Does My Insurance Cover Rehab?

Ultimately, the question of whether insurance will cover one’s rehab treatment comes down to the specifics of the health insurance plan and the type of rehab one is seeking. Of course, the best course of action is to speak to your insurance provider directly. That said, there are some broader pieces of insurance-related advice you can keep in mind as you begin looking at treatment options.

Type Of Insurance Plan

One factor to consider is the type of health insurance plan you have. Is it a group plan provided by your employer? Is it a private individual or family plan purchased through the HealthCare.gov marketplace? Or, perhaps you have a government-funded plan through Medicaid? The availability of insurance coverage for substance abuse rehab, along with the amount of coverage you can get, varies greatly depending on which one of these insurance types you have.

Group Plans

Currently, 43 states (Arizona, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Oklahoma, and Wyoming being the exceptions) require all commercial group or employer-sponsored plans to cover substance abuse treatment to some extent. Meanwhile, on the federal level, more support has come from the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008 (MHPAEA). This act requires that for employers offering health insurance to 50 or more employees at a time, the coverage offered for substance abuse treatment must be as generous and as affordable as coverage for other medical procedures, specifically when it comes to things like out-of-pocket costs and permitted number of visits.

That’s for group plans offered through an employer. What about suffers of substance abuse without employer-provided insurance?

Individual And Family Plans

Until just recently, people with private, individually purchased health insurance plans had relatively fewer options than those with employer-sponsored group plans. The Affordable Care Act has tried to fix this, extending similar provisions to the individual insurance marketplace as those found in the MHPAEA. All individual and family plans marketed to consumers on the HealthCare.gov exchange must cover “10 essential health benefits”, one of which is treatment for mental health and substance abuse disorders.

Copays And Deductibles

Whether one has employer-provided insurance or an individually purchased plan, one important thing to remember is that even if rehab is covered under your plan, you still might have to pay a portion of the treatment cost. The precise percentage varies, as different plans have different copays and deductibles.

The amount of money you may owe also depends heavily on the kind of treatment you receive. Inpatient rehab, for example, tends to be significantly more expensive than outpatient rehab, and thus often requires a heftier monetary contribution from the patient in the eyes of the insurance company.

Find The Rehab That Suits Your Finances

Health insurance can be a complicated, confusing process. Don’t let it get in the way of treatment, however; contact us at RehabCenter.net, and we’ll help you find a quality treatment center that suits the specifics of your health plan and won’t break the bank.

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Fox News’ Bob Beckel Is Fired After Battling Prescription Drug Addiction

Bob Beckel by PVSBond licensed under CC BY3.0

 

 

I’m not really one for Fox News, or politics in general, but many are familiar with the antics of Bob Beckel. Whatever your opinion of The Fox commentator, he commentates no more- at least not on Fox News. According to Mediaite, after sustaining back surgery Beckel became addicted to the prescription medications given to him. Backel fought back and went to a residential drug rehabilitation center to overcome the disease. Backel missed seven months of air time attributed to his original surgery and difficulty with addiction, but despite his steps towards getting sober, Fox News decided to cut him off the air completely, and ended his contract with them.

Seemingly, his severance from Fox News was mutually beneficial, but sparks began to fly when Fox News big shot, Bill Shine, took to twitter with a scathing comment. Mediaite quotes,

“We tried to work with Bob for months, but we couldn’t hold The Five hostage to one man’s personal issues. he took tremendous advantage of our generosity, empathy, and goodwill, and we simply came to the end of the road with him.”

Ouch! Talk about a public backstab.

Since we don’t have many details on the intricacies of Beckel’s prescription drug addiction and how Fox was allegedly “generous,” “goodwilled,” and “empathetic” we can’t point too many fingers. But it would appear Beckel’s public denouncement on social media by Shine was entirely uncalled for. That’s like blaming someone who missed work because they were recovering from open heart surgery.

The stigma of addiction is apparent in their dealings with Beckel, despite its medical recognition as a medical and mental disease. You’d think a representative of Fox News would show more tact, and kindness towards a dedicated commentator like Beckel who hosted The Five since 2011. (Well, it is Fox News after all).

Beckel took to Twitter himself, not to fire back as one might presume of his combative attitude on live television, but to question Shine’s public disavowal. Mediaite quotes,

“I can’t understand the anger in Fox statement. I was healing from major back surgery I could not walk, I took no advantage. I got well.”

I suppose it’s no surprise Beckel didn’t mention anything about his addiction recovery, but it’s not like the public is receptive to the process of recovery for people with substance use disorders. But how can we learn and change that?

Surpassing the damning label of “addict” can only happen when we accept the disease of addiction is quantifiable and comes with measurable symptoms and consequences without treatment- just as any other treatable disease. Beckel’s endeavours to seek drug rehabilitation should be met with compassion and understanding.

What’s your take on the Beckel debate?

The post Fox News’ Bob Beckel Is Fired After Battling Prescription Drug Addiction appeared first on Harbor Village Florida.

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Heroin & Crack Addiction: The Triumph of Iron Chef Jesse Schenker

You wouldn’t think cooking could save someone’s life from the perils of addiction, but that’s exactly what happened for a Florida native named Jesse Schenker, who has trained with the infamous Gordon Ramsay, and claimed the title of Iron Chef in 2010. Before he ascended to food glory, Jesse struggled with an untreated substance use disorder which came to be from his introduction to marijuana in his early twenties. Soon after, Jesse began experimenting with harder addictive substances like heroin, opiate medications, and crack. His addiction eventually lead him to serve a six month term in jail, according to CNBC.

Jesse told CNBC in a candid account of his recovery that at 21 he was tired of running from the disease of addiction; tired of stealing to fuel his disease, and tired of lying to those who cared about him, but could not bring him back from the brink. He was ready to get help. It was during his stint in prison Jesse rekindled his love for cooking and creating works of art in the kitchen when he was assigned kitchen duty. He substituted his addiction to illicit substances to his verve for becoming a chef, and says he never looked back once.

Not only did Jesse redirect his life by plunging himself headlong into his career ambitions, which he set measurable goals to achievement along the way, his escape from the Sunshine State may have saved his life. Relapse is common among those who remain closely tethered to their old haunts of abuse. After completing his time in jail and probation Jesse got far away from Florida and started his cooking endeavors in the Big Apple.

By 2009 Jesse opened his dream restaurant and regards his troubled past as a spark of hope for those still struggling in the throes of addiction. CNBC quotes Jesse saying,

“My investors [of the restaurant] knew about my past. . . A lot of people don’t return from the depths that I visited. It’s a gift and a curse. But every day, I get to make a choice to stay sober. . . If anything, my investors were concerned about my workaholism.”

As a recovered addict of ten years to date, Jesse reminds those still  haunted by the disease of drug and alcohol addiction that there is a choice one makes to demand a better life for themselves. Jesse discovered an employee of his was struggling with an undiagnosed alcohol use disorder because he was stealing alcohol for the restaurant- instead of firing him, Jesse reminded his employee that everyday is a choice, and that there’s help for everyone.

If there’s anything we can learn from the triumph of Jesse Schenker, who lived his life through the perils of addiction, yet still attained the title of Iron Chef, it’s that addiction does not define who we are, but is the precursor to achieving our highest potentials despite incredible odds.  

 

Do you have your own success stories to share?

 

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What Rehab Should I Go To In The LGBT Community?

Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) individuals face a number of challenges that heterosexual individuals often never have experienced. These range from the pressure of coming out to one’s family and closest friends, to any form of everyday discrimination at the hands of strangers or the media. Confronted as they are with these daily stigmas and stressors, it should come as no surprise that LGBT individuals are statistically far more likely to suffer from substance abuse and addiction than are heterosexuals. Indeed, according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, that number may be as high as 20-30 percent of the LGBT population, as compared to around 7 percent of the general population.

Trends Behind The Data

There is more than one driving force behind these statistics. One is that LGBT individuals are more likely to be in search of some sort of coping tool than are heterosexuals who (for the most part) don’t have to deal with the same level of discrimination. Another is that LGBT individuals may be more hesitant to enter a treatment program, for fear that they may find themselves stuck in a 30-day (or more) rehab stay with patients or even staff members who are intolerant of their sexual orientation. What’s worse, many LGBT individuals that do work up the courage to enter rehab, only to encounter precisely that kind of intolerance and discrimination.

To this end, LGBT individuals seeking to enter some form of drug rehab should know that there are treatment options that are tailored specifically to their unique situation.

Choose The Right Facility For You

One factor to consider is exactly what makes a rehab center LGBT-friendly. For instance, some rehab facilities focus specifically on one set of the LGBT population (e.g. just lesbians, just gay men, or just transgender individuals), whereas others cast a wider net. Which one sounds like the best fit is up to you, but it’s important to know that LGBT rehab centers do sometimes differentiate themselves along these lines.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Another important question to keep in mind is what kind of treatment strategies the LGBT-friendly rehab center offers. One that may be especially useful for LGBT individuals is cognitive behavioral therapy.

Cognitive behavioral therapy seeks to treat any underlying anxieties and emotional stresses that may be causing the individual to turn to substance abuse in the first place. Many LGBT individuals have anxieties related directly to living in a world that has treated them with intolerance, even hate. Cognitive behavioral therapy fosters self-acceptance and self-affirmation, and seeks to shift the individual’s pre-programmed “coping” response away from drugs or alcohol in the event that such anxieties do reassert themselves.

Let Us Help You In Your Search

Ultimately, finding the right LGBT-focused rehab center for you comes down to the specifics of your situation. If you or a loved one is LGBT and is struggling with addiction, contact us today at RehabCenter.net so that we may help you in your search.

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DEA Says The Prescription Drugs Looted During Baltimore Riots Are Flooding The Streets

According to the Drug Enforcement Agency, more than 175,00 doses of opiates and various prescription drugs stolen during during the Baltimore riots are now flooding the streets and open-air drug markets of Baltimore.  Over 30 pharmacies had been looted in the riots which occurred in wake of Freddie Gray’s death. The DEA says it’s enough Oxycodone, Suboxone, Morphine, Fentanyl, and other drugs to keep Baltimore drug users high for a year, according to CNN.

Baltimore is a city which has been battling against the heroin epidemic for many years, with the influx of looted drugs flooding the streets, the city could be faced with more problems. Police and city officials have continuously struggled in dealing with a significant increase in crimes, including shootings and murders. Law enforcement officials speculate that the flood of stolen prescription pills will bring about new addicts and increased violence.

According to the DEA, turf wars between gangs and independent drug dealers have been ignited as a result of the influx of drugs on the streets. It’s reported the opposing groups are competing for territory which is critical for a drug dealer’s revenue stream. And no, this is not the time to consider a different line of work. 

The DEA is working vigorously to protect the city and it’s law-abiding citizens who are being victimized by drug dealers and violent drug users who come from all over the region. DEA Special Agent in Charge, Gary Tuggle, shared his sentiments for the city in a statement to CNN

“At the end of the day these communities have very, very decent people, hardworking people who want to work and educate their families and support their families. But at the end of the day you would see what I call piranha.

A lot of these people dealing in these neighborhoods are not from these neighborhoods. Some of them have nice homes in the suburbs or they live in high rise apartment in downtown Baltimore. So they come into these communities to take advantage of these communities.”

In efforts to assist in the city’s plea for help, the DEA and other federal agencies have joined forces to prosecute leaders of gangs and drug dealing organizations. The DEA is currently circulating photos of over 70 individuals whom they suspect are directly responsible for the excess amount of looted drugs on the streets.

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High Blood Pressure Medication May Have Been the Cure for Addiction All Along

Okay, that’s not entirely true, but researchers at the University of Texas used a medication approved for the treatment of high blood pressure to eliminate the cocaine and alcohol addiction in rats. according to Medical News Today. Research has isolated a compound called isradipine may be able to reduce the chance of relapse by 100%. When used on lab rats, their memories of addictive substances, as it related to their environment and physical stimuli (scent, sound, etc.) appeared to be completely suppressed- or gone altogether. To sum it up, this medication (which isn’t even new!) eradicates the lingering memories of addiction, despite being in old environments of abuse.

A massive factor of relapse is typically attributed to immersing one’s self with things that remind them of using drugs. It can be as simple as being in a room you used to abuse addictive substances in, hanging out with the people you associate with use, or even seeing 33 milliseconds of a movie involving drug use or drinking. It’s that simple- and that’s why many people relapse, especially within their first months out of residential drug treatment. But the University of Texas may have changed all that.

Meet Hitoshi Morikawa, the expert neuroscientist who lead the study; his goal was to discover how the brain rewires itself to become dependent on addictive substances. He wanted to focus on memory and reward responses specifically, as they are the main factors contributing to relapse and addiction. Morikawa’s intent is to help rewire the addicted brain by liberating it from the burdensome memories of addiction; from large factors such as being in the same room as the addictive substance, to the tiniest detail down to the colors associated with each drug.

Medical News Today quotes Morikawa, “Addicts show up to the rehab center already addicted. Many addicts want to quit, but their brains are already conditioned. This drug might help the addicted brain become de-addicted.”

Because isradipine is originally for lowering blood pressure, researchers will have to continue to tweak their studies, as to not endanger safe blood pressure ranges- but the prospect of further study should be shortcoming, as this medication has already garnered the approval from the FDA.

If you could would you volunteer in human trials?

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4 Things Parents Can Do to Prevent Alcohol and Drug Abuse for Teens

In today’s society with drugs and alcohol being referenced in many songs, and being recreationally used in movies and on TV, it can be challenging to prevent your teen from being influenced to indulge in drugs and alcohol. Teens often are unaware of the true consequences of making the decision to abuse drugs and /or alcohol, so it’s essential that parents take the steps towards preventing it.

According to Psych Central  the following are preventative steps parents can take to help prevent the use of drugs and alcohol in there teens:

1: Communicate.

It is vital to openly communicate with your teen about what they should and should not do. By openly communicating with your child, it allows them to feel more comfortable approaching you about sensitive topics in the long run. Never assume that your teen isn’t use drugs or alcohol, still openly discuss substance abuse, the consequences of addiction, and why they should avoid drugs and alcohol.

2: Set Boundaries.

It is essential to express your set expectations to your teen early on when establishing boundaries. Setting boundaries early shows your teen that you are serious and allows them to be aware of the consequences associated with failing to meet expectations. However, be sure to maintain  positive and stable relationship with your teen. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, research proves teens are more likely to delay drinking if they have a close and supportive relationship with their parents. When teens are distant and have unstable relationships with their parents they’re more likely to prematurely use alcohol and develop drinking problems.

3: Lead By Example. 

As a parent, it is your responsibility to be a positive leader in the eyes of your teens. If you’re an alcoholic or suffer from alcohol abuse, it’s imperative to get help in drug and alcohol addiction treatment right away. Research shows children born to parents with drinking problems, such as binge drinking, are more likely to binge drink also. Teens are also more susceptible to addiction if their parent or grandparent suffered from addiction. Therefore, it is important to always be a positive example for your teens.

4: Make Yourself Available.

When setting boundaries with your children, be sure to communicate that you are there for them at all times if they need help. Make your teen aware that if they make a mistake and get involved with drugs or alcohol you’re there to help them. Ensuring your teen that they can call you for help could prevent them from driving drunk or riding in the car of a drunk driver.

 
Handling the topic of drug and alcohol abuse and preventing it can be quite challenging when it comes to your teens, however it’s important to address it head on. Be sure to know all of the facts when presenting the topic. And always remember to communicate with your teen, establish boundaries, lead by example, and make it known they can always count on you to be there at anytime.

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The Dangers of Smoking Salvia

Salvia is an herb in the mint family, native to the cloud forests of southern Mexico. It’s been used by the Mazatec Shamans in ceremonies for years, but has only recently been making waves as something of an LSD substitute in the recreational drug market. Also known as Diviner’s Sage, Seer’s Sage, and Ska Maria Pastora, Salvia can be chewed, consumed as a liquid, or smoked. The National Institute on Drug Abuse lists it as a potent hallucinogen, causing short, psychedelic changes in visual perception, mood, body perceptions, emotions, and a highly modified sense of reality.

No Peaceniks Here

Unlike other hallucinogens, Salvia doesn’t generally provide laid-back, peaceful trips. If anything, the opposite is true. Though it’s sometimes called “the new pot” Salvia is said to be more odd and frightful than its fun, party-time compatriot marijuana. Those who trip on Seer’s Sage may feel like they’ve started a chain of events that will lead to an apocalypse, or that their arms or legs are suddenly missing. Even with the recommended “sitter”, a person watching over the smoker, visions can get very intense, very fast. The hallucinogenic properties last an average of only eight minutes, but can cause quite a bit of damage.

Damage Caused By Salvia

Salvia smokers, when in the grips of their hallucinations, are often likely to run into walls or thrash about violently, hurting themselves or those near them. The smoker knows nothing of what they are doing and cannot control their actions, and combined with the high-powered physicality of the drug, it is not a good combination. Salvia can cause suicidal thoughts, panic attacks, or schizophrenic episodes to reoccur. It can tap into buried flashbacks or borderline personality traits. Hallucinogenic triggers can also mean the onset of a psychotic episode.

Nothing is known about the long-term effects of Salvia itself, but it is believed that smoking Salvia may cause the same negative effects to the lungs as smoking cigarettes. There is also a potential threat of long-term brain damage, as Salvia has some similarities to PCP, which lead to brain lesions at high doses.

Perhaps the most dangerous aspect about Salvia is its social media presence. Recently, smokers have taken to recording those in the throes of a trip and posting the videos on public media outlets. Because of this, Salvia is not being treated with enough caution it demands. Adding to the problem is its popular demand, as the drug is not currently being regulated in any way.

Contact Us For More Information On Salvia

If you or someone you love is struggling with a Salvia addiction or another drug abuse problem, please contact us at RehabCenter.net today. We’re here to help. We can guide you toward the path to recovery and provide the resources you need.

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Effect Of Methamphetamine On Teen Brains

Methamphetamine is a stimulant that changes how the brain works. It can be smoked, injected, or snorted. It looks like a white powder, or white or brown crystals, or small shards of glass. It goes by different names such as meth, speed, chalk, crystal, ice glass, and uppers, and it causes a ton of damage.

What Does It Do?

Meth affects the brain, specifically the neurotransmitters that produce dopamine, the body’s own naturally producing happy chemicals. Dopamine is also in control of motor control, reward, and motivation. Taking meth in any form messes with this pleasure center, and produces a fast high—and a pretty quick low as well. Regular use causes chemical and molecular changes in the brain. A meth addict can feel like they don’t need to eat or sleep, that nothing matters but getting more of that high.

Why Methamphetamine Is A Problem

Methamphetamine is a kitchen-sink sort of a drug. Its list of ingredients include antifreeze, lantern fuel, drain cleaner and battery acid. Not stuff that’s exactly good for brain chemistry.

Aside from the whole kitchen-sink aspect, meth can really mess a person up. A user often has problems with motor control, and can experience hallucinations, paranoia, aggressiveness, and violent or psychotic behavior. By taking methamphetamine, a user is basically overpowering the body on purpose, trying to trigger that pleasure center. This isn’t a great thing to do, because the body gets perplexed. If it stays overloaded, serious damage can result to the kidneys, heart, liver and lung. Brain sensors can become depleted, and the user may find it’s hard to feel anything anymore, mentally or physically.

Damage sustained as a teen can still be there years later, and the risk of AIDS and hepatitis is greatly increased. Meth addiction may cause extreme weight loss, dental problems, and body sores as well.

Effects On The Teenage Brain

The body of a teenager is still developing, and needs more sleep and food than that of an adult. Meth deprives the user of both. A study from South Korea published in the journal Molecular Psychiatry used MRI scans that showed decreased white and gray matter in the brains of meth addicts. The brains of teens showed more damage than those of adults, despite the fact that teens generally feel addictive effects from smaller doses of drugs. This is especially telling information, as the “pleasure center” part of the brain most affected also controls risky behavior. This may help explain the severe behavior problems and relapses that commonly occur with younger meth addicts.

What Can You Do?

If you are a teenager experiencing problems due to methamphetamine addiction or know someone who is, call us. We have resources specifically designed for teens, and we can help you use them. Don’t hesitate. We can help. Contact us today at RehabCenter.net to find out how.

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BREAKING NEWS: Supreme Court: Legalizes Same Sex Marriage Across the U.S. and Will Rule on Lethal Injection

It’s here it’s here, it’s finally here! The supreme court has just legalized same sex marriage across the entire united states. The ruling solidifies the interpretation of the United State’s constitution to protect the rights of same sex marriage across the entire United States. Whatever your stance on same sex marriage is, two decades of national protests and demonstrations have lead us here.

Now is a time for forgiveness, peace, and celebration. The vote was close, and won by a 5-4 ruling. States who have bans on same sex marriage will need to rescind their state laws- and yes, that means you too Chris Christie- no more vetoing for you.

The Washington Post quotes Justice Anthony Kennedy,

“The court now holds that same–sex couple may exercise the fundamental right to marry. No longer may this liberty be denied to them,”

But that’s not all. Lethal injection in the state of Oklahoma is also on the Supreme Court’s table. The reason? Muddled executions. Protesters are blaming the drug used to sedate inmates as the cause: midazolam.

Midazolam is used to put inmates in a coma-like state to spare them the agony of death. Inmates  argue the drug does not in fact put users in a state of comatose before their inevitable sentences are carried out. The drug has been responsible for several blunders during execution, according to the Star Tribune.

That’s a lot to take in all at once.

 

So, what’s your view on the Supreme Court’s recent ruling, and their pending case on the death penalty in Oklahoma? Please remember to always keep the conversation friendly and respectful.

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Researchers Say Virtual Reality Therapy Could Help Effectively Treat Alcoholism

A preliminary study conducted by South Korean researchers suggests that virtual reality therapy could effectively treat alcohol addiction, according to Fox News.

The study’s senior researcher Dr. Doug Hyun Han of Chung-Ang University in Seoul, South Korea, suggests that the approach might be “promising” because it places patients in situations involving alcohol which are similar to real life and requires the participants to actively participate.

The study recruited 10 research participants who were patients with an alcohol dependency. Participants went through a week-long detox program, upon completion of detox, participants then participated in virtual reality therapy sessions twice a week over a period of five weeks. During the virtual reality sessions participants underwent three virtual realities. The first was a relaxing environment, the second was designed to trigger alcohol cravings by placing participants in a situation where others around them were drinking, and the third was designed to show the unpleasantries of drinking; participants were placed in a room where people were vomiting as a result of drinking alcohol.

According to the study, the results from the PET and CT scans administered to the participants upon completion of the virtual reality sessions suggested that participants experienced reduced cravings for alcohol. Researchers also found that areas of the brain, which are commonly sensitive to alcohol, showed changes after being repeatedly exposed to the three virtual realities.

Despite the study being small, Han believes the virtual therapy sessions could work and plans to conduct larger studies. However, Dr. Bernard Le Foll, head of the Alcohol Research and Treatment Clinic, Addiction Medicine Services, Ambulatory Care and Structured Treatments at the Center for Addiction and Mental Health in Toronto, Canada believes that although the study indicates virtual reality creates changes in the metabolism, it has yet to be studied as a treatment approach for alcohol rehab.

“Much more research work needs to be done to be able to determine if ‘virtual reality’ treatment will have a place in the treatment of alcohol use disorder,”

Le Foll told Reuters in an email.

Le Foll suggests behavioral therapy combined with pharmaceuticals should be the recommended treatment for alcohol use disorder because it can make a big difference.

 

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Can I Get In Legal Trouble For Admitting Drug Use In Rehab?

You’re told again and again how important it is to be completely honest with your treatment professional as you work toward recovery. Inevitably, then, the question arises: is there such a thing as too much information? Does telling your treatment specialist about your illicit drug use mean incriminating yourself in the process?

The Short Answer Is “No”

It varies from situation to situation, but in the vast majority of cases, simply admitting illegal drug use to your treatment professional will not land you in jail. This is true whether you’re owning up to past drug use as a condition of entering rehab, or revealing a current relapse while already in rehab.

It should be remembered, of course, that in some inpatient facilities, relapsing with an illegal substance is grounds for getting kicked out of the program; however, even in these rare cases, the facility seldom ever goes so far as to inform the police of the illicit drug use that caused the relapse.

Patient Confidentiality

The main reason for this is that many addiction treatment centers are bound by federal laws such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and section 543 of the Public Health Service Act. These laws require that medical professionals keep patient information confidential in all but the most extreme circumstances.

The logic is that anything but an open, honest conversation between patient and care provider is a roadblock to effective treatment. Indeed, if the patient keeps certain pieces of information to him or herself, the consequences could very well be deadly. For example, your regular physician needs to know of any illegal substances you’ve taken so as to avoid potential interactions with medicines administered while in the hospital. In a similar manner, your addiction treatment specialist has to know exactly what (if any) illegal substances you’re addicted to, and how long ago you last ingested them, in order to best adapt the treatment method to fit your needs. The number-one priority is your health, safety, and effective recovery—not turning you over to the police.

What Are The Exceptions?

One exception to confidentiality regarding patient drug use is if an illegal substance drives you to physically harm another patient or staff member, or if it makes you an immediate, imminent threat to yourself. In this case, police may get involved.

Another exception is if you actively share your illegal substance with other patients. There have been at least two examples in the last few years, one at a state-run rehab facility in Minnesota and another at Veterans Affairs treatment center in New Jersey. In both cases, it is important to remember that the guilty patient was charged specifically with distributing illegal substances to other addicted individuals, not with possessing the drugs for personal use.

Put Yourself At Ease

If you’re seeking recovery for yourself or a loved one, but are hesitant to reveal the drug use to a third party, don’t worry: no one in the treatment process is out to get you. Most treatment centers have patient confidentiality guidelines already in place. For help sorting through the details, contact us today at RehabCenter.net, and we’ll get your recovery moving.

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What’s the Buzz about Heroin laced Fentanyl? It’s Killing People. A LOT of People.

If you’re drug savvy, and hopefully not in the way that would put you in danger, you might have heard recent scattered reports about Fentanyl- but what the heck is it, and why do we care? Well, fentanyl is an opiate based painkiller that about 80 times as potent as morphine, according to the Bradenton Herald. The reason you’re hearing about it is because it’s killing people. A lot of people. So far in Manatee County 54 have been fatal victims to overdoses spurred by fentanyl laced heroin.

Drug dealers, who specifically deal in heroin, have been recently cutting their batches with fentanyl, and it’s causing overdose rates to surge tremendously. North Florida has been particularly affected in manatee County. In February 11 overdose calls came in to Cedar Hammock Fire Rescue. And it’s not just Florida that’s being affected, there are many states reporting more of the same.

The Bradenton Herald quotes Lt. Darin Bankert of Manatee County Sheriff’s Office,

“Fentanyl in and of itself is enough to cause death in a lot of cases. And the fact that they’re cutting heroin with fentanyl is just making the heroin, which is already dangerous, that much more deadly.”

Right now the overdose death rate in manatee County is a whopping 54%. Florida is ranked 35th out of the entire country for providing addiction funding, and 49th in behavioral health coverage. That’s bad news for people with untreated substance use disorders; one because many go without necessary drug and alcohol rehabilitation from the get-go, and two because mental health is care is just as important to break the cycle of addiction. In both respects, Florida isn’t doing too great on those fronts.

But maybe change is afoot; if you recall, Gov. Rick Scott has recently passed two bills in an attempt to help make addiction and recovery possible by providing access to opiate reversal medications, and reforming sober living communities with state certification.

If heroin addiction wasn’t a big enough problem, with limited bed space in most of the state for heroin rehabilitation in Florida, fentanyl has compounded the social dilemma exponentially. Because many heroin users don’t know the heroin they’ve bought is laced with fentanyl, making it exceedingly more potent, when they consume the typical amount of the substance they’re used to, it forces them to overdose- dying in many cases. What’s more, is that addiction treatment in Orlando is scarce- forcing many to wait to be admitted into detox programs.

 

Do you know anyone that’s been experimenting with fentanyl personally?

 

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Gateway Alcohol & Drug Treatment’s Approach to 12-Step Programs

1 in a Series of 4

Gateway Alcohol and Drug Treatment Centers employs evidenced-based practices to create meaningful, individualized treatment programs. We believe there is more than one pathway to recovery so we expose clients to a wide array of treatment methodologies. This article series explores some of those methodologies.

12-Step Programs

A key distinguishing factor between Gateway Treatment Centers and the vast majority of treatment providers can be found in the way we employ 12-step programs. First and foremost, these types of programs comprise the core offering of most treatment providers, while they are just a portion of what we do at Gateway.

A Personal Choice

Some clients come to Gateway convinced that a 12-step program is the only thing that will work for them, while others have equally strong reservations about them. Using our exceptional implementation of the concept, we make it a priority to accommodate the needs of clients who are of either mindset.

Gradual Exposure

Our experienced, knowledgeable staff utilizes a targeted approach that provides clients with an in-depth understanding of 12-step principles. Our curriculum is designed to break down barriers to participation and “kick start” the process of attending meetings and finding a sponsor.

12-step meetings can not only be challenging for some, they also vary from site to site and meeting to meeting. In order to give clients a good idea of what to expect, Gateway provides them with exposure to 12-steps in multiple settings. We accompany clients to both on-site and off-site meetings.

For those who prefer not to use 12-step techniques, we provide on-site SMART recovery groups and linkage to other peer support options such as Dual Recovery Anonymous.

Gateway believes 12-steps and other kinds of support groups play a valuable role in substance abuse treatment, but they only comprise part of the picture. The greatest benefit can be derived from experiencing 12-step programs in conjunction with evidenced-based treatment.

Learn more about Gateway’s Experience and Expertise in Substance Abuse Treatment >

Filed under: Help for Substance Abuse

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Marijuana Use And Memory Loss

There are multiple studies that examine memory loss, or cognitive dysfunction relating to the use of marijuana. Today’s levels of delta-9 THC are higher than ever before, and concentrated or distilled forms of the compound are now being sold on the streets. In other words, this ain’t your papa’s pot. The amount of THC found in the average joint is triple the levels of Woodstock-era THC. And the higher the levels of THC being ingested, the greater the effects, and potential for long-term psychosis.

The cannabinoid system in the body responds quickly to exposure to THC, impairing a person’s memory, sense of time, and perception. Long-term exposure or use of marijuana has been shown to slow blood-flow to the brain, and by similar mechanisms, reduce neural activity, the latter of which impacts memory recall.

What The Research Tells Us About Marijuana Use And Memory Loss

Marijuana doesn’t just affect memory loss by one simple mechanism; it slows everything from encoding of memories, to the retrieval of those memories with long-term use. Research suggests THC’s effect on an individual varies with the age of exposure and predisposition to addiction and mental disorders, including schizophrenia.

Tests on subject groups in one study, indicated lasting cognitive impairments of varying severity between regular users over a three year period, and those who did not use marijuana, even following a two year period of abstinence for the user group. On average, of otherwise healthy test subjects (no co-occurring mental disorders and no other drug use), who had previously tested on par with their peers on cognitive tests, saw a nearly 20 percent drop in test scores following regular marijuana use.

One of the most evident pathways for this decline comes from THC’s effect on cells in the brain that provide support for neurons in the brain. When these neurons are reduced or impacted, the brain’s ability to store memories is impaired.

Additionally, the pathway between short-term and long-term memory formation is regulated by a part of the brain known as the hippocampus. Damage to this part of the brain results in the brain’s inability to form new memories. Delta-9 THC, the same compound that generates the high people seek when using marijuana, is toxic to hippocampal cells. Established memories will not be affected, but memory formation can be significantly impaired.

Isn’t Medical Marijuana Safe And Effective?

Medical marijuana is effective in relieving symptoms like nausea, pain, and may sometimes be used to reduce anxiety, but this does not negate it’s effects on memory. This is an issue of particular concern to those patients in the early stages of dementia. Researchers are currently looking at ways to block the ill-effects of THC on memory, however, there is a long way to go in both the regulation of this drug and understanding the interactions of THC along with the many other psychoactive compounds found in marijuana.

Marijuana-Induced Memory Loss Impacts Productivity

Memory loss from repeated exposures to the THC found in marijuana can lead to a host of other related symptoms, including reduced overall productivity. Memory loss can also create feelings of anxiety and depression when a person is acutely aware they are not functioning to their full potential. This may be accentuated in individuals who were suffering with a co-occurring mental disorder that fueled use of the drug in the first place.

Marijuana-induced memory loss can contribute to:

• Decrease in productivity
• Inability to hold down a job
• Trouble in relationships
• Depression
• Anxiety

Moreover, regular use of marijuana can lead to the use of other drugs and may put someone at a higher risk of addiction.

Reversing Memory Loss After Long-term Marijuana Use

While some of the long-term effects of marijuana may be irreversible, there are ways to improve memory. Exercise, a healthy diet, and brain puzzles or new activities stimulate new connections within the brain. Exercise improves dopamine production in addition to improving neural pathways. This can result in a reduction of anxiety or depression, and even reduce drug cravings.

Foods high in essential fatty acids are also an important part of improving brain health and memory. Omega-3 fats are especially good for stimulating new neural growth within the brain. Many seeds, nuts, leafy greens and certain oils contain omega-3 fatty acids.

Another way to improve overall cognitive functioning following long-term use of marijuana is to engage in learning a new activity. Start with activities that involve some physical component, like dancing, and then move up to working on brain puzzles or games that stimulate and challenge the brain, such as chess. These activities stimulate parts of the brain essential to memory retention and recall.

While left implied, if you are suffering from memory loss regardless of the cause, use of marijuana can further inhibit cognitive functioning. It is best to stop using marijuana and begin working on the positive actions that will lead to a healthy brain and body.

Reclaim Your Brain; Get Help For Your Marijuana Addiction Today

If you have been using marijuana for some time and feel like you need the drug to function, it may be time to seek professional help. Physical and strong psychological addictions can form and may require a comprehensive recovery plan to stop the cycle of addiction and its ill-effects on memory and your overall health. RehabCenter.net is your online resource for the evidence-based care and support needed to take you from a place of using to a place of recovery. Contact us to speak with someone in confidence and discover a new and rewarding path forward beginning today.

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Drugging and Driving: How Much Of An Impact Does Marijuana Have On Your Driving?

For quite a while the impact of marijuana on one’s driving performance has been controversial subject, and it’s becoming more and more critical with states beginning to become more lenient with drug laws. In spite of drunk driving declining nationwide, driving under the influence of marijuana is becoming more common.  In response, researchers from the National Institute on Drug Abuse have recently conducted a study on the effects of marijuana on one’s driving performance.

According to a recent national roadside survey from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration on nighttime weekend drivers, 8.3 percent had alcohol in their system and 12.6 percent tested positive for THC in their system. The rates of THC rose 8.6 percent from 2007.

It is currently unlawful to drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol, however there is a .08 breath alcohol limit in place within many states. However, there are no limits for marijuana in any state. . . weird.

As a means to determine if there should be a set limit for marijuana, researchers conducted a study to see the effects of marijuana on one’s driving ability. The study selected 18 occasional marijuana smokers, 13 of which were men, whose ages ranged from 21 to 37. Participants took six 45-minute drives in a driving simulator. Each of the six driving sessions tested for varying combinations of high or low concentration THC, alcohol, and placebos. The placebos were created by giving participants fruit juice with alcohol swabbed around the rim, finished off with 1mL of alcohol, as a means to mimic the smell and taste of alcohol.

Researchers specifically focused on three parameters of the participant’s driving ability including weaving within the lane, how many times the car left the lane, and the speed of weaving. Alcohol was found to have an effect on the number of times the car left the lane and the speed of weaving, however marijuana only showed an increase in weaving. Data revealed that drivers with blood concentrations of 13.1 ug/L (which means micrograms per liter) of THC showed an increase in weaving, similar to drivers with a .08 breath alcohol concentration- which is the legal limit in many states.

The study also found that a combined use of marijuana and alcohol have more of an impact on one’s driving when used simultaneously. According to the study, smoking marijuana while drinking a little alcohol increases the absorption of THC, which enhances one’s high. THC also delays the peak of alcohol impairment, therefore it takes a person using marijuana and alcohol longer to feel drunk. In relation to the use of marijuana and alcohol together, Principal Investigator Dr. Mary Huestis says that cannabis is generally found with a low dose of alcohol. “Many young people have a couple beers and then cannabis,“ says Huestis, as quoted by Time.

Based on the data from this study, researchers believe that it is important to educate the public about the effects of marijuana before they begin driving. “I think this has added really good knowledge from a well-designed study to add to the current debate,” on marijuana’s effects on road safety, says Huestis.

What are your thoughts on driving under the influence of marijuana, should it be legalized?

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Chinese-Made Synthetic Chemicals Are Affecting More Than Just Broward County

If you thought flakka was bad (and it is) can you imagine what synthetic Chinese-made chemicals are doing among international waters? There’s way more out there being made than just Flakka, who has had a particularly deadly effect in Broward County– according to the Washington Post there have been 16 confirmed deaths all attributed to flakka. Buying these deadly drugs (which are not yet internationally illicit, because of their newness) is as easy as searching online and placing an order in under half an hour in some cases. And no, we’re not going to tell you how to search for them.

The problem with being able to order these chemicals online, typically in bulk for wholesale prices, is the ease of subsequent dissemination. Drug dealers are purchasing wholesale addictive substances, like flakka, for a few thousand dollars and are making tens and thousands of dollars in profit. No, this is not the time to consider changing your profession. Case and point: flakka, and other synthetic chemicals, are responsible for increased hospital, death, and injury rates.

The DEA is tirelessly pursuing the synthetic drugs to the best of its ability, but with thrifty shipping the packages containing illicit substances are hard to find. According to the Washington Post, sometimes boxes laden with substances like flakka tout labels such as “shampoo,” “cleaner,” or “industrial solvent.” If the DEA started ripping open every package with those labels on them, there would be a lot of angry people who wouldn’t be able to wash their hair.

To compound the problem, wholesalers are offering free samples in some cases to get their consumers hooked, much like drug dealers on the street, who offer their potential clients free hits of heroin or cocaine to incite the perilous road down substance abuse. In Broward County alone, a major hospital has reported seeing up to 20 patients with flakka related incidents in one day.

The New York times has reported there are over 150 chemical labs producing substances like flakka known to date- with plenty unknown and ameature chemists to boot. The Washington Post quotes Broward County Sheriff’s Detective William Schwartz,

“We’re talking thousands of labs in China. They’re everywhere, and it’s very common over there, and the exportation laws leave a lot to be desired as far as law enforcement in the United States [is] concerned.”

The motivation behind all of this production? Money. The Washington Post reports it doesn’t take long to create these synthetic chemicals (unlike substances like heroin), and they can be made in run down factories and makeshift basement labs. Akin to our methamphetamine crisis on the Mexican boarder of the United States, these synthetic drugs from the Chinese (and no, not every Chinese person is making these substances) may prove to be just as troublesome down the line.

What’s your take on synthetic substances? Should they be banned or left up to individual discretion?

The post Chinese-Made Synthetic Chemicals Are Affecting More Than Just Broward County appeared first on Harbor Village Florida.

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Police Claim Drug Dealers Are Now Using Emojis To Sell Their Products Through Text

In today’s society emojis are widely used in a variety of ways, mainly as a means to express emotions through a picture. The word emoji means picture character, in the Japanese language “e” means picture and “moji” means character. Emojis were originally used in Japan where they were created, however they have gained much popularity in the United States, especially among iPhone users- and now these fun picture characters are being used by some to traffic drugs.

Many drug dealers and users have slang names and nicknames used to describe different drugs. For instance, some refer to marijuana as “Mary Jane” or coke as “snow.” However, police claim that an alleged drug dealer had used emojis as code names for drug deals of ecstasy and MDMA..

According to Brisbane Times Regan Peter Howlett, 19, was arrested for drug trafficking. During Howett’s arrest police allegedly found a knife, 11 MDMA pills, a bag of white powder and four mobile phones inside a bedroom in his home. Howett has been charged with 26 counts of supplying a dangerous drug and trafficking.

After Howett’s arrest police officers downloaded the suspects text messages and concluded that Howett had been using emojis to reference drugs to his customers. Queensland police say that he was using a lightning bolt and heart emojis as references to MDMA and ecstasy when texting his potential buyers, according to Brisbane Times. It has been interpreted that the hearts and lightening bolts are used to reference the feelings they induce such as elation and excitability.

“It will be alleged he used these phones to conduct the business of trafficking drugs,” said Sergeant Shane Turner, as quoted by the Brisbane Times.

Howett is currently out on bail and is due to appear in court on August 3rd.

Have you ever used emojis to represent secret code? There are researchers in Sweden who have created emojis to use for kids to ask for help with their parent’s substance abuse or cases of domestic violence.

 

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The Difference Between Vivitrol And Suboxone

Overcoming heroin or other opioid addiction can be a gut-wrenching and challenging process for the strongest of individuals. Most often, these substances require a pharmacological intervention, or medications designed to reduce cravings and either partially or fully block the effects of opioid drugs. Vivitrol and suboxone are drugs used in the battle against opioid addiction and while each shows promise, these drugs also carry their own risks.

Addiction professionals must evaluate individuals, case by case, to determine which medication is best suited for their situation. Costs, risks, benefits, and the level of dedication a person has toward achieving long-term recovery will each play a role in determining the right course of treatment for an opioid-addicted individual.

Effectiveness Of Vivitrol, Suboxone

Studies support the effectiveness of both vivitrol and suboxone in the treatment of opioid addiction. Currently, a study comparing the effectiveness of vivitrol and suboxone is underway and will conclude in April of 2016. The study will examine the rates of relapse, risk/benefit of each drug, overall harm reduction, cost benefit, intensity and onset of cravings, and quality of life. Individuals included in the study may be male or female, 18 years or older, and must show a physical dependence on heroin or other opioid drugs.

While we await the results of the study, the effectiveness of vivitrol in controlling drug cravings is widely known, rendering vivitrol a relatively safe alternative to the more addictive pharmacological treatments for opioid addiction, including suboxone. Both medications have been shown to dramatically decrease relapse risk for opioid-addicted individuals.

Risk Of Abuse With Vivitrol Compared To Suboxone

Addiction is a health crisis that is not easily cured. The recovery process can take years and those first few years carry the greatest risk of relapse, especially when someone is trying to overcome a severe addiction to opioids. Unfortunately, some of the drugs prescribed to aid someone in coming off of heroin or other drugs can lead to another physical dependency. Vivitrol is one pharmacological alternative to those more addictive substances and according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), it carries no addiction risk, especially when compared to suboxone, making it a good candidate for those who have experienced a high rate of relapse in the past.

Vivitrol And Suboxone: A Cost Comparison

When talking about addiction treatment, it’s important to go beyond evaluating cost per capsule. Suboxone is technically less expensive to manufacture and is available at a lower cost to the individual, however, studies indicate overall costs are higher for suboxone when you factor in emergency room visits and other health-risk factors, abuse potential, and addiction-related crime.

Generally, costs for vivitrol are double that for suboxone, with a single injection priced between $800 and $1000. However, someone is likely to be on suboxone for a much longer duration than vivitrol, meaning overall costs are generally lower. One of the primary barriers to the effectiveness of drugs like suboxone is the long-term use of the medication. Someone using suboxone may stay on the drug for years, while vivitrol may be used for a period spanning a few months to one year.

Vivitrol requires one monthly injection, a convenience that not only makes use of the medication easier, but also reinforces a daily regimen absent of pills or injections. And it carries withdrawal side effects, a side effect of some medications that can trigger drug cravings.

Comparing Side Effects From Vivitrol And Suboxone

Vivitrol and suboxone have similar common side effects including:

• Gastrointestinal upset
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Changes in appetite
• Muscle cramping
• Joint stiffness or soreness
• Cold symptoms
• Insomnia
• Increased opioid overdose risk

However, someone taking vivitrol may be at risk of some of the more serious side effects associated with the drug. These include:

• Injection site reaction
• Liver damage
• Mood changes
• Allergic pneumonia (hypersensitivity to dust or fine airborne particulate)

What Is Sudden Opioid Withdrawal?

One risk with taking a drug like vivitrol over suboxone is a condition known as sudden opioid withdrawal. Vivitrol is an opioid antagonist, meaning the drug blocks the effects of opioid drugs. For someone who has stopped taking opioid drugs within a week or two of starting vivitrol, they may experience sudden withdrawal symptoms associated with the blocking of receptor sites. Suboxone is a partial agonist, meaning it does not completely block opioid receptor sites. For example, if someone taking suboxone too soon after detox may experience sudden opioid withdrawals, it is not as likely.

Symptoms of sudden opioid withdrawal include pronounced gastrointestinal upset, mood changes, fatigue, and hallucinations, within minutes of beginning use of the medicine.

Free Yourself From Addiction And Discover The Rewards Of Recovery

RehabCenter.net is your online resource for the professional support and comprehensive, evidence-based care you need. Free yourself from the addiction and discover the many rewards of recovery beginning with one confidential phone call today. You’ll learn about the treatment types available in your area, or to meet your individual needs and preferences. You deserve better than addiction; contact us and let your recovery begin today.

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Research Zeros in on Manipulating Neural Pathway to Treat Cocaine Addiction Permanently

We live in an age of innovation, where researchers can literally manipulate every cell in our bodies down to the last neuron to induce favorable change, and that’s what The University of Buffalo is doing to treat cocaine addiction permanently. By studying alongside companion lab rats (because seriously, where would science be without them?) researchers have isolated the chemical reactions created in the brain induced by the stress of withdrawal from cocaine. By studying the manner in which the substance affects the biological structure, scientists have been able to manipulate a receptor called Activin, which subsequently allowed researchers to either increase or decrease cocaine use in their lab companions, according to the Medical Daily.

The Medical Daily quotes senior author David Dietz,

“There are changes in the brain caused by drug use and that occur and persist, but are only unmasked after withdrawal from a drug- in this case, cocaine. Cocaine use alters the connections between certain neurons through changes in the shape of the cells.”

Although researchers aren’t 100% certain as to what the connection between Activin and addiction is yet, further study will be conducted to isolate how the link between the pathway and addiction may be utilized to eradicate cocaine addiction permanently. The Medical Daily quotes Dietz,

“Understanding this critical pathway will help us pursue new directions in potential pharmacological and gene therapies to prevent drug relapses. If we can control this pathway, we may be able to help prevent relapses in people who have been abstinent from cocaine.”

Treating addiction on a biological scale in the future may prove to expedite the treatment process of addiction exponentially, as there would be no guess work involved. Like doctors treating a case of strep throat, cocaine addicts, in the near future, may be freed from the throes of addiction with a simple shot designed to manipulate Activin. This is definitely the best of both possible worlds, but some are skeptical that using pharmaceutical products to treat addiction is taking a giant step back.

Those against using medications to moderate addiction and subsequent cravings for recovering patients believe the medications used to prevent relapse are in turn creating new found addictions to the very medications used to eradicate addiction forever. Whatever your stance on the matter, utilizing the medications we have available to prevent fatal overdoses and relapses is what addiction and recovery treatment is all about.

 

Do you think we should be treating addiction on a cellular level?

 

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In Plain Sight? Tools for Recognition and Management of Substance Abuse in the Primary Care Setting

Dr. John Larson
Corporate Medical Director
Gateway Treatment Cetners

Gateway Partnered with the SIU School of Medicine and the Illinois State Medical Society to present “In Plain Sight? Tools for Recognition and Management of Substance Abuse in the Primary Care Setting” on Wednesday, June 3, 2015. The event was very well received by an audience of over 90 doctors, nurses and clinicians. Feedback was very supportive of the need for more education on the topic of substance abuse and substance abuse treatment.

In an effort to further educate medical professionals on recognizing the signs and symptoms of Substance Abuse, Gateway Alcohol & Drug Treatment’s  Corporate Medical Director, Dr. John Larson presented “”Identifying and Treating Substance Use Disorders” at the “In Plain Sight?” Conference.

For more information about the tools you can use to screening for substance abuse in a primary care setting, visit RecoverGateway.org.

The conference was held at the memorial center for Learning and Innovation in Springfield, Illinois.

Filed under: For Referring Professionals, Help for Substance Abuse, Insight from Gateway Experts

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Opiate Withdrawal – Uncomfortable To Downright Painful Infographic

Learn more about opiate withdrawal and the uncomfortable to downright painful side effects illustrated with a visually stunning Infographic that is easy to read and has a PDF version for you to download.

Read the original article Here.

Download PDF

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Chet Hanks Relapses After Super Dad Tom Hanks Drags His Son to Drug Rehab

I think it’s safe to assume the entire universe enjoys Golden Globe winning actor Tom Hanks, whether you’re into comedy, serious drama, or volley balls, Hanks has you covered. Unfortunately the renowned actor has been struggling to get his son, Chet Hanks, on the straight and narrow. Since childhood Chet has struggled with substance abuse- so much so that Tom dragged his son to a high security prison, according to the National Enquirer. A close family friend of the Hanks family is quoted by the National Enquirer,

“They tried to scare him straight, they told Chet, ‘This is where you’re ending up!’ But Chet didn’t take the jail visit seriously. He just kept getting high!”

(We’d like to note, taking a teen to a high security prison is not going to help him stop using, if anything, he may use more in response to the added stress.)

Apparently Chet’s substance abuse only got worse when he landed a spot in a privileged Harvard Westlake School in L.A, the National Enquirer quotes the same family friend,

“[Chet] began partying every weekend, smoking pot and drinking. Then he got into harder stuff. Chet wasn’t the nice kid anymore. he was becoming someone else.”

If these claims are true, and Chet was really suffering from untreated substance abuse, his change in behavior would suggest the substances he was using began to change his biological makeup; addiction is a disease with clear roots both physically and mentally, altering essential functions and hormones throughout the body.

Eventually Tom and his wife Rita sent Chet to inpatient drug rehabilitation at the age of 24- and he remained sober for 50 days. Just as the storm seemed to pass Chet relapsed as a result of internet torment after posting a video of himself allegedly showing off because of his open use of the n-word. (Well Chet, really, what did you expect?)

Apparently after the fiasco, Chet took off to Europe, and they’re not too happy with him either- as there’s $1,800 charge on his head for trashing his hotel room in London. Now we’re not in the business of casting judgement based off of an isolated report- but if the series of events recounted are true, it would appear Chet’s substance abuse isn’t the real issue here, but whatever the underlying factors of his addiction really are.

Drug addiction and substance abuse are tricky disorders to treat effectively because many forget addiction and drug use are a response to underlying turmoil. Despite Chet’s obvious advantages of being the son to Tom Hanks, he is clearly struggling with his own demons. I mean, can you imagine living up to the legend of Tom Hanks?

Even if you don’t consider that a viable excuse for Chet’s behavior there’s always two sides of the coin begging consideration. And even if Chet’s stint in rehabilitation resulted in a relapse, there’s no reason why he can’t go back and change things around for himself and his family. Relapse is common among recovered users when they’re under stress- especially if they haven’t been able to find alternatives for using. It’s like breaking your diet when you reach for a cookie because you have a three hour deadline.

Whatever the case may be, we hope Chet Hanks is able to find peace and square his addictions away for good.

 

Do you have a friend like Chet who just can’t seem to get things together? 

 

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Moving On Down: The Rate of Drug Overdoses In Florida Are Getting Lower

Results from a new study suggests that Florida has seen a significant decrease in the amount of injury-related deaths such as drug overdoses, car crashes, and homicides. Florida, Alabama, Arkansas, and Maine were the only states that have seen reductions in drug deaths since 2009, according to the State-by-State Injury Prevention Policy Report.

According to the report, Florida ranks 29th in the nation for preventable injuries, while West Virginia holds the worst rate at 97.9 per 100,00 people. New York had the lowest rate, 40.3 per 100,000. The report found that Florida’s overall rates of injury deaths declined between 2007-2009 and 2011-2013 reporting periods from 66.8 per 100,00 to 61.3 per 100,000.

According to News-Press, Jeffrey Levi, executive director of the Trust for America’s Health, says he’s unsure what’s causing the decrease, however he suspects it can be attributed to the state cracking down on doctors who inappropriately prescribe addictive painkillers.

Drug overdoses are now the leading cause of U.S. injury deaths, the report says. About half of the drug overdoses which occurred are related to prescription drugs. According to the report prescription drug overdoses have more than doubled within the past 14 years.

In spite of injury-related deaths decreasing, fall-related deaths have been rising since 2009. The high incidence of fall-related deaths can be attributed to Florida’s disproportionate older population. Lee Memorial Health System reported last fall that its four hospitals‘ emergency departments treated about 18,00 patients for fall-related injuries in the previous two years.

In conclusion, the report suggests that there should be more spending on injury prevention, however funds should not be diverted from other essential prevention programs for traffic accidents, drownings, and mental health. Public health leaders have prioritized working to prevent such injuries and focusing several of their campaigns on preventing injuries.

 

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5 Rules For Living With Roommates (Friends)

The events of military housing being managed through the government are long gone. Now, it\'s being managed by private contractors.  It might appear unfair to people who have a bad credit score who have good intentions, but in the building owner\'s standpoint, celebrate perfect sense.

 A word of caution: Although these instant credit catalogs are pretty simple to get and also you may use these to rebuild your credit, you\'ve being cautious because it is easy to get hooked on shopping and being able to get items you would like so easily. Living on base, you may have short commutes to work and surrounding amenities. Know your rights prior to deciding to walk away. Pros: Off Base.

not going to tell you to go rob a liquor store or smash your little. As a result, they could believe it is challenging to qualify for any lease. Rules for Roomates #4 - Set Rules for Privacy.

Yes, actually. You still have options. It never hurts to ask.  However, as the information http://www.nocreditcheckapartmentstexas.com isn\'t sent securely, anyone who opens that catalog can see your personal information. Mistakes can delay graduation and your entry into the \"real world\".

You\'ve worked hard during your many years of study, and now you obtain the chance to bask within your accomplishments. All Rights Reserved. All Rights Reserved.   Help is great, but aggravation and annoyance can severe even the strongest friendships.

Get Cash Now

Get cash now, when you need it. Now, it\'s being managed by private contractors. Apartment managers and managing companies often realize that good people often run into financial trouble.

Are There A Great Deal Of These Types of Instant Credit Catalogs?. Keep in nocreditcheckapartmentstexas.com mind that the pawn shop isn\'t planning to provide you with the full value of what you are selling, but they can allow you to get cash now with minimal hassle. It never hurts to ask. Credit check.

Get a Co-signer. Chances are you\'ll have mixed feelings, ones of both excitement and apprehension.   If you might be a quiet person that enjoys reading and watching television after work you is not going to be happy living using a party animal.  Most of the time the partner sites are listed at the bottom. Rules for Roomates #4 - Set Rules for Privacy.

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Silent March Held For Victims of Flakka in Fort Lauderdale

According to the Broward County, Florida Drug Epidemiology Network Annual Report, Broward County has experienced 32 flakka-related deaths since September 2014. Of those 32 deaths, half have taken place in the last five weeks.

Rose Waters, 57, recently lost her 26-year-old nephew to flakka. Waters nephew, Java Jackson died on Memorial Day at Broward Health Medical Center and reportedly had flakka in his system according to Waters.

This past Thursday, June 18th, Waters joined about 100 people to participate in a silent March for those who have become addicted to flakka or died as a result of using flakka. “I’m here because I wanted to bring awareness to the fact that this drug is deadly,” said Waters. “To me it is the worst drug ever.”

Fort Lauderdale police, local faith-based organizations, The United way Commission on Substance Abuse and Broward Addiction Recovery Center, were the hosts of the silent march which lasted about 90 minutes.

Officers on foot, horses, and in police cruisers, escorted the marchers which included toddlers, teens, and adults. The half-mile march started at Fort Lauderdale Police Department and ended at a nearby Fort Lauderdale bus depot. Waters and other participants carried a variety of signs, one stating “Stop the Madness.” At the conclusion of the march, the marchers gathered together and lead a series of prayers.

The pack of marchers was lead by a Broward Crime Stoppers mobile billboard advertising up to $3,00 for any tips that would lead to arrests of persons dealing flakka. Since the campaign first initiated in early May, Crime Stoppers has received a total of 52 tips related to flakka dealers, says executive director Ralph Page, who also participated in the march.

Paul Faulk Jr., division director for Broward Addiction Recovery Center and participant in the march said that his center began seeing flakka cases starting in September, and the number of patients treated for flakka rose from one person to about 40 people a month. “So when you see someone having those episodes, running around naked, screaming…well, guess what, that’s the person saying, ‘I can’t take it. I’m on overload, and I’m dying.'” said Faulk.
Authorities are currently working to keep the rapidly growing flakka epidemic under control, however it hasn’t been very easy. “This is a problem the police department is not going to be able to solve on its own,” said Fort Lauderdale police Captain Dana Swisher.

 

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