For the past several months, the daily economic news has been grim. We hear about more job losses, foreclosures, home sales down, food prices soar, the stock market goes up and down. These are extraordinarily difficult times for everyone, and in some way everyone is affected by the situation. The never-ending stress taps into your energy and saps your strength; it tests your faith and leaves you confused. Families without the added stressors of alcohol or drugs will pull together; they will make some sacrifices as they grumble and complain, but in the end these families will more than likely survive the current economy.   

What about the alcoholic? More importantly, what about the children living with an alcoholic? Research has confirmed that alcoholics lack coping skills. When faced with problems, the alcoholic will turn to the bottle. Most of us have seen the destructive dysfunction that results from alcohol or drug abuse. What happens when the alcoholic faces a job loss or pay cut, or loses the important health insurance? These situations exceed the “normal” stress of life and will most likely find the alcoholic turning to the bottle more often and in larger quantities.  

The National Runaway Switchboard has reported that there has been an alarming increase in calls over the past year. The callers have been increasingly younger. These victims have reported abuse and neglect with alcohol a common denominator in many cases. With the increased stress from the economy, there has been an increase in alcohol and drug abuse. With increased alcohol and drug abuse, we have seen more violent outbursts. The sad result has been child abuse and neglect. Unfortunately, the weak economy has also reduced the funding for shelters and self-help organizations.  

As we all know, eventually there will be more jobs and stocks will go up. We can all go eat lobster and see a movie. The economy will bounce back and up! In the interim, we need to ask ourselves a question: what about the children living in alcoholic homes during these tough times? Will their self-esteem ever be restored? What are the permanent lasting affects on these future leaders? We all need to be aware of the far reaching affects of a “bad” economy. Recent research indicated that children of alcoholics not only risk becoming an alcoholic but are more likely to abuse drugs.  

We must pay attention to friends and family members that may need some extra help, and possibly intervention, during this tough time. Teachers, church leaders and adults that come in contact with children, stay watchful and pay attention to children that may be living in an alcoholic home. The turmoil in an alcoholic home can create guilt, shame and confusion for the children. These children try desperately to keep this ugly family secret, yet more than anything they need a trusted adult that will listen to them. Encouragement and support will begin their journey on the road to recovery.  

We are all in this together, and we need to help each other. If we turn our backs on these children in need, the economy will recover but a huge segment of our society will not.  

Austin Texas Drug Rehab Identifies Increase in Young Adult Addiction
Burning Tree Programs sees spike in young adults aged 18-24 entering treatment. This bucks the trend that Burning Tree is specifically for older adults, and at the same time lends credence to the fact that drug and alcohol abuse is starting at a …
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State program for drug rehabilitation to be drafted by April 2013
… to be drafted by April 2013. 15:34 November 28, 2012 Interfax. The Russian government has ordered the drafting of a state program for drug rehabilitation, Federal Drug Control Service Director Viktor Ivanov said at a Moscow conference on Wednesday.
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Today, Xanax abuse is running rampant. A matter of fact this drug prescribed for those with anxiety problems is now a well-known party drug. Today, the term Xanie-popping is used for the usage of the drug. The drug is a depressant that can only be given with a prescription; however, it is finding its way onto the streets all across the United States.

The reason xanax abuse is fast becoming a major problem is that around 800,000 websites sell prescription medications online. The majority of these websites are not regulated or under the control of any government. Xanax abuse in 2007 contributed to around two million prescription drug abuse cases. Xanax abuse along with other prescription drugs is not just a problem with the young adults and teenagers, even though the majority of users are in this age group.

Xanax is a benzodiazepine, which acts on the central nervous system and interacts chemically in the brain. The drug slows the neurotransmitters, which causes a calm and peaceful state. Xanax abuse is not only found with individuals taking the drug, but many are now crushing the drug in order to snort or mix with water and inject. This causes the high to be more intense. The body once a person begins with xanax abuse the need for more and more of drug to experience the same effect increases quickly. Once this has occurred the person is now physically, depend on the drug. Now, the xanax abuse has turned into an addiction, which will need medical help to quit.

Xanax abuse can be an accident from individuals with legal prescriptions; however, many that take more than prescribed do not realize the harm that can happen. They believe since they have a prescription, everything is fine.

If you believe, you know someone with a xanax abuse problem you can look for signs, which are actually withdrawal symptoms. The signs include clumsiness, lack of coordination, drowsiness, slurred speech, cannot concentrate, nausea, muscle cramps, loss of appetite, and diarrhea.

Xanax abuse should be treated as soon as you realize yourself or a love one has a problem. The longer the abuse occurs the harder it will be for the person to recover. Long-term xanax abuse can result in inpatient detox programs taking medications to ensure that the withdrawal symptoms are lessened. Some withdrawal symptoms can be life threatening, so it would be best if you have a xanax abuse problem to speak with your physician before stopping the drug.

Treatment for xanax abuse should begin with speaking with your doctor for an evaluation. This will determine the level of your dependency and if you need detoxification. Today, across the United States, there are nearly 14,000 drug and alcohol abuse centers that are prepared to help each patient conquer their addiction can begin to live life alcohol or drug free. The various programs available vary according to the location and the type of treatment. Of course, you should discuss these options over with your doctor before making a decision.

Valium has been available since 1963 for the treatment of insomnia, anxiety, and to aid in relaxing muscles Valium is a benzodiazepine, which is a depressant on the nervous system. Valium abuse is when a person takes more than prescribed by their physician or take the drug without a prescription at all. Once a person begins abusing valium, they will notice that the need for more and more of the drug is needed to experience the same effect. The sad news is that fifty percent of individuals that stick to their prescription and take the drug for six months can have an addiction problem.

The way to know if a person or if you are having problems with valium abuse is that if you experience or notice any withdrawal symptoms which can include abdominal cramps, anxiety, vomiting, insomnia, dizziness, heart palpitations, and more. Valium abuse does not only affect a person physically but emotionally as well as the drug provides a euphoric feeling.

At this time, valium is at the top of the list of prescription drugs that is being placed on the black market. As stated by the National Institute on Drug Abuse and the Drug Enforcement Agency, valium is very high on the list of the prescription drug abuse. In 2006, close to two million individuals in the United States admitted to abusing prescriptions in that year. The number of individuals with either valium abuse or other prescription drugs is fast gong up the list.

When a person thinks of club drugs, they often think of ecstasy, however, valium is now on that list which is causing valium abuse among teenagers and young adults that visit clubs or enjoy rave parties. Since valium is often so easily obtained such as in the medicine cabinet at home, the amount of valium on the street is increasing. Today, instead of just taking the pill, it is being crushed so it can be snorted to shot up in order to achieve a more intense rush.

If you believe, a family member or friend is having a valium abuse problem you should watch for signs including sleepiness, clumsiness, blurred vision, dry mouth, memory loss, shaking, headache, confusion, and trouble breathing.

Today, there are all kinds of treatment centers to help each individual with a valium abuse problem. If you or a loved one is experiencing difficulty with valium, you should seek medical help. The longer a person abuses valium the harder it will be to become drug free.

Today, all across America there are around 14,000 drug rehab and alcohol abuse treatment centers. Each one offers a wide array of services to help those that wish to take control of their lives. In some cases, if the valium abuse is severe, the person may need to enter a medical detoxification center prior to beginning drug abuse treatment. Programs will vary but most include drug detox, counseling, and behavior modification.

All over the United States, marijuana comes in first as the most abused illegal drug. It may be hard to believe but teenagers and younger children are the largest group of marijuana addiction and abuse cases. After speaking with high schools seniors across the nation, it was revealed that forty two percent had tried marijuana. This is often the first illegal drug a person will try before moving on to harder and more dangerous drugs. In 2007, fifty-six percent of the three million people that were using illegal drugs admitted to beginning with marijuana.

Many individuals with marijuana addiction and abuse still believe that marijuana is a safe drug and that using the drug will not lead to addiction or harm of any kind. If this statement is true then why has marijuana addiction and abuse been listed as the reason for individuals to be admitted to drug and alcohol abuse treatment centers just a little below alcohol and opiates. In 2007, sixteen percent of individuals admitted to rehab centers were admitted for marijuana addiction and abuse. There are at this time, more than seven million individuals in the US dependent on marijuana, thus the reason for admission to treatment centers for marijuana addiction and abuse.

There is a difference between marijuana addiction and marijuana abuse. Marijuana abuse is when individuals use the drug for non-medical purposes whereas addiction is when a person is dependent on the drug. A person can become addicted to marijuana due to the THC found in the drug. The drug provides a high that requires more and more of the drug in order to experience the same high. As a person smokes marijuana, the THC travels through the blood to the brain. Here it connects with nerve cells that control concentration, thought, pleasure, time perception, memory, coordination, and sensory awareness. The drug causes a person to have a dreamy detached state of mind thus the reason the user acts silly or giggles. In some cases, the effect of marijuana can last up to a full eight hours.

Marijuana addiction and abuse is still prevalent in today’s society and in most areas of the United States it is climbing. Reports from studies by the United States Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration showed a slow but steady rise of marijuana addiction and abuse over the last decade. In 1997, the report showed the marijuana addiction and abuse was at 12.8 percent for admission to drug rehab centers whereas in 2007 the percentage rose to 15.8 percent. The average age for a teenager to try marijuana was around seventeen.

Marijuana addiction and abuse is nothing to laugh at. It is very prevalent in our society today and needs to be addressed. Teenagers that begin with marijuana today may be the next heroin or oxycontin abuser of tomorrow. To find help with marijuana addiction and abuse you should speak with your physician and start changing your life for the better today.

There are many different ways a person can find an alcohol treatment center that will help them conquer their alcohol addiction. However, before finding an Alcohol Abuse Treatment Program, you should do your homework and learn just a bit more about the various types of Alcohol Abuse Treatment Programs that are available.

One popular Alcohol Abuse Treatment Program is Alcoholics Anonymous. This organization teaches the 12-step program that helps a person learn to carry on with life after they have given up alcohol. However, some individuals may need to visit a hospital for detoxification prior to entering this type of program.

Every Alcohol Abuse Treatment Program will not provide with the medications and close supervision you may need during the withdrawal time period. Withdrawal from alcohol is serious and should not be done without the aid of a medical professional.

One thing that all individuals should remember when suffering from alcohol abuse and that is that alcoholism is a disease. In the United States today it is estimated that over five million individuals are affected by the affects of alcohol abuse. At this time, there is no cure for alcoholism, but there is an Alcohol Abuse Treatment Program that can help you learn to live with your disease and receive the help you need to become rehabilitated.

Those that abuse alcohol or are known alcoholics cannot give up the habit of drinking as the craving or addiction is too strong along with other withdrawal symptoms that are just too hard to handle. The craving is so strong for a drink that an alcoholic cannot control the craving and reaches for a drink. An individual that is addicted to alcohol will not only have physical problems but will also suffer from psychological problems according to the length of time a person has been drinking. An Alcohol Abuse Treatment Program will not only help the person control their urge to drink, but will work with any long-term problem that may have occurred due to the alcoholism.

Many people do not realize that a person addicted to alcohol, cannot just walk away from the club or the bottle hidden in their nightstand. Alcohol becomes a part of their live just as important to the alcoholic as their own arm or hand. Without the alcohol, the person cannot and will not function after drinking for a long period of time.

With the professional help at an Alcohol Abuse Treatment Program, the individual will learn to control the urge and live life without carrying around a drink. Even though the cause of alcoholism is not known, there are ways to control the urge and enjoy life without drinking.

The majority of Alcohol Abuse Treatment Programs do not only work with the alcoholic, but also have programs to aid family and friends understand the problems the person is facing and help each person stay on the road to recovery. Too many times, without the support of family and friends, alcoholics turn back to drinking.