Some examples of these painkillers are: Morphine, Demerol, Codeine, Oxycontin, Dilaudid, Percocet and Darvon. Most of these are prescribed for pain management following chronic illness or surgery and often the user will find over time that they need a little more of the drug to produce the level of comfort they desire. It is important that they discuss this with their physician before increasing the dosage because this increase could quickly lead to dependency or addiction. When painkillers first arrived on the medical scene, they were touted as being miracle drugs.  With these drugs, victims of chronic pain could enjoy an improved quality of life.  Some could return to work and begin to feel like their old self again. In far too many cases, however, this dream of pain-free life turned into a life of debilitating dependence on the drug due to increased tolerance levels and not following specific dosing instructions. Unfortunately, the person holding the prescription is often not the one to become addicted to the drug.  Many young people have been known to raid their parent’s or grandparent’s medicine cabinets to obtain these powerful drugs for the purpose of getting high.

Dealing With a Deadly Weapon

Painkiller addiction is difficult to detect because the user often doesn’t realize they are steadily needing more and more of the drug  just to get through the day. Opiates create this problem by changing the way the brain processes pain and pleasure signals. When these natural signals are unable to function properly, the user thinks another pill is needed because the pain is back. In reality, the pain they are feeling is actually a withdrawal symptom of the drug having worn off. This creates a cycle of dependency that can easily turn into addiction.

When we think about addiction to painkillers, we normally think of it as a problem among adults, but more and more teens today are gaining access to these drugs and experimenting with them. They actually go on the Internet to find information about how much to take to get high or how to alter the drug to make it more potent. This aspect of painkiller abuse is the most disturbing, because many of these young people aren’t aware that they are dealing with a deadly weapon when they abuse these powerfully addictive substances.

When Prevention Measures Fail

Awareness and education are a great way to prevent painkiller addiction, but even though an individual knows the consequences and dangers of these drugs, addiction still happens. Many people believe they are only going to try the drug one time and then leave it alone.  Others believe they can continue using the drug only on certain occasions.  These inaccurate beliefs have resulted in many addictions and far too many accidental overdoses.  There is no such thing as a safe drug when you are intentionally using it for euphoric effects.  Just because you did it once or twice without any problems doesn’t mean this will always be the case, because as you continue to abuse the drug, eventually you need more and more of it to get the desired high.  This is how addiction happens to millions of people worldwide.

If you or someone you know is battling  painkiller addiction, call A Forever Recovery to learn what steps you should take to get treatment right away.

Dealing With Emotional Aspects

As you can easily guess, the psychological or emotional impact will not disappear instantly. Even the physical dependence can be treated fast but when it comes to dealing with the emotional scars, professional psychological counseling should be given.  A Forever Recovery treatment center takes a holistic approach to drug rehabilitation. You will get assistance to deal with both physical dependence as well as psychological problems.

Shame and guilt are strong feelings experienced by drug addicts.  They feel ashamed of their own condition and if proper help is not given, they can soon withdraw from social life. When drug addicts withdraw from active social life due to shame, they eventually enter into depression. This will form a vicious cycle, because as an effort to run away from this depression, they try to find an escape route again through the use of drugs. For this reason, it becomes important to deal with the psychological aspects of drug rehabilitation effectively right from the start. During treatment, experienced counselors are available to help the addict face these feelings and acknowledge them rather than entering into denial, which will be counter productive.

When it comes to drug addiction, recovery does not happen overnight, but most addicts look for immediate relief or a quick cure.  If they are in an addiction treatment program, they might actually quit treatment because they think it isn’t working or that it is taking too long.  They need to understand that this sense of urgency is only another part of withdrawal and should be acknowledged as such and allow steps to be taken to calm this need for flight.

Recovery is Dependent on Psychological Stability

When you are selecting a recovery program for yourself or a family member, check how effective your rehabilitation program is in addressing the psychological issues involved in drug rehabilitation.  It is also important to address the psychological issues because if these issues are not treated effectively, there are many chances for the addict to relapse into their old habits. Strong psychological bolstering is essential for fast recovery and  for continuing with the new life style. Recovery from drug addiction is a lifelong process and only with consistent effort is it possible to recover totally from drug addiction. This requires psychological stability.

Phases Of Drug Rehabilitation

1. The first phase in the recovery path is acceptance from the drug addict. The addicted person should finally admit that they have a problem and need help. Until this happens, the rehabilitation process cannot bring about much change. At times, drug addicts voluntarily come to a facility hoping to get out of their addiction, and in other instances, addicts have been part of an intervention by family members or friends to help the addict seek help. In the latter situation, the addict may not be willing to admit their problem and their recovery might take a considerably longer time than a participant that willingly admits and joins the facility.
2. The second phase is understanding the extensiveness of  the problem. Total awareness of everything involved is essential for the individual to be able to set realistic goals towards recovery. The rehabilitation program should offer the individual professional assistance in this area. The drug addict should not be kept in the dark nor should he or she be given false hope on quick recovery. Both the program and addict should take an honest approach towards recovery.
3. The third phase involves making the decision to change, and taking the required steps towards the same including staying away from the drugs for life. This is one of the most difficult phases of rehabilitation because even if the addict wants to change, the body will not cooperate as it would have been used to a certain amount of chemicals each day. When the body does not get the regular dosage of those chemicals, it will protest biologically increasing the craving. This is when support of counselors,  friends and family are essential. Even someone that makes sincere efforts to change may fail a couple of times.
4. The fourth phase is learning various coping skills to combat the dependence on drugs. The addict should find what works best for their needs because each person is unique and so are their drug addiction problems. What works for one may not work for the other. In this phase, the addict identifies the best coping skills.
5. The fifth or the final stage is an ongoing one. Recovery continues even outside the facility. It is a gradual process to reintegrate into the community and get back to their normal life without any chemical dependence. Drug rehabilitation is a life long process and you need to be patient and focused. Only then you can enjoy total freedom from your addiction problems.

The Right Rehabilitation Center

Entering a rehabilitation program is something that can be a fearful, yet joyous, time in a person’s life. When a person is suffering from a long-term addiction, their body and mind are not in their normal state. This poses a problem because they fear that without the drugs in their life, they will no longer be the person they once were, but this does not have to be a bad thing.

While under the influence of drugs, an addict thinks that they are okay and that their addiction  makes his or her life more fun. It is not until the addict reaches rock bottom that they see the pain and problems that their addiction has caused. This is when entering into a rehabilitation center becomes a joyous time because they will finally be able to overcome their addiction.

In any state of mind, entering into an drug rehabilitation center is a mandatory step in overcoming an addiction. This step in addiction recovery allows the addict the opportunities that are needed to fight back against any addiction that he or she might be suffering from.

Today, most all rehabilitation centers are equipped with the most up-to-date programs and they also offer calm surroundings with outstanding staff members capable of handling even the most severe cases of addiction.

The center is where you as a recovering addict will be spending the next several months. Make sure the rehabilitation facility is perfect for your lifestyle and your personality.

If you are addicted to any substance and you are in need of a promising solution to help you safely overcome your addiction, consider entering into a drug rehabilitation center today. Contact A Forever Recovery today if you have further questions or want to get started now.

Successful Rehab Takes Willpower and Determination

If you or your loved one are considering opiate addiction rehab, you should first consider whether you are willing to complete the program. Many people go into opiate rehab, unaware of the difficulties they will face while getting treatment and they quit the program too soon. This causes health issues and damages brain function because the drug will have more intense effects on the individual. Rehab for opiates has been proven to work for many people, however those who want to come clean, but do not want to work for it, ultimately become more stressed and addicted than before they began seeking treatment.

At A Forever Recovery, we believe clients must be comfortable with the program and trust that it will help them recover.  Our staff is dedicated to providing a relaxing, safe environment for clients in an effort to help them forget about everything and focus entirely on healing.  Each aspect of our program is created with the distinct purpose of addressing every aspect of addiction.  We realize addiction is composed of physical, emotional, environmental, and spiritual factors that must be resolved before the individual can enjoy complete recovery, and with this approach, clients exit the program armed with new skills and attitudes necessary to succeed in maintaining sobriety.

To help you understand what to expect during opiate rehab, the following is a summary of our program options:

• Faith-based track – allows clients to draw strength from their religious convictions by attending prayer sessions, meditation, Bible studies, and weekly church services.
• Self-help track – allows clients to interact with support groups and other self-help recovery communities.
• Cognitive track – helps clients discover the underlying reasons for their addiction and how old attitudes and beliefs can be changed to avoid relapse after leaving the program.
• Holistic track – offers an all-natural approach to treatment with nutrition and vitamin therapy, massage, sauna, acupuncture, Martial Arts, music and art therapy, exercise and fitness routines, and many more.
• Indigenous track -  combines with Native American teachings  with 12-step Medicine Wheel program designed by White Bison, Inc. of Colorado Springs.  This track helps the individual heal physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually.

Within these tracks, a variety of electives can be incorporated into your program for a more individualized treatment regimen. Remember, no matter how good the program is, it cannot work unless you are completely determined to become drug-free and apply the willpower necessary to remain in the program for as long as it takes.

The Best Time to Seek Treatment is Now

Don’t let fear of withdrawal symptoms prevent you from getting treatment.  The longer you wait, the withdrawals will be more extreme.  Our team of addiction specialists provides 24/7 monitoring during detox to ensure clients experience a safe, effective withdrawal.  No one is left alone during this time, and every precaution is taken to minimize or control the discomfort experienced during withdrawal.  Someone is with you every step of the way.  The stigma surrounding detox has kept far too many addicts from seeking treatment and unfortunately, many of them have lost their lives because they didn’t face the fear head-on and enter treatment before it was too late.  The level of discomfort you will endure during detox is nothing compared to the agony you will experience during continued addiction.  Each day of prolonged opiate addiction causes more and more damage to your mind and body, some of which is irreversible.  The best time to seek treatment is now.

If you or your loved one is serious about opiate rehab and want to make the change towards complete recovery, call A Forever Recovery professionals today. You do not need to live with opiate addiction, but not being fully committed to opiate rehab can cause yourself and the people around you harm. Before your addiction turns into a killer, become committed and get into an opiate rehab that will help you change for the better.

Choosing Treatment Options

When you enter into a treatment center to begin an alcohol treatment plan, you are given options for treatment such as: the kind of detox you want to complete and what classes and counseling options you would like to enter into. Giving a recovering alcoholic options in their addiction treatment gives them a feeling of control that ultimately helps them conquer their alcohol addiction. This new generation of alcohol addiction treatment programs are proving to be the ultimate solution when it comes to recovery from alcoholism. These programs have proven over and over again that they are the best choice when it comes to alcohol addiction treatment. With the huge number of people in need of addiction treatment, the need for treatment facilities is on the rise, and many existing facilities are focused on expanding their programs and enlarging the facility in order to help as many people as possible.  No one needs to suffer with alcoholism today because there is a program especially for their needs.

Alcohol Detoxification

Alcohol detoxification is the first step in alcohol treatment and involves abruptly stopping alcohol intake. The process is designed to completely cleanse the body of any traces of alcohol and eliminate the toxins left behind by repeated alcohol consumption.  Unless this is successfully accomplished, the individual will continue to have cravings and cannot focus on the other aspects of their rehabilitation. Detoxification is the first step of alcohol recovery and the most physically and emotionally demanding part the addict will have to face.

Alcohol attacks and can destroy the gamma-amino butyric acid receptors in the brain, and this is what causes the body to relax. It also lowers excitability and makes the person feel calm and  relaxed.  However, when the brain receptors are constantly flooded with alcohol it leads to long term decrease of GABA neurotransmitter response, which increases tolerance levels. When alcohol leaves the body, the brain returns to a hyper- excited state. The increase in excitability causes anxiety, tremors, and irritability which is seen in alcohol detox. Seizures may occur in those individuals who are heavy drinkers. Diarrhea, vomiting and sweats may occur and for this reason, keeping fluids in the system is very important.

Drinking alcohol has become a major problem in the United States due in part to the failing economy. People tend to drink when they are feeling low in hopes of  lifting their mood, and they think alcohol is the answer. Alcohol does not help the problem or boost the spirits, it just makes the person worse than they were before, and increases their chances of becoming an alcoholic. What they fail to realize is that as soon as they sober up, the problems are still there, and now they have the additional problem of a hangover.  If they continue the heavy drinking, their problems become even worse as they begin to develop health issues related to the alcohol intake.  They may also lose their job, their home and family, and in many cases, legal problems occur due to drunk driving or public drunkenness.  The list of problems created by alcoholism is long and disturbing, especially when it reveals the affects of alcoholism on children.  Far too many children are neglected, abused, and  shamed by a parent’s alcoholism, and many of them resort to alcohol as a way to escape the pain and sadness.

Counseling Sessions for Deeper Understanding

Alcohol counseling is another option offered in alcohol rehab. Most centers offer group and individual counseling that are both held daily or weekly depending on the severity of your addiction to alcohol and how much care you may need in fighting back against alcohol addiction.

Group counseling – This alcohol treatment option lets you socialize with other people that are struggling with addiction and learn tips on what they are doing to remain sober. Group counseling is a great option for someone who needs to express himself or herself, while at the same time getting the care they need.

Individual counseling – This alcohol counseling option provides individuals privacy. Individual counseling gives recovering addicts a chance to express themselves and talk about their addiction without being concerned about what other people are thinking.  The goal is to help the person discover the underlying reasons for their desire to drink heavily.

Call A Forever Recovery today to learn how our personalized alcohol treatment programs can be the best option for your recovery needs.

Illegal Throughout the World

Coca was made legal to sell in South America in the 1500’s, but the drug was not yet developed. Cocaine is still illegal to sell throughout the world, but in Columbia, South America, it is still legal to have small amounts of it for personal use. Columbia is the world’s leading supplier of this dangerous drug and every year, millions of pounds of it are brought into the United States illegally and sold through the drug communities.

Cocaine is not a simple, natural drug. To get to the white powder form that Americans get, it has to go through several steps. First, the coca leaves are dried and chopped into small, fine pieces. After they dry for a half day, they are mixed with small amounts of powdered cement and then soaked in gasoline for a day. After the mixture has soaked in the gasoline, it then gets soaked in battery acid to form a murky looking liquid that then has caustic soda added to it before it is strained and sold in kilo blocks to willing buyers.

Addiction and Rehabilitation

Cocaine addiction is one of the most deadly addictions a person could have.  It can be snorted as a powder through the nose, smoked in the form of crack cocaine, or it can be dissolved and injected into the blood stream. When snorted, it goes up the nose where the sinus cavity dissolves it and then it rapidly enters the blood stream.

Over five percent of first time users develop an addiction with the first use, and the DEA has it classified it as one of the Schedule 2 controlled substances. Addiction is common because the user loses their high rather quickly causing them to want another dose of the drug so they can keep their high; leading them to repeat this binge of doses. Addiction affects the part of the brain that controls a person’s pleasure causing them to have a negative outlook on life and they think they need the drug just to feel normal.

There are physical changes that take place due to this addiction. When the brain tells the body it feels bad, the person automatically thinks they should use more of the drug. Although they feel an immediate high, it quickly disappears with their mood changes accordingly. Watching someone go through cocaine addiction is sad, but while everybody sees that they need help, the addict doesn’t see it.  This has been the cause of many needless deaths, because the individual fails to get help before it is too late.

The following are some physical signs of cocaine addiction:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Tremors
• Hyperactive behavior
• Running a temperature
• Dilated pupils
• High blood pressure
• Weight loss
• Blood-shot eyes
• Sniffing, runny nose
• Constricted blood vessels
• Rapid heart rate
• Nosebleeds
• Chills and perspiration

Addiction rehab is a great solution to anyone suffering from cocaine addiction. It is a safe place where the addict goes through several processes before becoming “clean” and can overcome the sudden urge to get high. Addiction treatment takes time and always has a significantly good impact on the person’s life as well as the family’s life. There is nothing worse than standing helplessly by while a loved one self-destructs due to drug addiction, but there is a way to put an end to the suffering, and that is where treatment programs come in.

During treatment, there are several stages the client must go through in order to become clean and capable of functioning in everyday society as a happy, drug free individual. Stage one is the detox process. This process rids the body of any amount of the drug left in the system. It usually takes several days to detox the body and during this time the individual experiences a wide range of difficult withdrawal symptoms.  These symptoms can be minimized and controlled by various procedures performed by trained addiction specialists or medical personnel.  Depending on the facility, there are many options available for helping the individual purge the toxins from their body and regain physical health.  Some of these options include:

• Exercise and fitness routines
• Nutritious meals and nutritional guidance
• Vitamin therapy
• Massage therapy
• Sauna
• Yoga, Martial Arts
• Meditation

After stage one is complete and the body is clean, the next step in rehabilitation is getting the client mentally stable to conquer everyday tasks in the real world without the constant need to get high. This process is filled with counseling and teaching the client better coping skills and attitudes for managing temptations. After detox and counseling, the client is ready to go out and live a normal, drug-free life. There will be follow-ups and screening to make sure the client is still drug-free after addiction rehabilitation and if needed, the client can come back into the rehabilitation center if there is a relapse.

Prevent Death from the Toxic Substances Today

Almost every substance used to make cocaine can be fatal to a person. This drug is highly addictive because of the coca leaves used, but once toxic materials are added, it is a deadly addiction that will cause a person a slow, painful death. If you are suffering from addiction to this drug, make the change today by calling A Forever Recovery and get into treatment before this toxic addiction kills you.

New Look, but Just as Addictive as Ever

Today, OxyContin looks different in appearance and is not sold in high doses because of the large number of people who gained an addiction to this drug. It is now composed of a harder substance making it more difficult to crush. One reason the drug is so dangerous is because of the time-release mechanism which releases specific amounts of the drug at intervals during a certain time span.  When abusers crush the tablet, they are getting a twelve hour dose of the substance all at one time.  This is an extremely dangerous practice that has led to thousands of needless deaths due to overdose.  Also, Purdue has changed the lettering on the drug so that abusers are less likely to be aware of what it is. Addiction to this drug is something that many people have to face and struggle with in their daily life, but with the changes made to this drug, there are fewer cases of people abusing it.

Although an individual is prescribed the drug and using it properly for their pain, there are some side effects to be concerned about.  Abdominal pain, memory loss, constipation, respiratory depression, and migraines are all side effects for people who are using this drug, but these side effects are usually rare. If you experience any of these side effects, you should contact your doctor immediately and he can recommend a different drug.

If you know someone who is using OxyContin, whether legally or illegally, you should make yourself familiar with the warning signs of overdose.  These signs can include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Dizziness
• Weakness
• Confusion
• Shallow, slow breathing
• Constricted pupils
• Cold, clammy skin
• Unconsciousness
• Coma
• Seizure

Any one of these is enough to signal the possibility of overdose and should not be taken lightly.  Contact medical professionals immediately if you believe an overdose has occurred.

Be Aware of the Possibility of Addiction

If you are thinking of using OxyContin for medical purposes, be sure you are aware of all of the side effects of taking this drug and make sure you tell your doctor about any problems that you have with your health or about any other drugs you are taking for pain or chronic diseases. Even though you following the dosing correctly, over prolonged periods of use, the body will develop a tolerance to the drug and you might be tempted to up the dosage.  Before increasing the number of pills or shortening the time between doses, contact your physician first.  This is imperative.  The last thing you want is an addiction to deal with in addition to your other illness.

In the event that you do become addicted, don’t lose hope, because there is help available to get you off the drug.  At A Forever Recovery, we have a team of addiction specialists who have helped thousands of individuals just like you.  We understand the complexities of addiction and have designed our programs to address each factor that contributed to the addiction.  For instance, someone in chronic pain becomes addicted to their painkillers, so this individual will need new methods for dealing with their pain after they get off the OxyContin.  Or, perhaps someone has deep emotional problems that caused them to seek out drugs as a coping tool.  This person will need counseling and training to rebuild their self-esteem and help them stay drug-free in the future.  Whatever the situation, we have a program that can work.  No one needs to struggle with addiction for even one more day when they could instead be living a productive, meaningful life.

Some of the aspects of our residential program that make it so successful include the following:

• Highly trained, credentialed staff
• Comfortable, relaxing environment
• Nutritious meals
• Compassionate, respectful counselors
• Exercise and fitness sessions
• Massage therapy, sauna, acupuncture, meditation
• Skills training and MRT (Moral Reconation Therapy)
• Faith-based or Indigenous approaches to treatment

When clients enter our program, they are given the opportunity to take part in designing a treatment regimen they feel comfortable with based on their needs and preferences.  Our clients are treated as individuals and not just “one of the crowd”, and our entire staff is dedicated to each client’s successful recovery.  Our goal is to eliminate addiction, one addict at a time, and to save as many lives as possible by helping clients learn to function in life without the need for addictive substances to get them through the day.

If you are addicted to OxyContin, contact A Forever Recovery now so that you can conquer your addiction before it takes over your life.

Know the Warning Signs of Addiction

Forming an addiction to Opana can turn into a huge problem. This drug is in the class of highly addictive drugs known as opiods, and anyone that forms an addiction should get the proper help before the side effects of the addiction become permanent.

Like any other prescription drug, this drug has side effects. Common side effects are not something that anyone should worry about, but should take caution if they worsen or last for more than a few days.  These side effects can include:

• nausea
• sweating
• vomiting
• dizziness
• headache
• dry mouth
• itching

There are side effects that can become life threatening if they are not taken seriously. These side effects are:

• shallow breathing
• slowed heartbeat
• seizures
• cold clammy skin
• confusion
• severe weakness
• dizziness
• fainting

Any person experiencing these side effects should contact their doctor right away and quit taking Opana because of the health risks.

Always Follow Prescription Guidelines

As with any opiate-based painkiller, this drug is likely to cause addiction if misused or abused.  An individual taking the drug strictly as prescribed will eventually develop a higher tolerance level and feel that they need more of the drug to get the pain relief they need.  This person should immediately contact his or her physician before making any changes in the dosage amount or frequency of dosing.  The danger of developing an addiction is too great to be taking risks with the dosage of this drug.  If the individual has high tolerance levels, the physician knows how to make adjustments, or can substitute another painkiller in order to avoid addiction.  Never take it upon yourself to change the prescribed regimen.

Another important fact to consider about Opana, or any other prescription drugs, is to make sure they are in a safe place away from the reach of young children, including teens.  In today’s world, one of the favorite pastimes of young people is to raid their parent’s or grandparent’s medicine cabinet and take the pills to a party where everyone else has done the same thing.  They dump all these together in a bowl, call it “trail mix”, and take one after another, just for the intent of getting as high as they can.  These “pill parties” are the latest rage, and have been the cause of many parent’s worst nightmares coming true; they get that dreaded call in the middle of the night informing them that their child has overdosed and died.

Anyone with prescription painkillers must be extremely diligent in making sure these products don’t get into the hands of teens.  Nor should they be given to someone else to help them avoid having to go to the doctor themselves for pain relief.  Never give any painkillers to another person.  You don’t want to feel responsible if something terrible happened as a result.

Be Your Own Advocate

Opana is a beneficial drug that has helped many people deal with certain pains.  If you are considering taking Opana for your pain, make sure to follow step-by-step instructions given by your doctor. Do not let this drug  turn into an addiction that changes who you are. Consider all the pros and cons and know that even using a couple of extra pain pills can make all the difference in forming a habit or addiction.  Being aware of the potential for addiction will help you make sound decisions when you feel the urge to take just a little more just this one time.  If you fail and addiction happens, call A Forever Recovery immediately and let us help you overcome this powerful substance and take back control of your life.

Two Types of Shopping Addiction

The people who spend beyond their funds are in serious trouble if they do not seek help. Shopping addicts suffer from poverty and debt to the point where they can not even buy food. They spend every dime they have on buying clothes, shoes, furniture, and jewelry without concern for bills and other obligations they might have. A credit card to them is money to buy stuff without consequences. These people usually go into debt and have to spend most of their lives paying back the debt they owe once they rid themselves of their addiction.

The people who do not purchase but think about purchasing, spend hours a day on the internet looking at things to buy, going window shopping for fun, and give up their friends and family so that they can shop.

Why Do People Shop Compulsively?

Studies show that many compulsive shoppers have problems with self-image and self-esteem.  They may have been neglected or abused as children and turned to food or objects to help them cope with the situation and to fill that sense of void in their life.  As they became adults, the behavior of turning to food or objects becomes a bigger problem, because there are now credit cards and financial issues involved.  Many shopping addicts are so ashamed of their behavior that they actually hide or destroy their purchases in attempt to avoid confrontations from family members or friends about the debt they are building.

Shopping addiction has been recognized as a problem for over a century.  In psychiatric textbooks it was known as Oniomania, and since then has been referred to as CBD (compulsive buying disorder), shopping compulsion,  shopaholism and Sushma syndrome.  This condition is often considered a bi-polar disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, or a clinical addiction.  As many as 30% of compulsive shoppers admit that it gives them a “buzz” regardless of what items they purchased.

As the shopping addiction progresses to present financial problems, the individual often becomes secretive, easily agitated, or depressed and will shop again to avoid these feelings.  The cycle continues until serious consequences occur such as divorce, legal problems from unpaid credit cards,  problems at work, and perhaps bankruptcy.  Compulsive shopping is not something to be laughed about.  This can become a serious problem not only for the individual but for their family as well.

How do I prevent shopping binges?

Our society is based on consumerism, and we are constantly bombarded with images of people buying food, cars, clothes, phones, and thousands of other items.  Whether on television, the internet, the radio, driving down the road or reading a magazine, you are being screamed at to buy something.  Commercials are designed to convince consumers that buying a particular product will make life immensely happy. With this much advertising going on all the time, it is no wonder society is filled with people who are way over their head in debt with no way out.

Anyone that feels they might be developing a problem with shopping and spending too much should begin taking steps now to avoid financial distress.  Some things you can do to prevent over-spending include:

• Use only cash, check or debit card when shopping.
• Make a list and stick to it.
• Get rid of credit cards, except one for emergency use only.
• Always set a spending limit before going out.
• If you window shop, leave your wallet at home or window shop only after stores are closed.
• Throw away catalogs, and don’t watch TV shopping channels.
• Take a walk or exercise when you feel the urge to shop.
• If you don’t feel you can handle the above, then seek help.

Living With Shopping Addiction

Shopping addiction is an illness that can take away a person’s motivation to do anything other than shopping. These people need professional help before they ruin their lives and the lives of the people around them. If you are living with a shopping addiction, call A Forever Recovery now. There are programs such as Debtors Anonymous and rehab programs that can help you face your shopping addiction head-on and take back control of your life.

Origin of Xanax

Xanax was first used to treat people with panic disorder. At the time it was thought panic disorders could not be helped by benzodiazepines, but was later proven to be one of the best solutions. Throughout time, Xanax has become a common name and because of it’s popularity, people began using it for recreational use as well as medically. Today, there are several hundred thousand people who use this drug every day as a method to get high instead of for medical purposes. This drug can be found from just about any drug dealer and the pills are relatively cheap. The popularity will continue to grow until someone puts a halt to production and finds a way to change the people who seem to so desperately need the drug.

Adverse Effects of Benzodiazepines

When taken according to directions these drugs are relatively safe, but women who are pregnant or considering getting pregnant should avoid taking them because they can cross the placenta and affect the fetus, resulting in congenital abnormalities.

Some rare but possible side effects of Xanax include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Sleepiness, lethargy
• Dry mouth
• Hallucinations
• Dizziness
• Slurred speech
• Respiratory depression
• Jaundice
• Decreased libido
• Aggression
• Twitches or tremors

If combined with alcohol or other drugs (poly-dosing), the effects of Xanax are even more pronounced and can result in a semi-comatose state and overdose.  When overdose occurs, the following symptoms are apparent:

• Dizziness
• Fainting
• Low blood pressure
• Impaired motor function
• Poor reflexes
• Extreme sleepiness
• Shallow breathing
• Muscle weakness

Poly-dosing (combining two or more drugs)  can result in coma or death if not treated right away.

As with most prescription drugs, the chance for developing dependence on Xanax is high after prolonged use.  When considering discontinuing the drug, the individual should work closely with their physician to decrease dosage gradually in order to avoid complications.  In some cases, there is a chance for seizures or other dangerous withdrawal symptoms to occur. Sometimes, when discontinuing the drug, the individual experiences what is known as “rebound anxiety”, which means the symptoms they were being treated for return when the drug is withheld, but they seem more intense than before.  This effect is not the same as actual withdrawal symptoms experienced by heavily dependent individuals.

Studies performed by SAMHSA indicate that 35% of all drug-related hospital emergency room visits are related to alprazolam (benzodiazepines) abuse and many of these cases are due to recreational use of this drug combined with other drugs or alcohol.

Help for Xanax Addiction

For Xanax addiction and abuse, the only solution for a total recovery is addiction rehab. This process can last anywhere from a few weeks to several months, depending on the severity of the addict’s condition. Each addict undergoes treatment in a program designed for their specific needs.  Detox is usually the first step.  This process works to eliminate all traces of the drug from the body to avoid cravings.  When detox has been successfully completed, the person is now ready to begin the emotional and spiritual healing process.  They learn new coping techniques, acquire skills for functioning in daily life, and regain lost self-esteem and confidence.  After completing rehab, each client is encouraged to remain in the aftercare program for continued support and guidance while they attempt to rebuild their life.

If you or someone you care for is addicted to Xanax, contact A Forever Recovery addiction treatment center immediately to get the addiction under control before it is too late. Not making the change can cause serious fatal side effects, but if you or your loved one makes it through addiction treatment, opportunities for success will soon follow.

Vicodin Addiction Signs

Vicodin addiction is relatively easy to spot. First, you need to determine if your loved one is actually suffering from pain or if they are simply faking it in order to get high. Once you have determined that, you will be able to actually see if they really have an addiction. They will show signs such as:

• severe mood changes
• social withdrawal
• depression
• memory loss
• changes in physical appearance

These signs will be your first determining factors of whether or not your loved one is addicted. If you do not notice these Vicodin addiction problems early on, your loved one may begin to have problems with his or her internal health, finances, and all other important aspects of their lives. Their only concern will be to get high, no matter how dangerous it may become to their health such as liver or kidney failure or heart problems.

Adverse effects of Vicodin can include, but are not limited, to the following:

• allergic reactions
• cold, clammy skin
• dizziness
• fatigue
• dry mouth
• hot flashes
• decreased appetite
• drowsiness
• irritability
• muscle spasms
• euphoria

Other symptoms can appear depending on the individual and how much of the drug is consumed.  When used as directed, the drug is safe but when abused, the chance for addiction or serious health consequences is increased.

There is Help for Vicodin Abuse

As with any other opioid addiction, professional treatment is the best option for overcoming Vicodin abuse.  Because these drugs create chemical changes in the brain and body, the individual must undergo intensive detoxification to purge all traces of the drug from their system in order to eliminate cravings.  Once this process is successful, the person is ready to focus all their attention on the rehabilitation portion of treatment.  During treatment the client is carefully guided through classes, counseling sessions, exercise and a variety of other activities to help them learn to cope with daily life without the need for addictive substances present.  Some of the options available for clients in our program include:

• Sauna, whirlpool
• Exercise classes
• Nutritious meals
• Vitamin therapy
• Martial arts
• Group or individual counseling
• Music or art therapy
• Acupuncture
• Massage therapy
• Cognitive skills training
• MRT (Moral Reconation Therapy)
• Faith-based or spiritual studies

Our goal is to help clients heal all aspects of their addiction and return them to society with the empowerment and knowledge to become a contributing, productive citizen and family member. While under our care, each client is treated as a individual and with the utmost respect. We provide a safe, comforting environment to help clients relax and feel nurtured as they progress through the program. At any time, day or night, our clients are able to talk to a counselor when they need encouragement or if they simply need someone to listen.  Some of our counselors are recovered addicts themselves and are therefore able to relate to the feelings of fear or guilt the addict is experiencing.  They know what the client is going thorough because of their own personal experience and their level of knowledge and support is crucial to the client.

After successfully completing detox and rehab, clients are ready to enter the outside world.  In order to prevent relapse, we encourage each client to participate in our aftercare program to take advantage of continued guidance and support during this sensitive time.  We believe it is crucial that clients not feel abandoned or alone when they walk out into the world, and our compassionate staff is dedicated to upholding this principle.

Contact A Forever Recovery today if you suspect that your loved one is addicted to Vicodin. We will be able to help you fully understand the extent of their addiction and what steps you need to take so that they will safely recover from their addiction. Call now to help your loved one before it is too late.