Shake and Bake or One Pot Method of Making Meth

The Shake and Bake or One-Pot method of making meth is becoming more and more popular across the U.S.. This method of making methamphetamine gets its name based on the fact the meth is manufactured by mixing the chemicals in a 2-liter bottle, shaking the bottle to start a chemical reaction, and then waiting for the chemicals to "bake".  Although portable meth labs and other methods such as the "red-white-and-blue" or "Nazi method" of making methamphetamines have been around for years, there seems to be a significant increase in the number of people starting to try to make their own meth.  The information on how to make meth via any of these means can be easily found throughout the Internet.

The problem is...many of these people do not fully understand the dangers they are putting themselves or their families and friends in.  Regardless of how you make meth, it is made up of extremely explosive and toxic chemicals.  Back in the 80's it became very common to hear of a complete house being blown up because someone was trying to cook up large batches of meth within their house.  Today the news is filled with stories of increased ER visits, terrible chemical burns, and even deaths caused by addicts trying to make their own meth using this "shake and bake method".  Because one must be in close proximity and physically handling and shaking the bottle, most of the chemical burns associated with the one-pot method are unfortunately in the face and upper body and leave the person terribly disfigured, and in many cases blind.  The fact that the maker knows they were burned while doing something highly illegal they are not likely to be honest about how they got their burns, making it extremely difficult to treat them properly right away and causing even more damage.

Are you wondering why we would be posting an article on new methods of making meth on a drug treatment site? In a nutshell, the more educated parents, families, friends, and loved ones are about the dangers of meth, what new fads or methods are being used by meth addicts, and know what to look for if they suspect someone they know of using meth, the more likely they are going to be able to help their loved one avoid these tragedies or help them get treatment before something terrible happens.  We have already discussed the dangers of meth, and a couple of the new method of making meth, but what should you be looking for?

Early warning signs of meth use include: 

• Sleeplessness
• Weight loss
• Loss of appetite
• Unexplained spending
• Lack of interest in previously enjoyed activities
• Times of extreme energy then tiredness
• Paraphernalia - crack pipe, hollow pens, empty soda cans (used for meth pipe), aluminum foil, hollowed out light bulbs, and bottle caps (used to heat meth). 

Warning signs of extended meth use, meth abuse, and meth addiction:

• Hollow looking face and dark circles under the eyes
• Unexplained sores, scabs, and pocking of the face
• Tooth decay (meth mouth)
• Extreme weight loss
• Paraphernalia - Spoons with white/yellow/brown residue (used to heat meth) and syringes (used for injecting liquefied meth).  

Signs of cooking or distributing meth:

• Unexplained extra money
• Increased activity (especially at night)
• Iodine or chemical stains 
• Lab supplies (plastic tubing, ammonia, mason jars, 2-liter bottles, funnels, lithium batteries, empty pill bottles, starter fluid, coffee filters with red stains, ephedrine tablets)
• Strong smell of ammonia (similar to urine)

Don't wait until your friend, family member, or loved one becomes addicted, starts making his/her own meth, becomes a dealer to support their habit, becomes injured, or loses their life before you take action.  Methamphetamine is so terribly addictive many users become addicted upon the first use.  If you have any suspicion of meth use do everyone a favor and seek methamphetamine treatment help right now.  

Heroin Addiction Treatment

Heroin addiction treatment is most effective if the heroin addiction is caught early and treatment gets underway quickly. In this Heroin Addiction Treatment article we will take a look at some of the signs and symptoms of heroin addiction and then some of the options for heroin addiction treatment. If you or a loved one is suffering with a heroin addiction, it is critical that you seek help immediate. Heroin is a very dangerous drug and an overdose can lead to death in just a matter of minutes.

Signs and Symptoms of Heroin Addiction
There are some signs and symptoms of heroin abuse that one can be on the lookout for. Of course the signs of heroin abuse are often very similar to other drug addictions so you may not know for sure if it is heroin or another drug that the person is abusing but if you suspect any type of drug addiction or abuse, seek help right away and a medical professional will be able to determine the drug that is being abused and the best treatment options. 

Many of the signs of heroin addiction will be evident in the behaviors of the individual. Anytime you notice extreme difference in eating or sleeping patterns or the type of people a person is spending a lot of time with, you may want to continue looking for further signs of a drug addiction. If you have a chance to look around the person's living space, look for large amounts of needles, razor blades, pipes, small squares of paper, or straws. Any or all of these can be tools that someone with a heroin addiction may possess to assist them in using the drug. Other signs of heroin addiction to be on the lookout for and that can indicate that heroin addiction treatment is needed include shallow breathing, small pupils, disorientation, and slurred speech. If you have noticed these signs of heroin use, seek medical help immediately. Other signs of heroin abuse that you may notice over time are lack of motivation, poor memory, no interest in personal hygiene and no plans for the future.

Heroin Addiction Treatment Options
Once you have determined that a loved one is suffering from a heroin addiction you will have to determine the best heroin addiction treatment option for that individual. Heroin addiction treatment options vary from person to person depending on a number of factors including how long the person has been using heroin, the dosage and frequency of use, whether or not the person has a history of drug addiction, as well as the overall health, both physically and mentally, of the person. For many, heroin addiction treatment is most successful at some type of inpatient drug rehabilitation program. Be sure to research the programs to find one that is certified and has licensed medical personnel as well as therapists that are licensed and trained to deal with drug addiction.

Heroin addiction is very serious. The withdrawal symptoms of heroin and the heroin detox process can be very severe and are not something that a person is going to be able to go through without medical help. If you, or a loved one, are suffering from a heroin addiction consult with a medical professional to find the best heroin addiction treatment for the situation. Visit 4drugrehab.com to find listings of local drug rehabilitation facilities listed by state. Seeking help for heroin abuse is not easy but in the end it will definitely be worth it. Take back control of your life.

Staying Sober Over the Holidays

For some, staying sober over the holidays is a very big challenge. If you are in a 12 step program or are a recovering alcoholic or are in some other type of addiction rehab, the holidays can be a very stressful time. During the holidays the days are shorter and parties are frequent. Finding things to do that don't involve drinking or drugs may be more difficult than during other times of the year. In this Staying Sober Over the Holidays article we will provide some tips on how to celebrate and enjoy the holidays without compromising all your hard work.

Holidays are a time of fun, family, socialization, and parties. For many this also means drinking. No one wants to miss out on all of this simply because they are afraid that if there is alcohol they will not be able to resist. Finding the plan that works for you will be individual, but hopefully some of the ideas here will give you some good ideas to work with. Depending on the stage of your recovery, how long you have been sober, how easily you are influenced by peers, and how determined you are to stay sober will all play a role in finding the best holiday sobriety plan for yourself.

Throw a Party
If you are worried about attending a party that is serving alcohol, throw your own party. Invite friends, family, neighbors, coworkers, whomever you choose that you know will support you in your addiction recovery. If you are in charge of the party you decide what happens, what type of beverages are served and who is invited. This is especially helpful if you are in the early stages of recovery and are not ready to deal with the social pressures of being around other people that are drinking. If you don't have any close friends or a group of people that are aware of your addiction, plan a party with a local 12 step group. Some of the best party ideas we have found include groups that get all the people from the local AA, Al-Anon, and Alateen groups together and have a meal, games, movie, or whatever else the group decides on. This is a great way to boost your holiday spirit, enjoy an amazing time socializing in a group or even "family" atmosphere that is completely safe. These people all truly understand what you are dealing with and drinking or drugs won't even be an issue.

Don't Avoid the Festivities
For some, it may seem that the only way to get through the holidays sober is to completely avoid all the festivities. While this may seem like the only way to avoid any chance of being offered something that you really don't want to take, if you completely exclude yourself from all social gatherings you will be setting yourself up for depression and loneliness that will only increase your desire for a drink. By keeping yourself active, busy, and healthy, you will be stronger and more able to fight the cravings and have the strength to avoid the temptations when/if they arise. Make sure you get plenty of rest, regular exercise and eat healthy foods. Practicing good health will keep your mind and body strong. Anytime your defenses are down and you get depressed or are too tired, it makes it harder to think clearly and make the best decisions.

Make a Plan
Having a plan ahead of time is key. If you decide to attend a party that you know will be serving alcohol, have a plan for exactly what will happen. Perhaps it involves attending with someone that knows exactly what you are dealing with and will support you and help you get out of any tough situations. Or it may involve talking to the host ahead of time to make sure that other drinks will be available and that you can get ginger ale or cranberry juice or something in place of the alcohol without it being a big deal. If neither of these are options you may just plan to go late and leave early and avoid most of the toasts and activities revolving around alcohol. Having an exact plan of what you will say and sticking to it will keep you from having to decide at the time or come up with an excuse on the spot.

Staying sober over the holidays is really just about making the decision to do it. If you plan ahead of time, carefully choose what events you will and will not attend, keep yourself healthy physically and mentally, you can thoroughly enjoy the holidays and continue, uninterrupted, on your addiction recovery. Sometimes making new friends and joining new social circles is the only way to stay clean. Don't get discouraged, stay positive and step out of your comfort zone a little, often finding new friends isn't as hard as one might think.

Get Rid of Unwanted Prescription Drugs - National Take Back Day Oct 29

If you are looking to get rid of unwanted prescription drugs, the NationalTake Back day is Oct. 29, 2011. This is the third National Take Back day with previous Take Back days netting more than 309 tons of unwanted prescription drugs; it is obvious there is a great need for such a service. There are many reasons a person may have prescription drugs that they need to dispose of. There are many times that a person is prescribed prescription pain medication after surgery or an accident or even child birth and they don't use all of the prescription. Sometimes an antibiotic will be prescribed when a person first visits a doctor but after a day or two when lab results come back the doctor may decide a different antibiotic will work better and tell the patient to stop using the current one. Allergies are another common reason people have left over prescription drugs, if you start taking a medication and then have a allergic reaction you will be told to stop using the medication right away.

For elderly people their prescription drugs are changed frequently and they often have some pills left before the change. A change in health or even the death of an elderly person can leave a family with a lot of unused prescription medication. For a while people were told to simply flush the unwanted medication down the toilet or toss it in the trash but this presents a whole new set of problems. Imagine a ton of various medications getting into the sewer system and into the ground and water supplies. Others simply keep the drugs because they don't know what else to do with them. Having prescription medication on hand can make a person a target for people looking to steal prescription pain medication.

No matter the reason for having prescription drugs that you need to dispose of, taking advantage of the National Take Back day is an excellent way to safely dispose of any and all medication without answering any questions. It doesn't matter whose name the medication is in, how old it is, where you got it, or anything else. Each location accepting the medication will be certified and follow national guidelines for collecting and disposing of the medication. To find a location near you simply visit dea.gov and click on the Got Drugs? banner to search by zip code, or city and state.

For anyone interested in setting up a Take Back location, visit the dea.gov, after clicking the Got Drugs? banner there is a link for law enforcement agencies interested in hosting a collection site. With 2009 substance abuse statistics reporting more than seven million Americans abusing prescription drugs and thousands of teens using prescription drugs on a daily basis to get high, there is a very real need to get these unwanted drugs out of home medicine cabinets. Many teens first get the prescription medication from his/her own home medicine cabinet or the home of a friend or relative. Once they are hooked they may start searching other homes in the neighborhood or even resort to robbing pharmacies.

If you are abusing prescription drugs or know someone that is, visit our website 4drugrehab.com to find a drug treatment center near you. It is not too late to take charge of your life and beat your drug addiction. Help is available and now is the perfect time to get started. Get rid of all your prescription drugs now and get started on the road to recovery. Once you start looking for help you will be amazed at all the people that are waiting to help and support you along the road to recovery.

Source: dea.gov

Alcohol Poisoning and Alcohol Poisoning Symptoms

Unfortunately teens and adults of all ages are at risk for alcohol poisoning, which occurs when a person exceeds the limit their body can handle to absorb and metabolize the amount of alcohol consumed. In recent years, teens have made headlines particularly in college and high school for binge drinking activities that often result in cases of alcohol poisoning. Adults that drink too much or too frequently are also at risk for alcohol poisoning. Those at the highest risk of encountering alcohol poisoning and alcohol poisoning symptoms include those who drink in more of a party setting on a regular basis. Drinking too much at parties, or even at home alone are also signs of alcoholism or beginning an alcohol addiction. Unfortunately, many cases of alcohol poisoning lead to severe damage of the liver and other internal organs and can possible cause irreversible brain damage and death in some situations. That is why it is important to know what alcohol poisoning symptoms are and what to do if you see a loved one or friend showing these signs of alcohol poisoning.

Alcohol Poisoning Symptoms:
A person that might be suffering from alcohol poisoning might show signs of extreme confusion or stupor. Vomiting, seizures, slow breathing (less than 8 breaths per minute) as well as irregular breathing (a gap of more than 10 seconds between breaths) are all common symptoms of alcohol poisoning. Those who have drank more alcohol than their body can handle also might show signs of blue-tinged skin or pale skin. They might have a low body temperature to the point of suffering from hypothermia. Many might even loose consciousness (passing out) and have trouble being roused. Keep in mind that while many of these symptoms might be present in someone who is experiencing alcohol poisoning, that not all of these symptoms have to be occurring in order for their to be concern about the person in question.

If you are with someone and you suspect they might have alcohol poisoning, it is important to seek medical attention immediately. Not getting someone help during a case of alcohol poisoning can cause the person’s liver to stop processing entirely or they can also stop breathing or not wake up from passing out. These instances often lead to death, so it is important to get help right away. If the person is unconscious and you are unable to lift them to take them to get immediate help, call 911 and get an ambulance on the way immediately. Keep in mind that when a person consumes too much alcohol and looses consciousness, the alcohol is still being released into that person’s blood stream, which can continue the level of the poisoning. This is the biggest reason why it is unsafe to assume the passed out person will be able to sleep off the alcohol poisoning.

If you are questioning whether or not it is a good idea or even necessary to take the person to the hospital, call your local poison control number or call 800-222-1222 (in the U.S.) to get directed to a local poison control office that can give you advice as to whether or not medical attention is necessary or not. Keep in mind that all calls to these poison control centers are confidential. It is helpful when you call a number to know about the situation, like how much the person drank, when, etc. Be careful not to leave that unconscious person alone, no matter what. Don’t try and make the person vomit either. Because alcohol has an impact on the way the gag reflex works, the person can end up choking on his or her own vomit. They also might accidentally aspirate (inhale) vomit into their lungs, which might cause a fatal lung injury. That is also why it is important to get them help right away if they are vomiting continually on their own.

There are many risk factors that can cause a person to be more likely to drink more in a given situation including age, gender, the situation they are in, etc. Depending on your size, weight, tolerance to alcohol, food consumption prior to drinking, type of alcohol you are drinking, sex, overall health, etc., these are all factors that can play a role in the person’s likelihood to experience alcohol poisoning. Ultimately, the most important thing to remember about an alcohol poisoning situation, is that it is better to be safe than sorry.

Sources: mayoclinic.com, collegedrinkingprevention.gov

New Teen Drug Abuse Statistics - Drug Abuse on the Rise

According to new teen drug abuse statistics, drug abuse is once again on the rise for the teenage generation. These findings by the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University indicated that parents need to play a bigger role in their teens’ life and the decisions they make in regards to underage drinking and doing drugs. The rates of drug use among teens is increasing in the numbers of teens that are drinking alcohol underage and doing drugs like marijuana. Teens are also more likely to be using drugs and substances that become addictive.

There are many reasons teens are using more drugs now despite a decade of decline of teen drug use, according to the new teen drug abuse statistics from the CASA. The results from the study indicated that many teens will opt to do drugs and drink underage because they are looking for a way to cope with stress. Teens, like the rest of the nation, could be feeling the effects of the United States financial crisis. Instead of coping and continuing to get an education, teens are turning to drug use and possible addiction as a result. In the past year, the number of teens using marijuana has raised from 32 to 39 percent. Teens who use the party drug Ecstasy have increased from six percent to 10 percent. These new teen drug abuse statistics show clear evidence that drug abuse is on the rise for teens, and without taking action now, these statistics could continue to rise.

While teachers and other educational opportunities are available for teens in school to learn about the dangers of drug use, it is really up to the parent to make sure they know what their teen is doing and know if they are at risk for falling into this rising statistical category of teens that use drugs. Talking to your teen about drug abuse and the effects of drinking and doing drugs is imperative. It is a better idea to do whatever you can to prevent your teen from engaging in this kind of behavior. Part of these prevention efforts need to be placed on knowing what your teen is doing and who they are doing it with. It is also important to not only know what your teen is doing, but to also have an open dialogue with them about drug use and underage drinking.

According to the new teen drug statistics, teens are also more likely to become addicted to an addictive substance prior to the age of 18. About one in four teens fit this description. Out of one of three teens surveyed in the study that admitted to trying drugs or alcohol (about 75 percent) are already addicted to some kind of substance like cocaine or alcohol. Because these numbers are continuing to increase now after years of decline, parents need to do something now before they continue to climb at such a dramatic increase. This is when parents need to keep in mind that their teen might also be already doing drugs or at least testing the waters when it comes to drinking and drugs. If this is the case, parents need to know the signs to watch for to see if their teen is at risk for these types of behaviors. If so, treatment for their teen needs to be sought immediately. Getting treatment right away is the best way to prevent addiction from taking over and continuing into their adult life. Because the teen brain is still developing, addiction to these substances is more likely to occur and further more affect their life as an adult when it comes to pursuing higher education and getting a job. This is why parents need to put a stop to the drub abuse on the rise trend that is now being seen in teens.

Sources: prnews.com, msnbc.msn.com

Alcoholism Symptoms - What is Alcoholism?

Alcoholism symptoms - what is alcoholism? In this post we will define what alcoholism is and some of the alcoholism symptoms to help loved ones know and understand what an individual may be experiencing and how he/she can best support the loved one dealing with alcoholism. The definition on the Web for "alcoholism" says "An addiction to the consumption of alcoholic liquor or the mental illness and compulsive behavior resulting from alcohol dependency." According to aarecovery.com 1 in 13 adults abuse alcohol or suffer from alcoholism they also tell about some alcoholism symptoms, which include:

• Compulsion, or a strong need, to drink
• Frequent inability to stop drinking
• nausea, sweating, shakiness, or anxiety that occurs when one goes for a period of time without drinking
• Drinking alcohol or using another sedative to control the nausea, sweating, shaking, and anxiety
• Tolerance

The last symptom "tolerance" is significant in that it isn't necessarily the type of alcohol or even the amount of alcohol that one consumes that determines whether or not an individual suffers from alcoholism.  Alcoholism is better diagnosed by the individuals "need" for alcohol. Some that do not understand what alcoholism is may not understand that a person actually "needs" alcohol just as much as another person needs food and water. A person suffering from alcoholism develops a very real dependency on alcohol and has such intense physical cravings for it that I can only compare it to me trying to stop drinking water or stop eating food. When I have fasted from food and water for 24 hours I know how desperately my body needs food and water. Having such intense cravings for alcohol would be very difficult to overcome.

Once a person understands what alcoholism is and what the alcoholism symptoms are, this knowledge can really be helpful in rehabilitation or drug treatment. Alcohol is a drug and just like any other drug the person seeking help or drug treatment needs to understand what is happening within his/her own body to understand how to fight the addiction. I understand that my body requires food and water for survival. Even if I had enough will power to stop eating or stop drinking water, I know that the result would be death. For someone that is suffering from alcoholism, even though their cravings for alcohol are just as intense as another person's are for food or water, they have to understand that their body does not actually require alcohol for survival and by abstaining from alcohol the cravings and alcoholism symptoms will gradually decrease until they are completely gone. This knowledge and hope can be a great tool for alcoholism victims to use and cling too throughout the treatment and recovery process.

Unlike some terminal diseases, alcoholism is considered a treatable disease. If alcoholism goes untreated, it has the potential to destroy the life of the individual. Not only will the person's health deteriorate, but the individual may also suffer the loss of his/her family, job, social standing, and even his/her very life. Not every person that drinks alcohol has alcoholism and not every person that drinks alcohol on a regular basis will get alcoholism. Some people are genetically more prone to alcoholism and these individuals should take extra precautions to help decrease their risk for alcoholism. If you know someone, or if you are, suffering from alcoholism, visit 4drugrehab.com to find a treatment center for alcohol rehabilitation near you.