




Facts
Accidents, Suicide, and Murder. Alcohol plays a major role in more than half of all automobile fatalities. Less than two drinks can impair the ability to drive. Alcohol also increases the risk of accidental injuries from many other causes. One study of emergency room patients found that having had more than one drink doubled the risk of injury, and more than four drinks increased the risk eleven times. Another study reported that among emergency room patients who were admitted for injuries, 47% tested positive for alcohol and 35% were intoxicated. Of those who were intoxicated, 75% showed evidence of chronic alcoholism. This disease is the primary diagnosis in one quarter of all people who commit suicide, and alcohol is implicated in 67% of all murders. Reducing the risk of HIV/AIDS in drug users is an achievable goal. To prevent the spread of HIV and other blood-borne infections, drug users must reduce or eliminate those behaviors that place them and others at risk. Research has shown that appropriately designed prevention programs can reduce transmission of not only HIV but of other blood-borne diseases (e.g., hepatitis B [HBV], hepatitis C [HCV], and other sexually transmitted diseases [STDs]) as well. The most serious effect of using cocaine is the possibility of sudden death. It can happen after the first use or anytime thereafter. Sudden death can occur with cocaine use alone, but it more commonly occurs when cocaine is combined with alcohol or other drugs. More common side effects include irreversible damage to the heart and liver, along with damage inflicted by strokes and seizures. Cocaine users are also at risk for addiction. It occurs when drug use is no longer a voluntary choice but an uncontrollable compulsion. Some crack users report addiction after just one use. The point of ingestion determines the specific side effects. For instance, snorting powder cocaine over time will damage the septum and ulcerate the mucous membrane of the nose. Smoking crack cocaine can cause lung trauma and bleeding. Injecting cocaine into the veins often causes inflammation, infections, and carries a greater risk for contracting AIDS/HIV and hepatitis. When Colombia replaced Mexico in the early 1980s as the primary source of U.S. cocaine and marijuana, smuggling vast quantities through the South Florida peninsula, the Reagan Administration turned its focus to cocaine and marijuana control in the Western Hemisphere. In the late 1980s, the Bush Administration (1989-1993) continued the same cocaine policy but decreased federal attention on marijuana supply reduction. Bolivia and Peru quickly expanded their production of illicit coca in nontraditional growing areas of the Chapare and the Upper Huallaga Valley, two areas that remain the major source for the world's illicit coca. Surrounding and potential transit countries also became more involved in the cocaine smuggling enterprise. The Caribbean nations functioned as attractive transit points for both cocaine and marijuana from South America. As the United States placed more enforcement pressure on the Caribbean, the traffickers shifted their routes through Central America and Mexico. In the midto-late 1980s, Mexico became a principal transit and smuggling route for an estimated 50 percent of the cocaine entering the United States. In response to smuggler shifts, both Mexico and the United States have increased interdiction efforts along the joint southwest border and the U.S. 1992 Drug Control Strategy focuses its attention in Mexico predominately on improving cocaine interdiction. |
Addiction Treatment
Addiction treatment is needed when an individual finds that they have developed a drug or alcohol addiction which they are not able to successful end on their own. With the help of addiction treatment, addicted individual can get help to control their drug taking behavior and live happy and successful lives. There are several addiction treatment options available for drug and alcohol addiction. Some of these options include self-help groups, counseling, drug rehabilitation programs (in and out-patient), and residential treatment facilities. Each of these differ
in their aims and outcomes and elements of these addiction treatment options are often
combined.
Withdrawal
Withdrawal is what happens when a person who is addicted to drugs or alcohol discontinues use. There are numerous symptoms that take place both physically and emotionally when an addicted individual stops using. Withdrawal can last a few days to a few weeks and may include nausea or vomiting, sweating, shakiness, and anxiety. Keep in mind; this only occurs if a person has regular, heavy use of a drug or alcohol. Withdrawal can be extremely uncomfortable without professional help. Treatment for withdrawal from alcohol or drugs may require a medical professional to be present. Drug and alcohol rehabilitation is often the best way to overcome withdrawal and its symptoms as well as recovery from drug addiction.
Therapeutic Community
An effective therapeutic community attends to the many needs of the individual, not just his or her drug use. Care given at a therapeutic community addresses the individual's drug use and associated medical, psychological, social, vocational, and legal problems. Also, a therapeutic community will continue to be flexible and provide ongoing assessments of the individual's needs, which may change during the course of care.
Remaining in care at a therapeutic community for an adequate period of time is critical for treatment effectiveness. The time depends on an individual's needs. For most people, the significant improvement is reached at about 3 months in treatment.
Addict
An addict is an individual who has a compulsive urge to use drugs, to the point where they feel they have no effective choice but to continue use. An addict will continue their self destructive behaviors in order to feel good or to avoid
feeling bad. It can dominate their mind, and keep them coming back for more. The addiction can be
different for each addict, depending on their vice and the kind of person they
are.
Abstinence
Abstinence is the act or practice of refraining from indulging a desire. The type of abstinence we are referring to here is abstinence from drugs and alcohol. This term has two connotations when it comes to abstaining from drugs. The first refers to drug or alcohol treatment programs that aim to help an individual stop using drugs or alcohol for the rest of their lives. The time abstinence is also used in drug education and prevention. It refers to trying to stop children from ever using drugs.
|
|

To Find Drug Rehab and Treatment Centers in Newburgh Heights
Call toll free


Newburgh Heights Drug Rehab and
Alcohol Addiction Treatment Information
|