Rohypnol, also referred to as a roofie, roache, or rophie, is an illegal substance that acts as a depressant in the body. It has become known as a club drug or a date rape drug, due to the fact that it can be slipped into ones drink for the purpose rendering them powerless and with short term memory loss. Rohypnol generally comes in pill form. The pills are often comprised of this drug in combination with other illicit substances.
GHB, or Gamma Hydroxy Butyrate, is also known as “G,” Georgia Home Boy, Gamma-O, and Liquid Ecstasy. Similar to Rohypnol, it acts as a depressant and is abused as a rape drug. GHB has a salty taste, but no odor. It can come as a powder or tablet, but is most commonly seen in liquid form.
Both Rohypnol and GHB have similar effects that start to occur within 30 minutes after ingestions. Users often feel relaxed, sociable, playful, affectionate, and uninhibited, followed by feelings of extreme drowsiness. These effects can last from 4-24 hours, after which, the user often experiences partial or full memory loss of their evening. Rohypnol and GHB are sometimes slipped in drinks as a date rape drug because they usually cause the victim to become physically week or to pass out completely. Alcohol intensifies the effects of Rohypnol and GHB, making the drugs potentially lethal.
There may be long term effects and the potential for addiction with Rohypnol and GHB. Abusing these drugs for recreational purposes poses the risk of overdose, which can lead to a coma or respiratory failure. In addition, inside a club or other social setting, women need to be aware of the possibility of having one of these drugs slipped in their drink. One should never accept a drink from a stranger or leave their drink unattended.
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Ritalin Abuse
The controversial and legal prescription drug Ritalin (Methylphenidate) is most commonly used to treat children and adults diagnosed with Attention Deficit Disorder. It is a stimulate that releases an increased amount of dopamine to trigger motivation and feelings of pleasure. When taken correctly, it helps individuals maintain concentration and clarity. Plus, it has a calming effect on kids with ADD. However, as a stimulant that can increase energy and positive feelings, it has become widely abused, especially by college, high school, and middle school students.
When taken as prescribed, Ritalin is not considered to be highly addictive. However, abusing the substance by using it incorrectly or without a prescription often leads to a heavy dependence. In fact, Ritalin has been referred to as a gateway drug for harder drug use. Sometimes people who abuse Ritalin turn to illicit stimulants because they are stronger or easier to obtain.
There are both mental and physical side effects associated with Ritalin abuse. These side effects vary, but are generally less dramatic than those caused by amphetamine use, yet more potent than those cause by caffeine. Short term effects can include nervousness, insomnia, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, headaches, heart palpitations, changes in blood pressure, loss of appetite, weight loss, digestive problems, skin rashes and abdominal pain. In addition, toxic psychosis or psychotic episodes may occur. Withdrawal after extended use of Ritalin usually results in extreme depression.
The effects of long term Ritalin use may additionally include paranoia, convulsions, tremors, muscle spasms, hallucinations, delusions, anxiety, and irregular heartbeat and respiration. Also, extended Ritalin use may lead to formicaton, the sensation of bugs or worms crawling under the skin. Overall, symptoms associated with Ritalin abuse can be profound and life threatening.
Usually it is a slow decrease in dose that allows Ritalin abusers to stop taking the drug once an addiction has formed. However, it is highly recommended to seek help for behavior modification with any drug addiction. There are a number of rehabilitation centers that work with Ritalin abuse cases. Plus, cognitive therapy assists in motivating people to live drug free and develop new coping skills that replace using. If you or someone you know is abusing the prescription drug Ritalin, seek professional help.
When taken as prescribed, Ritalin is not considered to be highly addictive. However, abusing the substance by using it incorrectly or without a prescription often leads to a heavy dependence. In fact, Ritalin has been referred to as a gateway drug for harder drug use. Sometimes people who abuse Ritalin turn to illicit stimulants because they are stronger or easier to obtain.
There are both mental and physical side effects associated with Ritalin abuse. These side effects vary, but are generally less dramatic than those caused by amphetamine use, yet more potent than those cause by caffeine. Short term effects can include nervousness, insomnia, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, headaches, heart palpitations, changes in blood pressure, loss of appetite, weight loss, digestive problems, skin rashes and abdominal pain. In addition, toxic psychosis or psychotic episodes may occur. Withdrawal after extended use of Ritalin usually results in extreme depression.
The effects of long term Ritalin use may additionally include paranoia, convulsions, tremors, muscle spasms, hallucinations, delusions, anxiety, and irregular heartbeat and respiration. Also, extended Ritalin use may lead to formicaton, the sensation of bugs or worms crawling under the skin. Overall, symptoms associated with Ritalin abuse can be profound and life threatening.
Usually it is a slow decrease in dose that allows Ritalin abusers to stop taking the drug once an addiction has formed. However, it is highly recommended to seek help for behavior modification with any drug addiction. There are a number of rehabilitation centers that work with Ritalin abuse cases. Plus, cognitive therapy assists in motivating people to live drug free and develop new coping skills that replace using. If you or someone you know is abusing the prescription drug Ritalin, seek professional help.
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
Wilderness Therapy
Wilderness therapy programs serve an an outdoor rehab for troubled teenagers and pre-adolescence. They are designed to treat behavioral problems such as drug and alcohol abuse, defiant behavior, and poor academic performance, as well as tackle the issues of depression and low self esteem. Within a wilderness therapy program, therapists and counselors work with teens by removing them from their normal environment, assisting them to overcome adverse behavior, and teaching new skills for a successful future.
The location of wilderness therapy involves being far from civilization and the distractions it poses. In either a forested or mountain setting, teens are stripped of any modern conveniences and given the bare essential for living. Then, with limited resources, they participate in a survival expedition that teaches them new skills, self respect, and accountability, while simplifying the decision making process and emphasizing therapy, experimental learning, and behavioral changes. The length of these programs varies. However, they usually last between 5-12 weeks.
The effectiveness of wilderness therapy is somewhat uncertain, due to the fact that it is a relatively new form of behavior treatment. Plus, measuring mental health and behavior improvement can be a challenge as it poses a number of variable. However, a study of one wilderness program performed by Brigham Young University in Utah reported that 91.4% of wilderness program participants demonstrated significant clinical improvement after completion. While it was impossible to prove the program was entirely responsible for these results, it was obvious that it could be recognized for at least some of the positive changes that took place .
Overall, wilderness programs provide one of many options for teen behavior treatment. Although they may provide a number of benefits to your teen, it is important to check with a professional for recommendations and carefully research all viable treatment options before making a final decision.
The location of wilderness therapy involves being far from civilization and the distractions it poses. In either a forested or mountain setting, teens are stripped of any modern conveniences and given the bare essential for living. Then, with limited resources, they participate in a survival expedition that teaches them new skills, self respect, and accountability, while simplifying the decision making process and emphasizing therapy, experimental learning, and behavioral changes. The length of these programs varies. However, they usually last between 5-12 weeks.
The effectiveness of wilderness therapy is somewhat uncertain, due to the fact that it is a relatively new form of behavior treatment. Plus, measuring mental health and behavior improvement can be a challenge as it poses a number of variable. However, a study of one wilderness program performed by Brigham Young University in Utah reported that 91.4% of wilderness program participants demonstrated significant clinical improvement after completion. While it was impossible to prove the program was entirely responsible for these results, it was obvious that it could be recognized for at least some of the positive changes that took place .
Overall, wilderness programs provide one of many options for teen behavior treatment. Although they may provide a number of benefits to your teen, it is important to check with a professional for recommendations and carefully research all viable treatment options before making a final decision.
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