How To Talk To An Addict

https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/drugaid

How To Talk To An Addict

Drug Addiction Help

They dreamt of being many things

They dreamt of being many things I just wanted to tell you a little bit more about interventions. The first thing that a parent says when I recommend an intervention is that their son or daughter will absolutely not agree to go. Well, that's exactly why we do the intervention for people who do not agree to go, think that they don't want help, or who appear that they don't want help. Interventions are not for people who say, "Yes, I want to go, I want to get help now." They're for people who say no, who are very difficult to deal with, and who are very reluctant. But here's the thing you need to remember: each of those people who says they don't want help actually wants to be successful in life. They want to be happy; they want to be productive. They've dreamt of being all sorts of things, but never someone who is addicted and who lies and steals from his or her own family. Your son or daughter is actually waiting to be rescued because they do not want to live like this. That's the last thing they want. They don't know how to get out of it. They got into it somehow, made some wrong decisions and choices, and now they don't know how to get out of it. That is why they're waiting for you to rescue them. It doesn't matter what comes out of their mouth; that's just based on pain. They want help, but they don't want pain. What's happened is that they've tried to help themselves in the past. They either stopped using the drugs abruptly or went somewhere where they had to go cold turkey. All they got was pain. Sometimes doctors put people on medicines, but that actually increases pain. It makes them very, very uncomfortable. It increases their anxiety, depression, and mood swings. This is the kind of help that they don't want. They don't want pain. They absolutely, guaranteed, want help. But not pain. Now, I'll go into the kinds of rehabs that are, well, basically not very effective. A lot of them use group therapy. Group therapy is pretty much a bunch of guys sitting around in a circle listening to a bunch of guys. It's sort of like the blind leading the blind. Nobody has any solutions. They're all in there to find out what to do, not to listen to someone else's problems. Group therapy does not have a very high success rate, at best three to five percent. Then there are programs that actually make the person worse because they prescribe medicines. There are no medicines that cure addiction. It's like trying to get somebody to stop drinking vodka by putting them on rum instead. Well, they won't drink the vodka, but they'll be drinking the rum. The same thing happens when people are put on Methadone, Suboxone, antidepressants, anti-anxiety meds. All those are simply chemicals. Sometimes they're given benzos. Benzodiazepines are prescribed when a person can't sleep, but those are very, very, very dangerous drugs, and the chemicals really mess with the person's mind. So the more chemicals you put into somebody's brain, the more depressed they get. Because any chemical, legal or illegal, doesn't matter, all it does is burn off B vitamins. Lack of B vitamins causes depression. When you take chemicals for any certain length of time or long period of time, the brain gets very, very toxic. The person starts thinking that everybody would be better off without them. Chemicals in the brain always burn off B vitamins, which increases depression and suicide. Here's the thing to remember as well: the brain does not differentiate between drugs bought in a drug store or drugs bought on the street. Everything that the body ingests is considered a chemical. The glands, hormones, bloodstream, and cells don't think, "Well, this is the legal stuff bought in the store, and this is the illegal stuff from the drug pusher." No. Chemicals are chemicals. They always go in the wrong direction when it comes to getting the person off drugs because the last thing they need is more drugs. Now, the programs that actually work first take the person off drugs safely. Then they take vitamins, exercise, and go into a sauna and sweat. The only way to detox a body completely is by sweating. There are no magic tricks. There are no drugs to put into the body to get drugs out of the body. Those are gimmicks and they don't work and are very dangerous. So the only way to get drugs out of the body is to take vitamins, exercise, and sweat in a sauna. However, you're sweating for a really long period of time, every day for up to a month. So it needs to be done inpatient in a program that uses this type of method. When you're sweating out toxins, you're also sweating out good stuff. It's a very, very scientific process and you're taking vitamins, minerals, and oils to make sure that this is done correctly. After the sauna detox, then they get into education and life skills. That's when a person gets the tools they need to be successful in life. Because once upon a time, your son or daughter, husband, wife, or friend had a problem. They didn't know how to fix that problem, so they started using substances. Well, obviously, that's not the correct solution. That solution has now become a bigger problem. Please join me next time, and I will go into further detail on the rehabs that are actually effective and get the person off drugs and set them up for life so that they can be happy, productive, and successful.

Death by Ecstasy

Death by Ecstasy The Allure and the Risks Ecstasy, also known as MDMA or Molly, is a popular recreational drug renowned for its euphoric and empathogenic effects. Frequently associated with party scenes and music festivals, Ecstasy is often perceived as a harmless way to enhance social experiences. However, this perception is dangerously misleading. The use of Ecstasy carries significant health risks, some of which can be fatal. Immediate Health Risks Ecstasy affects the brain by increasing the activity. This surge leads to heightened feelings of pleasure, emotional closeness, and energy. However, these effects come at a steep cost: Dehydration and Hyperthermia: Ecstasy can cause severe dehydration and a dramatic increase in body temperature. When taken in hot, crowded environments like clubs or festivals, users are at risk of heatstroke, which can lead to organ failure and death if not treated promptly. Electrolyte Imbalance: The drug can lead to excessive sweating and water consumption, which can disrupt the body's electrolyte balance. This can result in hyponatremia (low sodium levels), causing swelling of the brain, seizures, and even death. Cardiovascular Issues: MDMA increases heart rate and blood pressure, which can be dangerous for individuals with pre-existing heart conditions. In some cases, the drug can trigger heart attacks, strokes, or heart failure. Long-Term Health Consequences The dangers of Ecstasy use extend beyond the immediate risks. Long-term use of MDMA can lead to severe health issues, including: Neurotoxicity: Repeated use of Ecstasy can damage serotonin-producing neurons, leading to long-lasting deficits in mood, memory, and cognitive function. Users may experience depression, anxiety, and problems with learning and memory. Mental Health Issues: Chronic use of Ecstasy has been linked to increased risks of developing mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, and paranoia. These conditions can persist long after drug use has ceased. Addiction: While not as physically addictive as some other substances, Ecstasy can still lead to psychological dependence. Users may feel compelled to take the drug repeatedly to experience its euphoric effects, leading to a cycle of abuse. Adulteration and Contamination One of the most significant dangers of using Ecstasy is the unpredictability of its content. Pills sold as MDMA often contain other harmful substances such as methamphetamine, cocaine, or synthetic cathinones (bath salts). Preventing Tragedy Awareness and education are crucial in preventing the tragic consequences of Ecstasy use. Here are some steps that can help: Education: Educate young people about the risks associated with Ecstasy and other recreational drugs. Providing accurate information can help them make informed decisions and avoid dangerous substances. Harm Reduction: For those who choose to use Ecstasy, harm reduction strategies such as staying hydrated, taking regular breaks to cool down, and avoiding excessive water intake can help decrease some risks. Testing Kits: Encouraging the use of drug testing kits. Support Services: Providing access to addiction support services can help individuals struggling with Ecstasy abuse find the help they need to recover. Conclusion While Ecstasy may seem like a harmless way to enhance social experiences, the reality is that it poses significant dangers to users' health and well-being. Understanding the risks and spreading awareness can help prevent the devastating consequences of Ecstasy use. By educating ourselves and others, we can work towards reducing the harm caused by this drug and save lives.

What Is a Gateway Drug?

What Is a Gateway Drug? When I was ten, a policeman visited our school to talk about drugs. We knew very little, just that drugs were bad and were associated with shady characters in big cities. I recall this officer, a tall man with grey hair, explaining that drug addicts often started by smoking cannabis. We had no idea what that was. He showed us a block of dark brown substance, about the size of a chocolate bar, and said that at first, addicts would get high from cannabis. However, over time, they needed something stronger and turned to heroin. According to him, this led to instant addiction and a grim fate in some alley. We were convinced we'd never touch drugs. Years later, I was outside a pub, drinking beer. Drinking was normal, part of growing up. A friend lit a joint and passed it around. Though hesitant, I took a drag to fit in. Contrary to the policeman's warnings, I felt only a mild buzz. I decided smoking pot was harmless. I began smoking pot regularly with friends. We had fun and woke up feeling fine. One evening, while smoking pot at a friend's house, a new guy offered us speed. Curious, and already open to trying new things, I tried it. Soon, speed became part of my weekends. Eventually, I tried cocaine, ecstasy, LSD, and more, without much thought. The policeman’s message wasn’t entirely accurate. I didn’t progress from pot to stronger drugs because I craved more. I simply saw adults drinking and thought it was acceptable. Once I accepted one substance, it became easier to try others. It’s a slippery slope—cross one line, and others follow. Think of it like a teenage girl who ends up pregnant. She doesn’t suddenly decide to have sex. It starts with small steps: going to the cinema, holding hands, letting him put his arm around her. Similarly, in every situation where I tried a new drug, I was with people I trusted. A friend would bring something new, and in a relaxed, familiar setting, I’d try it. A gateway drug is one you take despite knowing it’s wrong. This first violation of your integrity can lead to more. It’s like your first beer, which you drink even though it tastes awful, just to fit in. Or your first cigarette, which makes you sick, but you hide it. We don’t want to be laughed at or feel out of place, so we go along with it. Once you start, it’s easier to continue. I’m not saying everyone who drinks becomes an alcoholic, or everyone who smokes a joint ends up on hard drugs. But every alcoholic began with a first sip, and every hard drug addict started with a softer drug. This isn’t a sermon against drugs or alcohol. But drugs are everywhere, and you will encounter them. I hope my story helps you make the right choice when faced with that first offer.

The Alarming Cost of the Opioid Epidemic Could Devastate the Economy The High Cost of Opioid Addiction As the United States grapples with a severe opioid crisis, the extent of its economic burden often goes unnoticed. In reality, the nation spends hundreds of billions of dollars annually to address this issue. A fiscal report released by the White House in late 2017 highlighted the staggering financial impact of opioid abuse. According to the report, the opioid epidemic cost the U.S. $500 billion in 2015 alone, far surpassing the costs associated with all other drug-related problems combined. The report indicated that much of this economic burden was linked to the abuse of prescription opioids, which saw costs soar to six times higher than in 2013. The Economic Consequences of Nationwide Addiction The economic toll of opioid substance abuse is multifaceted: Premature Deaths: The premature deaths of those who overdose on opioids result in significant economic losses. When working-age adults die in their twenties or thirties, the economy loses hundreds of thousands of dollars in potential productivity. This loss is compounded by the challenge of replacing skilled workers in an already low-unemployment environment. The White House estimates these losses amount to over $400 billion. Law Enforcement Expenditures: Billions of dollars are spent on law enforcement efforts, including border control to prevent drug smuggling, running law enforcement agencies across the country, and housing the more than two million prisoners in the U.S., over half of whom are incarcerated for drug-related offenses. These costs are estimated to total around $29 billion. Healthcare Costs: The health crisis resulting from addiction imposes severe economic strains. Treating an opioid overdose in a hospital can cost between $10,000 and $25,000, while rehabilitating an addict in a behavioral center can cost between $20,000 and $40,000 or more. The White House estimates that these healthcare-related expenses amount to over $21 billion. The Scale of Pharmaceutical Opioid Abuse The above economic burdens are exacerbated by the widespread addiction to prescription opioid pain relievers. White House data indicates that more than two million Americans are addicted to these medications, while other studies suggest the number of opioid addicts could exceed ten million. In 2015, opioid overdoses claimed over 33,000 American lives. This number rose to nearly 40,000 in 2016. The sharp increase in overdose deaths since 2014 has contributed to a decline in the average American life expectancy, resulting in millions of life-years lost. While many Americans are aware of the opioid crisis, the full scope of its impact remains underappreciated. By raising awareness and understanding of the problem, we can mobilize efforts to address this critical issue more effectively. https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/dashboard/analytics

Nine Ways to Keep Your Kids Drug-Free this Summer Keeping Your Kids Safe and Drug-Free When school is out, kids have a lot of free time. Those not enrolled in a full-time summer program might find themselves without supervision, especially older children who can stay home alone. With access to bicycles, cars, cell phones, and the internet, they can easily communicate and explore far and wide, sometimes encountering dangerous substances. Keeping kids safe during the summer can be challenging for parents. Here are some practical tips to help you keep your children safe and drug-free this summer. You can pick the ones you like best or try them all. 1. Start the Conversation Early Talk to your kids about drug and alcohol use at the start of every school break—summer, Easter, Christmas. Make your expectations clear that they must stay drug and alcohol-free, no matter the situation. Even if they don’t seem to be listening, your message will get through. 2. Know Their Whereabouts Always know where your children are going. Have phone numbers for the homes they visit or stay at. Be willing to check in on them to ensure they are where they said they would be. If they are going to a sleepover or a party, talk to the other parents ahead of time and make it clear that you expect no alcohol or marijuana to be available to underage guests. 3. Prepare for Peer Pressure Prepare your child to handle subtle peer pressure, which might simply be the desire to fit in or have fun like their friends. If they find themselves at a party where alcohol or drugs are present, the pressure to conform can be strong. Explain that you understand it's tough to resist when offered a beer or joint, but they must be mentally prepared to leave such situations. 4. Encourage Open Conversations Encourage your children to talk about friends they’ve seen drunk or using drugs, and discuss what they thought about it. Ask if they’ve seen photos or videos of such behavior on social media. Allow them to ask questions and express their opinions. This helps demystify the issue and removes any secrecy. 5. Discuss Future Goals Find out your children’s hopes and dreams for the future. Discuss how drug or alcohol use can derail these aspirations. Use real-life examples or news stories about people who struggled with addiction and the impact it had on their careers or families to reinforce this message. 6. Support Their Interests Encourage your child to pursue their interests over the summer. Help them get lessons or supplies for creative projects or learning new subjects. Check in with them each day to see their progress and show interest in their activities. 7. Enroll in Summer Programs If financially possible, enroll your kids in summer programs they are interested in. There are many options available, from science camps to sports programs. If cost is an issue, check with local parks and recreation departments for free or low-cost activities. Don’t forget to explore scholarship opportunities. 8. Set a Good Example Set a good example by practicing sobriety. Drink moderately or not at all, avoid illicit drugs, and use prescription medications only as recommended. Work with your doctor to minimize reliance on medications and communicate this to your children. Show them that not all life problems can be solved with drugs. 9. Spend Family Time Together Make an effort to get together as a family as often as possible. Ensure your kids are home for dinner most nights and plan family activities for the weekends. Don’t let the open schedule of summer scatter everyone to different places. Final Thoughts As you use these tips, you may come up with additional strategies that work for your family. Never underestimate the influence you have in your children’s lives. Even if they don’t express it, they know you care and are protecting them. Start these practices when they are young, be consistent, and stay present. Keeping your kids drug-free could be one of the most important parenting skills you develop.