Drug Rehab Centers: May 2015

Saturday, May 30, 2015

Is Flakka More Dangerous Than Cocaine?

Flakka is becoming widely used in South Florida.

Flakka, also called “gravel” due to it’s physical appearance of white crystal chunks, which are visually similar to aquarium gravel, is a man-made drug. The drug gives it’s users a similar high to the one induced by cocaine, however researchers believe that this new trending drug could be potentially more dangerous than cocaine.

CNN quotes Jim Hall, a drug abuse epidemiologist at Nova Southeastern University, “It’s so difficult to control the exact dose [of flakka]. Just a little bit of difference in how much is consumed can be the difference between getting high and dying. It’s that critical.”

Flakka is generally smoked, injected, or snorted, a small overdose on this drug could lead to an individual experiencing severe symptoms including “excited delirium” which is characterized by violent behavior, spiked body temperatures ranging from 105 degrees and higher, and paranoia. One of the most dangerous effects of flakka is that it gives it’s users the perception that they have the strength and fury of the Incredible Hulk.

Flakka contains a chemical similar to MPDV, one of the main ingredients in the banned drug “bath salts.” MPDV has the power to bind and stop molecules on the surface of neurons, which are responsible for controlling the levels of mood-regulating neurotransmitters, dopamine, and serotonin. The use of flakka floods the brain with these chemicals similar to cocaine and methamphetamine, but flakka is reported to have longer lasting effects.

Being as though flakka lingers in the brain longer than cocaine, the extent of flakka’s destruction is potentially greater than cocaine. The dangers of flakka include permanent neurological damage, when the drug sits on its users’ neurons it can virtually destroy them. Flakka also has the potential to negatively affect the kidneys. If hyperthermia onsets, the muscles begin to break down, taking a toll on the kidneys. It is believed flakka overdose victims who survived may be on dialysis for the remainder of their lives.

Flakka is a very dangerous drug .

It is presumed flakka is being exported in China and can be purchased online, gas stations, or through dealers. Flakka is often seen as a cheaper substitute for cocaine, one dose is as low as three to five dollars.

South Florida has specifically drawn attention to flakka use after stories of men and women behaving destructively while high on flakka. Currently the entire state of Florida is being hit hard by flakka overdoses. Cases of flakka overdose have also been reported in other states including New Jersey, Alabama, and Mississippi.

Hall stated there are currently three to four flakka-related hospitalizations daily, and even more during the weekends in South Florida’s Broward County area. It is still unknown how flakka became so popular in South Florida.

The Drug Enforcement Administration has placed a temporary ban on flakka, however makers of this man-made drug are working around the ban by placing “not for human consumption” labels on the drug. It is assumed that it will take up to several years to obtain the data essential for putting a permanent ban on flakka. Bans have the potential to be effective in discouraging individuals from potentially using flakka.

The post Is Flakka More Dangerous Than Cocaine? appeared first on Harbor Village Florida.

from Misc http://ift.tt/1KBrnt4 via Heroin Rehab Dallas

from Blogger http://ift.tt/1SF0Ihu
May 28, 2015 at 01:39PM
from Tumblr http://ift.tt/1HV5jWR

from Blogger http://ift.tt/1JXWNsv
May 28, 2015 at 02:26PM
from Tumblr http://ift.tt/1LMz5yd

from Blogger http://ift.tt/1KBJm2p
May 28, 2015 at 04:33PM
from Tumblr http://ift.tt/1FjWXVB

from Blogger http://ift.tt/1KBQA6P
May 28, 2015 at 07:02PM
from Tumblr http://ift.tt/1KBQE6z

from Blogger http://ift.tt/1HzHEIM
May 28, 2015 at 08:55PM
from Tumblr http://ift.tt/1SFMNI1

from Blogger http://ift.tt/1ECU0Oh
May 28, 2015 at 11:02PM
from Tumblr http://ift.tt/1d31GTP

from Blogger http://ift.tt/1Jbt8Ly
May 29, 2015 at 01:10AM
from Tumblr http://ift.tt/1J7F2HU

from Blogger http://ift.tt/1HRrJeh
May 29, 2015 at 03:17AM
from Tumblr http://ift.tt/1Qf3SVe

from Blogger http://ift.tt/1HAv0t8
May 29, 2015 at 05:24AM
from Tumblr http://ift.tt/1Ayvwuy

from Blogger http://ift.tt/1FRWe1s
May 29, 2015 at 07:47AM
from Tumblr http://ift.tt/1FeuMqb

from Blogger http://ift.tt/1FeL5TK
May 29, 2015 at 09:53AM
from Tumblr http://ift.tt/1ACSKzE

from Blogger http://ift.tt/1AD5mXw
May 29, 2015 at 11:44AM
from Tumblr http://ift.tt/1AD7q1F

from Blogger http://ift.tt/1d4HPUi
May 29, 2015 at 02:07PM
from Tumblr http://ift.tt/1EFXgIz

from Blogger http://ift.tt/1HYhMJn
May 29, 2015 at 04:13PM
from Tumblr http://ift.tt/1QgnGY8

from Blogger http://ift.tt/1GKUsA8
May 29, 2015 at 06:05PM
from Tumblr http://ift.tt/1GKXggE

from Blogger http://ift.tt/1HYETUe
May 29, 2015 at 08:45PM
from Tumblr http://ift.tt/1FJKTPS

from Blogger http://ift.tt/1RxvabO
May 29, 2015 at 10:49PM
from Tumblr http://ift.tt/1HBQfe4

from Blogger http://ift.tt/1HZ1zDQ
May 30, 2015 at 12:44AM
from Tumblr http://ift.tt/1Fl6WKf

from Blogger http://ift.tt/1HZfcTw
May 30, 2015 at 02:49AM
from Tumblr http://ift.tt/1HZfdqk

Hillary Clinton Proposes New Drug Policies, Sort Of?

If you ask some of my free spirited peers what they think of Hillary Clinton, it’s a mixed bag of responses. Some herald her as the champion of the War on Drugs, criticizing her harsh policies, and others regard her analytical prowess a boon to any debate or issue of policy. Although Clinton isn’t well known for her relatability or small talk with the little folk, she has recently toured many states and has opened her heart and listened to the concerns of small towns in America- and the winds of change are upon us, or are they?

Many Americans have expressed their woe of loss and mourning at the hands of preventable drug addiction. The nation’s fatal overdose rate has tripled within the last three years; untold thousands perish from drug use disorders without stepping a hair in an inpatient medical detoxification program for a second chance at life. But is Hillary the best candidate to woo to the aid of addiction?

Let’s take a step back for a minute to briefly revisit Hillary’s stances on drug policy. According to On The Issues, Clinton appeared to be more open to the possibility of medical marijuana in special cases as of 2014. When prompted for her views on recreational marijuana, On The Issues quotes her stating,

“On recreational, you know, states are the laboratories of democracy. We have at least two states that are experimenting with that right now. I want to wait and see what the evidence is.”

Her response seems entirely logical, and could go either way, considering the state of limbo America is presently in regarding the great marijuana debate. I don’t think her critics would have expected a response so pregnant with possibility.
In 2007 On The Issues quotes Hillary up in arms to tackle the disparity between sentencing for crack cocaine and powdered cocaine. If you didn’t know already (before the Fair Sentencing Act was ratified in 2010), users arrested on charges of using or possessing crack cocaine were imprisoned much longer than those actively abusing powdered cocaine. The problem? Well two, really big ones. The first is crack cocaine and powdered cocaine are literally the same thing- so who felt the need to punish one form of the substance over the others? We won’t point fingers here. The second is 85 percent of those arrested for charges involving crack cocaine were African American, according to the ACLU.

To put things in perspective, African Americans were imprisoned for nonviolent drug crimes for just as long as whiles who committed violent acts. President Obama helped put a stop to the glaring disparity with the Fair Sentencing Act, which eradicated the five year sentence minimum previously required of those found with crack cocaine. (We’d like to see mandatory inpatient rehabilitation to help offenders really get their lives on track, but we can only hope for the future.)

Hillary is quoted by On The Issues commenting on the unjust legislation,

“It is really unconscionable that someone who uses five grams of crack cocaine, compared to 500 grams of powder cocaine would face such disparate sentencing. And it’s further compounded because the possession of crack cocaine really is unique in the way that it leads directly to prison for so many people. So I am going to tackle the disparity.”

For those of you who are convinced Hillary is hell-bent on putting away nonviolent drug offenders, I would refute her words beg to differ. Case and point: in 2007 at the Democratic Primary Debate held at Howard University On The Issues quotes her passionately championing for the freedoms of those riddled by addiction,

“We need diversion, like drug courts. Non-violent offenders should not be serving hard time in our prisons. They need to be diverted from our prison system…we need an attorney general and a system of justice that truly does treat people equally,”

Now that we’ve adequately established Hillary’s relatively recent stances on drug policy, let’s revisit her ventures across America: according to the New York Times, drug addiction and its effect on rural America has become one of her principal focuses of her campaign. After hearing about the travesties of addiction and overdoses from local residents, Clinton held her usual composure, and did not offer warm embraces, but jotted notes down about the things confided to her for ammunition later.

Hillary did note heroin, methamphetamine, and prescription medications are silently taking their toll on small towns. Behind the scenes Clinton instructed her advisors and policy makers to begin devising new plans for drug policy. The New York Times quotes Jake Sullivan, Hillary’s campaign’s senior policy director,

“She came back… and said, ‘I want you guys to go beyond standard policies and really take a hard look at some of the more creative or forward-looking policy positions.’”

Although her outward perspectives on drug policy seem to be promising for those affected by untreated drug addictions, we don’t quite know what Hillary has in mind for bringing in new light on an age-old debate. Sullivan worries Clinton hasn’t said much that is tangible, and concrete. He believes her adversaries may take advantage of her vagueness. Although we know her campaign is considering new, hopefully progressive, policies on drug addiction (we’re crossing our fingers for new federal assistance for drug and alcohol addiction treatment) we can’t be sure what she has in store for us just yet.

To stay in the know about new drug policies and trending news related to addiction and recovery, subscribe to our blog and follow our Facebook and Twitter!

The post Hillary Clinton Proposes New Drug Policies, Sort Of? appeared first on Harbor Village Florida.

from Misc http://ift.tt/1JdGUxl via Heroin Rehab Dallas

from Blogger http://ift.tt/1HYETUc
May 29, 2015 at 08:25PM
from Tumblr http://ift.tt/1FJKRY8

from Blogger http://ift.tt/1dCYgYS
May 29, 2015 at 10:49PM
from Tumblr http://ift.tt/1HBQdTA

from Blogger http://ift.tt/1HZ1zDI
May 30, 2015 at 12:44AM
from Tumblr http://ift.tt/1Fl6Z8S

from Blogger http://ift.tt/1KE441I
May 30, 2015 at 02:49AM
from Tumblr http://ift.tt/1GbbwjQ

Buprenorphine: Suboxone And Subutex For Opiate Addiction Treatment

It’s It…What Is It?

Buprenorphine is, by definition, a narcotic analgesic. It is an opioid medication used to treat opioid addiction, often by injection. In plain English, it’s a drug that can help an addicted person recover from other drugs. Like most drug-related issues, however, it’s not really as simple as that. Buprenorphine, known in tablet form as Suboxone or Subutex, has been shown to have less euphoria and dependence issues, a lower potential for abuse, and a relatively mild withdrawal profile. It is often dispensed in the privacy of a doctor’s office, which regulates the addicted person’s exposure to the drug and can help decrease the perceived shame many addicts have when dealing with their disease.

What Are Opiates?

Opiates are drugs derived from the opium poppy, usually by drying the milk produced by the plant. Originally associated with 19th century opium dens, opiates today aren’t utilized by smoking long pipes in dens of drugged-out people, Charles Dickens style. They are, unfortunately, much more accessible than that. Codeine, morphine, Fentanyl, Oxycontin, and heroin are the major players in the opiate world now, and are among the most abused and rapid-acting drugs available.

How Do They Work?

Opiates (naturally-derived), and opioids (synthetically-derived), can affect many parts of the brain and nervous system. In the limbic system, they create feelings of pleasure and contentment. Opioids in the brainstem help to slow breathing, stop coughing, and reduce feelings of pain, similar to their function in the spinal cord, where they also help block pain signals. If taken as prescribed, many opioids can be helpful. Their danger lies in their addictive nature, however, and once hooked on an opiate or opioid the habit can be hard to break indeed.

Where Does That Big Word Come In?

Opioid addiction is classified as a disease, and as such it can be treated. Buprenorphine is one drug that has been shown to be helpful. It is used as part of a medication-assisted treatment plan—but this is not merely replacing one drug with another. When taken properly Suboxone or Subutex, the most commonly prescribed Buprenorphine based medications, can help manage your addiction so you can focus on your health. It’s like taking an antibiotic for an infection so your body can heal itself. While taking this medication, your brain thinks it’s receiving an opioid, so cravings stay away.

Is It Safe?

If used under a doctor’s supervision and with the proper testing, Buprenorphine can be quite safe. Like most medications, however, it does have side effects. Some people are more suited to take it than others, and it can be problematic for patients who suffer from liver disease. Talk with your doctor or treatment provider if you think it might be helpful to you.

Contact Us!

If you are addicted to opioids, opiates, or other substances and think you need treatment, please contact us at Rehabcenter.net. Addiction is an individual disease, and as such there are many treatments and ways for you to get back to the person you want to be. It’s our job to help you learn how to help yourself.

from Misc http://ift.tt/1FfyI9Y via Heroin Rehab Dallas

from Blogger http://ift.tt/1GafAB3
May 29, 2015 at 08:25PM
from Tumblr http://ift.tt/1FJKRY3

from Blogger http://ift.tt/1Rxv9Vp
May 29, 2015 at 10:49PM
from Tumblr http://ift.tt/1K0mrNb

from Blogger http://ift.tt/1HZ1zDK
May 30, 2015 at 12:44AM
from Tumblr http://ift.tt/1Fl6WKd

from Blogger http://ift.tt/1HZfaee
May 30, 2015 at 02:49AM
from Tumblr http://ift.tt/1HZfdqh

Gateway’s Scott Pasko Receives Excellence in Field Education Award

Gateway Chicago West

The Chicago School of Social Service Administration held its Student Recognition Ceremony and Reception on May 21, 2015, hosted by Dean Neil Guterman and Dean of Students Celia Bergman. Students were recognized in many areas including programs of study, scholarship recipients and the Excellence in Field Education Award.

We are pleased to announce that Scott Pasko, an intern in the LSTAR co-occurring residential program at Gateway Chicago West, was selected for the Excellence in Field Education Award. As part of their field education, Scott and other students from the University of Chicago School of Social Service Administration offer individual and group therapy for clients in several Gateway Chicago West residential programs, utilizing the Mindfulness Based Sobriety curriculum. Several clients have reported that working with Scott is the most satisfying therapeutic experience they have encountered! Congratulations, Scott, and thank you for all you do to help Gateway clients reach their goals!

Filed under: Help for Substance Abuse

from Misc http://ift.tt/1Fe9eK3 via Heroin Rehab Dallas

from Blogger http://ift.tt/1EE9Sjz
May 29, 2015 at 05:55AM
from Tumblr http://ift.tt/1FehzO0

from Blogger http://ift.tt/1HX7eu7
May 29, 2015 at 07:47AM
from Tumblr http://ift.tt/1AyK2me

from Blogger http://ift.tt/1FeL8ig
May 29, 2015 at 09:53AM
from Tumblr http://ift.tt/1HAZfQw

from Blogger http://ift.tt/1HBcuAW
May 29, 2015 at 11:44AM
from Tumblr http://ift.tt/1Qg3cPp

from Blogger http://ift.tt/1d4HPE3
May 29, 2015 at 02:07PM
from Tumblr http://ift.tt/1EFXeAu

from Blogger http://ift.tt/1HYhK4c
May 29, 2015 at 04:13PM
from Tumblr http://ift.tt/1QgnI2i

from Blogger http://ift.tt/1FkTZjv
May 29, 2015 at 06:05PM
from Tumblr http://ift.tt/1LT8y1z

from Blogger http://ift.tt/1HYETU8
May 29, 2015 at 08:25PM
from Tumblr http://ift.tt/1FJKRHN

from Blogger http://ift.tt/1dCYgIp
May 29, 2015 at 10:49PM
from Tumblr http://ift.tt/1HBQeXy

from Blogger http://ift.tt/1HZ1BeE
May 30, 2015 at 12:44AM
from Tumblr http://ift.tt/1AE169Z

from Blogger http://ift.tt/1KE46Xs
May 30, 2015 at 02:49AM
from Tumblr http://ift.tt/1Gbbw3x

Is It Safe To Drink Alcohol When In Recovery From Drugs?

Is It Safe To Drink Alcohol When In Recovery From Drugs

When going through the recovery process for drug addiction, questions may arise as to whether or not you can drink alcohol safely. Can you feasibly avoid drugs yet still partake of a different substance that alters physiology and brain function? Can you stay away from the drug with which you struggled with addiction while intoxicated? Will you find your dependency transferring from drugs to alcohol?

Do Drugs And Alcohol Carry The Same Risk Of Addiction?

You might be thinking that it would be okay to drink alcohol because it doesn’t affect you the same way as drugs. You might think it affects the brain differently, and just because you are addicted to drugs, it doesn’t mean you’d end up dependent on alcohol, too.

The truth is, drugs and alcohol affect common neurological reward systems in the brain. Taking drugs or drinking alcohol both affect the brain functions and chemistry that release dopamine into your system. Dopamine is what produces the effect of feeling pleasure, and it’s the need for that pleasurable dopamine high that results in dependency.

The truth is, some people are susceptible to becoming dependent on virtually every type of addictive substance. Then there are others who will only develop addiction to specific substances. Some people will be able to recover from the devastation of drug addiction, and will be able to drink to a normal, reasonable degree. Others may find themselves having successfully achieved recovery from drug addiction, only to find themselves suffering the worst of alcohol addiction.

So is it possible? Yes, but it is difficult to know for sure whether it would or would not become a problem for an individual.

Cross-addiction: Trading One Type Of Addiction For Another

When you are successfully rehabilitated for drug abuse, you can be in danger of replacing your dependency on drugs with dependency on something else. It can be alcohol, compulsive shopping, gambling, sex, even overeating. This is called cross-addiction.

Warning signs you may be suffering from cross-addiction include:

Dropping former pleasures or interests either to make time for the new addiction, or being physically unable to due to effects of the addiction
Mood swings for the worse when you can’t take the substance or take part in the activity
Shirking responsibilities such as family needs, work, studying for school
Lying to cover activities that involve your new addiction
Trying to quit without success
Doing things that area against the law, such as stealing, to fund or supply the addiction

Going through rehabilitation and maintaining a drug-free life after successful therapy requires focus and determination. Alcohol has negative effects on your ability to focus and weakens determination. It can result in loose, lazy behavior that is the breeding ground for a relapse.

Alcohol can be a gateway to worse addictions, and make you vulnerable. Your brain still wants the effect of the dopamine high, and it’s perfectly happy to get it, any way possible. By trading drug addiction for alcohol, you may end up needing to go through rehabilitation all over again – for both.

The Relationship Of Alcohol To Drug Dependency

You often hear of the fear that marijuana is a “gateway drug” that inevitably will lead to the abuse of worse drugs. The fact is, alcohol has been known to lead to drug dependency at a much higher degree.

The National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse (NCASA) did a study with results that included:

Over 67 percent of people who started drinking before age 15 went on to abuse illegal drugs
Less than 4 percent of people who never drank went on to further drug use
Someone who begins drinking alcohol before age 15 is 101 times more likely to use cocaine than someone who didn’t
27 percent of participants in an adult drug program who used cocaine, methamphetamines or heroin started with alcohol

Overall, results showed that alcohol was the initial substance used by those who ended up addicted to drugs.

It has been observed that the following risk factors are common in those who have gone through successful rehabilitation for drug use, but went on to abuse alcohol:

History of family alcohol abuse
Childhood trauma, such as sexual molestation
Emotional trauma such as divorce, death of a loved one
Psychiatric conditions occurring in tandem with substance abuse
Involvement with other heavy drinkers
Alcohol abuse that came prior to dependence on other drugs
Use of both alcohol and drugs at the same time

Introducing Or Substituting Alcohol For Drugs Post-Therapy

Several rehabilitation programs over the years have experimented with allowing alcohol in lieu of drugs either as a substitution, or as a reward for successful recovery from drugs.

One group tried to allow moderate drinking. They advocated working from abstinence to moderate, reasonable use. Their goal was to teach members how to deal with stress that cause one abuse. Showing that they do have power to control their addictive tendencies. In their practice, some people did choose to stay abstinent. Others did not.

Another group actually allowed drinking privileges as a reward for abstaining from drugs. The results from either approach didn’t worked. In fact, in the second group, it was a disaster. Even group facilitators proceeded to drastically misuse alcohol.

There is another group that advocates substance management that involves substituting a “less harmful” drug for another, such as alcohol or marijuana. This has its own problems. For starters, some of these less harmful substances are illegal. Also, people may view it as a “cure-all” and not realize that while under the influence of these less harmful drugs, they are still susceptible to poor decision making such as driving drunk or drugged. Most of all, this sort of approach doesn’t allow a person to learn proper coping techniques that empower them to refrain from giving in to substances and addictive tendencies.

Enrich Your Life In More Productive Ways Than Drinking

You may approach drinking with a cavalier attitude, “I can handle this”. You may think that, in some way, by successfully completing drug abuse therapy you can, and are even entitled to drink alcohol.

There are so many other things you can do to enrich your life and reward yourself for the incredible work you’ve done to overcome your addiction. You’ve come so far, why take the risk? It would be much better to move forward into a healthy, enjoyable, productive life than to potentially backslide.

The bottom line is, if something has more potential for harm than good, you should just stay away from it. When you’re not sure if a potential step might take you in the wrong direction, contact us at RehabCenter.net. We can help you decide which way to go.

from Misc http://ift.tt/1KBrnt8 via Heroin Rehab Dallas

from Blogger http://ift.tt/1Rs0sRu
May 28, 2015 at 01:39PM
from Tumblr http://ift.tt/1KBuEsc

from Blogger http://ift.tt/1JXWLRb
May 28, 2015 at 02:26PM
from Tumblr http://ift.tt/1GHYycg

from Blogger http://ift.tt/1KBJlM4
May 28, 2015 at 04:33PM
from Tumblr http://ift.tt/1G50i0e

from Blogger http://ift.tt/1QemLHS
May 28, 2015 at 07:02PM
from Tumblr http://ift.tt/1ECbslY

from Blogger http://ift.tt/1JaPKf5
May 28, 2015 at 08:55PM
from Tumblr http://ift.tt/1SFMLjb

from Blogger http://ift.tt/1ECU2pe
May 28, 2015 at 11:02PM
from Tumblr http://ift.tt/1SG15Zd

from Blogger http://ift.tt/1Jbt8LH
May 29, 2015 at 01:10AM
from Tumblr http://ift.tt/1cmYjqm

from Blogger http://ift.tt/1FHDpg8
May 29, 2015 at 03:17AM
from Tumblr http://ift.tt/1HRrXlL

from Blogger http://ift.tt/1HAuYBi
May 29, 2015 at 05:24AM
from Tumblr http://ift.tt/1Fehxpf

from Blogger http://ift.tt/1FRWe1q
May 29, 2015 at 07:47AM
from Tumblr http://ift.tt/1JcmdBU

from Blogger http://ift.tt/1ACSAZ3
May 29, 2015 at 09:37AM
from Tumblr http://ift.tt/1ACSKzm

from Blogger http://ift.tt/1Qg1e1n
May 29, 2015 at 11:44AM
from Tumblr http://ift.tt/1AD7pLa

from Blogger http://ift.tt/1d4HPDZ
May 29, 2015 at 02:07PM
from Tumblr http://ift.tt/1EFXeQY

from Blogger http://ift.tt/1HYhK4e
May 29, 2015 at 04:13PM
from Tumblr http://ift.tt/1JZZtFM

from Blogger http://ift.tt/1FkTZjs
May 29, 2015 at 06:05PM
from Tumblr http://ift.tt/1SHQsFb

from Blogger http://ift.tt/1HYEQI2
May 29, 2015 at 08:25PM
from Tumblr http://ift.tt/1FJKRHC

from Blogger http://ift.tt/1Rxv6J0
May 29, 2015 at 10:49PM
from Tumblr http://ift.tt/1HBQdTs

from Blogger http://ift.tt/1GLv0dG
May 30, 2015 at 12:44AM
from Tumblr http://ift.tt/1Fl6WK9

from Blogger http://ift.tt/1HZfcTl
May 30, 2015 at 02:49AM
from Tumblr http://ift.tt/1HZfg5q

Drug Dealers are Cuckooing! But What Is Cuckooing, Exactly?

If you’re excited because you think “cuckooing” is the newest dance trend, you’re about to be very disappointed- and possibly morally offended that you would become excited at what’s becoming one of the biggest social problems to date concerning the drug world. Although we Americans don’t necessarily have a catchy word to explain the ignoble phenomena, our sister nation, The United Kingdom, has been grappling with the crippling effects of cuckooing, and attempting to rescue the silent victims of the deed. But what the heck is cuckooing, and why do we care? As described by the Brentwood Gazette, cuckooing is the systematic practice in which drug dealers befriend people who are weak, or somehow impaired, present them with gifts of money or illicit, addictive substances, and then invite themselves into their homes to stay for tea- forever.

“But why do they let them stay, or why don’t they call the police?” The answers aren’t so simple or cut and dry. Drug dealers are smart- we know this, it’s an ugly truth, but a truth nonetheless. They know how to target people who are unlikely to fight back, or who are unable to. These drug dealers look for the most vulnerable who are physically impaired, suffer from mental illnesses, or those who are addicted to drugs. Even those who simply live alone who are suffering from depression are easily swayed. And of course, there is a degree of violence and intimidation when these drug dealers move in. But they don’t just move in, of course.

The BrentWood Gazette quotes Chief Inspector Cole, “I am concerned because the dealers dominate through fear, violence and intimidation, and they use the drugs as bait to get these people in their grasp, and once they are hooked it os really hard to get away.

“And there will be significant levels of violence and intimidation to keep that location open.”

Drug addiction plays a large role in the successful takeover of these homes. Those who are infringed upon are plyed with cocaine, heroin, or other drugs- making escape almost impossible. As a physical and mental disease, those riddled with addiction are often at the mercy of whatever resource they have as a steady stream to support their addiction. Similarly to alcohol use disorders, it’s not until these people seek help from programs like drug and alcohol addiction treatment that they are able to make a break from their homes, which have been overrun by drug dealers and their unscrupulous clientele.

Once a house has been successfully “cuckooed” the drug dealer in question essentially turns that person’s home into a drug hub, where they conduct business with their clients, encouraging their crews to actively use drugs inside their newly conquered homes, while inviting their clients to congregate for what we assume to be purely illicit activity. For dealers it’s a way to establish a home base, while their operations expand to other countries and areas. Cuckooing is popular because it keep dealers off of the streets, and out of the eyes of law enforcement. But there is hope for the victims of cuckooing. Police officers are aware of what’s going on, and they’re not sitting idly by while it happens. London has launched an initiative to root out the dealers committing these crimes, and offers emergency housing and protection for victims of the crime.

The post Drug Dealers are Cuckooing! But What Is Cuckooing, Exactly? appeared first on Harbor Village Florida.

from Misc http://ift.tt/1FFYrvK via Heroin Rehab Dallas

from Blogger http://ift.tt/1Rs0vg2
May 28, 2015 at 01:39PM
from Tumblr http://ift.tt/1KBuEbU

from Blogger http://ift.tt/1EBtyEG
May 28, 2015 at 02:26PM
from Tumblr http://ift.tt/1GHYysA

from Blogger http://ift.tt/1KBJlM8
May 28, 2015 at 04:33PM
from Tumblr http://ift.tt/1G50htr

from Blogger http://ift.tt/1KBQA6J
May 28, 2015 at 07:02PM
from Tumblr http://ift.tt/1ECbsm6

from Blogger http://ift.tt/1HzHCRk
May 28, 2015 at 08:55PM
from Tumblr http://ift.tt/1SFMLjd

from Blogger http://ift.tt/1ABBwTd
May 28, 2015 at 11:02PM
from Tumblr http://ift.tt/1d31Fzj

from Blogger http://ift.tt/1JbtbqL
May 29, 2015 at 01:10AM
from Tumblr http://ift.tt/1J7F2HY

from Blogger http://ift.tt/1HRrKPB
May 29, 2015 at 03:17AM
from Tumblr http://ift.tt/1Qf3PZs

from Blogger http://ift.tt/1eD7PHu
May 29, 2015 at 05:24AM
from Tumblr http://ift.tt/1Ayvwed

from Blogger http://ift.tt/1FRWe1m
May 29, 2015 at 07:47AM
from Tumblr http://ift.tt/1Busdj9

from Blogger http://ift.tt/1FeL81V
May 29, 2015 at 09:37AM
from Tumblr http://ift.tt/1ACSH6U

from Blogger http://ift.tt/1Qg1ehM
May 29, 2015 at 11:44AM
from Tumblr http://ift.tt/1Qg3fdT

from Blogger http://ift.tt/1AzqgXG
May 29, 2015 at 02:07PM
from Tumblr http://ift.tt/1KDfxP9

from Blogger http://ift.tt/1Jdstcw
May 29, 2015 at 04:13PM
from Tumblr http://ift.tt/1JZZtpu

from Blogger http://ift.tt/1dCL06w
May 29, 2015 at 06:05PM
from Tumblr http://ift.tt/1SHQr43

from Blogger http://ift.tt/1GafzNs
May 29, 2015 at 08:25PM
from Tumblr http://ift.tt/1FJKRHE

from Blogger http://ift.tt/1Rxv9EK
May 29, 2015 at 10:49PM
from Tumblr http://ift.tt/1K0mqbV

from Blogger http://ift.tt/1HZ1AYp
May 30, 2015 at 12:44AM
from Tumblr http://ift.tt/1AE15TJ

from Blogger http://ift.tt/1KE46Xk
May 30, 2015 at 02:49AM
from Tumblr http://ift.tt/1GbbuZg

Exposing the Shocking Truth About “13th Stepping”

Exploitive and predatory at worse, light-hearted and flirtatious at best, the “13th Step” is often a wobbly stumbling block for new Alcoholics and Narcotics Anonymous (AA/NA) members seeking support during early recovery.

What is the 13th Step?

The act of “13th Stepping” is when a more experienced member of a 12-Step group – man or woman – pursues a romantic relationship with a new group member.

In early recovery, new members of a 12-Step group should always look for and use the strongest foothold to remain sober. Needless to say, the 13th Step rarely offers that stable footing.

Human Nature or Program Failure?

For millions of individuals in recovery, 12-Step groups like Alcoholics and Narcotics Anonymous are highly effective, supportive programs. However, groups comprised of people are as imperfect as the people – no matter the group’s good intentions.

When men and women are together, especially with shared goals, a certain amount of harmless flirting naturally develops. It’s human nature. However, 13th Stepping is essentially manipulative, damaging, harassing and a serious threat to sobriety.

Shedding Light on the Issue

In 2007, Newsweek wrote an exposé on an AA group in Washington, D.C. accused of systematic 13th Stepping.

Accusations included young women being encouraged to sleep with older group members, coerced to cut-off ties with family and friends, and being assigned to exploitative sponsors (sponsors are chosen, not assigned).

Needless to say, this incidence of systematic 13th Stepping was borderline cult-like. And although extreme, the Washington AA group (as a whole) and the alarming number of reported incidents within the group clearly shows that 13th Stepping can be damaging.

Specific dangers of the 13th Step include:

Individuals in early recovery are vulnerable. Taking advantage of this vulnerability is exploitive.
New sexual relationships are distracting to the primary goal of sustaining sobriety in early recovery.
When a relationship fails, individuals may feel it justifies relapse.
It can be a betrayal of trust, driving new members away.
13th Stepping can damage the reputation, goals and purpose of individual groups, along with the fellowship of 12-Step groups as a whole.

Protecting Yourself

New members to 12-Step groups are emotionally raw and vulnerable, so it’s normal to seek the acceptance of the group. However, new members (both male and female) should be cognizant that 12-Step groups are not perfect, and 13th Stepping may be the agenda of a few bad apples.

Flirting, dating and even marriage is not uncommon among 12-Step members, but the predatory act of taking advantage of vulnerable new members is not only exploitive; it’s destructive to the integrity and goals of the 12-Step group. For this reason, it is recommended that new members do not date during their first year of recovery and always find a group you are comfortable in.

Additional Reading: Top 5 Reasons You Should Keep Going to 12-Step Meetings

Image Source: pixabay.com

from others http://ift.tt/1Qf7SVD via Heroin Rehab Dallas
from Tumblr http://ift.tt/1LNKVrO

from Blogger http://ift.tt/1HAv1gC
May 29, 2015 at 05:55AM
from Tumblr http://ift.tt/1Ayvu6a

from Blogger http://ift.tt/1FRWbCV
May 29, 2015 at 07:47AM
from Tumblr http://ift.tt/1FeuMq1

from Blogger http://ift.tt/1FeL81X
May 29, 2015 at 09:53AM
from Tumblr http://ift.tt/1HAZf2Z

from Blogger http://ift.tt/1JcZ3va
May 29, 2015 at 11:44AM
from Tumblr http://ift.tt/1AD7mPv

from Blogger http://ift.tt/1AzqgXQ
May 29, 2015 at 02:07PM
from Tumblr http://ift.tt/1EFXgsd

from Blogger http://ift.tt/1HYhMJl
May 29, 2015 at 04:13PM
from Tumblr http://ift.tt/1QgnI2e

from Blogger http://ift.tt/1GKUtE5
May 29, 2015 at 06:05PM
from Tumblr http://ift.tt/1JdGUgP

from Blogger http://ift.tt/1GafAAU
May 29, 2015 at 08:25PM
from Tumblr http://ift.tt/1GaifuA

from Blogger http://ift.tt/1Rxv6Jb
May 29, 2015 at 10:49PM
from Tumblr http://ift.tt/1K0mqc1

from Blogger http://ift.tt/1GLv0dK
May 30, 2015 at 12:44AM
from Tumblr http://ift.tt/1Fl6WKb

from Blogger http://ift.tt/1HZfcTn
May 30, 2015 at 02:49AM
from Tumblr http://ift.tt/1HZffOZ

Is Flakka More Dangerous Than Cocaine?

Flakka is becoming widely used in South Florida.

Flakka is a very dangerous drug .

The post Is Flakka More Dangerous Than Cocaine? appeared first on Harbor Village Florida.

Hillary Clinton Proposes New Drug Policies, Sort Of?

“On recreational, you know, states are the laboratories of democracy. We have at least two states that are experimenting with that right now. I want to wait and see what the evidence is.”

Hillary is quoted by On The Issues commenting on the unjust legislation,

“It is really unconscionable that someone who uses five grams of crack cocaine, compared to 500 grams of powder cocaine would face such disparate sentencing. And it’s further compounded because the possession of crack cocaine really is unique in the way that it leads directly to prison for so many people. So I am going to tackle the disparity.”

“We need diversion, like drug courts. Non-violent offenders should not be serving hard time in our prisons. They need to be diverted from our prison system…we need an attorney general and a system of justice that truly does treat people equally,”

“She came back… and said, ‘I want you guys to go beyond standard policies and really take a hard look at some of the more creative or forward-looking policy positions.’”

To stay in the know about new drug policies and trending news related to addiction and recovery, subscribe to our blog and follow our Facebook and Twitter!

The post Hillary Clinton Proposes New Drug Policies, Sort Of? appeared first on Harbor Village Florida.

Buprenorphine: Suboxone And Subutex For Opiate Addiction Treatment

It’s It…What Is It?

What Are Opiates?

How Do They Work?

Where Does That Big Word Come In?

Is It Safe?

Contact Us!

Gateway’s Scott Pasko Receives Excellence in Field Education Award

Gateway Chicago West

Filed under: Help for Substance Abuse

Exposing the Shocking Truth About “13th Stepping”

What is the 13th Step?

The act of “13th Stepping” is when a more experienced member of a 12-Step group – man or woman – pursues a romantic relationship with a new group member.

In early recovery, new members of a 12-Step group should always look for and use the strongest foothold to remain sober. Needless to say, the 13th Step rarely offers that stable footing.

Human Nature or Program Failure?

Shedding Light on the Issue

In 2007, Newsweek wrote an exposé on an AA group in Washington, D.C. accused of systematic 13th Stepping.

Specific dangers of the 13th Step include:

Individuals in early recovery are vulnerable. Taking advantage of this vulnerability is exploitive.
New sexual relationships are distracting to the primary goal of sustaining sobriety in early recovery.
When a relationship fails, individuals may feel it justifies relapse.
It can be a betrayal of trust, driving new members away.
13th Stepping can damage the reputation, goals and purpose of individual groups, along with the fellowship of 12-Step groups as a whole.

Protecting Yourself

Additional Reading: Top 5 Reasons You Should Keep Going to 12-Step Meetings

Image Source: pixabay.com

Drug Dealers are Cuckooing! But What Is Cuckooing, Exactly?

The BrentWood Gazette quotes Chief Inspector Cole, “I am concerned because the dealers dominate through fear, violence and intimidation, and they use the drugs as bait to get these people in their grasp, and once they are hooked it os really hard to get away.

“And there will be significant levels of violence and intimidation to keep that location open.”

The post Drug Dealers are Cuckooing! But What Is Cuckooing, Exactly? appeared first on Harbor Village Florida.

Is It Safe To Drink Alcohol When In Recovery From Drugs?

Is It Safe To Drink Alcohol When In Recovery From Drugs

Do Drugs And Alcohol Carry The Same Risk Of Addiction?

So is it possible? Yes, but it is difficult to know for sure whether it would or would not become a problem for an individual.

Cross-addiction: Trading One Type Of Addiction For Another

Warning signs you may be suffering from cross-addiction include:

Dropping former pleasures or interests either to make time for the new addiction, or being physically unable to due to effects of the addiction
Mood swings for the worse when you can’t take the substance or take part in the activity
Shirking responsibilities such as family needs, work, studying for school
Lying to cover activities that involve your new addiction
Trying to quit without success
Doing things that area against the law, such as stealing, to fund or supply the addiction

The Relationship Of Alcohol To Drug Dependency

The National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse (NCASA) did a study with results that included:

Over 67 percent of people who started drinking before age 15 went on to abuse illegal drugs
Less than 4 percent of people who never drank went on to further drug use
Someone who begins drinking alcohol before age 15 is 101 times more likely to use cocaine than someone who didn’t
27 percent of participants in an adult drug program who used cocaine, methamphetamines or heroin started with alcohol

Overall, results showed that alcohol was the initial substance used by those who ended up addicted to drugs.

It has been observed that the following risk factors are common in those who have gone through successful rehabilitation for drug use, but went on to abuse alcohol:

History of family alcohol abuse
Childhood trauma, such as sexual molestation
Emotional trauma such as divorce, death of a loved one
Psychiatric conditions occurring in tandem with substance abuse
Involvement with other heavy drinkers
Alcohol abuse that came prior to dependence on other drugs
Use of both alcohol and drugs at the same time

Introducing Or Substituting Alcohol For Drugs Post-Therapy

Several rehabilitation programs over the years have experimented with allowing alcohol in lieu of drugs either as a substitution, or as a reward for successful recovery from drugs.

Enrich Your Life In More Productive Ways Than Drinking

Is Flakka More Dangerous Than Cocaine?

Flakka is becoming widely used in South Florida.

Flakka is a very dangerous drug .

The post Is Flakka More Dangerous Than Cocaine? appeared first on Harbor Village Florida.