May 15, 2013

Narconon Drug Rehabilitation Center Finds Itself Under Investigation – Again

Narconon is a very controversial drug rehabilitation center, mainly because it is run by the Church of Scientology. They have centers in 45 counties across the nation and have been operation for over 40 years. One of the strengths of Narconon is that their rehabilitation center is completely drug free.

The Narconon drug rehab program steps are entirely drug-free; that is, our drug rehabilitation program does not use drugs or medications to solve the problems caused by drugs, but does use nutrition and nutritional supplements as an important component of its delivery.

However, Narconon is now under investigation and this isn’t the first time it has happened either.

Insurance Fraud

Last Friday, a search warrant for the Georgia Narconon drug rehab center was executed. The state has already revoked Narconon’s license to practice. Allegedly, they have billed a patient $166,275 for treatment that should have cost no more than $15,000, a clear case of insurance fraud.

Investigators say they were surprised by the volumes of potential evidence retrieved from Narconon, which was stripped of its license in December following a decade’s worth of complaints that it was illegally operating a residential facility. Narconon is appealing the state Department of Community Health’s ruling.

The family at the center of this latest controversy is the Morton family of Rome, who’s 19 year old daughter Emily is the patient who received the allegedly inflated bill. The family scrutinized the bill and came to the conclusion that they weren’t just overcharged for treatment that Emily had received, but they were even charged for treatment that she had not received at all.

They were billing for doctor visits – one amount was for $58,000.00. And she never even saw the doctor.

Following this, they contacted Robbins Health Care Alliance, which set the ball rolling with News-Talk WSB becoming involved as well. This turned the entire situation into public knowledge, which is where we stand now. One significant problem, however, is that only an individual, and not a full corporation can be charged with insurance fraud. As the center is part of the Church of Scientology, it may be difficult to find a single responsible individual.

Bad Press

All of this is incredibly bad press for Narconon, who received some bad press last February as well.

In February, Narconon of Georgia and its parent company, Narconon International, settled a multi-million dollar lawsuit in the death of patient Patrick Desmond in 2008. That investigation led to the initiation of licensure revocation proceedings by the Georgia Department of Community Health.

The Arrowhead facility in Oklahoma, Narconon’s flagship facility, is currently dealing with the deaths of four of their patients.

Statement from the Families

Very often, when something highly controversial like this occurs, friends and families are rounded up to speak about their content with the company, explaining that accidents happen and a single mistake doesn’t take away from the overall good that the company is doing. This is what was expected here as well, particularly since the Church of Scientology has a lot of (very high profile) members. However, it seems that this was not to be this time. A joint statement has been released on behalf of the families of patients stating:

I sincerely hope that this spells the end of this dangerous and deceptive operation. I only wish it had come sooner so that those who have been harmed by Narconon could have avoided that fate.

It seems that Narconon is going to struggle to recover from this latest blow, particularly if those who they have treated are starting to turn their backs. Luckily, there are many other high quality rehabilitation centers in the country as well.

May 8, 2013

People With Drug Addictions Need Help – New Developments To Bring Just That

Answer word We all know that there is a drug problem out there. However, more and more people are starting to understand that drug addiction is an illness that needs treatment, rather than punishment. Many addicts turn to crime in order to feed their habits and end up in jail, from where they often continue to use. Even if they do kick the habit, when they are released from prison, they go straight back to the toxic environment from where they came and return to being users. Although crimes have to be punished, it is a positive development to see that addiction itself is now treated as an illness, giving addicts the support they need to overcome their issues, rather than forcing them to end up in a negative spiral eventually culminating in lengthy jail sentences or even death.

Small Steps Make all the Difference

The smallest and simplest steps can make huge differences to the community and to drug addicts. Take Boston, for example, where police stations now come equipped with medication bins. Here, statistics have shown that too many people are becoming addicted to prescription drugs. These drugs cost up to $250 a day and many turn to heroin after a while, as this can be obtained for just $10 a day. Worryingly, the vast majority of young people who are addicted to prescription drugs have developed their addiction because they used medication prescribed to their parents that they no longer use. Boston believes that a problem should be solved from the bottom up, targetting the root of the problem.

It is the cheapest and most effective thing we’ve ever done to get drugs off the street. It is safe and secure. No questions asked; you can throw your pills in and nobody checks what is inside the bottle, and then it all goes right to the flame. It all gets burned.

The drugs kiosk scheme is so successful that it has now been rolled out in various other places across the country. The DEA has reported that they have so far collected over 2 million pounds worth of prescription drugs through these kiosks, each and ever tablet being a tablet that could have rendered yet another young person addicted.

Online Help for Addicts

Authorities are also becoming increasingly interested in using online tools to help people fight their addictions. One online drug rehab website has been designed to help people overcome their marijuana addictions. These addictions are mainly psychological, or at the very least do not come with the dangerous side effects associated with withdrawing from a hard drug like cocaine, heroin or even alcohol, which is one of the reasons why it can be done online. Cannabis Quitter can be used both by those who are dealing with marijuana addictions, or have been able to overcome them and offers both a place to get treatment and a place to make contact with others in the same situation.

Cannabis Quitter is essentially a forum that people can post on and interact with others that are trying to quit their use of cannabis. Members of the Cannabis Quitter forum can post about their success with quitting, their trials and tribulations of giving up their habit, and they can ask questions to other members to try and gain help and advice as to how they can succeed in stopping their cannabis use.

Although still in its infancy, the program has shown some very positive results. One of the best results is that users are incredibly enthusiastic about the forum and that membership levels are growing very quickly. This proves that people want to receive help and are open to kicking their habits, rather than getting trapped in a cycle of abuse.

Leading by Example

More and more celebrities are also coming forward to talk about their own issues and offer support to those still struggling. Take Chris Washburn, for instance, once one of the most promising basketball players in the world, found himself sitting in the street one day, crack pipe in one hand and gun in the other. Washburn has now dedicated his life to helping others. He has made no secrets of the extreme lows he has experienced, the fact that he went from rehab to rehab, getting high as soon as he walked out the door or that he went to jail, got shot and begged his mother for money in order to pay for his next hit.

Washburn says he’s been clean for about a dozen years now. In addition to youth organizations and drug rehab facilities, he also speaks to NBA rookies and to top college prospects who attend the nation’s leading basketball camps. His story seems to resonate with young men who find themselves on the same path to potential fame that he once was on.

Addicts tend to listen to those who have truly been there, those who really understand what is happening. Drug workers with all the best intentions do not understand what it is like to be as low as you can possibly get, only to sink a little lower. They can read about it, they can talk about it, they can shake their head emphatically, but they can never truly understand. For addicts to have a role model like Chris Washburn makes it a completely different ballgame. He really has been there, he even had the option of making it big time and having all the money and fame. But he still chose drugs and he came out the other side victorious.

Another example of someone who is making a huge positive impact is Paul Hannaford, who speaks mainly to students and gang affiliation.

He’s speaking the language of the young people that are involved in groups and gangs that are involved in substance misuse and thinking about drug dealing.

It is through people like this, people who don’t judge but truly understand, that others have a chance of not going down the road of complete self destruction.

May 1, 2013

Drug Treatment And Prevention – What We Can Learn From Iran

The war on drugs continues to wage and there seems to be no end in sight. More and more experts are now suggesting that the way the war is being fought at present isn’t working and it seems harsh statistics confirm this. Recently David Sheff, who wrote the book “Clean”, the reality is that what we are doing doesn’t work.

With addiction killing approximately 350 Americans every day and millions of Americans continuing to struggle with drug addiction, Sheff argues in his book that fighting the war on drugs as a criminal problem does not prevent or end addiction. Criminalizing addiction has failed to stop the problem, and seems instead to have led to violent crime (including murder) and even increased drug use. Clean also pushes back against the view that drug use is a moral failing instead of a serious but treatable disease.

International Example

Iran is one country with a virtually non-existing drug problem. This is interesting, considering its proximity to areas like Afghanistan, where millions of dollars from our country and NATO to combat the poppy production and heroin export have amounted to nothing. According to Foreign Affairs, the reason why the drug problem is resolved so well in Iran is because the focus is not on criminalization, but rather on prevention and, most important of all, treatment. This hasn’t always been the case, however. Iran has always been quite proactive in its policies on drugs, but this changed with the draconian laws of the Islamic state. It didn’t take long for prison camps to be camps full of drug addicts. These cost the country millions, and drugs continued to flow into the country, regardless of any efforts to the contrary. The problem quickly escalated and there were further issues, such as a rise in HIV/AIDS.

These setbacks prompted a complete turnaround in Iran’s approach to fighting narcotics. Instead of focusing on punishing addicts and trying to stop the drug supply, Iran decided to try to reduce the harm of narcotics and the demand for them.

The results of this are tremendous. New HIV/AIDS infections are at an all time low, the national health budget has been reduced, crime prevention can focus on more pertinent areas, quality of life has improved for people across the country and more. Clearly, Iran’s policies are something that others can learn a lot from.

The Crime Issue

The crime issue is a very big one, and it is costing our country millions. The link between property crime, burglaries in particular, and drug use has long been documented. The Duluth News Tribune recently reported on a veritable rash of property crimes, believe to be completely fueled by drug use.

In the first three months of this year, 38 percent of all felony cases filed were based in part or entirely on illegal drugs. That includes 10 heroin, six cocaine, eight amphetamine, four meth and six marijuana cases. To put that in perspective, only five felony operating while intoxicated cases have been filed during that time.

Again, this is further evidence that the war on drugs in its current form isn’t working at all. Added to this that there are now more and more people who are addicted to prescription drugs, rather than the chemical stuff imported through the Mexican cartels, and the need to come up with something new becomes even more important.

Drug Treatment

We have seen from the Iranian example that drug treatment is incredibly important. It is by helping people to get clean from their addictions that they stop to turn towards drugs. Because drugs operate according to the same supply and demand principles as any other commodity, it stands to reason that if you reduce the demand for drugs, you also reduce the supply. Indeed, it seems great strides are being made with new drug rehab facilities being opened across the country. Besides this, a report in the Frederick News Post stated that

A 22-year-old Brunswick woman stood at the defense table in a sentencing hearing earlier this month and made an unusual request. She asked the judge for a longer sentence than prosecutors were recommending. [...] She wanted to go to prison, she said, because she believed the county’s drug treatment program wasn’t strong enough.

It is certainly true that the program she has requested to be sent to, dubbed Project 103, shows that people are much less likely to commit further offenses upon release. Again, this demonstrates that there are programs out there that really do work and we need to learn from them. Another positive development has been seen in Newton District. Here, the courts itself have set up a full drug treatment program.

The program, the 19th in the state’s court system, is essentially one of enhanced probation. Offenders have to agree to undergo intensive therapy and random drug testing, and to have a weekly hearing before a judge to evaluate progress, with most requirements tapering off over time if the requirements are being met.

Clearly, a lot of work is being done in order to improve the current situation. However, a strong focus still seems to be on the criminal aspect of drug abuse. Even the program offered by Newton District courts is offered in large part to reduce recidivism, rather than to solve the entire drug problem, which is the same for Project 103. This doesn’t mean that the suggestion that all drugs should be legalized is being pushed forward. In Iran, for instance, drugs are still very much illegal. In fact, the death penalty still stands for those caught trafficking drugs into the country. However, the focus is placed more strongly on allowing users to heal and to lose their dependency on substances in a respectful, supportive manner. This allows them to become more productive members of society and it also reduces crime rates, but the focus is more on the holistic view of the individual, with the lowering of crime rates and health issues being the added benefit rather than the first goal.

April 24, 2013

Drug Addiction – Where Is It, What Is It, What Can Be Done About It?

Drug addiction is a term that surfaces incredibly regularly and most of us have at least some grasp of what it means. However, only those who have had a drug addiction understand exactly what it is. And only those who work in the drug addiction field understand exactly what the consequences of drug addictions are.

The Impact of Drug Addiction

People who are addicted to drugs impact all levels of society. They cost billions of dollars each year to law enforcement professionals and medical professionals alike. The biggest impact, however, is found on their friends and family members. Those are the ones who have to watch them turn into a shell of their former self. It has been described very well in the Austin Chronicle

Wake up! Look at what you’re doing! How can you put your family through such pain? Can’t you see what Debbie did to herself? To her family? To me? I’m too young to have to deal with this!” She said she felt like, in their current mental state, none of them would have understood what she was trying to say.

That is the real impact of a drug addiction.

There is also a strong impact in the world of work. Very often, addicts are able to hold on to a job, at least to some degree. It is not uncommon for them to turn to theft from their employer in order to fund their drug habit. This constitutes a very difficult problem. As explained by Fasken Martineau

It is well established that discrimination against an employee on the basis of a physical or mental disability is prohibited. Drug or alcohol addictions constitute a “disability” under most human rights legislation such that employers are prohibited from discriminating against employees on the basis of their addictions. But what if a drug- or alcohol-addicted employee engages in serious misconduct which they say they committed because of their addiction? Will it be considered discriminatory to discipline them for such conduct? The Court of Appeal in Alberta recently said “not necessarily”.

The Case for Legalization

Because of all the associated financial costs, in particular to law enforcement professionals, there are frequent cries to legalize drugs instead. The latest call comes from Neil Franklin, a retired undercover drug investigator.

He said while growing up on Merritt Island, many of his family members were either addicts or dealers. He saw people doing anything they could to support their addiction, and believes that decriminalization of drugs would allow more resources to go to treatment instead of punishment.

The issue, however, remains highly controversial. It is proven, however, that the “war on drugs” is costing so much money that other, potentially more serious crimes, are being left unsolved. Besides this, people who have committed drug offenses regularly spend more time behind bars than sex offenders and those who have committed other violent crimes.

School Drugs Raids

At present, however, it seems the war on drugs will continue to be fought instead. In fact, efforts are being expanded and there are now even school drug raids, to stop drugs from reaching the young, which are some of the more vulnerable members of society. Young people are also the most influential, which is one of the reasons why they are often targeted by opportunistic drug dealers. In a report from the Patriot Ledger, it was noted that

School administrators and police have only the best of intentions when conducting such searches. Law enforcement must cope with the fallout of drug addiction every day. The uptick in drug-fueled break-ins, assaults and even deaths has been well covered.

However, many would agree that a better option would be to spend more on educating students on the dangers of drugs and how to resist peer pressure.

Prescription Drug Abuse

When people hear about drug addictions, they generally think about substances such as cocaine, heroine, crack or crystal meth. Some would also include alcohol in this list. However, the biggest amount of problems with drug addiction these days come from people who are addicted to prescription drugs. In a report from The Globe and Mail

The Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse, together with a large group of experts and officials, has published a new 10-year plan that would set up a countrywide surveillance system and overhaul legislation so that doctors and pharmacists no longer prescribe painkillers indiscriminately, and addicts are able to get appropriate and timely help.

It is believed our country will soon follow suit with this plan. The reality is that there are now more people who die from an overdose of prescription drugs than people who die from cocaine and heroine addiction combined. One of the big problems with addictions to prescription drugs is that it has seen an increase a number of different things. Firstly, there is an increase in the number of pharmacy robberies. Secondly, it has lead to an increase in patients stealing prescription pads. Last but not least, it has caused an increase in corrupt doctors and other professionals who are happy to sell prescription drugs at the right price. Because of this, and empowered by the example set by Canada, Vermont lawmakers have now started to try and make a difference. A report in The Bennington Banner states

The House of Representatives on Friday overwhelmingly approved an opioid and methamphetamine bill that addresses prevention, treatment and public safety. The legislation even attempts to slow addiction-related thefts of precious metals and requires landlords to report potential drug abuse. And a companion bill attempts to ensure that Vermonters won’t hesitate to call for help if they witness an overdose.

This is a fantastic step forward in helping those people who are struggling with addiction. Many are now starting to agree that education and help for those who suffer from addictions is far more important than prosecuting those who supply the drugs in the first place. It could be that this will be a huge turning point in the war on drugs, and hopefully a big step forward in improving the situation.

April 17, 2013

6 Reasons To Consider Drug And Alcohol Rehab For Yourself Or A Friend

Precious few people have lived a life entirely untouched by alcohol or drug abuse of some form. There are those who struggle with these addictions themselves and then there are those with a parent, friend, sibling, child or significant other who has battled substance abuse. There are those who’ve been the victim of a crime committed by a person with an addiction. All of us, in some way, have been touched if only through poignant stories so it is not as if we do not know the dangers. Still, each year more and more people discover they have a serious addiction and that they need help. This is what drug and alcohol rehab programs exist to do. They are all about helping a person get back on their feet. What we want to do now is explore 6 powerful reasons people seek these programs out. Maybe one applies to you or maybe some of these are something you can mention to someone you care about in order to encourage them to get help.

1. Drug and Alcohol Rehab Programs Save Lives While Promoting Health

This is perhaps the most obvious and that’s why it’s first. Drugs and alcohol both dole significant damage out to the body. People who are trying to recover do need help which is why drug and alcohol rehab programs are so crucial. No matter where your addiction is coming from, there are now techniques out there which can help you save yourself before its too late. Health care is expensive these days and people can and do die from drug and alcohol abuse related health concerns. Don’t let this happen to you – seek help and get back to your life again.

2. The Cost of Drug and Alcohol Rehab is Cheaper Than Addiction

When a person has an addiction, they will spend money on it even if they have next to nothing. Some will even resort to theft or worse to get the cash they need. This is an economic problem and it is tied right in with addiction. Some people thing drug and alcohol rehab programs cost too much, but when you look at what you save buying your substance of choice, paying for any legal fees that come up, paying for health care bills later and so forth, then you really see the true expense of an addiction. They do not come cheap and they have ruined millions of people’s financial lives which impacted the rest of their lives.

3. In Drug and Alcohol Rehab Programs People Can Rebuild Key Relationships

People lose friends when they abuse alcohol or drugs. They may make new ones, but these people are often only around due to the substances being abused. Once that stops they move on to others who are still using. If you’ve lost contact with friends you used to have, family and perhaps even lost the trust of your employer then you need to take action. Seeking help is important if you want to be able to rebuild damaged relationships which is easier to do during and after rehab.

4. Kids Benefit When Parents Choose the Best Drug and Alcohol Rehab

Parents may feel this should be the number 1 reason to seek help. For many it will be exactly that. The point is, you can lose custody of your kids if substance abuse consumes your life or if you get caught with illicit substances. Nothing is worth that so rehab is a far, far better choice. Your kids will see your strength as a person and know you’ve set a good example for them.

5. You Only Have One Life So Make It a Quality One

This is the heart of it all. We really do have one chance to make this life as good as it can be and if substance abuse is ruining your ability to enjoy anything except drugs or alcohol, it’s not a good life. Other things make people happy and finding out what really works to make you personally happy can happen once your addiction subsides. No one promises that rehab will be easy or that life takes on a perfect, rosy glow forever after, but it’s worth getting your life back. Then you know that each day belongs to you, not to whoever used to sell you what you needed to cope with life. That’s an important realization that can literally change your life for the better in a powerful way.

6. Finding a Drug and Alcohol Rehab is Much Easier Today

A lot of people think that it will be hard for them to find help, but nothing could be further from the truth. It’s easier today than it ever has been to get the kind of help you need. There are a lot of resources out there and when you turn to the web it is easy to learn about your options. This is a great way to go that is sure to pay off in dividends. The other 5 top reasons really to show that for those who decide to quit and make a new life, the benefits are huge.

April 10, 2013

Interesting News About National Drug Rehab Centers – The Good, The Bad And The Ugly

There are quite literally thousands of drug rehab centers all across our country. Most of these are excellent facilities that are designed with one goal in mind: helping people get better again. Every so often, one of the centers is in the news because of particularly good achievements, and sometimes there are some stranger news items available as well. Let’s take a look at this month’s good, bad and ugly when it comes to drug rehab centers.

The Good – Pickaway County Opens New Rehab Facility for Women

Pickaway County has recently opened its very first inpatient drug rehab facility just for women. The center complements an existing center in Fayette County and is the first of its kind in the area. According to Chillicothe Gazette, the center has opened due to an identified need.

The issue really is (that) the need is so great. There’d be no reason to do this if it weren’t for any of that,” said Bennett, the executive director of Pickaway Area Recovery Services and Fayette Recovery Center.

It is certainly true that the rates of death due to drugs overdose in women in Ohio is on the rise, and nowhere more so than in Fayette, Ross and Pickaway counties. The news has been welcomed by local residents and it is hoped that the center will have the ability to help a huge range of women with very real problems.

The Bad – Scientology and Drugs for Sex

The Scientology Church has always been controversial and there are frequent news items about things happening within the church that are less than desirable to say the very least. The latest piece of news comes from The Examiner, who reported that Oklahoma City’s KWTV Channel 9 News found that

The Church of Scientology’s drug rehab center, Narconon Arrowhead in Pittsburg County has been trading drugs for sex. In addition to the drugs-for-sex allegations, Narconon Arrowhead also fraudulently charged $14,500 to a client’s credit card. Lawsuits have been filed for both the drugs-for-sex trade and the fraudulent credit card charges.

Naturally, at present, these are only allegations and there have been many false allegations in the past against the Scientology Church. However, with it seems that with numerous lawsuits having been filed, there may be some truth in these latest tales of horror from what most still believe is a cult rather than a church.

The Ugly – Lindsay Lohan

It was only a few days ago that Lindsay Lohan’s attorney publicly stated that there was no need for her to attend rehab. As reported by the LA Times

This is not what she needs – rehab,” Heller said. “Lindsay doesn’t have a problem with alcohol and drugs. Lindsay’s issues are different.

However, the courts clearly did not agree when she faced trial for leaving the scene of an accident. She has been ordered to go to rehab for the sixth time, while still continuing to maintain that she does not actually have a problem. Radar Online reports

Lindsay Lohan is to be treated for alcohol and prescription drug abuse when she enters into her latest stint of court ordered rehab.

An extra little fun fact about Lindsay Lohan is that since 2007, she has spent over 250 days in rehab, which is a considerable amount of time.

Considering how many rehab centers Lindsay Lohan has been to, most being luxury rehab centers, of course, it may be interested to do a good, bad and ugly list on her rehab stints alone. Although her failures are perhaps to blame mainly on herself, rather than on the functioning of the rehab centers she is ordered to go to by various judges.

April 3, 2013

Understanding How Drug Rehab Works

Having a drug habit is not only illegal, it is also incredibly dangerous. It damages families and entire communities, as well as leading to increased rates of petty crimes and placing a huge burden on the medical provisions in an area. In order to provide people with the help they desperately need to combat the disease that is addiction – and it really is a disease – drug rehabilitation centers exist around the country. These come in different formats and setups, but they all have the same ultimate goal: to help people beat their addiction and once again become productive, contributing members of society.

The Reality of a Drug Rehab Center

Before looking into how drug rehab centers work, it is important to understand that they have greater levels of success with certain addictions than with others. Medic8 recently reported

Some groups of addicts are easier to treat than others: for example, heroin and crack cocaine users are more difficult to treat than other drug users. [...] Improvements can be made but the treatment does work for a great many addicts and their families. Drug treatment is not a cure for addiction. The addict needs to be aware that they have an addictive tendency and deal with that.

How Does Drug Rehabilitation Work?

Drug rehabilitation comes in different phases. First, there is the detox period. Then, recovering addicts spend a period of time – usually 90 days – in a rehabilitation center before returning to the community. However, this doesn’t mean the work of the rehab center is completed at this point. As explained by The Canyon

In an integrated treatment program, you’ll learn that recovering from addiction requires a long-term commitment to rebuilding your physical and psychological health.

The first part, as stated, is cleaning out the body of drugs, which is the detox part. There are various options available for detoxing, including cold turkey, probably the best known type. After that, the recovering addict has to choose whether they want to go through counseling and treatment on an inpatient or outpatient basis. It is about reducing the risk of becoming exposed to drugs and understanding what the addiction actually is and what is causing it.

Understanding Addiction

One of the biggest roles of any drug rehab program is to help the recovering addict to understand where the addiction came from. The Drugs Health Alliance recently stated that

Patients need to understand what got them to the point of addiction, and how they are going to avoid abusing substances in the future.

However, at the same time, it is important for professionals to be realistic about the fact that sometimes, there isn’t a single event that lead to the addiction in the first place. Also, identifying the cause of the addiction can often take a very long time.

Does Drug Rehab Really Work?

Drug rehab isn’t some sort of miracle cure. It isn’t a case of going there and finding yourself sober and healed within a day or so, without having to put in any form of effort. Going to rehab is more about having the necessary support to do the hard work yourself. As such, the failings of a drug rehab center are usually the failings of their patients, rather than the center itself. According to Sober Recovery

Drug rehab works but how well it works is up to you. You can just show up and go through the motions or you can do the work required to get well. If you’re going to make the choice to go to drug rehab, make the choice to give it everything you have. Your life is worth it.

March 27, 2013

Marijuana Rehab Can Help You Live The Life You Want

Our culture is changing in many ways and in the past decade alone there has been a real shift in the way that marijuana is viewed. In 2012, the substance was treated by voters as one which should not be criminalized and that has a lot of people confused. The fact is, this remains a controlled substance in the eyes of the Federal government and that can cause problems for anyone who uses this drug. It remains a psychoactive barbiturate and that means that it does influence a person’s behaviors. You may not realize this, but a lot of people really do struggle with this drug and how it impacts their lives. They want to stop using it, but they do not know where to turn. This is what marijuana rehab was developed for and it is a specific type of treatment which treats those who have a problem with using marijuana and who want to stop doing so. We are going to learn a bit more about this drug and how it is being treated today so that if you are looking to quit using it, or you know someone who is, you have the knowledge needed to find the best possible help.

Is Marijuana Really a Problem Substance?

Many people believe that marijuana is not an addictive substance and for the most part, this is correct according to scientific research, but there are other factors involved here. Part of the problem is that this is a lifestyle drug that is often enjoyed socially so to quit using it does often involve quite a bit of social courage. The drug does not affect all people the same way and some are greatly impaired by using it while others are less noticeably affected. When it is smoked, it causes damage to the body, as well, which is another health concern many people want to be able to eliminate from their lives. Of course, one should never operate a vehicle under the influence of marijuana nor should they do most important tasks. In addition, there is the fact that jobs are lost over this drug, paroles violated and a lot of other problems that come from the fact that despite how the media portrays it, marijuana is not all that widely accepted. This is why and how it poses such a danger to a person’s life that they seek out marijuana rehab. They know, too, that this is a street drug and, as such, it can easily be tainted with other substances that one could not detect without a full chemical analysis.

What Does Marijuana Rehab Have to Offer?

This is a special form of rehab that is designed for the users of this drug who want to stop using it. Marijuana is a very specific drug that affects people in certain predictable ways. The body and mind both can and do recover from its use, but it can take some time and guidance to do this. That is why people turn to marijuana rehab – they want expert help in giving up this drug. In a proper facility, they will be able to get the kind of one on one care that can lead to real healing. It is often much easier than either trying to wean one’s self off the drug or quitting cold turkey. In marijuana rehab, many people will learn vital coping skills so that they can lead an existence free of this drug and more in tune with what they want for their lives.

Some Key Reasons People Enter Into Marijuana Rehab

For one thing, a lot of people try to quit because they want to be able to get a job. Not all jobs drug test, but many do and if one tests positive for THC, the active ingredient within marijuana, then they may not be able to get or even keep a job. This is also true for those who play sports and who want to stay on their teams. Further, if a person is caught possessing this drug in some states they can face jail time and in others there are stiff fines they will need to pay. In addition, parents may find that unless they enter marijuana rehab they could lose custody of their children and, at the very least, are setting a damaging example for their kids. There are also the health issues which come along with using this drug and they are a bit more widespread than just the noted cough that smoking marijuana induces. Different effects can kill libido, ambition and hinder many other parts of a person’s life. These are all reasons that people decide they have had enough and seek out treatment that can help them end their dependency on this drug once and for all.

How to Find the Right Marijuana Rehab for Your Situation

With so many options out there today, you will want to do your research. There are different kinds of marijuana rehab programs and you want to evaluate those before you make a final decision on which is right for you. This is when it is smart to use the web and take a look at your choices. You will often find that selecting a good program in the area where you want to be is easier than you thought. You can even seek help anonymously if you need to ask questions and don’t wish to risk giving out your name and contact information, but many services are 100% confidential.

February 4, 2013

Long Term Drug Rehab Offers A Powerful Kind Of Recovery From Addiction

Studies have shown that close to 25 million people in the United States alone suffer from an addiction to at least one drug. This is a brutal reality of life in America today and it is one that many people would prefer to avoid thinking about. However, if you yourself are suffering from the deep wounds to your life that an addiction to drugs can bring, then you know that finding a solution is very important. The same is true for those who are watching someone they care about, or even love, go through a battle with an addictive substance. It can be hard to watch a person lose so much of their life and themselves to an addiction and it may compel us to try to find help for them. The good news is that help is certainly available today and in a wide variety of different forms, too. There are those who merely need a quick trip through a detox facility in order to kick a habit and then there are those for whom a long term drug rehab situation may well be the smartest choice. Each person has to decide which approach best suits their life, but the power is in this ability to make choices and determine one’s own fate.

Addiction is Rarely Quick and Clean

Nearly anyone who has gone through an addiction of any sort understands that this is generally a longer process than is portrayed in the popular media. Certain drugs take hold more rapidly, such as cocaine, but even those quick acting drugs usually take a while before an addiction begins to massively ruin the life of the addicted person. Some people go for months or even years before they see what their addiction has brought to them, but the important thing is that it is never to late to change for those who want to change. What long term drug rehab programs were developed to do is work with a person over a longer span of time and help them stay substance abuse free for the rest of their lives, not just for a short span of time. As much as anyone might enjoy the pleasurable effects of a drug, no one wants the addiction that comes with it, no one. The process takes hold at different rates for different people, but once an addiction is recognized by the addict him or herself, it is time to get help as quickly as possible. However long it takes to recover, the thing to keep in mind is that a life is at stake. Each year many, many people die of causes related directly to drug addictions and many more are incarcerated or do irreparable damage to their lives. This is not something that must happen for those who seek treatment.

What is Long Term Drug Rehab All About?

The purpose of this form of treatment is to help a person end the hold that an addiction has over them. While some people can take a short term course and break a relatively weak or new habit, others need what long term drug rehab can provide them with. That is close care by medical professionals and trained psychologists, along with life coaches and physical fitness experts in many cases. The person will enter long term drug rehab with an understanding that they are rebuilding their life from the ground up. Living without an addiction is different and it takes a particular set of coping skills in order to handle the changes. This is where a long term approach can really shine because it is designed to make that healing process last as long as it needs to. This is a more comprehensive approach to treating and curing addictions and it’s one that has worked for a very large number of people already which is what is helping it to become a popular choice.

Is Long Term Drug Rehab Right for All Who Suffer From Addiction?

Not everyone will need this kind of care and not everyone can afford it without outside help, either. It’s true that long term drug rehab does cost a little more than a short term treatment, but the investment is in saving a human life from the plague of addiction. The savings happens when the person goes through long term drug rehab just once and is able to return to a life free of illicit substances or even pharmaceutical drugs. This is the goal and it has a very high rate of success which is exactly why people turn to it. When other methods have failed, this is often the last ditch treatment effort, but it does not have to be. A person can choose to take the long term route right off the bat and often this will save them years of pain on down the road because one course of treatment ends up being the cure for them and their addiction becomes history.

How to Find the Right Long Term Drug Rehab Program for You

Choosing the right program really is essential, especially considering the fact that this is the type of program that people will be in for the long term. Evaluating your choices is easier online and that’s why a lot of people will use the web to find a good program that fits with their values and offers the kinds of services they believe will help them the most. That’s a very intelligent way to select the best fit.

January 21, 2013

Why Are People Choosing Holistic Drug Rehab Today?

The horror of an addiction to any drug is not only the damage it does to one’s body, mind, emotions and spirit, but also the harm that it inflicts on the people the addicted person cares most for. This could be family, close friends, co-workers or others whom that person felt so attached to. As addiction progresses, it can remove people from the lives they used to live and warp them in ways they never believed possible. In the past, health care providers – and society at large – believed the solution to an addiction was simple: remove the drug. That sounds easy, but no addiction is ever quite that cut and dried. There are deeper causes and triggers for addictive behaviors within a person and these are what holistic drug rehab is designed to help people fix. It’s a newer way to battle an addiction and find new, efficient solutions to get an addicted person’s life back on track.

Any Addiction is a Battle – Holistic Drug Rehab Can Make It Easier to Win

Not all drug rehab approaches are created alike by any means. A traditional approach might focus on detox and counseling, the idea of helping both the body and the mind, perhaps even the emotions to some extent. A holistic drug rehab approach is different and it arms the entire person so wage the kind of battle they will need to if they want to be free of drugs not just once, but for the rest of their lives. This is serious work and having people beside you that can help you through the war that goes on inside definitely does make a difference. When you can fight addiction and the lifestyle it brings on all of the relevant fronts, then you are better positioned to get your life back under your own control which is certainly the goal for anyone who wants to be free of drugs forever.

What is Holistic Drug Rehab?

Holistic is a term that means ‘wholly’ and in this case, it is meant to indicate that this type of treatment takes care of the whole person. That means holistic drug rehab is designed to care for their physical, mental, emotional and even spiritual needs. What you will find in your research is that this kind of rehab is all about helping people to get in touch with who they are and to see themselves as a person with many facets. The purpose is to not just help them end a dependency on drugs or even a tendency to abuse certain substances, but to help them find a path to peace and meaningfulness in life so that the desire for drugs vanishes. This is far more intensive than the standard approach, but when it works as is so often does, it is beautiful to see how a person can go back to living the kind of life they wanted to live instead of being a slave to a substance they must pay for in so many different ways. Many of these facilities will focus on detox along with eating a better diet that is healthier, exercising with more regularity, seeking counseling to help exit the life of addiction and time to meditate and reflect so that a person can spiritually heal. Often, communing with nature in a serene surrounding will play a strong role in the recovery program. Each of the techniques applied are those that have worked at the facility in the past, but each person should, and usually is, treated as a unique case with their own causes of addiction that must be dealt with if they are to be free.

Are There Different Kinds of Holistic Drug Rehab Approaches?

Absolutely. In fact, there are a huge range of facilities where one can receive holistic drug rehab around the country today. Once you begin to look, you will see that each offers their own set of strengths. The point is to choose which one would match best your personality and your personal goals. Just as in any other kind of care situation, there will be those who prefer a residential facility in a secluded location and others who would rather not be too far from their home city. Options abound and whether you are choosing for yourself or doing some looking for someone that you care about deeply, you will find that each center has something special to offer. Any holistic drug rehab should always put the patient first and offer genuine medical care along with counseling from addiction specialists who hold all of the proper degrees needed for their profession. As long as these proofs of their expertise are in place, it is really about which facility meets your personal expectations best.

Is a Holistic Drug Rehab Right for Everyone with a Drug Addiction?

There are some who may balk at this approach to rehab because they would prefer a more traditional method and that is fine. We all have to make the choices that work best for us. However, for those who are open to this approach, the rewards can indeed be great. This kind of rehab can work for any person who is open, finds the right specialists to work with and actually does what they can to follow through. It is not about being a certain type of person nor coming from any certain background – it is about having a desire to heal and a willingness to learn what it takes to be free of drugs for good.

Choosing the Right Holistic Drug Rehab for You is Easy Today

Fortunately, technology has helped in a big way when it comes to finding the right kind of drug treatment facility. The web is one resource you will certainly want to tap into. You can explore the variety of options at trusted sites, many of which have people on hand who can help you decide on the right facility for your needs. It is definitely a bright new world for those who want to be free of addiction to any drug forever.