AirBaltic Crew Jailed After Testing Positive for Alcohol

An airBaltic flight from Norway’s departure was delayed this morning when four members of its crew failed a breathalyzer tests administered by Norwegian police.

The pilot, co-pilot, and two flight attendants were found to be above the legal limits after an anonymous tip to the police resulted in the intervention. The flight attendants have been sentenced to 45 and 60 days in jail for their parts in the irresponsibility, while the co-pilot received six months for testing at seven times the legal limit. In a bold move the pilot of the plane has elected to combat the charges against him and will remain in custody until his court appearance on September 17th.

The Guardian reports that the group was seen drinking until until 2am the morning of August 8th, only four hours before the flight to Crete was scheduled to depart. The co-pilot seemed petulant about the incident, telling an Oslo court that they “lost control” and consumed two bottles of whiskey before moving on to beer. The flight the crew was meant to operate held 100 passengers and the incident has resulted in airBaltic suspending the crew members, launching an investigation, and introducing a mandatory breath test policy for all employees in a ‘safety-critical’ role. Current laws are four times stricter for pilots than for people driving a car.The new rules will allow pilots a drink no later than 12 hours before a flight.

Earlier this year a British pilot was jailed for nine months after flying a jet from Spain to Norwich after three-day drinking binge left him hungover. However, aviation authorities assure concerned customers that pilots arriving for a flight intoxicated is a rare occurrence. The Civil Aviation Authority encourages those with concerns to contact airBaltic or the CAA directly. Despite these attempts to assuage the public, some criticism has come forward, suggesting a zero-tolerance policy for alcohol consumption amongst crew members.

 

Do you think pilots and crew members should be allowed to drink alcohol before a flight as long as they remain below the limit?

 

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CDC’s New “When The Prescription Becomes The Problem” Campaign

For over 60 years, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has led the fight in some of America’s most pressing public health issues. Over that time, public and professional views of drug addiction have changed dramatically. While drug-addicted individuals used to be regarded as criminals or outlaws, they’re now increasingly seen as patients struggling with a treatable medical condition. This is especially true of prescription drug addiction, where the problem often begins not in some dark, crime-ridden alleyway, but rather in the doctor’s office or suburban medicine cabinet.

Reconceived as an urgent public health issue, the prescription drug abuse epidemic now sits front and center on the CDC’s radar. To this end, the CDC has recently turned to the Internet to launch its new public-information campaign, “When the Prescription Becomes the Problem”.

How The Campaign Works: Inspiring Hope And Challenging Stereotypes

The campaign, which began in April 2015, encourages participants to share their personal stories of prescription drug abuse through social media, and—most importantly—to do so using only six words. If everything goes as planned, the participant then tags the message with the “RxProblem” hashtag, and it spreads like wildfire.

Through these messages, the campaign hopes to reach two slightly different target audiences at once. First, it aspires to reach other individuals struggling with prescription drug addiction, inspiring them with messages of hope and perseverance. Second, the campaign is also targeting individuals who may still have an outdated, stereotype-fueled view of who the sufferers of prescription drug addiction are in the first place.

A Classic Case Of “Less Is More”

The six-word limit is surprisingly effective, and a perfect fit for an age in which the constant stream of Facebook activity and Twitter posts already demands so much of our attention. Indeed, it’s a classic case of “less is more.”

Take “Brad’s story,” for instance. In his post, Brad appears as an innocent-looking, baby-faced young man—hardly the stereotypical face of prescription drug addiction. This isn’t the dangerous, villainous face of drug abuse we so often see in movies and television shows. This is someone relatable—someone’s son, someone’s brother. More than that, it’s someone who has persevered. Brad’s message reads simply, “Not a statistic. Broke the cycle”. With only six words and a single photograph, Brad’s story challenges stereotypes, puts a human face on the prescription drug epidemic, and gives a positive example of recovery.

Ongoing, Active Contribution

While the “When the Prescription Becomes the Problem” campaign officially ended in May 2015, one can still view its collected videos and images on the CDC’s official website. Moreover, using the “RxProblem” hashtag, can still post inspiring messages linked to the campaign. The campaign is over, but it can still be used to make a positive impact.

The Next Step

Of course, getting inspired on social media is only, in this case, the first step in the journey toward recovery. If you or a loved one is struggling with prescription drug addiction and is ready to seek treatment, contact us today at RehabCenter.net. You’ve taken that first step, now let us help you take the next.

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Most Drug Use Begins During Our Teenage Years, Impeding Brain Development and Cognition

Experimenting with and taking drugs has become a sort of rite of passage which either turns teens and adolescents off from continued abuse, or plunges them down the rabbit hole of addiction. Thankfully, according to News Press, many drug addled excursions do not foment addiction. However, experimenting with substances which detrimentally affect the brain while it’s still developing may have measurable effects for the rest of your life.

This isn’t a “just say no” plea, but quantifiable fact from empirical research on how drugs impede on the brain’s development and cognitive function during the crucial development stages of teenage years. You might notice the red flags of drug use in behavioral changes ranging from manic mood swings, poor performance in school, uncharacteristic acting out, or dropping out of school altogether.

Nearly 70% of young high schoolers will have experimented with alcohol before graduating, 40% will have tried smoking cigarettes, and 20% experiment with prescription drug use for nonmedical symptoms, according to News Press. Many engaged in active experimentation are attempting to self medicate, or are satiating the curiosity surrounding drug use and its alleged “benefits.” Others succumb to peer pressure in an attempt to “fit in.”

Whatever the reasons leading teens and young adults to drug use (and yes, that includes you, 20-something-year-olds!) the effects on the brain are the same: impaired decision making, lessened memory ability, and compromised decision making. News Press quotes the esteemed Director of the NIDA, Dr. Nora Volkow,

“The adolescent brain is often likened to a car with a fully functioning gas pedal (the reward system) but weak brakes (the prefrontal cortex.).”

So what does all this mean?

Unfortunately teens and young adults will continue to experiment with potentially addictive substances for a number of reasons. If we can find a way to go beyond the “just say no” approach and give our youth access to the critical information as to why drug use is detrimental, outside of the legal and “moral” ramifications of its use (I went on a rant about the morality of drug use not too long ago), intelligent, and well informed teens would have more at their disposal to combat the urges of use.

Knowledge is one thing you can never let go of.

 

Did the “Just Say No” approach work for you or your little ones? What would be more effective?

 

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5 Things We’re Told Everyday Creating Instances of Substance Abuse and Addiction

Let’s face it, drug and alcohol addiction is a touchy subject, and one not many people will admit is a bonafide health condition and disease. The three leading contributors to addiction are one’s genetic predisposition for abuse, an environment where drug use is normal or condoned, and an inability to cope with life’s traumas, stress, and unfortunate circumstances. But there’s more, and it’s something we do to substance abusers and addicts everyday.

If you’ve ever told someone who is struggling with substance abuse or addiction they’re never going to amount to anything, you’re part of the problem. Just like self mutilation (commonly referred to as cutting), addiction is a plea for help, and those who are afflicted by the condition often don’t know how to reach out for help, and may not even admit they need help- and not necessarily for their addictions, but the underlying problems of addiction.

Addiction doesn’t just pop up from nowhere, and no, addiction is not the result of moral failing or character flaws, unlike some popular notions would have you believe about drug and alcohol addicts. Addiction is a response to emotional stress, perhaps a lack of cognitive stimulus (we wrote a post about how cognition improvement can help stop addiction), and measurable genetic predisposition. But despite these factors, which not only impede one’s mental well being and physicality, many create environments impossible for those struggling with addiction to get help. In fact, the stigma of addiction and many things we say everyday continue to cycle of addiction.

Here are five things we’re told everyday that continue the ugly cycle of addiction and abuse by creating hopelessness, helplessness, and misery:

 

1. “You’re not going to amount to anything. You’re worthless!”

If you tell someone they’re worthless enough, they’ll believe it- and that’s the honest truth. Cohabitating with a drug or alcohol addict can be frustrating, especially when they’re suffering from chronic addiction, and you can’t seem to reach them- but lashing out in this way will only perpetuate their abuse, and will often make the situation worse.

Addiction and substance abuse is a direct response to stress, and an attempt to escape reality, giving addicts one more thing to get away from will only spiral them down the rabbit hole further.

If you want your loved ones to achieve their potential they need professional help, and the inspiration to get help. Often times it’s not that simple, as many will refuse treatment long after it is needed. If you’re in that situation, you need to call the professionals who specialize in reaching people who are in the depths of addiction.

 

2. “You may as well kill yourself now.” 

For perverse reasons I cannot begin to understand, many believe drug and alcohol addicts are better off dead; I believe this stems from the mortality rates among those who do not get the help they need and meet tragic ends from overdose or alcohol poisoning.

Many cite Darwinism as their paltry excuse for degregating one’s humanity to cinders, but what they’re really doing is giving someone with a gun to their head an extra bullet. Because addiction and substance abuse are dangerous methods of coping with stress, one with an untreated substance use disorder will be haunted by these words, and may take the deadly plunge.

Addiction is a disease, and is treatable like any other with the right medical and psychological care.

 

3. “You’re selfish, you’re ruining this family, why can’t you just stop?!”

Addiction hurts everyone, it’s true. And without the proper guidance from professionals, statements like these only fuel the fire.

 

4. “You deserve everything that’s happening to you.”

Would you say that to someone who was diagnosed with cancer? Addiction is a condition marked by its uncontrollable nature. I doubt you shout this at people who are drinking diet soda, or drinking from plastic bottles exposed to extreme heat. What about cigarette smokers?

We didn’t think so.

 

5. “You chose this life, it’s your fault.”

Because addiction often stems itself from prescription drugs, which were initially prescribed by trusted doctors for medical conditions, many do not “choose” to become addicted, or even remain so. Once addiction is established the body’s craving for the substance is undeniable, and is required to prevent the debilitating effects of withdrawal.

 

So what should you take away from all of this? Be mindful of what you say, and if it feels wrong, or you are speaking from hurt, reach out to someone who can help. By perpetuating environments of negativity, you cement the disease in which you condemn- and the people you love, for eternity.

One overdose is all it takes.

 

 

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Flakka Numbers Increasing Exponentially, Alpha-PVP Spreads Into Midwest

With a myriad of street names, potent effects, and a street cost of just $5, alpha- PVP (commonly known as Flakka) is rapidly becoming a favorite among drug abusers in South Florida. Users experience delusions and exhibit aggressive behavior, as well as an increased paranoia and spiking internal body temperature. Imported from China through legal loopholes, Flakka is eclipsing cocaine in numbers of users in South Florida. The Wall Street Journal reports that the number of seizures of alpha-PVP has jumped from five in 2011 to 2,920 last year. 29 deaths were attributed to Flakka use in the past year alone while. The Broward County Sheriff’s Department analyzes an average of 100 Flakka cases a month in comparison to one case in January 2014.

Flakka has continued infecting the streets of the US, spreading into the south and midwest regions of the country where communities are already ravaged by prescription drug abuse. In Kingsport, Tennessee alpha-PVP is known as “gravel” and the rapid increase in cases involving the drug has proven especially taxing on the already under supported police department. Rural areas do not have the means to battle such a dangerous substance, as the police and medical staffs in such locations are not equip to deal with the intensity of the drug’s effects. Often times a single, undertrained officer is dispatched to handle compromised and potentially dangerous individuals.

Broward county’s police and medical services are also struggling to combat the epidemic. Fort Lauderdale is the epicenter of alpha-PVP use in Broward County. The Broward Health systems reports an average of 12 Flakka cases a day, including people suffering from psychotic episodes or cardiac arrest. Increased body temperature has lead some individuals to strip out of their clothes while paranoia causes a number of insane actions. One man reportedly impaled himself on a spiked fence he was attempting to scale while another kicked in the door of a police station to escape non-existent pursuers. Reform in drug laws is targeted toward purging the streets of Flakka and other synthesized drugs by imposing hefty fines and prison sentences of up to 10 years, but the battle is long and far from over.

 

Do you believe strict legal ramifications for drug offenses is an effective way to discourage trafficking and drug use? Let us know!

 

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New Research Suggests Playing Tetris Can Weaken Cravings For Drugs, Food, Sex, and Sleep

 

Tetris by Federico MP licensed by Free Software

According to Tech Times, new research suggests that playing Tetris, a highly popular tile-matching puzzle game which was first released in June 1984, can weaken one’s cravings for drugs, food, sex, and sleep. Findings from a new research study conducted by psychologists from Australia suggests that Tetris can help in curbing addictive behaviors. Research found that playing a game of Tetris for only three minutes was helpful in weakening cravings for food, in addition to drugs, sex, sleep, cigarettes, and more.

For the study, the team of researchers gathered 31 undergraduate participants, 15 of whom were instructed to play Tetris for three minutes at a time. The participants were then asked to report any cravings they experience before the game and after playing the game on a scale of 0 to 100. As a result, researchers found that the participants craving levels were lowered to about 14 percent upon playing a game of Tetris.

According to study researcher Jackie Andrade of Plymouth University, the Tetris effect occurs due to cravings involving imagining the indulgence in an activity or the consumption of  particular substance. Playing a visually interesting game such as Tetris can help occupy the mental process supporting imagery, therefore its difficult to clearly imagine something else while playing Tetris at the same time.

Andrade also added that playing Tetris reduces one’s craving strength for food, drugs, and activities  from 70 percent to 56 percent, and that the experiment marks the first time it  has been shown that cognitive interference can be used outside of a laboratory setting to curb cravings for substances and activities other than consuming food.

“This study extends laboratory findings to real world settings and cravings for drugs or activities as well as food. This is the first demonstration that visual cognitive interference can be used in the field to reduce cravings for substances and activities other than eating,” the researchers wrote in the Addictive Behaviors journal, according to  Tech Times.

The researchers also said that the effect of Tetris on cravings remained consistent for a week and for all types of cravings. According to researcher Jon May of Plymouth University, the effect did not wear off even after participants played the game 40 times on average. This finding is possibly important because if an intervention only works due to it being novel and unusual, the benefits would lessen with time as participants become familiar with it.

 

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Stanford Scientists Suggests Narcotic Drugs Can Be Derived From Yeast

 

Up until now, opioid drugs have been derived solely from the opium plant, however Stanford Laboratory is one of the few labs where researchers have been attempting to produce yest-based alternatives. The work being done is closely monitored by the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), according to New York Times.

Advocates of the advancing field of bio-engineering suggests the field promises to make the creation of important chemicals, in this instance painkillers and cough suppressants, which will be less expensive and more predictable opposed to using the opium plant.

However, some experts believe the technology will be more useful for drug traffickers than for pharmaceutical companies. Pharmaceutical companies which legitimately produce drugs obtain their supply from legal poppy fields in areas such as Turkey, India, and Australia.

For now, scientists and law enforcement officials have agreed that it will be years before heroin can be grown into yeast. The new Stanford strain would need be at least 100,000 times as efficient in order to equate to the yield of poppies. It would take 4,4000 gallons of yeast to produce the amount of hydrocodone in a single Vicodin tablet, according to Christina D. Smolke, leader of Stanford’s bioengineering team.

An FBI spokesperson stated that the agency is aware of the potential work similar to Dr. Smolke’s to be exploited by criminals, however that will be of concern only when the technology used has advanced enough to be ready for commercial use.

Dr. Smolke’s strains have received much criticism and has raised concerns, but she defended her work by saying that millions of cancer patients, accident victims, and others in pain worldwide have had no access to pain relief. Experts in palliative care agree that Smolke’s statement is mostly true due to governments and doctors being afraid of creating drug addicts, not because the drugs are expensive or difficult to make.
What do you think of this new research?

 

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