. It aims to bring back the person to normal life and integrate him to the society. The process will involve techniques on how to avoid drugs, teaching new stress management skills and other emotional and behavioral treatments. The location of the center plays a vital role. It must be peaceful and should comfort the addicts. The treatment centers can be private or government operated. But in most cases, the private owned treatment centers may be expensive and highly successful.

It is quite shocking to check that there were over 2.4 million admissions to treatment centers were made in 2007 of which 25% are for alcohol abuse, 15% for marijuana and 15% for heroin in America. The average age group that enters the drug rehabilitation centers is between 35 and 40 years of age. Early exposure to drugs like marijuana, cocaine may spoil the health of the teenagers and affect their performance. Long term use can lead to addiction. The centers may have different treatment programs according to the needs of the individuals. There may be some addicts addicted to cocaine or marijuana or alcohol. Each needs a separate kind of treatment and not need a generic kind.

Drug treatment programs involve counseling and group therapy. The ultimate goal of any rehab program is to make the addict abstinent from the drugs. It will increase the productivity of the patient and try to build up good health and confidence. Withdrawal symptoms can be treated effectively. The success of the good programs is heavily dependent on the trained professionals who run the center. The individual talents and motivation from the staff can make a huge difference in the life of addicts. Patients must actively engage in the programs. No program can be highly successful without the co-operation of the patients. The courage and confidence must be obtained which results in better participation. Co-operation with the staff and confidence gaining can help in beating the addiction.

Rehab centers must have variety of programs to suit the various needs of the addicts. Choosing a drug rehab center is a crucial decision. The programs offered may comprise of inpatient, residential, outpatient, and/or short-stay options. Cost is an important factor and the price tag differs according to the programs. The kind of stay or program will be decided by the severity of the addiction. A clear understanding on what the programs offer is needed. The addict must know on what to expect from the program and what best he can offer as his contribution. The center must offer extended care program to monitor the success and behavior of the patients as a part of their program.

Drug Addiction and Risks:

Here is another great article on drug addiction and associated risks.  Here at Marijuana withdrawal we hope to provide you with up to date informatio on marijuana addiction and its associated problems

 

Drug addiction is compulsive use of a substance despite negative consequences which can be severe; drug abuse is simply excessive use of a drug or use of a drug for purposes for which it was not medically intended. Dependence on a substance is not necessary or sufficient to define addiction, there are some substances that don’t cause addiction but do cause dependence (for example, some blood pressure medications) and substances that cause addiction but not dependence (they are mainly characterized by depression).

 

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

 

Drug abuse can lead to drug dependence or addiction. Drug addiction may also follow the use of drugs for physical pain relief, though this is rare in people without a previous history of addiction. The exact reason of drug abuse and dependence is not yet known. The genetic make-up of the individuals, peer pressure, emotional distress, anxiety, depression, and environmental stress are all factors which seem to be involved. Children who grow up in an environment of illicit drug use may first see their elders using drugs. This may put them at a higher risk for developing an addiction later in life for both environmental and genetic reasons.

 

Commonly abused substances include:

 

· Opiates and narcotics are powerful painkillers with sedative and euphoric qualities. These include heroin, opium, codeine, Oxycontin and others.

 

· Central nervous system stimulants have a stimulating effect and can produce tolerance. These include amphetamines, cocaine, commonly used stimulants are caffeine and nicotine.

 

· Central nervous system depressants produce a soothing sedative and anxiety-reducing effect and which leads to dependence. These include barbiturates (amobarbital, pentobarbital, secobarbital). Commonly used depressants, by far, is alcohol.

 

· Hallucinogens produce psychological dependence. These include LSD, mescaline, psilocybin (”mushrooms”).

 

· Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the active ingredient found in cannabis, marijuana, and hashish. Although used for their relaxing properties, THC-derived drugs can also lead to paranoia and anxiety.

 

Drug intoxication and drug overdose may be accidental or intentional. Drug withdrawal symptoms can occur when use of a substance is stopped. Withdrawal symptoms vary, depending on the particular substance. The withdrawal symptom depends on the length of time the drug was being used. Drug intoxication, overdose, and withdrawal can be life-threatening in some situations.

 

Treatment for the person with drug addiction begins with the recognition of the problem. Though earlier “denial” was considered as a symptom of addiction, recent studies has shown that this symptom can be dramatically controlled if addicts are treated with love and care, rather than being told what to do or “confronted.” Treatment of drug addiction involves detoxification, support and abstinence. Emergency treatment may be indicated for acute cases. Often, there may be a loss of consciousness and the person may need special medical attention temporarily. The specific treatment depends on the drug. Detoxification is the gradual withdrawal of an abused substance in a controlled way. Sometimes a drug with a similar action is substituted during the withdrawal process to reduce the unpleasant symptoms and risks associated with withdrawal. If depression or other mood disorder exists, it should be treated appropriately. The need for treatment is underscored by the severity of illness of those who undergo detoxification and the societal costs of untreated substance use disorders.

Anxiety as a result of Marijuana Withdrawal?

I’ve smoked for about 2 years, although I rarely smoke more than 2 or 3 times a week. However, over the last few weeks, I’d say that I smoked 4 or 5 times a week. This past week, I was unable to smoke marijuana, and on the third weed-less day, I seem to have had a pretty severe panic attack. I started breathing really heavily, and felt overwhelmed by feelings of stress and anxiety, and I was crying uncontrollably. This lasted for about 15-20 minutes. Afterwards, I still felt anxious and stressed, but the physical symptoms had calmed down. Is it possible that this is connected to marijuana-use? I’ve never heard of withdrawal symptoms, but that is the only out-of-the-ordinary change I’ve had in the days leading up to the attack.

Marijuana withdrawal effects – What will my son feel?

My son just graduated college. He can’t get a job because of the economy (he has a B.S. in Electrical Engineering and a 3.7 GPA from Rutgers), but you probably would not guess that he is an ‘enthusiast’ of cannabis. He also would probably (unfortunately) not be able to get a job anyway because of his smoking pot. He’s been a “pot head” for a while now. My husband and I became aware how often he was smoking it. When we confronted him he said if he stops smoking now he feels uncomfortable and anxious. His doctor prescribed him a medication like Xanax called “Ativan.” What will that do? Will it help or will he feel better? Also are marijuana withdrawal effects that real? I never guessed they would even exist.

Effects of Commonly Used Drugs: Marijuana Withdrawal.org

Here is an excellent article on effects of some of the most commonly used drugs.  Here at marijuana withdrawal .org we hope to provide our readers with up to date information on marijuana withdrawal, marijuana withdrawal treatment, and marijuana withdrawal tips.

 

Drug abuse, involves the excessive and repeated use of a substance to escape reality to produce pleasure despite its destructive effects. The substances abused can be illegal drugs such as opium, cocaine, marijuana and their derivatives or legal substances used improperly, such as prescription drugs and inhalants like nail polish or gasoline.

 

Effects of Commonly Used Drugs:

 

· Marijuana: Believed to be the most commonly used illegal drug. Marijuana abuse has been linked to delinquent behavior, low achievement, and poor family relationships. However, there are drawbacks to extended use, including lung and respiratory problems caused by the smoke, learning and memory impairment, and infertility.

 

· Narcotic and Opioid Abuse: Narcotics side effects include vomiting, nausea, and sever itching. Withdrawing from narcotics is extremely unpleasant, with symptoms including muscle and joint pain, fever, chills, sweats, nausea, diarrhea, and stomach cramps.

 

In general, the more treatment received the greater the results. Drug and alcohol abusers who remain in treatment longer than 3 months typically have greater success than those who receive less treatment. Addicted individuals who undergo medically assisted drug or alcohol detox to minimize the discomfort of withdrawal symptoms but do not receive any further treatment, perform about the same in terms of their drug or alcohol use as those who are never treated at all.

 

· Depressants and Downer Abuse: Depressants, commonly known as opium, marijuana, cocaine, and their derivatives, are substances that slow down the central nervous system. Additionally, they may suffer from amnesia and delusions. Downers are highly addictive, and withdrawal is severe, with symptoms including cramps, nausea, and vomiting. When mixed with alcohol downers are lethal in high doses.

 

· Steroid Abuse: Steroid abuse causes blood pressure to skyrocket, decreases good cholesterol (HDL) while increasing bad cholesterol (LDL), triggers violent and aggressive behavior, results in severe acne, and brings growth to a halt in adolescents.

 

· Inhalant Abuse: Inhalants are chemicals, which cause intoxication when inhaled or sniffed. Highly huffing this comes with side effects including loss of consciousness, vomiting, nausea, delusions, and confusion. Prolonged inhalant abuse can also cause damage to the brain and other organs of the body. However, the biggest risk involved with inhalant use is death by overdose caused by sudden heart failure even in individuals who are young and healthy.

 

· Hallucinogen and Dissociative Drug Abuse: Hallucinogens and Dissociative drugs, also known as psychedelics, affect the user’s thought processes and sensory perceptions. Risks include a dangerous increase in body temperature, heart problems and liver damage.

 

· Stimulants and Upper Abuse: Stimulants, or uppers, are drugs which speed up the central nervous system. Stimulants abuse over time leads to symptoms such as hallucinations, paranoid thinking, anxiety, aggression, and sleep difficulties. Uppers overdose can result in heart failure, stroke, and death.

THC Detox: What is It? Marijuana Withdrawal .org

Here is another great article on THC. This chemical should not be taken for granted, as many users sem to neglect and/or believe its toxic effects.  Here at marijuana withdrawal .org we hope to provide our readers on up to date articles on marijuana withdrawal and marijuana withdrawal treatment and help.

 

Tertahydrocannabinol – this is what THC means. THC is the same substance found in marijuana. Marijuana is considered as a medicinal plant but it can be very addictive too. THC is marijuana’s active ingredient. Smokers retain this substance inside their system whenever they ingest, use, or smoke marijuana. It is the main substance that gives the plant its euphoric capabilities.

Marijuana is legal in some areas. In fact, many groups and individuals believe that marijuana is just as harmful as tobacco and alcohol – and both of them are legal. Given this fact, the government somehow fails to hear the pleas of concerned citizens to fully ban the cultivation and use of such plant. In certain places, marijuana can be grown freely. It can be cultivated inside one’s backyard both for medicinal uses and ornamental purposes.

The effect of THC in a person can be very derogatory. For starters, it can negatively affect one’s memory retention. THC can reduce your ability to learn as the substance interferes with your brain’s functions. And if taken in dangerous amounts, THC can bring about delirium, confusion, and anxiety. THC is usually absorbed into the person’s liver and fatty tissues. And it stays there for an extended period of time. The traces of THC can be detected in one’s urine. This is the reason why drug tests involve urinalysis.

Only detox can successfully remove THC from your body. The procedure may be long and tedious for those who are deeply addicted to marijuana or have been using it for a long period of time. What’s more, THC should be carefully removed from the body. Abrupt removal may cause withdrawal symptoms that are just as dangerous. The withdrawal symptoms can even be fatal to some people.

THC detox can only be carried out inside accredited rehabilitation centers or health centers. Health experts are tasked to diagnose the patient admitted in their ward. They need to determine the extent and the projected amount of THC present inside the person for the right procedures to be carried out. This is a very crucial step, because the wrong assessment may lead to the development of the withdrawal symptoms.

If you are not using marijuana regularly but would like to cleanse your body of the possible remnants of the substance, you can try to use THC detox pills that can be bought at special health stores. However, these pills are not supposed to be taken without the guidance of a doctor. Whether or not you’re addicted to marijuana, you are could suffer from withdrawal symptoms if you are not careful. And this is the hardest part in a detoxification process.

THC detox can be very challenging. THC is a toxin of the nerves. It damages the brain’s cells and works similar to a virus. These are the reason why taking this harmful substance out of the body is very important. If you keep it inside you longer, you might suffer severe health consequences in the future. Pursue THC detox and come clean

Effects Of Cannabis Addiction: Marijuana Withdrawal .org

Here is another good article on cannabis addiction.  Smokers must realize there will be effects on the body, and some of these may be detrimental. Here at marijuana withdrawal .org we hope to provide you with up to date articles on marijuana withdrawal symptoms and tips for getting help.  Enjoy the article

 

Cannabis is a plant that we commonly call marijuana, ganja in herbal form or hashish in resinous form. It has been commonly used way back prehistoric times. However, its use became prevalent in the 20th century when cannabis was utilized for religious, spiritual, medicinal and even recreational purposes. It was then that its possession, use or sale was prohibited. To date, the use of cannabis for drug use or cannabis addiction remains illegal all throughout the most parts of the world.

Psychologically, cannabis is already a recognized addictive drug. Cannabis addiction occurs when one’s mental and physical state are prominently altered due to its consumption. Although in Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV), there is no cannabis withdrawal syndrome, evidences show that cannabis addiction induces similar withdrawal symptoms to other drug addiction.

But unlike tobacco, cannabis addiction has not shown to cause lung cancer, chronic pulmonary disease or emphysema. It does not also cause birth defects to expectant mothers who are hooked to cannabis. Basically, cannabis addiction is less hazardous than addiction to tobacco, prescription drugs or alcohol.

Different users may experience different effects in cannabis addiction. Factors such as the dose, its potency, its chemical composition or its method of consumption are what elicit different levels of high in cannabis addiction. Long-term effects include, a feeling of euphoria, intense relaxation, laughter and giggle fits, increased appreciation for music, and either a feeling of intense pleasure or anxiety.

Forgetfulness, laziness, distorted perception, rambling, troubled concentration, inability of motor coordination, increased heart rate, spiritual talking and paranoia are some of the short-term effects of cannabis addiction. It is also shown to manifest its ill effects on the hippocampus (the part of the brain linked with learning and memory), thereby causing short-term memory impairment. Cannabis addiction has also been associated to other mental illnesses, from psychotic episodes to clinical schizophrenia.

Nevertheless, there is always a way out of cannabis addiction. The steps may be simple yet hard and requires extreme sense of commitment and dedication to move out of this addiction. Be willing to feel whatever painful feelings and take part in being responsible for them. Instead of avoiding them with your addiction, face them. Be conscious that you want to know what it causing your pain. Discover the thoughts and actions causing your pain. It should just come from within. Perseverance, will and devotion is all that it takes.

Effects on Student Workers Who Take Marijuana: Marijuana Withdrawal .org

Here is an interesting article on some of the effects that marijuana has had on students and workers. Here at marijuana withdrawal we hope to provide you with up-to-date research on some of the effects of marijuana.  There are numerous treatment options if you are struggling from marijuana withdrawal symptons along with its associated side effects. enjoy the article from contributing authors.

 

Students who smoke marijuana get lower grades and are less likely to graduate from high school, compared with their nonsmoking peers. A study of 129 college students found that, among those who smoked the drug at least 27 of the 30 days prior to being surveyed, critical skills related to attention, memory, and learning were significantly impaired, even after the students had not taken the drug for at least 24 hours.

These “heavy” marijuana abusers had more trouble sustaining and shifting their attention and in registering, organizing, and using information than did the study participants who had abused marijuana no more than 3 of the previous 30 days. As a result, someone who smokes marijuana every day may be functioning at a reduced intellectual level all of the time.

More recently, the same researchers showed that the ability of a group of long-term heavy marijuana abusers to recall words from a list remained impaired for a week after quitting, but returned to normal within 4 weeks. Thus, some cognitive abilities may be restored in individuals who quit smoking marijuana, even after long-term heavy use.

Workers who smoke marijuana are more likely than their coworkers to have problems on the job. Several studies associate workers’ marijuana smoking with increased absences, tardiness, accidents, workers’ compensation claims, and job turnover.

A study among postal workers found that employees who tested positive for marijuana on a pre-employment urine drug test had 55 percent more industrial accidents, 85 percent more injuries, and a 75-percent increase in absenteeism compared with those who tested negative for marijuana use. In another study, heavy marijuana abusers reported that the drug impaired several important measures of life achievement including cognitive abilities, career status, social life, and physical and mental health.

Research has shown that some babies born to women who abused marijuana during their pregnancies display altered responses to visual stimuli, increased tremulousness, and a high-pitched cry, which may indicate neurological problems in development.

During the preschool years, marijuana-exposed children have been observed to perform tasks involving sustained attention and memory more poorly than non-exposed children do. In the school years, these children are more likely to exhibit deficits in problem-solving skills, memory, and the ability to remain attentive. Long-term marijuana abuse can lead to addiction for some people. That is, they abuse the drug compulsively even though it interferes with family, school, work, and recreational activities. Drug craving and withdrawal symptoms can make it hard for long-term marijuana smokers to stop abusing the drug. People trying to quit report irritability, sleeplessness, and anxiety. They also display increased aggression on psychological tests, peaking approximately one week after the last use of the drug.

Marijuana-Health: Marijuana Withdrawal .Org

Here at Marijuana Withdrawal .org, we take great pride in providing some of the best information on the web in regards to Marijuana Withdrawal and Marijuana Withdrawal treament.  There is help for Marijuana Withdrawal symptoms.

Here is an excellent article on marijuana. What we really enjoyed was the extensive information on THC and its effects.

Approximately 25 years ago, marijuana became a cultural phenomenon, the symbol of one generation’s disregard for another. The marijuana found on the streets at that time, however, lacked the potency of current crops. Crossbreeding of more potent varieties, improved cultivation, and the part of the plant being used all contribute to increased levels of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the major psychoactive drug found in marijuana. Some marijuana currently grown in the United States rivals the previously stronger varieties of Mexico, Jamaica, and other areas. The THC percentage of Cannabis sativa (the Indian hemp plant from which marijuana is derived) in plants grown in the United States can range from 2% to as high as 7%.24 The higher the percentage of THC, the more potent the drug. Marijuana is composed of the dried leaves and flowering tops of the cannabis plant. Hashish, which has stronger effects, is processed from the resin of the plant. The resin is either dried and pressed into cakes or sold in liquid form called hash oil. Marijuana is used more extensively than hashish in the United States.

 

More than 400 known chemicals constitute marijuana. More than 60 of these are cannabin aids, chemicals found only in cannabis. THC is the cannabinoid that appears most responsible for the sensations experienced by marijuana users. Cannabinoids are different from other drugs in that they are fat soluble rather than water soluble; they have a decided affinity for binding to fat in the human body. Although other drugs enter and then leave the body within relatively short periods, marijuana tends to attach to fatty organs, such as the gonads and brain, and remain. A single ingestion of THC may require up to 30 days to be eliminated from the body.

 

Marijuana can be eaten in baked goods, such as brownies, but the effects tend to be less predictable. Because the amount ingested is more controlled, smoking is generally a more efficient and powerful technique for achieving the desired effect. When inhaled, THC reaches the brain in as little as 14 seconds. Hashish is so concentrated that a single drop can equal the effects of an entire marijuana joint (cigarette). Cannabis products are difficult to classify but are considered hallucinogens.

 

Small doses or short-term use of marijuana creates sensations of euphoria and relaxation, often accompanied by hunger or sleepiness. Time seems to slow, and the senses appear heightened. Memory of recent events, physical coordination, and perceptions may be impaired. Even with small amounts of marijuana, driving ability can be affected. Physiologically, heart rate speeds up and certain blood vessels become dilated, which may create problems for individuals with any type of heart problem. Some users experience anxiety, panic, and paranoia. In rare cases or with stronger doses, individuals may suffer from a sense of depersonalization, image distortion, and hallucinations. Chronic use seems to lead to behavioral changes in some people that may be permanent. Lack of motivation or interest in activities unrelated to drug use is one result. For example, students may have difficulty remembering events that occurred when they were high. Use by teenagers leads to impaired thinking, poor reading comprehension, and reduced verbal and mathematical skills.

 

All the long-term effects of marijuana use have not been determined. This is partly because of the lesser potency of marijuana used previously. In addition, individuals vary greatly in their responses to the drug. Chronic users may experience psychological dependence, and increased doses are needed as tolerance develops. Very heavy users experience withdrawal symptoms of restlessness, irritability, tremors, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and sleep disturbances

 

Physically, marijuana appears more carcinogenic than tobacco. Known carcinogens occur in larger amounts in marijuana, and when marijuana is smoked, the smoke is held in the lungs. Cannabis smoke contains more tars than tobacco smoke. Marijuana use quickly affects pulmonary function adversely, and long-term use causes cellular changes in the lungs. People who have angina pectoris (chest pains associated with heart disease) may be significantly at risk because more oxygen is required when using marijuana. Marijuana binds readily to hemoglobin, reducing the amount of oxygen carried to the heart and other tissues.

 

Many individuals consider cannabis an aphrodisiac. Over time it actually has the opposite effect, depressing the sex drive and causing impotence. Regular male users show a decrease in sperm count and reduced motility of sperm. Proportionately, more sperm appear abnormally shaped, a phenomenon associated with lessened fertility. In women, THC blocks ovulation. Pregnant women who smoke marijuana frequently use other drugs, all of which have a detrimental effect on the fetus. Marijuana also depresses the immune system.

 

Therapeutic use is still being explored. At this time the most promising application seems to be as an antinausea drug for chemotherapy patients. Glaucoma patients may have access to and may use marijuana to reduce intraocular pressure (pressure within the eye).

 

Marijuana is an illegal drug. Many people who use marijuana eventually experiment with or use other, “harder” drugs. As with alcohol and all other drugs, the way a person will react or who will be most adversely affected cannot be predicted. People do not begin use with the intention of having a drug become the focus of their life, but some ultimately allow a drug to control them. Marijuana is a drug that has that potential.

Myths And Facts About Marijuana: Marijuana Withdrawal . Org

Marijuana is a psychoactive drug extracted from flowering tops of female plants of cannabis sativa. Marijuana has a synthetic form of chemical THC, and used to treat few medical complications. In the United States, FDA has approved marijuana as a treatment option for cancer, and the symptoms of HIV, and influenza. According to Monitoring Future Survey 2007, among the students of 8th, 10th, and 12th grades observed a decline of 20% in marijuana drug abuse compared to last year.

Myths and Facts
Marijuana is popular drug among teens, and has adverse effects on health. The widespread perception about marijuana is a benign natural herb used in treatments, distracts the serious message that marijuana abuse is not good for everyone, especially for young teens. Therefore, it is good to know the myths and facts about the marijuana abuse.

Myth: Marijuana is harmless
Fact: Marijuana abuse is harmful in many ways. Memory loss, distorted perception, trouble in problem solving, and many more short-term effects of drug abuse. Potential ability of a student is disturbed with marijuana abuse. Poor academic performance, and cognitive deficits are few long-term effects of this abuse.

Myth: Marijuana is not addictive
Fact: Many people believe that marijuana is not addictive, but recent studies revealed that students are depending more on this drug. If the abuser of marijuana is not used the drug for a period then he can develop withdrawal symptoms like irritability, anxiety, difficulty in sleeping etc., and these makes it difficult to stop the abuse. Marijuana addiction is three times more serious than any other illicit drug addiction.

Myth: Marijuana offense is not severely
Fact: Many people considered police arrest the marijuana law violator but they did not give any imprisonment. In 2007, more than 2 million people were arrested for marijuana offense, and about more than 10,000 members are in prison. Despite of many criminal, and civil sanctions, marijuana is easily available.

Myth: Marijuana is not harmful than tobacco
Fact: The abuser assumes that abusing marijuana is not harmful than tobacco. Smoking marijuana is five times more harmful than tobacco. With both tobacco, and marijuana abuse, abuser observes the similar effects, but the affects of Marijuana drug abuse on body are more dangerous than effects of tobacco.

Myth: Marijuana is not popular as MDMA
Fact: According to National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 2.1 million Americans, age 12 and older had abused MDMA at least once in a year. The same report reveals, 25 million Americans age 12 or older abused marijuana once in their lifetime. These figures convey a clear message that marijuana abuse is more than MDMA abuse.

The above information helps you in knowing seriousness of Marijuana drug abuse. By discussing these facts, you can discuss and prevent kids from the drug abuse.

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