As we prepare for the release of the The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, (DSM V). It continues to amaze me how we all buy into the idea that we are what we are diagnosed. The following is correspondence by one of the formats experts in the field of “Stimulant Treatment”. Despite the fact that the numbers are decreasing annually of people utilizing these drugs illegally, we have not even scratched the surface of the issue.

“The “disorder” sold to the drug company called Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder ADHD is the link purchased by the drug industry to cash in on third party payments. The true diagnosis did not exist till after the drugs of speed type were developed. Psychiatry is the only medical profession that sells “disorders” to label patients AFTER the drug label is released for distribution .

The Diagnostic Manual increases massively with all the new drugs and the American Psychiatric Association collects the cash for the listings. Once labeled the electronic tattoo stigmatizes the person for life and teaches them they have an incurable “disorder” that requires speed to make them feel “normal”. This created a whole generation of people who established the MDMA, Amphetamine, and Cocaine market of the the 1980′s and ongoing. Estimates of up to 1/3 of school children are labeled and the drugs are given every day in school Ritalin and other stimulants later MDMA, Cocaine, and Amphetamines.

The label on the bottle has to the same as the label on the child. Then the cash begins to roll in millions of dollars a day.

Once labels are place they stay there for life totally unquestioned justified guaranteed renewals and cash flow regardless of the effects on the children and people involved.”

Arden Gifford, MD
American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology
Addiction Psychiatry

If you or a loved one is struggling with stimulant dependence CPCI and Dr. Gifford can help. He can be reached at:

855.800.COCAINE    (855.800.2622)
Email:  cpci.biz@hotmail.com
International:  212.235.1881

Drug and alcohol addiction is a growing problem throughout the nation. Thousands of teens are faced with peer pressures and natural curiosity to experiment. No one plans to get hooked, to develop an addiction, it just happens. When it comes to picking up the pieces and starting on the road to recovery CoEd Adolescent Treatment facilities can help them work through their addiction and start sober living.

Aspects of CoEd Adolescent Treatment

Similar to an adult treatment a CoEd Adolescent Treatment offers patients with the treatment needed to successfully recover through a variety of treatment techniques. Designed specifically for treating teenagers with drug and/or alcohol addiction.

Assessment

When entering into a CoEd Adolescent Treatment program the patient will go through an assessment process. This process helps the Doctors and Staff  determine the severity of the patients addiction and set up an individualized treatment plan.

Medical Detox

Medical Detox is the process in which the body is cleansed of any chemicals and toxins related to drug and/or alcohol abuse. The patient will be given a non-addictive prescription medication under the supervision of a Doctor. This will help them work through withdrawal which can be painful and overwhelming.

Counseling and Therapy

Individual counseling will help the patient get to the cause of their addiction and work through it while learning key tools to maintain their sobriety in the real world. Behavioral modification therapy will help the patient change their lifestyle to a new sober lifestyle. Group counseling will help the patient work through their addiction with the help of others fighting addiction offering support while receiving it.

It’s Time to Start Your Recovery…

If you are a teen and addicted to drugs and/or alcohol contract a Cod Adolescent Treatment Facility and start working on your recovery.

When looking into treatment options for their teen they are concerned with placing their child into a gender neutral environment. With Gender Specific Adolescent Treatment the teen is going through treatment with other individuals of the same sex, avoiding any unwanted behaviors and allowing the teen to fully focus on their recovery. Putting your son or daughter into a rehab is overwhelming for any parent but with Gender Specific Adolescent Treatment parents can have one less thing to worry about while their child is receiving drug and alcohol treatment.

What is Gender Specific Adolescent Treatment?

Gender Specific Adolescent Treatment is a treatment program designed for teens with drug and/or alcohol abuse or addiction problems. The teen patient will go through their recovery without distraction of the opposite sex, they will be roomed and treated with members of the same sex. The teen patient will go through a variety of treatment techniques to help them through their recovery and learn how to maintain their sobriety in the ‘real world’. Chemical dependency specialist, Doctors and Therapist will be there to help the teen patient through the physical, emotional and mental aspects of their recovery. Staff will offer their support, understanding and reassurance that they will reach their goal of sobriety.

Common Aspects of Gender Specific Adolescent Treatment

• Assessment
• Individualized Treatment
• Gender specific living area
• Medical Detox
• Behavioral Modification Therapy
• Individual Counseling
• Group Counseling
• Chemical Dependency Education

Start Your Teens Recovery With a Gender Specific Adolescent Treatment

Gender Specific Adolescent Treatment provides parents with one less worry with their teen in a treatment program for drug and/or alcohol abuse/addiction. If you are looking for a treatment program that is gender specific, designed solely for teens contact a Gender Specific Adolescent Treatment.

Finding out your child is abusing drugs and/or alcohol is scary. Many parents do not know what to do, they are in shock. Years of telling their children the dangers of drug and alcohol use and they have fallen victim to it. Many teens are caught with abusing drugs and alcohol before they develop an addiction, however many reach the point of addiction. Regardless to if your teen has a substance abuse problem or is addicted to drugs and/or alcohol there are Adolescent Treatment Facilities designed to help them stop their abuse problem or addiction and start sober living.

Aspects of Adolescent Treatment

Adolescent Treatment facilities hold similar aspects to an adult treatment facility. Your teen will receive a variety of services under the care of Doctors, Therapist and other Chemical dependency Specialist. They will recover alongside other teens with similar abuse problems or addiction allowing them to develop a support system to help them maintain their sobriety. Each aspect of Adolescent Treatment will help your teen get closer to their goal of sobriety.

• Assessment
• Individualized Treatment Plan
• Medical Detox
• Individual Counseling
• Behavioral Modification Therapy
• Group Counseling
• Chemical Dependency Education

Start Your Teens Recovery with Adolescent Treatment

If you are concerned that your teen is abusing drugs and/or alcohol and may be addicted have then evaluated by a medical profession or chemical dependency specialist. This will allow your teen to get the treatment needed to help them successfully get sober and stop using drugs and/or alcohol. Adolescent Treatment will offer our teen a safe, secure and comfortable environment where you too can feel relaxed in knowing they are getting the care they need to achieve their goal of long term sobriety.

Being a teenager has its challenges just as raising a teenager does. Peer pressures to experiment with drugs and alcohol can be overwhelming and easy to give into for many adolescents regardless to their parents talking to them about drug and alcohol use and what it can do to them. It is every parent’s fear that their child would get mixed up in a world of drugs and alcohol. Unfortunately this fear turns into reality for many, their adolescent child becomes addicted to drugs and/or alcohol and in need of help of an Adolescent Drug Rehab. There these adolescents are able to receive the support and care needed to successfully recover from their drug and/or alcohol addiction.

Aspects of Adolescent Drug Rehab

The aspects of adolescent drug rehab is similar to a traditional rehab treating both youth and adults with the exception it is for adolescents only. Parents do not need to worry about their teen being exposed to adults with addictions. These teens are able to work through their addictions with support and care of Doctors, Therapist and other chemical dependency specialists as well as with others their age fighting addiction.

Assessment Process

When entering into an Adolescent Drug Rehab your teen will go through an assessment process. This will help Doctors and staff to get to the cause of your teens addiction and design an individualized treatment plan for them.

Medical Detox

Withdrawal is painful, scary and can be dangerous. For teens going through withdrawal it can seem unbearable. With Medical Detox these teens are able to work through the physical aspects of their addiction, cleansing their body of any chemicals and toxins related to drug and/or alcohol abuse. The symptoms of withdrawal will be soothed and controlled with a Doctor supervised prescription medication. The patient will have 24-7 supportive care with chemical dependency specialists offering reassurance that what they are experiencing is normal and soon shall pass.

Counseling and Therapy

Counseling and Therapy are an important aspect of the recovery process in an Adolescent Drug Rehab.

• The patient will go through individual counseling to get to the cause of their addiction, working through any underlying aspects of their addiction and learn key tools required to maintain their sobriety.
• Behavioral modification therapy will help the patient to learn how to live without drugs and/or alcohol, how to change many aspects of their lie to promote sober living.
• Group counseling is important in the recovery process because these teens have other teens to look to for guidance and to offer guidance to throughout their recovery.

Having the question “Should I send my Teen to rehab?” is an eye opener to many parents. Many say that drug and alcohol experimentation is normal for teens. Despite the endless talks to educate your children on the dangers of drug and alcohol use it seems peer pressures and natural curiosity win. This brings us back to the question “Should I send my Teen to rehab?”. How do we know as parents when our teens experimentation is getting out of control and in need of treatment? First you must know what substance abuse and addiction are to determine if your child needs help.

What is Substance Abuse and Addiction?

Adolescent Substance Abuse

Substance abuse it the regular use of a substance such as alcohol or drugs. With alcohol abuse the individual will most likely binge drink, which is having 3 or more drinks in one night on a regular basis. Drug abuse could be smoking marijuana on a regular basis. The individual is not addicted to the substance, they can stop using at any point without experiencing withdrawal symptoms or craving, however they choose not to. Those abusing a substance on a regular bases are developing a tolerance, requiring more and more of the substance to achieve the desired effects. The longer they use drugs and/or alcohol or a regular basis is leading them up to developing an addiction.

Many suffering from substance abuse are able to stop its use on their own. However the assistance of an inpatient or outpatient treatment program can help them work through their substance abuse problem as well as any underlying causes.

Adolescent Addiction

Addiction is the physical and mental dependency on a substance such as alcohol or drugs. Those suffering from an addiction are faced with the uncontrollable urge to use more and more drug and/or alcohol despite the negative effects it has on themselves or those closest to them. When abruptly stopping the use of drugs and/or alcohol the individual will experience painful withdrawal symptoms and strong cravings that often sends them back to drugs and/or alcohol for comfort.

Those suffering from a drug and/or alcohol addiction will require the assistance of a Rehab to work through their addiction. There they will receive a variety of services to successfully recover from addiction such as:

• Individualized treatment plan
• Medical Detox
• Individual and Group Counseling
• Behavioral Modification Therapy

Does your teen have a substance abuse or addiction problem?

While many teens experiment with drugs and alcohol they do not have a substance abuse or addiction problem. However if your teen does show signs of having a substance abuse or addiction problems sending them to a teen rehab can give them hope and the ability to live a clean and sober lifestyle.

When it comes to alcoholism and addiction treatment we get calls often for “free rehab” or we are asked questions like, “does XYZ treatment center take ABC insurance?” I always ask people that are searching for drug and alcohol rehab a series of questions to get an idea of what is the best alternative for their particular situation.

Alcoholism or addiction is not a malady that manifests itself the same way for everyone that experiences it. Similarly to other diseases there are various types and subtypes. For instance, there is the periodic or binge drinker or another example would be the fully dependent individual with quite a few types in between as well.

There are stages of addiction that are similar to other diseases also. The stages can be from onset to dependence and many stops in between. When it comes to recovery there are several stages of the process too. From recognition to willingness all the way through to the acceptance and action phases and beyond.

Factor in the types, subtypes, stages of addiction and recovery and you quickly realize why choosing the right rehab is essential to overcome alcoholism and addiction. For instance, the folks that are seeking a free rehab typically are not interested in recovering. They are often coerced by the courts, family, or in the North of the US, the cold-weather.

Now, I recognize that the people that ask these questions are asking them completely out of need. They do not have the average $28,000 to pay for a month of treatment. However a little bit of searching will turn up the fact that there are many options to find affordable treatment throughout the US.

Let me ask a question, is it prudent to base decisions on money? I am sure you could make a case for some decisions, however price is only an issue in the absence of value. Lets look at a serious analogy; you go to your doctor with a significant malady. The doctor says, “I have good news for you and bad news, the bad news is you have a likely terminal condition. The good news is it can be cured.” You breathe a sigh of relief and ask the Dr. “What needs to be done”? The Dr. says, “Well you need treatment, you have two choices, you can use your insurance and it will be free and go for treatment A or you can pay $10,000 and go for treatment B.”

Of course the right course of action is to use your insurance right? Well maybe not because here is what the Dr. follows up with. “Now with treatment A there is less than a 10% chance that you will live past a few months! But do not worry that means that nearly 10% of the people that choose treatment A go on to live a healthy and productive life”! Or the Dr. goes on to say, “With treatment B there is over a 90% chance that you will live and go on living free of this malady forever”. Which do you choose?

When choosing a rehab there are several factors to consider:

The treatment protocol.
Where in the stages of addiction are you?
What do you want, what are your goals for treatment?
What stage of development are you in; educationally, vocationally, socially?
What are your life conditions?  Are you married, single, do you have children, employed, unemployed…
How long have you been using/drinking?
What is your alcohol and drug history?
How old are you?
Do you have a history of seizures?
Have you been in rehab, detox or outpatient treatment in the past?
Are you physically dependent?
Do you have insurance?
How much money can you commit if necessary?
Notice the money questions are last but they are there! You must factor everything in to your treatment experience. If you do not it is a crap shoot at best. So why pay for rehab? Do you want to live or die?

Dan Callahan, LMSW

Dan is a licensed social worker in the State of New York, in recovery for over twenty years, he writes the Happy Recovery Blog and the author of two recovery books; “Recovery Thinking, 90-Days to Change Your Life!” and “Freedom Recovery, 90 Days to Recover” both are available on Amazon.

Millions of Americans have troubles with sleeping. Today Doctors seem to be freely prescribing hypnotic sleep aids to just about any patient complaining of sleepless nights. While there are risks with taking any prescription drugs, hypnotic sleep aids run a high risk of mortality. According to Daniel F. Kripke, MD, of the Scripps Clinic in La Jolla, Calif. “…in 2010, hypnotics may have been associated with 320,000 to 507,000 excess deaths in the U.S. alone.”

Dangers of Sleeping Pills

Medical professionals have preformed over two dozen studies to examine the mortality risks associated with hypnotic sleep aids use. These studies have shown and proven the increase risk associated with hypnotic sleep aid use and creating a scare among its users. Studies show that the higher the dose the greater the mortality risk.

Not only are hypnotic sleep aids raising the death toll but it is also increasing the users risk of developing cancers. Those patients prescribed with high doses of hypnotic sleep aids have had a 35% cancer increase. For those with cancer in their blood lines it is a scary fact that taking a hypnotic sleep aid could potentially increase this risk further.

Get Help for Sleeping Pill Addiction

For patients taking hypnotic sleep aids it is important to address any concerns you may have with a medical professional. While not everyone has the same results when using hypnotic sleep aids it is still important to be aware of the risks and receive regular medical examinations to help prevent any adverse effects. Ignoring discomforts, trouble breathing and other health issues can greatly increase your mortality rate. With over 500,000 deaths associated with hypnotic sleeping aids it should raise an eyebrow with all those using these types of medications.

In the United States Prescription Painkillers are used by those who have been prescribed the drug and those who choose to abuse the drug using it for recreational purposes, even those prescribed the drug can get out of control with its use. As a result of Medical Doctors handing out painkiller prescriptions to most patients with aches and pains, as well as those who foolishly abuse these drugs there is an increase mortality rate associated with prescription painkillers. Nation statistics show an average of 15,000 deaths per year as a result of prescription painkillers. When people misuse and abuse such powerful drugs it is expected there be devastating effects.

Commonly Abused Prescription Painkillers

• Hydrocodone
• Methadone
• Oxycodone
• Oxymorphone

When abused these drugs are looked at as a public epidemic, leaving death and destruction in their wake.

Fun and Games along with Misconceptions Will Result in Devastation

One out of every twenty Americans (ages 12 years and older) admits to using prescription painkillers for non-medical purposes, just to get high. As of 2010 there was nearly 2 million Americans admitting to the misuse of prescription painkillers.

Many look at their misuse and abuse of prescription painkillers as all fun and games, a fast way to create a new high. Countless numbers of Americans are under the false idea that taking prescription painkillers is safer that using illicit drugs for the purpose of getting high, they are very wrong. When misusing prescription drugs, such as painkillers, they can be just as deadly as any illicit drug on the streets.

The Risk of Painkiller Overdose

There are risks involves when using any substance for purposes to get high, but when using a prescription painkiller the risk of overdose is drastically increased. The individual doesn’t see a clear limit, they continue its use to maintain their high. As the drugs affect the body their breathing is slowed and risk of death is increased. In 2009 there was nearly a half a million people who received emergency treatment for misuse or abuse of prescription medications. While some individuals make it to the emergency room on time, others do not and ultimately pay the stiffest tool for their foolish abuse of prescription pain killers.  In 2008 there was 15,000 deaths related to prescription painkiller misuse and abuse, that’s 30,000 parents who had to bury their child. The effects of misusing and abusing prescription painkillers does not just hurt the individual but all those around them.

Stopping the Problem with Painkiller Rehab Programs

With such an increase in deaths, Medical Doctors are starting to put tighter ropes on their prescription pads, making sure that they are not feeding an prescription painkiller abuse or addiction problem. If you or someone you know is abusing prescription painkillers it is time to stop,  a Rehab Center can help.

Tuscaloosa is the fifth largest city in the state of Alabama with a total population of 90,468 according to the 2010 United States Census. The city is located in wast central Alabama on the Black Warrior River. Tuscaloosa is the regional center of industry, commerce, healthcare, and education for the area of west-central Alabama. The city is home of the University of Alabama which is the dominant economic and cultural engine in the city. In 2011, Tuscaloosa was named “The Most Liveable City in America” by the U.S. Conference of Mayors.

Prescription Drug Abuse in Tuscaloosa

Prescription drug abuse is a growing problem in Tuscaloosa as well as throughout the United States. Prescription drug abuse is the non-medical use of a medication, for purposed of a high. The National Institute on Drug Abuse  estimates 48 million people have abused prescription drugs for non-medical reasons throughout their life time, that is nearly 20% on the United States Population.

There are three classes of prescription drugs that are most commonly abused according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse. Opioids are prescribed to treat pain, when taken in high dose it creates a euphoric effect, they are highly addictive when misused. Central nervous system (CNS) depressants are prescribed to treat anxiety and sleep disorders, they are a depressant and gives a relaxed feeling when taken inappropriately. Stimulants are prescribed to treat ADD, ADHD, depression and many other problems, they are abused for the increased energy and alertness produced by high doses of the drug.

Opioid Medications

• Opioid medications are the most commonly prescribed to treat pain. The drug manages pain effectively, improving the quality of life for those in chronic pain. Opioids are codeine, morphine,oxycodone (OxyContin), hydrocodone (Vicodin), meperidine (Demerol), and hydromorphone (Dilaudid).  When these medications are used long term they typically lead to drug addiction, a physical dependence. Opioids induce a euphoric feeling, many mix with alcohol or other substances for increased effect but in fact they are at ricks of respiratory failure, even death.

CNS Depressants

• CNS (Central Nervous System) Depressants are used to treat anxiety and sleep disorders. Medications commonly prescribed are, Benzodiazepines such as alprazolam (Xanax), diazepam (Valium), and triazolam (Halcion) and Barbiturates, including phenobarbital (Nembutal) and mephobarbital (Mebaral) . CNS depressants, such as these, affect the brain neurotransmitter GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid), which works by decreasing brain activty, which results in a drowsy or calming effect. A tolerance to CNS depressants is easily developed after just a few short weeks of using the drug, requiring higher doses to feel any of the effects, this makes it highly addictive.  Long term use of CNS depressants can be life threatening when stopped suddenly. Many use other substance such as alcohol in combination with CNS depressants which can slow down the heart and respiration, leading to death.

Stimulants

• Stimulants increase alertness, give energy and height attention. Medications commonly prescribed are methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta) and dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine, Adderall). When taking these medications as prescribed they are safe but many will use these medications to get high and develop an addiction. When using stimulants with decongestants, it can cause irregular heart rhythms, and high doses of stimulants can cause high body temperatures.

Tuscaloosa, Alabama Addiction Rehabs

This silent addiction can take over ones life in the blink of an eye. Rehab Programs in Tuscaloosa, Alabama can help you regain control and successfully quit . You will enter into a detoxification process to cleanse your body of any toxins and chemicals. Under the supervision of a Doctor you will receive a non-addictive prescription medication to lessen the effects of withdrawal while going through the recovery process. Therapy, in both an individual and group setting, will help you get to the cause of your addiction and provide you with the knowledge and tools you need to remain sober when leaving the rehab program. You will be strongly urged to join a support group, they will help you through the drug cravings, help you fight away the possibility of relapse. You can successfully recover from a prescription drug addiction with the help of a Rehab Program in Tuscaloosa, Alabama.