Alcohol Abuse Amongst Returning Soldiers

Recent studies show that National Guard and Reserve troops serving in Afghanistan and Iraq may 60% more likely to develop a drinking problem upon returning home. Many American soldiers are turning to alcohol as a way to cope with the memories of violence and death witnessed during combat. As many as one in eight of them will develop Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, which has been shown to often go hand-in-hand with binge drinking. Alarmingly, one study found that 26% of the soldier who did not binge drink prior to combat, began binge drinking upon their return.

Depression, anger, and the general challenges of readjusting to civilian life may all lead to alcohol abuse. Government and military officials are faced with the challenge of properly tending to the physical and emotional needs of those returning from a war zone, and providing prevention and recovery programs for addiction problems. Although it is thought by many that no one can be adequately prepared for the stressful effects of combat, they are doing what they can to provide support for returning soldiers. However, since the invasion of Afghanistan in 2001, the military's mental health services have been stretched to the limit.

If you or a loved one is abusing alcohol to cope with the feelings associated with combat exposure, seek help immediately. Studies have indicated that completion of the full U.S. military aftercare treatment program provides soldiers with their best odds for beating an alcohol abuse problem. In addition to traditional treatment methods, the military is experimenting with virtual technology that enables soldiers to re-enact their combat experiences and face the associated feelings head on. In addition, there other programs including Alcoholics Anonymous and Vet support groups to assist with recovery.

Social Drinking or Addiction?

The line between social drinking and addiction can appear to be a fine one. Individuals who choose to get drunk in the company of friends usually don't appear as alcoholics, but are they? Traditionally, the stereotype of someone with a drinking problem is the man who sits alone at the bar, or does his drinking in private. However, anyone who is abusing alcohol on a regular basis to get drunk may have a problem that is affecting their health.

One of the most common psychological assessments used to determine alcohol abuse or a drinking problem is the CAGE test. It is a short four question test, but may be as accurate as some of the more lengthy diagnostic tools.

C- Have you ever felt you should CUT DOWN on your drinking?

A- Have people ANNOYED you by criticizing your drinking?

G-Have you ever felt bad or GUILTY about your drinking?

E- EYE OPENER: Have you ever had a drink first thing in the morning to calm your nerves or
relieve a hangover?

A “yes” response to any of these questions may likely indicate a drinking problem. However, nowhere in the assessment does it ask about drinking alone versus drinking socially.

Studies have indicated that social drinking that involves binge drinking may result in alcoholism. Plus, social drinking itself has been shown to have some adverse health effects when it is done regularly. “Regular drinking” is considered drinking most days of the week. Men and women should not “regularly” drink more than 2-3 units of alcohol per day or they may suffer some liver damage. Although liver damage doesn't usually occur in people who are in their 20s and 30s, during peak drinking ages, it is thought by some health experts that we may have a liver disease epidemic within 15-20 years.

Binge drinking is never good for your health. Plus, moderation is advised to avoid problems with alcoholism. If you or someone you know is exhibiting signs of a drinking problem, seek professional help for treatment. Alcoholism is a serious disease that destroys lives and can eventually lead to death.

Chronic Pain Medications

More than 80 million Americans suffer from chronic pain. From back aches to migraines, there are all kinds of ailment that condemn people to a life of discomfort and the consistent need to take pain medications. Medications for chronic pain include over the counter drugs such as ibuprofen, aspirin, and acetaminophen, as well as prescription medications such as Hydrocodone, Oxycontin, Vicodin, Morphine, and Percocet. All of these substances may effect ones liver over a period of long term use and are considered toxins in the body. However, prescription medications are particularly dangerous, as they are commonly abused and pose the threat of addiction.

Prescription pain medications are powerful narcotics. In fact, many of the opioid based drugs such as Percocet and Oxycontin act on the body similarly to the way heroin does. They produce a feeling of euphoria and relieve feelings of discomfort. However, the body builds a tolerance to pain medications over time and more of the substance is needed for the same effect. This make these drugs highly addictive and a person who is constantly seeking the relief of relentless pain is most susceptible to having a problem. Therefor, chronic pain medications should be used sparingly and only as prescribed.

One should follow their doctors orders with any pain relief regimen. However, be aware that there are certain over the counter medications that can be taken in place of or in addition to prescription medications. This may help an individual avoid prescription drugs or cut back on the number they have to take to be comfortable. Overdosing on pain medications or taking them improperly creates a high risk for an addiction problem. Also, it is important to consider that the more pain medications one takes, the less the body is capable of producing endorphins, its own natural pain killer.

Although chronic pain is an unfortunate plight, affecting more than a quarter of all Americans on a daily basis, people must consider the effects of the medications they are taking. If you are one of those who is suffering, be sure to talk to your doctor about alternative forms of pain management, and take any pain medications responsibly.

Teen Heroin Use

Only 71% of teenagers disapprove of legalizing the private use of heroin. Alarmingly, the rest of them are not seeing the dangers of this highly addictive substance. Heroin destroys lives, poses health risks, and can eventually lead to death. It is known as a “hard drug” to most people, but more and more teens seem to believe that heroin use isn't going to kill them. Unfortunately, statistics are showing an increase in the number of teens using harder drugs. Heroin is being sold and used inside the walls of our U.S. high schools.

Heroin appears as a fine powder, ranging in color from light brown to almost black. In it's purest form, it can also appear white, resembling powdered sugar. The most common method of using heroin is by injection. However, due to an increase in the purity of our nation's heroin supply, snorting the drug or smoking it are also becoming popular methods of use. Many teens believe that heroin is not dangerous or that it is “safer” when it is used this way.

Warning signs of teen heroin use include track marks, or puncture wounds on the inside of the arm, and the presence of paraphernalia such as needles. However, the biggest sign of drug use is a dramatic change in a person's life. Teens may start to struggle academically, hang out with a new set of friends, withdrawal from family and other responsibilities, and neglect hygiene. Additional signs of heroin use include a runny nose, slurred speech, and loss of motivation.

Teen heroin use is often preceded by the abuse of alcohol, marijuana, and tobacco. Also, it is not uncommon for a teen who becomes addicted to prescription pain killers to later switch to heroin. These two drugs are similar in composition. Recent studies suggest that as many as 1.3% of all high school students have used heroin at some point in time.

If your teen or someone you know is using heroin, seek medical attention immediately. It is highly addictive. Plus, the detoxification associated with heroin is extremely unpleasant. Heroin withdrawal is easier when it occurs under the care of a physician who can prescribe medications for the symptoms. Plus, extensive behavioral therapy will need to take place in order to discourage future drug use or break the cycle of addiction.

Opiates list, Opiate Detox, Opiate Withdrawal and More...

An Opiate is a narcotic drug that contains opium or any derivative of opium. Opiates are only available by prescription and con not be purchased over-the-counter. When taken for an extended period of time, the body reacts to the continual outward supply of painkillers by stopping the production of Endorphins, the bodies natural painkiller. The body becomes dependent on these opiates and when stopped abruptly the body responds with withdrawal symptoms. First, we will take a look at what some of the most commonly abused Opiate drugs are, then take a look at withdrawal symptoms and how to survive detox. This is a general Opiate List of some of the most well known opiates with which most people are familiar:

• Opium
• Heroin
• Codeine
• Fentanyl
• Hydrocodone
• Methadone
• Morphine
• Darvocet
• Percocet
• Vicodin

Detox is the most difficult part of stopping a drug addiction. The first week to two weeks is the most severe. Common symptoms many people experience as the body tries to adjust to the cravings without the "fix" are:

• Irritability
• Insomnia
• Diarrhea
• Night Sweats
• Depression
• General Aches and Pains

While there are some over-the-counter remedies that can help with some of these symptoms, one must be very careful in the drugs they choose to help them in their recovery and treatment. Ibuprofen or Naproxen may be taken for aches and pains, valerian root or kava root may be effective in helping with the insomnia, but probably the best help is a regular regimen of a healthy diet, exercise, fresh air and sunshine. A combination of these can help combat the cravings and lessen the severity of the depression and irritability.

Depending on the schedule (ranking of the drugs properties that indicate how addictive the drug is) ranking of the drug one is addicted to will have some effect on how severe withdrawal symptoms are and how long recovery time is as well as how long the cravings will continue after detox. For many people a drug treatment center is the most effective form of treatment because they have a lot of support to help them through each stage of recovery.

Prescription Drug Abuse, Addiction, and Statistics

According to new teen drug use reports issued last week, by the U.S. National Institute on Drug Abuse, prescription drug use amongst teens is still on the rise. Especially popular with teenagers is the use of prescription drug, Adderall, which is prescribed to treat ADHD. Prescription painkillers such as Vicodin and OxyContin are also becoming their drug of choice. Most teens admit they are able to obtain these drugs from medicine cabinets of friends and family, while very few report actually buying them.

Teens are not the only ones struggling with pain killer addiction and abusing prescription medications. Just this year, this world lost an icon when Michael Jackson lost his life with a drug overdose. And just this week, in the wake of losing a great actress, Brittany Murphy, to unknown causes it seems everyone is jumping to the conclusion that she suffered from an eating disorder and prescription drug overdose. Even though the toxicology report will not come out for weeks, and there were no signs of anything other than a natural cause of death, the media is trying to justify how someone so young could die of "natural causes".

Well, according to painkiller abuse statistics:

• The U.S. is the worlds largest consumer of painkillers.
• The U.S. uses 71% of the world's oxycodone, and 99% of the world's hydrocodone, or Vicodin.
• In 2006 a survey showed 7 million people abused prescription or OTC drugs in the last 30 days.
• Between 1995 - 2002 emergency room visits related to painkillers rose 153%.
• Admission to drug treatment for prescription drug abuse rose 321% from 1995-2005.
• Deaths from painkillers rose 160% from 1999 to 2004.

IF Michael Jackson and Brittany Murphy became addicted to prescription drugs, or lost their lives due to this terrible and tragic addiction then our world has lost two MORE great people. Because these people are well known their deaths are covered in detail for weeks or months. But, according to statistics they are not alone, nor are their family and friends who are having to deal with the loss of a loved one over a terrible addiction. IF any good can come out of these tragic situations, perhaps the media coverage will help people realize that prescription drug abuse is a problem. If you or a loved one is struggling with a prescription drug abuse problem, now is the time to get help, get into a drug treatment program today, before it's too late.

Tennessee Drug Treatment Programs

Finding the right drug treatment center can be difficult. There are many factors to consider. We will list several drug treatment centers in Tennessee and hopefully you can find one close to you with a program that may work for you. If you don't find what you are looking for please visit 4DrugRehab.com.

Harbor House, Inc. - This is a drug treatment center based in Memphis with special programs for men. They offer substance abuse treatment, acts as a halfway house, offer detoxification, and they are a 24 hour non-hospital treatment center. For more information please call 1-901-743-1836.

Pathways of TN - Located in Union City this is an outpatient drug treatment center with special programs for DUI/DWI offenders. Phone: (731) 885-9333

Tennessee Christian Medical Center Center for Addictions - Specializes in a mix of mental health and substance abuse. This center also accommodates adolescents, people with HIV/AIDS, and acts as a halfway house for criminal justice clients. Hotline: (800) 467-8262

Place of Hope Inc - Offers substance abuse treatment, a halfway house, and programs for DUI/DWI offenders. Located in Columbia, TN, they provide outpatient, partial hospitalization/day treatment, and non-hospital residential (24 hour) care. Phone: (931) 388-9406