Wirat Muenpan asked:


For many people, contact with the criminal justice system is their first opportunity for substance abuse treatment. It provides information on the substance abuse treatment system and its clients on the reference date. N-SSATS provides the mechanism for quantifying the dynamic character and composition of the United States substance abuse treatment delivery system. Many people in treatment for substance abuse have other complex problems, such as co-occurring mental disorders, homelessness, or involvement with the criminal justice system. Create an integrated system of referral and treatment for substance abuse that is consistent with the referral and treatment process of other chronic diseases.

Information about the costs of substance abuse, impact of substance abuse, and prevention and treatment are provided at this site. Rensselaer County has long been an advocate for substance abuse prevention and treatment. Objectives Statewide formulation and implementation of a state plan for prevention, intervention, treatment, and recovery of substance abuse. Finding effective treatment for and prevention of substance abuse has been difficult. Probationers receive substance abuse treatment, life skills training, relapse prevention, and educational and vocational training in a modified therapeutic community format. Provide design and evaluation of programs related to substance abuse prevention and treatment.

Despite this increase, little research is being done on adolescent substance abuse treatment and prevention. Without additional prevention and treatment resources, the child welfare system will continue to wage a war against substance abuse that it cannot win. The statement concludes with specific recommendations for financing substance abuse prevention, assessment, and treatment for children and adolescents. The listings below show the Department’s substance abuse treatment and prevention programs by city. The Center will conduct behavioral, epidemiologic, and evaluation studies on the prevention and treatment of substance abuse.

The program is intended to be provided as a component of substance abuse treatment or through family and community service agencies. Delaware’s internationally-acclaimed, 3-step substance abuse treatment program is proven to be successful in rehabilitating drug offenders. Even if a victim is able to complete a substance abuse treatment program, being revictimized is predictive of relapse. The program was modified during implementation at two women’s residential substance abuse treatment programs. The delegation explored bringing an intensive substance abuse treatment program to their region and chose Delaware’s model to study. In Pennsylvania, a child covered by the private program currently will receive no substance abuse treatment benefits.

Also troubling is that this Cdouble stigma occurs among drug users who are addressing their addiction by attending a substance abuse treatment program. Renascence Renascence is a day treatment program for HIV-positive individuals with past or present substance abuse issues. Our nomadic wilderness treatment program incorporates an innovative, holistic approach to issues such as substance abuse, anxiety, depression, and difficulties with relationships. A substance abuse evaluation must be completed before you can be admitted to any treatment program in the Lincoln area. Because he experienced a treatment program that met his needs, he has a better understanding about substance abuse and addiction. He has to pay for his own transportation - bus, train or plane to get to the substance abuse treatment program. The Crest program allows recovering substance abusers to continue their treatment as they transition to the community.

Therefore, the AAFP supports full parity for substance abuse treatment in health care plans. The MAP consists of goals, action steps, and indicators for improving access to health care including substance abuse treatment. Whether these recommended practices come from the substance abuse treatment, children’s mental health, child welfare or family support arenas, common themes emerge across disciplines. Minkoff answers questions related to best clinical practices in the treatment of co-occurring mental health and substance abuse disorders.

States are assessing how work-first policies (work requirements, definitions of work activities, and sanctions) impact treatment for substance abuse and mental health problems. Women show a greater tendency than do men to seek help for health matters, but not in specialized substance abuse treatment settings (21). Integrated mental health and substance abuse centers provide mental health treatment and substance abuse treatment simultaneously. Providers reported that approximately 80% of youth who were court-ordered to treatment in regional mental health institutes also had substance abuse problems. It reports on the current state of medical and mental health treatment and how this affects people with substance abuse disorders and HIV/AIDS.

Increase the number of admissions to substance abuse treatment for injection drug use. JCAHO is the gold standard in accreditation for drug and substance abuse treatment facilities. NCRPG developed a social indicator model of interstate substance abuse treatment needs that includes both drug and alcohol components. Learn about symptoms of alcoholism, drug addiction, substance abuse and treatment centers. Our substance abuse treatment campus extends over a 40-acre manicured estate, providing a serene and healing drug rehab environment.

Providing comprehensive substance abuse advice and education regarding options for intervention, drug treatment, and continuing care. rural residency, and marital status, substance abuse treatment providers should also integrate the following recommendations specific to the alcohol/other drug treatment system. A comprehensive guide to the best drug rehabs, residential substance abuse treatment and detox centers for adults, adolescents, and troubled teens. http://www.abuse-substance-treatment.com/



Colin

Nick Johnson asked:


It’s something most of us don’t want to talk about, but the problem of nursing home abuse is surprisingly widespread. Neglect, rather than actual abuse is more common, but the numbers speak for themselves - around a million residents in nursing homes are abused or neglected every year.

Although the problem has existed for years, it has only recently been seriously addressed. The first comprehensive report on nursing home abuse which actually analyzed reports from across the country was undertaken in 2001 at the instigation of Senator Henry Waxman, (Democrat-California).

The report studied a two year period from 1999 to 2000 and found that around 30% of the 17,000 or so nursing homes in the United States were cited for some kind of abuse. The report also found that on occasion, residents were actually attacked by other residents and staff members.

Abuse in nursing homes is often described as “institutional abuse” and there are several different types. Abuse can be physical, emotional, psychological, and even sexual. And many examples of abuse only come to light when residents or families actually complain.

So if your loved one is in a nursing home, what can you look for to make sure this isn’t happening? Ascertaining nursing home abuse can be difficult, as often residents have limited means to communicate. Identifying abuse can require frequent visits and observant monitoring.

Physical abuse is perhaps the easiest kind of abuse to identify. Signs include any kind of unexplained injuries such as cuts, wounds or bruising. Also, look for unreasonable physical restraint or forcing a resident to stay in his or her room for a long time.

Medication is an area where neglect or abuse can occur. Residents can be abused by either being given too much or not enough medication. Staff in nursing homes that have the job of administering medication to residents are required to be trained and experienced in this area.

Nursing home abuse can also be emotional or verbal. Residents who have been abused in this way may seem upset, agitated or withdrawn. They may also exhibit aggressive, insulting or humiliating behavior towards friends and family.

And be watchful for any unusual or obsessive behavior such as rocking, hugging oneself or nail biting. Also, try to observe a resident interact with a caregiver - they both should be comfortable in each other’s company. If a resident is withdrawn or fearful, it may be a warning sign of emotional abuse.

Sexual abuse is a terrible thing, but it occurs more often than is believed. Many seniors with dementia are particularly vulnerable, and sadly, many staff have not been adequately vetted before being employed. Some things to look for would be torn or bloody clothing, unexplained genital infections or venereal disease.

There are other warning signs. Any injury that occurs inside a nursing home that necessitates the need for a hospital visit or emergency treatment should raise a red flag. And you should be suspicious if a resident’s injuries or illness are not immediately reported to a family member or doctor.

One type of abuse which is particularly difficult to spot is financial exploitation. Some examples of this might include stealing or misusing resident’s possessions; cashing checks or forging signatures. Many elderly residents have little or no knowledge of how much money they have and when bills are due.

There are certain things you can do if you are trying to choose a nursing home for a loved one. Apart from talking to the residents and the administrator, try talking to some of the staff and the residents’ families. And according to Medicare regulations, you also have the right to see a copy of the most up to date state survey.

Try to visit a nursing home at different times of day or night, nursing homes are routinely not as well staffed at weekends or late evenings. Try to visit during meal times and ascertain the quality of the food, and whether residents are being assisted with their meals. Some facilities will allow you to eat with the residents.

Nursing home abuse is a terrible thing, and not always easy to identify. Having made the decision to put your loved one in a nursing home, it’s partly up to you to make sure they are getting the care they need, they may not be able to do it themselves.



Brian

quinlanmurray asked:


Steroids abuse occurs when people begin to consume steroids for reasons other than medically prescribed ones. Steroids are mostly known to have performance enhancing, muscle building and other androgenic effects. The immediate physical results obtained by their use seem so alluring that a lot of people opt for non-prescribed usage. This paves way for steroids abuse.

Just think about how you would take medicine to cure a cold. How many times have you wondered whether it will be addictive? Almost none, so the same happens in the case of steroids abuse too.

In most cases, those who take in steroids are unaware of the harmful consequences. That is one reason it is always recommended to seek professional or medical advice before going ahead with a steroids cycle.

Common Reasons for Steroids Abuse

Cases of steroids abuse are most common among sportsmen and athletes. This enhances performance enhancement and increases endurance. Sportspersons like Barry Bonds, Marion Jones and Tim Montgomery were stripped of all their records when they were proved to have steroids abuse. Bodybuilders have continued use of steroids to obtain an enviable musculature along with a reduced recovery time after workouts. Non athletes also become victims of steroids abuse for the same reasons. A lot of people take steroids to shed extra fat and improve their physical appearance.

Common Steroids used in Steroids Abuse

Usually, steroids are not legally available in countries like the US, without a medical prescription. However, some steroids like fluxoymesterone, nandrolone (deca-durabolin), and durabolin can be obtained without much monitoring. Veterinary steroids like mibolerone and trenbolone are also available and abused.

More Facts About Steroids Abuse:

Here are some more facts about steroids abuse:



To prevent steroids abuse, the US government has categorized anabolic steroids as ‘Controlled Substances’ under the Anabolic Steroids Control Act of 1990. This means they cannot be sold legally without a prescription.



A shocking revelation by The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) concluded that more than half a million of adolescents aged between 13-16 years were using steroids, without even knowing what the consequences were.



For those been victims of steroids abuse, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services offers help through Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s Center for Substance Abuse Treatment.



Steroids use has both physical and mental implications and steroids abuse. As the bodily capabilities and metabolism rates are varied in most people, it makes no sense to jeopardize our mental and physical health to match others who use steroids to stay fit.

To know more about steroids abuse and its implications, visit www.Steroids.ro.



Bruce

Olinda Rola asked:


Alcohol abuse effects can be far-reaching and devastating. The effects of alcohol abuse not only have consequences for the drinker but those around her or him as well. Alcohol abuse effects can be both psychological and physical. Alcohol consumption causes changes in behavior. The physical effects of alcohol abuse can be experienced with as little as one or two drinks. Impaired judgment and coordination needed to operate a car safely may result in the drinker having an accident.

Alcoholism is an illness where alcoholic beverage consumption is at a level that interferes with physical or mental health, and negatively impacts social, family or occupational responsibilities. Alcohol abusers are drinkers that may drink excessively at various times with resulting immediate alcohol abuse effects at the time of excess alcohol consumption.

The immediate physical effects of alcohol abuse can be experienced as soon as ten minutes after drinking begins. With continued alcohol consumption on that occasion, the immediate effects of alcohol abuse worsen and become more serious.

Here are five of the immediate physical alcohol abuse effects:

1. Inhibitions Become Reduced - at a blood alcohol concentration of 0.05, changes in a person’s behavior begins to be noticable. Alcohol abuse effects and reduced inhibitions can put a person at higher risk for actions they would otherwise not participate in, such as sexual activity, continued drinking or illegal drug use.

2. Loss of Muscle Control - at the level of 0.10, slurred speech will likely be evident. Impaired judgement and poor coordination are physical effects of alcohol abuse that can lead to falls and accidents.

3. Memory Loss and/or Blackouts - since alcohol depresses the brain’s control mechanisms, as blood alcohol levels increase, periods of time and certain situations and events may not be remembered afterward.

4. Stupor - at a blood alcohol concentration of 0.40, a person can hardly function, acting seriously dazed and confused.

5. Coma - at a blood alcohol level of 0.50, a person is at risk for coma, which can be life-threatening. And at this level or higher, respiratory paralysis and death become very much a possibility.

Other alcohol abuse effects that are short-term include nausea, hangovers, headaches and fatigue. The longer a person abuses alcohol over time, the higher the chances of other alcohol abuse effects being experienced and alcohol dependency developing. The most severe form of alcoholism is ‘alcohol dependency’. Physical alcohol dependence is characterized by withdrawal symptoms when alcohol consumption is interrupted, by tolerance to the effects of alcohol abuse and by the presence of alcohol-related illnesses.

Malnutrition can develop from a reduced appetite plus inadequate absorption of nutrients in the intestinal tract and from consuming ‘empty’ calories in alcohol. Calories from alcohol are called ‘empty’ calories since alcohol contains no beneficial nutrients, vitamins or minerals.

And with continued alcohol consumption and abuse over years, many of the body organs will be affected. Alcohol is especially harmful to the liver since the liver does most of the work of breaking down alcohol. Alcohol destroys liver cells, and it destroys the ability of liver cells to regenerate. This condition leads to progressive imflammatory injury to the liver and eventually can result in cirrhosis of the liver.

Additional long term alcohol abuse effects include damage to the brain, high blood pressure, heart muscle damage, nerve damage, pancreatitis, bleeding in the esophagus, erectile dysfunction in men, fetal alcohol syndrome in the offspring of alcoholic women, insomnia, depression and increased cancer risks.

If you or someone you know may have problems with alcohol and you’d like to learn more about alcoholism and perhaps seek help, there are proven resources available. It is never too late to begin recovery from alcohol addiction and alcohol abuse effects.

Copyright 2006 InfoSearch Publishing



Colin

John Morris asked:


Elder abuse is described by the following acts among family and members of the household, any nursing home staff or any individual.

- When somebody attempts or causes physical injury to an elder - When the family member or staff of a nursing home try to or is trying to place an elder in terror or alarm of physical harm by torment, threat or harassment - When one is convincing or persuading an elder by strength or intimidation to participate in a certain act from which the elder has the right to withhold - When one meaningfully confines the movements of an elder without his consent - Threatening the elder to a crime of violence

1. Detecting Abuse:

- Burn markings from cigarette - Black eye, lacerations, bruises or cuts that can not be explained - Rope marks, a sign that the elder had been tied or slashed upon - Hair loss, a sign that the elder’s hair was pulled - Bodily sores and wounds - Fingernails that are broken - The elder’s skin is very poor condition - Fractures of the bone - Bite marks - Eye glasses are broken - Laboratory results are positive of drug overdose - The elder displays a sudden change of behavior - The care giver refuses to allow visitors to see the elder

2. Signs Of Neglect:

- Sores are untreated - Displays significant signs of malnutrition - May show signs of insanity - Lack of personal hygiene care

3. Signs Of Emotional Abuse:

- May display a nervous behavior - Constantly be disturbed or upset - Displays a negative attitude - Always in anxiety - Demonstrate signs of insecurity, such as constant sucking or biting of the fingers

4. Financial Abuse:

- Unknown withdrawal from the elder’s account - Unusual ATM withdrawals and switching of accounts - The elder tend to withdraw money often - The elder does not receive his pension or Social Security check from the mail - The elder, without any valid reason, revises his will and changes his beneficiary - The elder unexplainably signs contracts that results to unwanted financial commitment - Signature was forged - The elder has plenty of unpaid bill, despite his assets that can very well cover the bill - Strange credit card charges

5. Signs Of Sexual Abuse

- Mysterious and unexplained genital infection - Anal or vaginal bleeding that can not be explained - Ripped underwear - The elder may tell someone that she has been sexually abused - Genitals are bruised - The elder may report that her care giver is showing her pornographic materials - The report of the elder that she is forced to touch someone’s genitals, observe sexual acts, tell dirty stories and pose nude for a picture

6. How Can You Prevent Abuse To Yourself As An Elder?

- Keep and continue contacts with friends and neighbors - Work out on a buddy system with other elders in the home - Be active socially, do not be in isolation - Protest and speak up if you are not happy or contented with the way your caregiver or other family member treats you. Tell somebody - Request your friends and other relatives to visit you often - Open your mail personally - Never sign anything unless it was reviewed by someone that you trust - Always review your will once in a while - Coordinate so that your pension or Social Security check be deposited directly to your bank account than being sent by mail

7. How Can You Prevent Abuse To Others?

- Pay attention. Be wary and look out for signals that might point towards abuse - Call your loved one as frequently as possible - Visit your loved one often and make certain that she is well taken cared of - Always be open to your loved one, taking the time to always talk to her and assure her that you are there to help and can be trusted - Get permission to periodically look into your loved one’s bank accounts as well as credit card statements for unauthorized withdrawals or transactions

8. How To Get Help If You Or Someone You Know Is Suffering Abuse:

911 or your local police emergency number or your local hospital emergency room

1225 Eye Street, NVW Suite 725 National Center on Elder Abuse Washington, DC 20005 (202) 898-2586 Fax: (202) 898-2583

Area Agency on Aging Almost all States have information as well as a referral line that can be useful and helpful in locating and finding services for elder abuse and neglect victims.

National Domestic Violence Hotline The hotline provides support counseling for victims of domestic violence and provides links to 2,500 local support services for abused women. The hotline operates 24 hours a day, every day of the year. 1-800-799-SAFE TDD 1-800-787-3224



Geoff

Greg Roy asked:


It’s no secret that alcohol abuse is alive and well in high schools and college campuses across America. New research studies seek to investigate the root causes of teen alcohol abuse: the relationship between heavy drinking and social anxiety.

According to a recent report by the National Institute of Health (NIH), anxiety is a psychological risk factor associated with heavy or problem drinking among teenagers.

Along with anxiety and other psychological factors, the NIH report suggests that an impulsive personality and a family history of alcohol abuse may be additional risk factors for problem drinking.

People with social anxiety, both teenagers and adults alike, can benefit from these findings by taking action to eliminate risk factors for alcohol abuse and address their anxiety. Social anxiety is the most common type of anxiety disorder, affecting 15% of all Americans. Social anxiety, also known as social phobia, is diagnosed as overwhelming anxiety, fear, and self-consciousness in everyday social situations.

It triggers a host of physical symptoms, anxious thoughts, and avoidance behaviors. Often involved is a strong feeling of anxiety that others are looking at or judging them. The stress from this anxiety is often most pronounced during teen years and is often negated by alcohol abuse.

What You Can Do As A Parent?

Ask your teen why he or she drinks. Is it to help alleviate social fears and anxieties? To fit in, and not be judged? If so, explain to them the reality of the situation. They may be using alcohol in a vain attempt to cope with the root cause: social anxiety.

Drinking large amounts of alcohol may mask the problem for a few brief hours. However, once the mask comes off, the anxiety returns as strong as ever. Teen alcohol abuse does not cure social anxiety.

In fact, instead of curing one problem, teen alcohol abuse creates another. Instead of one problem to overcome, there are now two problems, social anxiety AND alcohol abuse.

Here are several ways you can empower your teenager to address the root causes of social anxiety, instead of masking the problem with heavy drinking.

1. Change their expectations about what alcohol can do for their stress level. National Institute of Health research indicates that when a teen EXPECTS that alcohol will relieve stress and lead to higher levels of social acceptance, it leads to increased drinking.

Problem drinkers tend to believe these two thoughts. In fact, there is much debate as to whether this assumption is actually true.

While some studies suggest that low levels of alcohol temporarily reduce the stress response (also known as the fight or flight response), other studies now indicate that alcohol actually INDUCES the stress response by stimulating the release of stress hormones such as corticosterone and adrenaline.

2. Encourage them to build a social support system. Many teens rely on drinking for social support. Instead of using drinking to connect with others, seek social support outside of the drinking environment. This is easier said than done, since it is a catch-22: the social anxiety is what hinders these types of connections in the first place.

Remember, the longest journey is accomplished one step at a time. Start with safe people like a trusted family member, a best friend, counselor, or pastor, and build from there.

Some colleges offer group therapy for people with social anxiety, which gives your teen an opportunity to learn how to overcome her fears in a safe environment with people who understand what she is going through.

3. Encourage your teen to increase his sense of control over social anxiety by learning anxiety reduction techniques. Nutritional strategies for reducing anxiety, deep breathing, guided imagery, and cognitive-behavioral strategies are just a few examples of anxiety reduction techniques that can bring about positive results.

Anxiety reduction techniques can be highly effective tools in helping conquer anxiety. For example, NIH findings indicate that cognitive-behavioral therapy can be as effective as medication in treating anxiety, and even more effective than medication at preventing long-term recurrence of anxiety.

Teen alcohol abuse will likely never be totally eradicated as long as there are both teens and alcohol. By far, the largest factor in preventing teen alcohol abuse is active, positive involvement by the parents in the lives of the teenager.



Craig

Bill Urell asked:


Drug abuse is a very serious problem in many places in the world, particularly the United States. What starts out as a simple curiosity or use that is considered social may result in a serious addiction.

Many individuals start using a particular drug and find that they have total control over their habit. However, after a certain period of time, these people may start to lose the control that they once had. Eventually, it will take more and more of the same type of drug for the individual to achieve the same state of euphoria as they experienced previously.

An individual who abuses drugs can develop an addiction that is psychological, physical, or emotional. By the time that the drug abuse reaches its peak, or an individual seeks assistance for their drug addiction, the addiction can be a combination of physical, emotional, and psychological conditions. This is due to the fact that the more that an individual is subjected to the drug that they are abusing, the chemistry of the body starts to change. These changes often result in the negative consequences of being unable to control the urges and impulses that are commonly associated with drug abuse.

It is common for a drug addiction to result in many biological changes to occur within the body of an abuser. This is why many people who abuse drugs seem to change so drastically. Many individuals experience weight loss or weight gain, a change in personality, changes in moods, memory impairment, loss in general gross motor skills, and many may even develop various types of chronic medical conditions. Whereas the normal person is often motivated by many factors in their life, those that engage in drug abuse have one motivating factor. That is, ultimately, to abuse the drug that they have been experimenting with.

Many people who abuse drugs seek treatment for their disease. However, not every person comes out of treatment successfully. Many people must receive treatment more than once to prove effective. It has been discovered that there are very few individuals that seek treatment for their condition based on self-motivation alone. Many individuals who enroll for therapy to alleviate the compulsive drug addiction that they have are forced to do so. The State may order the therapy, or a family member may prompt one to seek help. However, most of the time, many of these individuals successfully complete the treatment.

There are many drug abuse treatment programs available. Seeing that every person is different than another person, and some may be more receptive than others, not all treatment methods will prove to be effective for every single person with an addiction to drugs. It is important to not relinquish hope. If one form of treatment does not work for you, there is another form of treatment available that will work for you.

If you are looking into drug abuse treatment for yourself, or someone that you care about, you will discover that there are many different types of programs to select from. Many of these are short term, but there are quite a few that are for periods of time that are equal to three months or more. The reason that there are such a large number of long term programs is because these have proven to release the most successful recoveries of drug abuse.

It is vital that you understand that a treatment program sets the recovery in motion. There are many other factors that can have a great impact on the individual who is attempting to beat an addiction to drugs. This includes emotional support from friends and members of the family, supervision, the implementation of an accountability partner that they can contact any time day or night, and continued therapy.

Drug abuse is a common problem, but it is not a problem that cannot be solved. There are many ways that an individual who suffers from this devastating can get the assistance that they require in order to successfully resolve their problem. It is important for these individuals to understand that the loss of control that they have experienced as a result of the addiction is not a weakness, but a result of the biological changes that occur within the body. Providing resources for assistance and support for the drug abuser is the best contribution that can be given in order to achieve a successful recovery.



Brian

Bill Urell asked:


Drug abuse is a very serious problem in many places in the world, particularly the United States. What starts out as a simple curiosity or use that is considered social may result in a serious addiction. Many individuals start using a particular drug and find that they have total control over their habit. However, after a certain period of time, these people may start to lose the control that they once had. Eventually, it will take more and more of the same type of drug for the individual to achieve the same state of euphoria as they experienced previously.

An individual who abuses drugs can develop an addiction that is psychological, physical, or emotional. By the time that the drug abuse reaches its peak, or an individual seeks assistance for their drug addiction, the addiction can be a combination of physical, emotional, and psychological conditions. This is due to the fact that the more that an individual is subjected to the drug that they are abusing, the chemistry of the body starts to change. These changes often result in the negative consequences of being unable to control the urges and impulses that are commonly associated with drug abuse.

It is common for a drug addiction to result in many biological changes to occur within the body of an abuser. This is why many people who abuse drugs seem to change so drastically. Many individuals experience weight loss or weight gain, a change in personality, changes in moods, memory impairment, loss in general gross motor skills, and many may even develop various types of chronic medical conditions. Whereas the normal person is often motivated by many factors in their life, those that engage in drug abuse have one motivating factor. That is, ultimately, to abuse the drug that they have been experimenting with.

Many people who abuse drugs seek treatment for their disease. However, not every person comes out of treatment successfully. Many people must receive treatment more than once to prove effective. It has been discovered that there are very few individuals that seek treatment for their condition based on self-motivation alone. Many individuals who enroll for therapy to alleviate the compulsive drug addiction that they have are forced to do so. The State may order the therapy, or a family member may prompt one to seek help. However, most of the time, many of these individuals successfully complete the treatment.

There are many drug abuse treatment programs available. Seeing that every person is different than another person, and some may be more receptive than others, not all treatment methods will prove to be effective for every single person with an addiction to drugs. It is important to not relinquish hope. If one form of treatment does not work for you, there is another form of treatment available that will work for you.

If you are looking into drug abuse treatment for yourself, or someone that you care about, you will discover that there are many different types of programs to select from. Many of these are short term, but there are quite a few that are for periods of time that are equal to three months or more. The reason that there are such a large number of long term programs is because these have proven to release the most successful recoveries of drug abuse.

It is vital that you understand that a treatment program sets the recovery in motion. There are many other factors that can have a great impact on the individual who is attempting to beat an addiction to drugs. This includes emotional support from friends and members of the family, supervision, the implementation of an accountability partner that they can contact any time day or night, and continued therapy.

Drug abuse is a common problem, but it is not a problem that cannot be solved. There are many ways that an individual who suffers from this devastating can get the assistance that they require in order to successfully resolve their problem. It is important for these individuals to understand that the loss of control that they have experienced as a result of the addiction is not a weakness, but a result of the biological changes that occur within the body. Providing resources for assistance and support for the drug abuser is the best contribution that can be given in order to achieve a successful recovery.

Bill Urell asked:


Alcohol abuse can be a tricky term to use, considering that ‘abuse’ can have different meanings to different people. However, it is often understood as referring to the excessive use of alcohol, and causing problems or negative consequences. While it may not automatically mean addiction to alcohol, alcohol abuse remains as one of the topmost public health concerns facing our society today and is in fact, the most common substance that often causes chemical dependencey.

Is it alcohol abuse or alcoholism?

Can you have an alcohol problem is still not be labeled as an alcoholic? Some experts say yes, alcohol abuse can occur without a person actually becoming an alcoholic. In alcohol abuse, the intake of alcohol can occur often and in big quantities but may not often result to alcohol dependency.

Alcoholism, on the other hand, is characterized by physical and psychological dependence, the lack of control over the frequency and amount of drinking, along with the strong craving to drink. Alcoholism is also marked with tolerance, a state where the amount of alcohol needed by the body to get the feeling of ‘high’ continually increases. Alcoholism is also chronic and may exhibit certain withdrawal symptoms.

Can alcohol abuse be inherited?

There are certain research studies that show the tendency of alcoholism or alcohol abuse to occur in families. It seems that a gene exists that predisposes an individual toward addiction to substances such as alcohol. However, this is not always the case. While certain genes may be to blame for alcohol abuse, lifestyle and the environment are also strong contributing factors.

Is there a specific group of people who are more likely to develop alcohol abuse?

Alcohol abuse does not depend on sex, race or nationality. However, certain generalities exist. More men, for example, have alcohol problems than women. There is also a higher incidence of alcohol abuse among people between 18 to 29 years old compared to people 60 years old and older.

Young people who start drinking alcohol earlier, say, at 13 or 14 years old, are more likely to develop alcohol problems when they get older, compared to people who start drinking when they are already adults.

Is there such thing as safe drinking?

Alcohol isn’t all bad, provided it is taken in moderate amounts. By moderate, we mean 1 to 2 drinks a day for men and less for women and people who are older. This type of alcohol drinking is possible if you do not have the proclivity toward addiction.

People taking medication or have certain diseases, for example, are advised to stay away from alcoholic drinks. For informational purposes one serving of alcoholic drink should consist of:

1.5 oz. of 80-proof drinks (few people measure with tis accuracy)

5.0 oz of wine

12 oz. of beer, wine coolers and mixed spirits

Is there a cure for alcoholism and alcohol abuse?

There is no magic pill, drug, cream or ointment that will cure alcohol abuse. However, it can be treated, although the efficacy of treatments is highly dependent upon an individual’s willingness to avoid or control alcohol intake and the frequency of exposure to circumstances that lead to alcohol use.



Leighton

Simon Jones asked:


Mental health counselling can be an effective therapy as part of a wider treatment plan for an individual who is suffering from depression or an anxiety related disorder, or for people who have experienced a traumatic event in their lives and are finding it difficult to cope with, or for those who are struggling to deal with specific problems and issues. It is often a doctor who will recommend mental health counselling, however, many individuals will seek the services of a counsellor themselves, either by asking their doctor for advice or by approaching a counsellor directly.

What is counselling

Basically, counselling can be described as a type of talking therapy. It is usually delivered in a safe and private setting so that the individual concerned can relax and talk openly and freely about their particular problems or issues and the emotions or feelings that can accompany them.

It is described as a talking therapy because the counsellor will listen empathetically to an individual in order to understand the situation from the individuals point of view. In doing this a trained counsellor will be able to encourage an individual to see their situation more clearly, perhaps from a different perspective, and will be able to help them identify new ways of coping with their problems or circumstances. Counselling usually does not involve giving advice or telling someone what to do with their lives, it is more about exploring problems, identifying possible solutions and choices and obtaining clarity.

For counselling to be effective, it is essential that an element of trust develops between the counsellor and the person or persons receiving the counselling as only in this way can there be an open and free dialogue. It may take time for a person receiving counselling to lose any initial feelings of distrust, fear and embarrassment so quite often counselling will be offered over several sessions in order for a relationship to develop between the counsellor and the patient or client.

There are several types of mental health counselling services available, each drawing on its own particular theory of human psychology and development. There are also many different types of counsellors, some of who are trained to deal with a particular problem or circumstance. For example bereavement counsellors, counsellors who specialise in eating disorders such as anorexia and bulimia, and counsellors who understand the issues surrounding drug and alcohol addiction, as well as many others.

Counselling can take place on a one to one basis, or in group sessions, face to face or over the phone. It can last for just one session, a specific block of sessions or be open ended with no time limit at all. Regardless of the particular type of mental health problem involved, the first step to recovery is recognising that there is a problem in the first place.

When mental health counselling can help

Mental health counselling can be particularly beneficial for individuals who have a tendency to repress feelings like guilt, frustration, anger, resentment, sadness and so on and who find it difficult to cope alone and who for whatever reason, perhaps do not want to discuss how they feel with their friends and family. It can help an individual to gain new insights into their own particular circumstances and problems and to achieve clarity and direction in life. Most of all it can help an individual cope and improve their quality of life.

There are numerous circumstances where someone might seek the services of a mental health counsellor or be referred for counselling by their doctor and these include but are certainly not limited to:

Relationship problems, including separation and divorce

Problems at work or financial worries, dismissal, redundancy

Physical, sexual and/or mental abuse

Bereavement

Depression and anxiety

Post natal depression

Eating disorders

OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder)

Alcohol and drug abuse

Phobias

Panic Attacks

Dealing with stress

Post traumatic stress

Finding a counsellor

In order to get the right kind of help it is important that you access the most appropriate type of counselling for you and as there are so many available options, it can be problematic if you decide to go it alone.

In the first instance, it would be advisable to speak to your doctor as he or she will be able to take into consideration your full medical history before recommending any particular type of therapy or counsellor. If you decide to seek the services of a trained counsellor independently, it is up to you to check out the cost and the credentials of any potential counsellor before you start.

Many voluntary organisations have counsellors and there are numerous private counsellors advertising in the press, phone books and on the Internet. However, you can find an accredited counsellor from the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy website at bacp or from the National Board for Certified Counsellors at nbcc if you live in the USA.



Paul