As teens and young adults go out parties, bars, and clubs, there is a significant danger present from the growing trend of club drugs. Some of the most popular club drugs of this generation include ecstasy, mood enhancing substance that heightens that senses, and Rohypnol, otherwise known as the date rape drug. In addition, amphetamines and hallucinogens are also commonly seen in clubs or similar social settings.
In general, club drugs fall into one of two categories. There are those that people take willingly for recreational purposes, and those that are slipped in the drinks of unsuspecting victims. Both threaten the health and personal safety of the teens and young adults who are exposed to them. However, little prevents club drugs from being passed around like candy. Usually, they come in pill form, so they are easy to conceal and share.
Ecstasy, amphetamines, and other stimulants are being taken willingly in social settings, even though they are illegal and dangerous. Often the drugs being passed around are impure, combined with other illicit substances, or greatly varying in terms of dosage. People accept pills from friends and even strangers, without any real knowledge of what they are actually taking. Overdose of club drugs is not uncommon for this reason. With stimulants, the signs of possible overdose may include nausea, vomiting, dizziness, difficulty breathing, trouble with urination, heart attack, and death. The potential health risks associated with club drugs should detour any mentally healthy person from using them.
On the other hand, club drugs such as Rohypnol, or other sedatives that result in amnesia, are dangerous to those who take them unknowingly. These substances are often referred to as date rape drugs and are quite common to social settings such as bars, parties, and clubs. Once they have been consumed, they may render a person helpless of making decisions or protecting themselves. In addition, when date rape drugs are combined with alcohol, they may become lethal. Both men and women are encouraged to take extreme caution and do what they can to prevent becoming a victim. One should never leave a drink unattended or go out alone.
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Outpatient Drug Rehab
Many drug addicts seek treatment on an outpatient basis. Outpatient drug rehab involves visiting medical or psychological care facility such as a clinic or hospital for sessions. Unlike residential treatment, outpatient rehab allows the patient to come and go, instead of staying overnight. There are both advantages and disadvantages to this type of rehab. Plus, there are many varieties of outpatient care to choose from.
Outpatient care centers appeal to addicts for a number of reasons. They are more cost efficient than residential care centers, because there is no extra expense of hospitalization or the related costs. Often, charges for outpatient services are covered by insurance companies. Another reason some addicts lean towards outpatient services is for convenience. With outpatient care, the patient can show up for treatment as necessary, but still maintain residence in their own home and hold down employment if feasible.
On the other hand, many people feel that inpatient, or residential drug rehab provides a more aggressive treatment that is necessary for successfully battling addiction. Outpatient drug rehabs do not provide the same level of supervision that residential facilities offer. Plus, the distractions of the outside world may take the focus away from addiction recovery while in outpatient care. Overall, it may not be as effective of a treatment as inpatient care.
However, outpatient drug rehab is sometimes ideal for someone who has already successfully completed a residential treatment program. Plus, it can be a viable resource for someone who has a mild relapse or needs additional support in staying sober. Although, outpatient drug rehab can be an effective tool for treating addiction, as a cost efficient and convenient option, it is recommended that patients seek advise from a professional about which type of rehab will work best for their needs.
Outpatient care centers appeal to addicts for a number of reasons. They are more cost efficient than residential care centers, because there is no extra expense of hospitalization or the related costs. Often, charges for outpatient services are covered by insurance companies. Another reason some addicts lean towards outpatient services is for convenience. With outpatient care, the patient can show up for treatment as necessary, but still maintain residence in their own home and hold down employment if feasible.
On the other hand, many people feel that inpatient, or residential drug rehab provides a more aggressive treatment that is necessary for successfully battling addiction. Outpatient drug rehabs do not provide the same level of supervision that residential facilities offer. Plus, the distractions of the outside world may take the focus away from addiction recovery while in outpatient care. Overall, it may not be as effective of a treatment as inpatient care.
However, outpatient drug rehab is sometimes ideal for someone who has already successfully completed a residential treatment program. Plus, it can be a viable resource for someone who has a mild relapse or needs additional support in staying sober. Although, outpatient drug rehab can be an effective tool for treating addiction, as a cost efficient and convenient option, it is recommended that patients seek advise from a professional about which type of rehab will work best for their needs.
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Sober Houses
Following a drug/alcohol detox or rehab program, a recovering addict may seek temporary shelter at a sober house. Sober houses can serve as an important part of an addict’s road to an alcohol/drug free life. They help people at different stages of the recovery process, as they exist in several forms, on several levels. Plus, sober houses provide a safe environment to those who are fighting the urge to relapse upon rejoining a society of stressful triggers.
Sober houses exist in the form of half way houses, recovery centers, Oxford houses, and recovery houses (3/4 way transition programs). Any of these facilities are important tools for follow up addiction care. The differences between each type of sober house are found in the level of structure, accountability, care, staff, and services provided to recovering drug/alcohol addicts.
Half way houses are usually state licensed treatment programs that provide 24 hour staffing. Residents of half way houses live there for a period of time, but still gain and keep employment outside of the facility as part of their transition back into life. Recovery centers are very similar to half way houses. However, they offer on-going recovery support services that aren’t limited to the duration of the addict’s stay. Oxford houses are leased and governed primarily by their residents. They strongly encourage use of the 12 step program while providing a safe environment under the charter of the Oxford Group. Recovery houses or ¾ way houses focus primarily on transition back into society as a drug free person.
Residents of sober houses must adhere to some strict rules and guidelines in order to keep the environment safe and stay drug/alcohol free. Chores are assigned to each person on a daily basis. Residents are not permitted to have guests. Plus, they must often check in and out as they come and go from the premises. Although recovering addicts are strongly encourages to find gainful employment, they are not permitted to work in a place that sells drugs/alcohol while living in a sober house. However, above all other rules, residents of a sober house must commit to staying clean and work towards building a drug/alcohol free life.
Sober houses exist in the form of half way houses, recovery centers, Oxford houses, and recovery houses (3/4 way transition programs). Any of these facilities are important tools for follow up addiction care. The differences between each type of sober house are found in the level of structure, accountability, care, staff, and services provided to recovering drug/alcohol addicts.
Half way houses are usually state licensed treatment programs that provide 24 hour staffing. Residents of half way houses live there for a period of time, but still gain and keep employment outside of the facility as part of their transition back into life. Recovery centers are very similar to half way houses. However, they offer on-going recovery support services that aren’t limited to the duration of the addict’s stay. Oxford houses are leased and governed primarily by their residents. They strongly encourage use of the 12 step program while providing a safe environment under the charter of the Oxford Group. Recovery houses or ¾ way houses focus primarily on transition back into society as a drug free person.
Residents of sober houses must adhere to some strict rules and guidelines in order to keep the environment safe and stay drug/alcohol free. Chores are assigned to each person on a daily basis. Residents are not permitted to have guests. Plus, they must often check in and out as they come and go from the premises. Although recovering addicts are strongly encourages to find gainful employment, they are not permitted to work in a place that sells drugs/alcohol while living in a sober house. However, above all other rules, residents of a sober house must commit to staying clean and work towards building a drug/alcohol free life.
Monday, April 5, 2010
Long Term Rehab
There is nothing easy about overcoming a drug or alcohol addiction. However, finding the right treatment center can help. Long term rehab programs offer long term solutions. Their main focus is to provide individuals with a cleansing environment and personalized care through through the recovery process. Long term rehab centers are generally residential facilities in which the addict stays for an extended period of time.
In long term rehab, an addict is constantly immersed in the healing and recovery process. Hiding away in a sanctuary, they are able to learn how to live life again, without the pressures to use drugs or alcohol. This makes it easier for them to maintain focus on achieving and maintaining sobriety. Treatment is usually tailored to the individual's needs. Plus, a comprehensive long term rehab also works to strengthen life skills. Their aim is to return recovering addicts into the real world with the tools they need to avoid relapse.
When choosing a long term rehab, it is important to look at the program's success rate. Other things to consider include the average length of stay and financial resources. Long term rehab can be a major expense for some people, However, there are both public and privately funded programs. Additionally, some long term rehabs cater to certain age groups or a specific types of addictions.
Long term rehab requires a serious commitment from an addict, so many are reluctant to the idea. However, they provide more time, and thus more resources that will assist in a full recovery. Many addicts who repeatedly relapse after short term programs find better success with long term care, and relapse support groups.
In long term rehab, an addict is constantly immersed in the healing and recovery process. Hiding away in a sanctuary, they are able to learn how to live life again, without the pressures to use drugs or alcohol. This makes it easier for them to maintain focus on achieving and maintaining sobriety. Treatment is usually tailored to the individual's needs. Plus, a comprehensive long term rehab also works to strengthen life skills. Their aim is to return recovering addicts into the real world with the tools they need to avoid relapse.
When choosing a long term rehab, it is important to look at the program's success rate. Other things to consider include the average length of stay and financial resources. Long term rehab can be a major expense for some people, However, there are both public and privately funded programs. Additionally, some long term rehabs cater to certain age groups or a specific types of addictions.
Long term rehab requires a serious commitment from an addict, so many are reluctant to the idea. However, they provide more time, and thus more resources that will assist in a full recovery. Many addicts who repeatedly relapse after short term programs find better success with long term care, and relapse support groups.
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