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New Study Reveals Which Months College Students Will Try Drugs

What if we could zero in on exactly when college freshmen would experiment with addictive substances, plunging them into the nothingness of addiction for years? According to ABC 13, a new study may give us that exact insight. Research shows college students are more likely to experiment with stimulant drugs, like adderall and ritalin, for enhanced test performance for the very first time during the months of November, December, and April. These results are derived from 12 years of statistics made available by the government- but analysts didn’t just stop at performance enhancing drugs, they went on to pinpoint the exact months students would try marijuana, inhalants, alcohol, and cigarettes too.

According to the study, college kids will first experiment with marijuana, inhalants (like gasoline and nail polish remover), and alcohol in the summer months of June, July, and August. Conversely, peak use of nicotine occurs in June, September, and October.

Keeping track of prescription medication abuse indicate many will use medications recreationally in December.

ABC 13 quotes an addiction researcher of John Hopkins,

“For most substances, what you’re seeing is a summer peak. Young people may have more time on their hands and less supervision. For stimulants, first use seems to peak around finals. There’s a lot of anxiety and stress around final exams and a push for students to do as well as they can.”

So what does this mean for us, and how can you use this information to the best of your ability for yourself and your loved ones?

Be aware!

The more you know about the dangers of addiction, and the more conscious and self aware you are of your own actions, will help you stave away from potentially habit forming behaviors. Trying out holistic methods of relaxation and exam prep like meditation, visualisation, and yoga can help focus your intent to do well! There are hundreds of tutorials and YouTube videos online.

If you’re a parent fighting the anxiety revolving the dangers of substance abuse for your little-big-one, talk to them. Having open and honest dialogues about drug use and going back to school can mean the world of difference. If your children know they can come to you with anything, they are more likely to be able to open up about the feelings and emotions which may prompt drug use in the first place.

You have more influence than you realize- even with the rowdy ones too. And yes, as a self-proclaimed rabble rouser, I attest to this 100%.

How can we use this new research in our efforts to prevent initial substance abuse?

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Sober Grid: A New Social Network App For Individuals Battling Addiction

There’s exciting news in the world of apps for individuals battling an addiction. We’re surrounded by social media every day. Posts, statuses, tweets, videos, chats, and more are part of many of our everyday lives. A lot of us also use or know of someone that uses a smartphone or other similar device. If you are battling an addiction, there’s a new app out there called Sober Grid. Unlike other addiction recovery apps that only help track your sobriety or keep you motivated, this app goes above and beyond. It’s a sober social networking app that allows you to connect with a global sober community.

What Exactly Is Sober Grid?

Sober Grid is a FREE app that you can download today on your Google Android and/or Apple iOS device. It helps you stay sober no matter where you are in the world. The app also connects you to a social network of other sober individuals. It allows you to communicate and connect with friends or new acquaintances that have also chosen to live a sober lifestyle. It is also a geo-social app that allows you to connect and find (via GPS) other sober individuals in your area or around the world.

It’s a virtual sober community in the palm of your hands. If you have tried other apps but they have not helped you, it’s time to try the new Sober Grid app. It is also rated as the #1 Sober App for both Apple and Android products. Why not join the revolution? It’s free.

What Else Can The Sober Grid App Do?

Not only are you connected to a vast community of sober individuals nearby and around the world, there are also many other great features. Some of the awesome features include:

• The ability to make new sober friends and connect with current sober friends
• Private chats with other sober individuals
• Support from the global community and the ability to be a positive influence for other sober individuals
• Be a member of the sober revolution
• Share items on your news feed
• Being a part of the global sober community
• Individualized profiles. You can choose to stay anonymous or put a picture and description to identify yourself to other sober individuals. You can include your name, bio, location, sobriety date, and gender.
• Locate other sober individuals on “The Grid”. The app contains a GPS user interface that helps locate those surrounding you also using the app and gives their distance from your location.
• Access to the “Burning Desire” button. This button is for when you feel tempted to take a drink or need to reach out to someone whenever or wherever you are. This button lets others know you need help. By pressing the button, it alerts your network by showing a red box next to your profile. The red box means you feel your sobriety is in distress or that you need help. (Or you can simply post in the news feed if you need immediate help).
• Access to “Need a Ride”. This feature is great for those who may have a revoked license or DUI. This could help you get around if you needed a ride to a sober-social meetup.
• Upgrade capabilities. Although you can get the app for free, there is also the option to pay for the premium version. The premium version allows you to have more space for photos and such.
• Blocking capabilities. If you do not want someone to interact with you or view your profile, there are blocking features.
• And many more features to help you feel connected and not alone in your sobriety journey.

Try Sober Grid Today!

Sober Grid is an exciting and fun new app for individuals battling an addiction. Try the app today or research reviews online to see what others have to say. Many people love this app. It’s free, so why not try it? Remember that you should use Sober Grid along with other forms of treatment. Sober Grid is meant to enhance your sober lifestyle, and is not intended as the only method of recovery.

If you have not attended a rehab facility or outpatient program for your addiction, you need to seek professional help first. Contact us at RehabCenter.net today for more information. Join the Sober Grid revolution today.

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Arizona Lobbyist Kevin DeMenna Admits to Drug Addiction Following Arrest: ” I Think it Was Time”

The Arizona Republic reports that lobbyist Kevin DeMenna is finally ready to speak about his troubles with drug addiction and prescription medication abuse.

For those unaware of the story, DeMenna was arrested last October following a police pursuit on Interstate 10. He was reportedly driving recklessly and erratically, nearly crashing into other cars and driving on the shoulder and the median. Arresting officers found DeMenna in possession of 348 pills, marijuana, and a pipe. While arresting officers sought charges of felony narcotics violation, two felony marijuana violations, and two misdemeanor DUI charges, the Pine County Attorney’s Office charged DeMenna with felony possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia and two misdemeanor DUI offenses. In May 2015 Kevin then accepted a plea bargain: in exchange for a guilty plea for one of the misdemeanor DUI offenses, all other charges were dropped. The Arizona lobbyist only spent two days in jail.

This type of leniency can only be attributed to the privilege his position has afforded him. As a lobbyist, his firm has represented health care, contracting, and tourism interests in the state of Arizona; his political pull definitely has some influence on the outcome of his legal woes. In a country where drug offenses often carry hefty fines, lengthy probations, and even years in prison, a two day stint in jail for possession of 348 pills, marijuana and drug paraphernalia is less a slap on the wrist and more a charade. Arizona has legalized medical marijuana, yes, but illegal recreational use and possession is still a felony in the state. (And don’t get me started on marijuana’s federal status.) DeMenna is not prescribed for medical marijuana use, but he does offer an explanation.

In an interview with The Arizona Republic, DeMenna explains that his addiction to prescription medication began as a means for dealing with the pain of lingering injuries. Throughout high school and college he participated in several sports including rodeos. DeMenna goes on to explain that he has suffered silently from addiction for years and the marijuana was used to relieve nausea associated with his drug use. He credits the incident as being the catalyst for his decision to finally end his dependency and says he quit cold turkey following his arrest:

“The fact that I was stopped is because I was impaired, and I think I was at the time. It hasn’t happened again. It will never happen again.”

The Pine County police department is receiving criticism for its many errors while processing the case: the extended time frame between arrest and charges being pressed that happened to allow DeMenna to continue his practice uninterrupted is especially troubling to former Maricopa County Attorney Rick Romley.

“I just do not understand why it took so long to charge this case,” he said to Arizona Republic reporters. “October to April is way too long. I don’t care what the backlog is.”

Romley also questions why Pine County failed to mandate drug rehabilitation as a term for the plea agreement.

That fact brings to question rather DeMenna’s claim of sobriety can truly be trusted by the people of Pine County and Arizona. “The public is not going to have confidence that this was handled the right way. There are too many questions.”

Do you think DeMenna got off easy? Give us your opinion in the comments below.

 

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“WHAT ARE THOSE?!” Meme Creator Is a Drug Dealer?! Arrested for Narcotics Sale

Everyone knows the “What are those?!” guy. You know the one. He sneaks up on an unsuspecting police officer and accosts his poor shoe choice. (Although, I kind of like his shoes.) Since then, Young Busco has been dubbed the “What are those?!” guy. His viral Vine has spurred the reenactment of many derivative works, wherein other people shout at people’s poor shoe choices. (Have you seen the one where a father makes his baby cry by insulting his shoes and screaming “What are those?!” at him? I mean, you dressed him, didn’t you dad?)

It’s not all awkward shoe glory though. Young Busco, whose government name is Brandon Moore, was arrested on July 17th, according to Vice, with the intent to sell controlled narcotics. Busco also violated his parole, which isn’t helping his situation.

I wonder if the officer he initially made fun of got his arresting revenge. . .

But in all seriousness, why Busco, why? The young-ish (28) Vine star said the arrest was all a misunderstanding, and plans to move as close to his parole officer as possible. That still doesn’t clear up the charges against him for attempting to sell a controlled substance. Busco is serving time in Dublin, California, and has been recognized by his fellow inmates.

The Vice quotes him recounting, “They couldn’t believe it was me!”

What does this all mean in the end-all of things? We’ve not quite sure. But it’s not nice to make fun of people’s shoes- and don’t be a drug dealer!

Although, Busco hasn’t actually been convicted of anything yet, so it could all be an unfortunate misunderstanding. For his sake, and whoever was intended to be the customer of the alleged sale, it would all be for the best; that way no illegal drugs are floating around and Busco can remain the “What are those?!” guy, as opposed to the shoe shouting drug dealing guy.

 

Post your favorite What are those?! Videos!

 

Featured Image: Crocs by Mulan licensed under CC by 2.0

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Grab a Beer While You Shop: New Target in Chicago May Feature a Bar

Being able to purchase a 12-pack of your favorite beer for a relaxing weekend or some white wine to pair with dinner while completing the rest of your shopping at Target is nothing new. Being able to sit down and have a stiff one? Now that’s different.

NBC Chicago is reporting that the retail corporation is seeking a liquor license for their new Streeterville location. The location will be a “TargetExpress”- a smaller store geared mostly toward providing basic needs for the surrounding community- though the company is rebranding TargetExpress and CityTarget locations to simply being Target stores. The Streeterville store will feature a “smaller, more flexible format” and the addition of a bar is still pending, though it is slated to open in October. Target has not elaborated on any plans for the bar but has confirmed it is seeking a license to serve alcohol. More news on the status of the Streeterville store and it’s features is expected to be released in the coming months.

If all goes to plan the new Chicago Target will be the first store in the company to serve alcohol to customers outside of the product demonstrations and sampling. Though there has been no talk of regulations or drink limits, the addition of a bar within the store can definitely be a driving force for business.

In hearing of this story, my initial thought (as a former Target Team Leader) was for the possible safety issues introducing alcohol would present. I do not doubt that there will be strict guidelines and the security personnel and team members working with alcohol would be properly trained on detecting drunkenness, but intoxicated people are notorious for their unpredictability. There is no way to determine how one will react to even relatively small amounts of alcohol until it has been consumed.

What happens if a guest is impaired after shopping but decides to drive anyway? Target has no control nor means of preventing this guest from making that decision. Some would argue it is not their responsibility.

If it is determined that the benefits outweigh the risks, and Target decides to add bars to other locations, things will definitely get interesting for the retailer and its employees. There’s the possibility of public intoxication charges during a simple trip, bar brawls can leak over into the toy department, and we may see our first cases of SUI (Shoplifting while Under the Influence).

Black Friday could get a whole lot uglier.

 

What do you think about a Target store featuring a bar? Let us know in the comments!

 

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Josh Duggar of 19 Kids and Counting Checks into Rehab, So Leave Him Alone!

I’m not really one for reality TV, and I didn’t even know who Josh Duggar was until this morning, outside of some questionable antics rumored about an alleged pornography addiction- and other darker secrets. USA Today announced Josh Duggar has checked into rehabilitation to get his life back in order- although, we’re not exactly sure what the 19 Kids and Counting star is in treatment for. What we do know is Duggar is in the midst of family trauma and turmoil after his personal account to a dating website was leaked publicly.

Since Duggar admits to cheating on his wife, and secreting an addiction for pornography, perhaps he’s seeking treatment to remedy this behavioral condition. And yes, you nonbelievers, there is such thing as a porn addiction. The disorder is fomented by the same way as other addictive and behavioral disorders come to light: an escape from reality grown too hard.

(No pun intended.)

It seems Josh will attend a residential rehabilitation program to work out the emotional kinks in his life- and because of his family’s very public Christian beliefs, Josh is expected to “complete repentance” and catalyze “sincere change.” But can we objectively expect this from someone who is in long term recovery? What has he to repent for, and why do we always assume those suffering from substance use disorders or behavioral disorders are in a perennial state of sin?

These conditions are diseases and not an issue of morality.

USA Today quotes Duggar opening up about the recent happenings of his life,

“I have secretly, over the last several years, been viewing pornography on the internet and this became a secret addiction and I became unfaithful to my wife.”

Duggar has been the object of both his family’s and the media’s ire for his actions. Although the ex-reality star owes his immediate family an explanation of his actions, to hopefully open up the sincere conversation of rectifying his possible behavioral disorder, honestly- Duggar does not owe the media and fawning public any sort of due diligence.

We have grown to scrutinize all who suffer from any type of addiction, and rarely is the public’s reaction incited by compassion, but scorn. While it’s true he was unfaithful, who are we to judge from the outside looking in?

Obviously no one supports nor condones that behavior, but aren’t we only exasperating Anna’s pain and embarrassment by casting stones at their family?

 

So do us all a favor and be nice? Please.

 

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Beating the Urge: 4 Ways to Prevent Relapse

Rather you are a recovering addict or a member of an addict’s support system, the possibility of relapse is a constant threat looming in the back of your mind. No one is immune to the possibly devastating effects of relapse; it can happen even after years of sobriety. Thankfully relapse of substance abuse is entirely preventable. All it requires is the right tools and the right people.

So, how do you prevent relapses?

#1: Recognize the Signs of Relapse Behavior

If you are in recovery or close to someone on a path to sobriety, it’s likely you know the warning signs of an impending relapse. Maybe a stressful situation at work has developed, or a personal relationship has fallen to tethers- emotional distress is a red flag that the person in recovery may need some extra help staying sober. Be cautious of the following signs that they are close to falling over the edge:

• Shifty or shady behavior
• Avoiding direct questions about use
• Sudden changes in mood
• Unaccounted for lapses in time
• Changes in health
• Visible intoxication

#2: Intervene BEFORE Relapse

Clearly in order to prevent a relapse, it is necessary to intervene before the person in question does anything they will come to regret. If you are at all suspicious that a recovery is in danger it is vital that you address it early on. Even if your suspicions prove to be unwarranted, the show of support can be encouraging. You want to be firm and resolute in your approach, but never accusatory, as this will only garner a negative response. It is also best if the intervention is a group effort of those who love and support the recoverer, making them more inclined to listen and see reason.

#3: Offer Alternatives to Relapsing

Sometimes the simplest way to prevent a relapse is to be available. If you are acting as a sober coach or mentor, be sure that the person in risk of relapse knows you are always available to talk about anything and everything. Become a safe place for that person to turn when they feel overwhelmed or low. Let them know you want them to come to you and it is not a burden you are unwilling to bare. Distractions are a great tool for preventing relapse. Throw a sober party, go out to the movies or dinner, try a fitness class at the local gym, or join a book club. Educational pursuits and working toward short-term and long-term goals are also great for staying on track with addiction recovery.

#4: Reinforce that Relapse is NOT Failure

Sometimes relapses happen even with the best effort possible to avoid them. It only takes 0.33 seconds of exposure to the wrong triggers to send someone spirally toward relapse. If it happens, understand and emphasize that it does not mean that person has failed. Relapse is not the end of the journey, just a momentary obstacle and a chance to begin again.

Forgive them and make sure they know they are worthy of self-forgiveness: they are likely much more upset and disappointed by their relapse than you.

If relapse occurs, use it as an opportunity to explore new and perhaps more effective means of rehabilitation: perhaps they were in an outpatient program previously and would benefit from inpatient treatments, or experimenting with medically-assisted rehabilitation rather than abstinence based treatment.

 

Have you ever experienced relapse? What was the cause? Share your story with us below.

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Alcoholics Unite! Amazon Introduces 1 Hour Booze Delivery

Despite my initial enthusiasm for being able to order my favorite drink ingredients right to my door- like pizza- I’ve come to realize Amazon’s new one hour delivery for alcohol is a terrible idea! According to Reuters Amazon’s growing hourly delivery service, Prime Now (because two day shipping isn’t fast enough), is not only introducing the sale of wine, beer, and spirits to the United States, but Seattle residents will participate in a trial run of their new hourly alcohol service.

This may sound convenient, but how the heck is Amazon going to manage refusing people booze who’ve already had too much to drink? Does the box come with a mini bartender equipped to confiscate keys?

Liquor & Sweets by Alex Proimos licensed under CC by 2.0

Although the pilot trial may be interesting to watch, to gauge just how much people will use this service, the impending detriments of the ease of availability of alcohol are concerning- to say the very least. Even if delivery men and women must verify if recipients are 21 or older, do we really need yet another avenue in which alcohol is easily obtained?

Although alcohol use disorders are largely brushed under the rug, one in every 12 adults suffers from the condition. According to the NCADD, that’s 17.6 million Americans. Some don’t consider alcohol a drug (I used to be one of the woefully uninformed), but in fact, alcohol is the most widely used addictive substance to date in the states. The only reason why we don’t immediately associate alcohol as a depressant drug is because it’s used so frequently that we, as a collective, decided to remove alcohol from social standing with other depressant drugs.

This disassociation has proven fatal to many swept away in its wanton use. Can you imagine heroin commercials? 

And yes, there are many who are able to drink responsibly- it’s certainly not impossible, but there are many who cannot, for either environmental or genetic reasons, taper their consumption to moderate use. The FDA recommends consuming only four drinks in a week for women and five for men. Those who exceed these recommended guidelines typically lose more than 10,000 brain cells when compared to their moderate drinking peers.

Untreated alcohol use disorders manifest a slew of other complications, like delirium tremens, trouble at home, in the professional realm, and may end up with hefty fines- or even jail time- for public intoxication or DUI.

Amazon has not yet released when and if their one hour alcohol delivery services will be available across the entire United States.

Featured image: Alcohol Bottles by Yarl licensed under CC by 2.0

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5 Tips for Success in a Rehab Program

The decision to finally end addiction’s suffocating hold on one’s life can be daunting. The journey to sobriety is rarely as simple as “stop doing drugs” like so many benighted non-users believe. Addiction is a complex disease rooted deeply in the mind, affecting one’s perception of self, the world, and life priorities. Merely ridding the body of the illicit substances it has become addicted to is only the first step; if treatment ends here, relapse is nearly guaranteed. So when you’ve finally decided to take the steps necessary to truly be free of your demons and you’ve enrolled in a rehabilitation program it’s hard to know what happens next, or even what happens after the program is completed. To help you mentally and physically prepare, we’ve compiled a list of 5 tips for success in rehab program.

#1: Don’t be too hard on yourself

This one is extremely important. None of us are perfect, we’re all guilty of making mistakes. Sometimes those mistakes lead us down paths we never anticipated for ourselves. You are not a failure. You are not broken, or somehow less important because of your flaws. Your past does not have to define you anymore. From the moment you decide enough is enough you have begun your path to becoming the best possible version of yourself. It doesn’t matter if this is your first trip to a rehabilitation center or the 20th- don’t give up. We don’t believe in failures, only a new chance to start over. This journey will not be easy, but it will be worth it.

#2: It’s okay to make friendships and form bonds

In fact, as long as these new connections are healthy and helping you on your road to sobriety, they are encouraged. Whether it’s a sober coach, renewed family bonds, or the spark of romance, having support from people close to you can boost your chances of success. Rehab can offer the perfect opportunity to mend wounds caused by addiction and bring families and friends back together even after years of tension and anguish. Sometimes the best people in your life enter it through strange means- your new best friend could just be your roommate at a rehab facility.

 

#3: You’re going to hit lows, but they are not the end of your journey

Going through a rehabilitation program is hard. It’s physically and mentally demanding and most people have not experienced the type of challenge addiction recovery can present. Substance dependency often stems from emotional or psychological problems that have been buried and left untreated for too long. It’s going to be difficult when the underlying causes finally come to light, and working to remedy them will take time and effort. Keep your mind open, remain willing to put in the effort, and let yourself feel. There will be tears. There will be anger and grief and sadness. But there will also be joy and a sense of accomplishment when you can finally look back and see how far you’ve come. Have faith in the staff and yourself: you’ll make it through.

 

#4: Get active, stay active

Physical fitness offers the chance to release tension and pent up energy is a healthy way that will benefit you in the long run. Creating and committing to a fitness routine can help you get your life and priorities back on track. The endorphins released by physical activity boost your mood, help you relax, and encourages your body to recover from the stress and damage addiction may have caused. Even if you don’t decide to become a marathon athlete, picking up a hobby can be a welcome distraction. You may discover you have a talent for watercolor painting or finally pick up that instrument you have always wanted to try. Rehab isn’t just about getting back to a healthier state- it’s about getting back to, or even reinventing, you.

 

#5: Be positive

Changing a negative mindset can be difficult, but it’s essential to success with a rehabilitation program. When you enter your first day of treatment it may seem overwhelming and the intimidating detoxification phase may make seem impossible, but positivity can make a difference between success and disappointment. While support and positivity from those around you can be encouraging, it’s your inner mentality that will be predominate. Henry Ford once said: “The man who thinks he can and the man who thinks he can’t are both right. Which one are you?”

This journey is yours; this story is yours. You determine the outcome and you decide what happens in the next chapter. Make it a good one.

If you are ready to begin your life of sobriety and you’re looking for a place to start, contact Harbor Village today.

 

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What You Need to Know About Self Harm & Addiction

If ever there were two things society does not want to talk about, self mutilation and addiction are definitely towards the top of the list- and it’s a grave injustice to the people struggling through both disorders. In fact, those with substance use disorders, and people who engage in self harm may suffer from the same underlying causes. Both addiction and instances (or habits) of self harm manifest as a desperate attempt to quell internalized conflict and outward strife. In more cases than one might imagine, self harm and substance use disorders go hand in hand; many cutters turn to substance abuse as a means of relief, and vise versa.

What you need to know about both self harm and addiction is each condition is a legitimate disorder, often requiring extensive therapy. Those who no longer actively self harm may immediately turn their thoughts to cutting in times of stress, and are prone to relapse just like those with a history of substance use disorders.

Self harm typically includes cutting, biting, burning, head bashing, skin picking, incessant scratching, hitting oneself, and poisoning. What is substance abuse if not a slow and sometimes willful poisoning of the body?

Don’t misunderstand me: once instances of substance abuse turn into substance use disorders (or addiction) the poisoning of the body is no longer “willful,” as it may have been at one time. Addiction is a disease.

Instances of co-use disorders, or dual diagnosis patients may suffer from both self harm and addiction, and require specialized treatment to get to the bottom of each condition, which may take on separate lives. It’s possible to treat one, but neglect the other. Without proper treatment of both conditions, relapse of either addiction or self harm is more likely if one equates self harm as a precursor for substance abuse (or vise versa).

Cutters are often considered either suicidal or attention seeking. This is not the case. Cutting is not indicative of suicidal behavior. Akin to taking addictive drugs, cutting (or other outlets of self harm) helps those engaging in self mutilation feel better and cope with their emotional turmoil. This is one of the more difficult instances of cutting to understand, as it is counterintuitive, and perverses our primal instincts for self preservation.

Cutting serves as a release for the emotions one is otherwise unable to express. Many suffer from self harm (or are more susceptible to the disorder) because they are not effective communicators. This is also true for those with substance use disorders.

Cutting is an attempt to cope with life’s traumas. Suicide is the attempt to end life’s traumas.

Those who assert self harm is a cry for attention cause irreparable damage in many cases. This notion has become a stigma surrounding cutters who are ultimately unable to admit to their problems- often obscured in the secrecy of clothing. Because cutters do not wish to be branded as “attention seeking,” it’s common for families, friends, and loved ones to have no idea what’s going on.

In fact, cutters need to be heard, but are often unable to speak up for themselves, or seek the help they need because the guilt of cutting is too great- and often leads to more mutilation. This thought pattern mirrors both drug and alcohol addictions. Many cutters feel the need to punish themselves, because they feel they are unworthy of love, merit, or consideration. (Another key facet of addiction use disorders.)

Self mutilation and addiction require careful treatment and empathy. Because both disorders are frowned upon publicly, many will go without treatment and continue their habits until an accidental overdose or the slip of the knife too deep.

 

Help us end the stigma. Be kind. Be compassionate. Stifle your judgement.  Ask how you can help.

Sometimes you won’t get an answer, but your presence may be the exact gift someone desperately needs.

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‘The Hills’ Star, Stephanie Pratt, Speaks Candidly On Dark Past of Drug Abuse and Bulimia

For many teens and young adults in the early 2000s, reality TV show The Hills was a must watch and the stars were to be admired and envied. The spin-off of Laguna Beach helped pave the way for reality television as we know it today. It allowed audiences around the country to have a glimpse into the lives of young, attractive, well-to-do people in a way we had not yet experienced. They were glamorous but not untouchable like the celebrities on the big screen; many young viewers dreamed of someday living the lifestyle they watched unfold on the series. However we now know that the “reality” of reality television is often skewed through trick editing, staged scenes, and handouts from sponsors and production companies.

Stephanie Pratt by Glenn Francis licensed under cc by 3.0

Recently former reality star Stephanie Pratt spoke out about the truth of her experience with the darker side of the glitz and glamour in her new biography Made in Reality. People Magazine reports that Pratt, who is the younger sister of fellow The Hills alum Spencer Pratt, revealed a fast and dangerous romance with crystal meth beginning when she was only 16 years old:

“I was on the extreme level, and addiction developed instantly. [I smoked] probably four times before school, then at snack… probably 12 or 13 times a day.I felt confident, I felt like I was a supermodel. I had been depressed before for so long, and suddenly I felt alive again. I felt so happy.”

Big brother Spencer eventually intervened, confronting his sister and forcing her to take a drug test. She was rehabilitated for crystal meth but admits she continued to experiment with other drugs including cocaine. With her depression still persistent and constantly lurking beneath the surface, Stephanie found herself attempting suicide on her 19th birthday. She swallowed a concoction of drugs including Oxycontin, cocaine, and whiskey. Thankfully she was saved when her mother unexpectedly arrived at her apartment and called for emergency assistance. Even after this terrifying episode her drug use continued until another rehab stint in 2006.

Stephanie’s troubles were not over just yet, as when she joined the cast of The Hills in 2007 she developed bulimia. The reality star, now 29 years old, says her battle with the sometimes deadly disease caused her to drop to nearly 100 lbs. by the end of 2009. “I lost about 6 lbs. in two weeks, but bulimia made my face very puffy,” she said, “I freaked out and began going on crazy little diets. Like, I’d only eat Tic Tacs.”

Today Stephanie Pratt has overcome her demons of drug addiction and eating disorders and now resides in London, living healthily and filming a British reality show Made in Chelsea.

What do you think about Stephanie Pratt’s transformation?

 

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Fear The Walking Dead Tackles Addiction, and It Hurts

Fear The Walking Dead by Naelsis Licensed Under Public Domain

Yes, one of my guilty pleasures is watching zombies tear unsuspecting humans, who always seem to trip at the absolute worst times, to shreds- but last night, when Fear The Walking Dead aired for the first time, I was treated to something I wasn’t expecting. And no, it wasn’t the startlingly real costume makeup the zombie actors are embellished with (but there was that too). Fear The Walking Dead is humanizing addiction through one of its main protagonists, Nick (also called Nicky). Without giving too much away- to be honest, everything that I’ll touch on in this intro. will be revealed within the first few minutes of the show- Nick is a heroin addict trapped in the perils of addiction and is launched unapologetically into the world of zombie madness. Throughout his character’s introduction we are given a glimpse into the world of someone with an acute heroin use disorder.

We first meet Nick at an abandoned church, where he has presumably been for quite sometime on a heroin binge. Throughout the first episode we are introduced to Nick’s family, who has been trying to help Nick get clean for an extended period of time- and they are visibly both physically and mentally exhausted from the ordeal. Eventually through a series of circumstances I shall not reveal, for the sake of those who have not yet seen the episode yet, Nick escapes his heroin den and reunites with his family who scramble to check him into rehab.

At first Nick is reluctant, but eventually comes around. But our idealistic vision of easing Nick into rehabilitation is shattered when he desperately attempts to get high again, scrounging in an undisclosed location (for those who haven’t seen it yet!) to find a fix. As an audience we are floored into the reality of addiction between a conversation with Nick and his sister who says,

Frank Dillane (Nick) from Fear The Walking Dead by Gage Skidmore licensed under CC by 3.0

“Do you really mean it this time [that you’ll get clean]?”

“I always meant it.”

Fear The Walking Dead pulls no punches. Nick is physically riddled by his addiction, and throughout the series of events in just the first episode we are given a glimpse into the mental aspects of the disease too. Of course, Nick’s particular case of addiction is compounded with inconvenient zombie encounters, but life isn’t perfect.

One of the best parts about how Fear The Walking Dead tackles addiction is the many stages his family goes through in trying to remedy his condition.

First there is the ever doting parent, attempting to do everything in their power to help their loved one recover, then there’s the questioning parent who isn’t sure s/he can take much more of the abuse that comes in the territory of untreated substance use disorders, and finally- and by far the most compelling and heartbreaking, is the family member who has cared deeply and has lost all hope their loved one will recover- and has become bitter from the process of it.

If zombies aren’t your thing, I would still recommend Fear The Walking Dead to anyone who wants an inside glimpse inside the realm of addiction to better understand those who are struggling with the disease. And who doesn’t love zombie drug dealers too?

 

Do you think Fear The Walking Dead is portraying addiction as it should be?

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Alcohol and Guns?! Daytona Beach Gives Gun Range Alcohol Service License

To the common man, alcohol and booze is pretty clearly a bad combination. Alcohol’s suppressant nature means those who consume large enough quantities of it have less physical coordination and lowered inhibitions. Alcohol-related violent crimes typically involve the use of a gun, yet Daytona Beach city commissioners have elected to award an indoor shooting range with a license to sell alcohol.

CBS News reports that the decision was nearly unanimous, with only Commissioner Ruth Trager questioning the safety of such an idea. She questioned how staff at the gun range would be able to determine the sobriety of its patrons and rather they were fit to wield potentially deadly firearms. In response, Ron Perkinson- owner of the gun range- stated that “(workers) would be trained to visually look at the person, look at their eyes (and) look at their pupils, just like an officer would.” He also argued that his proposal is not to open a bar, but a restaurant and the sales from alcohol would make the restaurant profitable.

In an attempt to keep an open mind, it must be noted that safety regulations would be in place concerning rental of guns and use of the gun range. Patrons who want a nice dinner following a night of shooting are less of a concern than those who throw back a couple of pints then decide to unload a few rounds. Perkinson assures us that those who are too inebriated and those with previous felonies would be turned away and police involvement would be requested if necessary. However it is difficult to understand why the proposal was not met with more resistance. Recent years have made the general public a bit more wary of guns, with tragedies such as the Aurora theatre shooting and the massacre that occurred in a Charleston, South Carolina church only months ago looming in the back of our minds.

The plans to assure the safety of the gun range and restaurant’s patrons seem half-baked and lackadaisical. Some- myself included- would say that the city counsel’s approval of this proposal with a “we’ll eyeball it and figure the rest out later” plan of approach is irresponsible and careless. Perkinson doesn’t seem too concerned- to critics he had this response:

“To the critics, I say, you’re right. I’m not trying to mix the two. I’m trying to give you a nice meal before you go home. If you choose to have an alcoholic beverage and go home, that’s on you. It’s no different than them leaving here and going to Outback.”

How do you feel about a gun range having a liquor license? Give us your opinion!

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Gearing Up for Back To School: Be Sure To Discuss Drug Use With Your Preteens and Teenagers

The adolescent use of legal drugs, illegal drugs, and underage drinking is essentially every parent’s nightmare. Unfortunately, people are more likely to begin abusing drugs such as tobacco, alcohol, and illegal and prescription drugs during their years of adolescence and early adulthood.

According to the National Institute of Drug Abuse (NIDA), before graduating high school, nearly 70 percent of high school students will have tried alcohol, 50 percent will have used an illegal drug, close to 40 percent will have smoked cigarettes, and more than 20 percent will have used a prescription drug for recreational purposes.

Adolescents who abuse drugs are notorious for acting rebelliously, poor academic performance, and often dropping out of school. Although the initial decision to start using drugs is typically voluntary, when drug abuse begins to take over, one’s ability to exert self control will be significantly impaired, according to News Press.

The areas of the brain which control factors such as thought processing, decision making, use of judgement, memory and behavioral control are all affected by drug use. During adolescence and early adulthood this particular region of the brain is still developing and maturing, putting adolescents and teens who use drugs at risk for making poor decisions.

With summer coming to an end, many preteens and teens are anxious about transitioning into their next year of middle and high school. As they’re transitioning, especially if their transitioning into high school, they are introduced to new people and activities. Some of these new people and activities may include drug use, therefore it’s important to talk with your preteen and teens about drug use, as well as the dangers and consequences of them using drugs.

It is also important to keep an open line of communication with your children and making them feel comfortable coming to you about their personal issues. Often, adolescents and young adults take drugs to feel good or better, or to do better in certain activities such as sports and studying, and others will do it simply out of curiosity because “others are doing it.” It is not uncommon for preteens and teens to perceive that drugs can help them “feel better” by helping with social anxiety, depression and reducing stress. Also, living in such a competitive society, it’s common for adolescents and teens to be pressured into believing they need to take illegal drugs or prescription stimulants to enhance their performance.

Prevention is the primary and most essential way to address substance abuse during your child’s adolescent and teen years. As a parent, it is important to educate yourself in order to discuss the topic with your children. By doing so, you could be making simple steps towards preventing drug use and substance abuse in your child.

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New Concerns Arise After Rosie O’Donnell’s Daughter Found With Known Drug Offender

It has been a long and trying week for comedian and activist Rosie O’Donnell. After reporting her 17 year old daughter, Chelsea, missing on August 11th, the former ‘View’ co-host plead with her fans and social media followers to help locate the missing teen. Seven days later police in Barnegat Township, New Jersey located the teen with a man she’s met via Tinder who was ten years her senior and reportedly a known drug offender. Us Magazine reports that Chelsea, who suffers from mental illness, was located with her therapy dog, Bear, after police tracked the cell phone she was been using.

O’Donnell was rightfully concerned when the teen disappeared- their relationship had reportedly grown strained in recent months, likely due to the stress of divorce and custody battles waging between Rosie and her estranged wife, Michelle Rounds over their daughter, Dakota. In the initial post urging fans to help, O’Donnell stated that Chelsea was in need of medical attention as she believed she had stopped taking her medication. Though a representative for the family stated that the teenager had not taken any drugs during her week long disappearance, concerns still remain as to the well-being of the girl:

“Rosie is very concerned about the guy she was found with. Rosie is extremely concerned about everything and is trying to figure out what to do next,” the representative stated.

Some eyebrows are being raised in the direction of the comedian as she did not report her daughter missing for nearly a week- a fact she explains as believing Chelsea was with friends. Cryptic tweets lend to further concerns for the state of the mother-daughter relationship, as O’Donnell writes:

“When someone u love is drowning in the rapids- you throw everything u can into the water- hope they will grab on- stay afloat #believe.”

Featured Image: Rosie O’Donnell by David Shankbone Licensed under CC by 3.0

Should O’Donnell seek an intervention with the troubled teen? Do you believe Chelsea abstained from drug use during the ordeal? Let us know!

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Will Money Seized from Drug Dealers Be Enough to Keep Stores of Narcan for Overdose Victims?

The heroin epidemic continues to plague all corners of the nation. Earlier this week CBS Pittsburgh reported a rash of 17 heroin overdoses- three of those victims are now dead. It’s not enough to lament the reports, we have to take action and do something about it. But what can we do?

Without proper heroin rehabilitation, it’s difficult (to say the very least) to kick heroin addiction, if not outright impossible. As public opinion begins to slowly shift from blaming drug users for their medical conditions (and yes, addiction has been merited a disease for a long time), slowly but surely, communities around the nation are creating valuable resources wherein struggling patients in recovery can get immediate help and encouragement. Many recovery apps are popping up both in the Apple store and Google play store, helping addicts to instantly connect with their support groups immediately.

Of the 17 heroin overdoses in Washington County three were revived with Narcan- an opiate antagonist which rescues the respiratory system and clears the body’s opiate receptors, allowing victims of overdose to breathe again. But Narcan comes at a cost. Those in need of the lifesaving drug will immediately experience withdrawal.

There is strong opposition to Narcan from some who believe the drug will allow addicts to continue wantonly abusing drugs, with assurance they will be resuscitated.

It would appear those worrying about saving lives with Narcan aren’t taking into consideration the chronic anxiety among the community struggling with substance abuse to avoid withdrawal at all costs. Even if that means not going into treatment, despite one’s wants and needs to recover safely.

But where does Narcan come from?

Drug dealers!

Well, not quite, but sort of.

The state has reallocated illicit money collected from drug dealers to buy the medication responsible for saving victims in the perils of addiction. If that’s not justice, I don’t know what is. But will the money taken from convicted drug dealers be enough to keep the stores of Narcan stocked?

In some parts of the country, funding for Narcan is severely limited and impedes on the public’s access to the medication- infringing upon the availability of the drug to first responders and police officers. Once the drug dealers are put away, where will funding for Narcan come from? It may be a reality we have to face in the not-so-distance future.

 

What’s your stance on the great Narcan debate?

 

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Support your Recovery with a Healthy Lifestyle – Get Moving!

Exercise can be a valuable part of the recovery process, and you don’t have to be a fitness fanatic to see the benefits. Have you ever heard the expression, “little things mean a lot”? It applies to exercise too! There are many little ways you can work exercise into your day. These tips illustrate that you don’t need to join a fitness club in order to get some exercise. Following these simple suggestions can all add up to a healthier you!

Walk

One of the easiest ways to increase your activity level is to walk. Walking isn’t limited to going for a walk; you can take the stairs instead of the elevator, park farther away from the door, walk around your building during work breaks, or walk the dog.

Stand

You’ll do yourself well by standing up while talking on the phone or sitting up in a chair instead of lying on the couch to watch television. Need to talk to a co-worker? Consider skipping using email or the phone – and walk over to their desk or office!

Household Tasks

Doing your own housework is a great way to keep moving, and so is working in the yard. Put on your favorite music and dance or use music as a motivational background when you exercise.

At Gateway Treatment Centers, adults and adolescents can  how to address their substance use disorder and relapse prevention strategies. To learn more about treatment programs and recovery support at Gateway, please visit RecoverGateway.org.

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Home Drug Testing vs Lab Tests: How Do They Compare?

Home drug testing has become a popular alternative to laboratory testing in recent years for various reasons. Some who use this relatively cheaper method of testing are nervous about the results of a drug test for employment and wish to perform a sort of ‘pre-testing.’ Others are using them as a way to confirm sobriety to doubtful family and friends, concerned that they’ve fallen off the wagon. But just how accurate are these home tests compared to lab tests? A Health Street article written by Jared Rosenthal compares the two.

It is first necessary to understand how the two testing methods work. Home testing kits purchased through convenience stores like Walgreens are essentially very basic screenings.

“Think of it as checking the wind direction by licking your finger and sticking it up in the air. You can pretty much tell which way the wind is blowing, but you sure wouldn’t set sail on the high seas based on that, would you? You’d probably want to rely on an expert using sophisticated instrumentation. Drug testing is pretty much the same thing.” Rosenthal writes.

By comparison, laboratory tests are typically two-fold. The initial stage screens samples for the presence of illicit substances. Those samples that test clean will stop at this point and the results are sent out to whatever party that requested the test. However, if the screening detects any significant amount of drugs in the sample, it moves forward into more advanced testing. The GC/MS test, as used by Health Street, is among the best because it accurately identifies the specific substances in the specimen. The process is outsourced to a third-party national lab and takes several days while examined by a team of scientist with various masteries.

Home tests get no such examination because they collect no data. It comes down to basic chemical reactions in which certain substances will cause different images (usually a plus or minus, much like pregnancy tests) to appear. They are not court admissible because they are not accurate. Rehabilitation centers, job testing facilities, probation offices, and other places that require drug testing will order a GC/MS test in order to determine exactly what substances remain in the system and their levels.

So save your money, home tests are little more than a guessing game.

 

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New Study Suggests Alcohol Does Not Blur Out Memories of Sexual Assault

It is not uncommon for sexual assault victims to have their credibility questioned, especially if they were under the influence of alcohol when the alleged assault took place. Sexual assualt victims often have their motives and honesty questioned, as well as their ability to state accurate facts. However, a new study conducted by a team of researchers from the University of Leicester in the UK, have found that alcohol does not stop women from accurately remembering being sexually assaulted or rape, according to Bustle.

The team of researchers studied a sample of 88 women between the ages of 18 and 31 at the University of Leicester in UK, where the legal drinking limit is 18 years old. While half of the participants were placed into a control group and given plan tonic water to drink, the other half consumed enough vodka tonic drinks to reach a blood alcohol content of around .08. The women then participated in an activity similar to a “choose your own adventure” story, in which they were placed in a scenario involving a sexual encounter. If the participants chose the option to stop the sexual encounter, the scenario turned into a non-consensual sexual activity, and the women then read a sexual assault scenario based on real rape incidents.

Afterwards, each of the female participants were asked to recall specific details which took place in their hypothetical assault twice. The first time was 24 hours after reading the story, and they were then asked again four months later. Although it became more difficult for each of the participants to remember minor details, all of the women were able to accurately recall the most important parts of what took place. Researchers did find that the group of women who consumed alcohol were more likely to respond that they didn’t know or remember details, however when they did remember, their answers were just as accurate as the women who had not been drinking.

The researchers concluded that alcohol does make you more likely to forget things but when it comes to what a person does recall, alcohol does not make them remember details inaccurately. Further research needs to be conducted for the study’s results to hold validity, especially since the study was small and the participants were only moderate to highly buzzed and real victims could be more intoxicated at their time of assault. However, if researchers can verify that alcohol doesn’t make sexual assault victims unreliable, it will be helpful in a lot cases due to rape victims often being dismissed or discredited if alcohol was involved.

 

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Happy Birthday HP Lovecraft: Opium, Cthulhu, and Night Terrors, Oh My!

Howard Phillips Lovecraft by unknown licensed under Public Domain

On this day (August 20th) in 1890 one of America’s greatest writers was born. HP Lovecraft was the master of penning sublime horror way before Stephen King was even a spec in the multiverse. Lovecraft specialized in all things spooky and it’s believed he was deathly afraid of everything, which gave light to his horror shorts. Lovecraft’s most known work is the indomitable Cthulhu, which continues to revolve around pop culture cults today. Although you wouldn’t think it, Lovecraft died sickly and impoverished. It wasn’t until after his death, like so many great minds, that his work was discovered and celebrated.

But where did the haunts of Lovecraft’s work come from? I’ve tried to hunt down the source of his fantastic tales and pin them onto an addled state of addiction, but no such luck! The only thing I could come across is one obscure quote from one of Lovecraft’s short stories,

“I took opium once – in the year of the plague, when doctors sought to deaden the agonies they could not cure. There was an overdose – my physician was worn out with horror and exertion – and I traveled very far indeed. In the end I returned and lived, but my nights are filled with strange memories, nor have I ever permitted a doctor give me opium again.”  

Sigh. It doesn’t even look like Lovecraft permitted his fictitious characters to wander the brambles of addiction. I’m not sure if that’s relieving, because his characters were not plagued by minds addled with substances that rot the brain, or if it’s more concerning these thoughts came to him naturally. So I did some more digging to see if maybe Lovecraft suffered from any disorders which may have given rise to his fantastical stories- and I found it!

Migo– Lovecraft Inspired Drawing by Khannea SunTzu licensed under CC by 3.0

But it wasn’t what I thought it would be. 

HP Lovecraft suffered from what we now know to be night terrors; think waking up screaming in a cold sweat for three to four hours every time you go to sleep. Sounds fun doesn’t it? A night terror is like a nightmare, but times ten. Night terrors prevent sleep (obviously), and those suffering from the condition are filled with insurmountable feelings of dread and imminent doom. So it’s not that Lovecraft was necessarily afraid of everything, but this condition certainly played a role in spurring fears which may not have naturally arisen.

Night terrors are often a red flag of an underlying health condition.

And sure enough, Lovecraft was diagnosed with intestinal cancer and Bright’s disease. Lovecraft suffered from chronic depression and battled with suicidal thoughts for the majority of his life. Unfortunately Lovecraft’s story is a morose one, but his work is worth celebration! Pick up some of his shorts and immerse yourself into the realm of dread.

Featured image: Cthulhu by BenduKiwi licensed under CC by 3.0

What’s your favorite HP Lovecraft short story?

 

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What Rehab Centers Offer Gluten-Free Diets?

People who are recovering from addiction often try to get healthier by trying out unique diets and the increasingly popular gluten-free diet is just one of them. This diet, originally a way to treat Celiac disease, has become one of the most popular (and controversial) diets on the market. Trying to eat a gluten-free diet in drug rehabilitation is a noble goal, but it can be tricky.

However, if you have Celiac disease, you obviously are going to have to learn how to live without gluten during rehabilitation. But if you’re simply interested in experiencing the many benefits of a gluten-free diet, you’re going to need a little education on how to get started. You’re also going to have to know how to find drug rehabilitation clinics that utilize gluten-free diets.

Benefits Of A Gluten-Free Diet

The first advantage of a gluten-free diet is well-known: it helps treat diseases that react negatively to gluten. During your drug rehabilitation treatment, this will be essential as you’re going to need to be as healthy as possible to fight off the symptoms of withdrawal.

Other benefits of gluten-free diets include:

• Decreased sluggishness
• Improved mood
• Decreased reliance on heavy eating
• Increased ability to lose weight

Many of these mental health benefits will be essential during your drug rehabilitation treatment. Struggling to maintain a positive state will be a major difficulty, and the mood-boosting abilities of a gluten-free diet may make it easier for you.

Foods With Gluten

Gluten is present primarily in the various grains that make up the majority of our diet. Try to avoid foods with the following grains to stay gluten-free:

• Rye
• Wheat
• Barley
• Bulgur
• Farina
• Couscous
• Semolina

Foods such as soups, ketchup, cabbage, and even cheese, are all heavily imbued with gluten. However, even items as diverse as shampoo, cosmetics, lipsticks, and self-adhesive stamps have gluten. Avoid using these items to stay gluten-free.

When going gluten-free, you’re going to have to take vitamin supplements, such as iron and zinc to avoid malnutrition. That’s because gluten-rich foods offer some of the highest concentrations of certain vitamins, which is the major reason they are so popular as food products.

Symptoms Of Gluten Intolerance

Gluten intolerance is actually relatively difficult to diagnose. It’s not that the symptoms aren’t obvious: it’s that many people tend to ignore them. Even people without Celiac disease can show intolerance symptoms when eating gluten-rich food, symptoms that include:

• Upset stomach
• Indigestion
• Bloating
• Headaches
• Joint pain
• Diarrhea
• Severe mood swings
• Depression
• Tiredness
• Rashes
• Severe (and unexplainable) vitamin deficiencies

Obviously, you’re not going to want to be suffering from these problems while undergoing drug rehabilitation. That’s why most centers will offer you a gluten-free diet; all you have to do is ask! However, if you’re simply going on a gluten-free diet without suffering from these symptoms, you may be putting yourself at risk of suffering from gluten withdrawal.

The Connection Between Gluten And Drug Withdrawals

When trying to get on a gluten-free diet, you are often putting yourself at risk for severe withdrawal symptoms. These withdrawal symptoms won’t be as extreme as drug withdrawal, but they can exasperate those conditions. Gluten withdrawal symptoms include:

• Headaches
• Cramps
• “Foggy” head
• Vomiting
• Irritability
• Intense cravings for gluten-rich foods
• Mood swings
• Depression
• Anxiety

That’s why it might be a good idea to actually go gluten-free before attending drug rehabilitation. It can help you get through those difficult withdrawal symptoms before the difficulties of detoxification and rehabilitation treatment. So always make sure to contact your personal doctor before making a serious dietary decision.

The Differences Between Gluten-Free And Paleolithic Diets

People often confuse gluten-free and paleo diets due to their restrictive natures. However, there is a pretty big difference: while you can still eat certain carbohydrates on a gluten-free diet, carbohydrates are completely verboten on a paleo diet.

The more restrictive nature of the paleo diet also makes it pretty difficult for most people recovering from drug addiction to maintain. Not impossible, by any means, just more difficult. If you are interested in following a restrictive diet during rehabilitation, gluten-free is probably the way to go.

Finding A Center That Offers A Gluten-Free Diet

Most drug rehabilitation centers will be more than happy to offer you a gluten-free diet, especially if it will be beneficial for your recovery. However, our resources offered at RehabCenter.net can help you find a gluten-free drug rehabilitation center near you.

So if you’re interested in learning more about a gluten-free lifestyle during drug rehabilitation, please contact us. Our networks and vast information can help guide you towards the gluten-free rehab center that you need for your addiction rehabilitation.

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