Alcohol Abuse

Alcohol abuse is by definition different than alcoholism. Alcoholism is considered a physical addiction to alcohol while alcohol abuse is when the use of alcohol leads to problems that are not physical. This can include any number of behaviors like drunk driving, anger or violence issues, missing school or work, unprotected sexual activity and many other unusual  or unexpected behaviors.

Binge drinking is one type of alcohol use that is considered alcohol abuse. Binge drinking is commonly considered more than 5 drinks for a man and 4 drinks for a woman. One drink is measured as 12-ounces of beer, 5 ounces of wine or a 1 1/2 ounce shot of liquor.

Although alcohol abuse causes different symptoms in different people, some some signs of alcohol abuse may include:

• inebriation (becoming drunk)
• poor judgment
• chronic anxiety
• irritability
• insomnia
• depression

Those that abuse alcohol often report fair to poor health and continued alcohol abuse can lead to additional serious health problems including:

• alcohol poisoning
• unintentional injuries
• suicide
• hypertension
• pancreatitis
• sexually transmitted diseases
• meningitis
• cirrhosis of the liver

There are many reasons that one may come to abuse alcohol. For some it is a learned behavior, having grown up in a household where binge drinking was the norm. For others, particularly teenagers, it may start as peer pressure for them to fit in and be cool. Because teen alcohol abuse is the most common, and teens are still developing both physically and mentally, it is especially critical for them to receive help early.

If you know a troubled teen that is struggling with alcohol abuse or if you are struggling with alcohol abuse, there is help available. Alcoholics anonymous meetings take place daily throughout the world. Look through the local newspaper or talk to your local health center for specific times and places or visit our site 4drugrehab.com to find drug and alcohol rehabilitation centers that are near you.

Alcohol abuse can destroy every aspect of your life, if you let it. Take control of your present and future by seeking help early. The sooner you get help the less long-term health effects you will have to deal with. Don't let alcohol abuse destroy your body and your life.

Bath Salts - Drug

A new designer drug that is sold under the guise of bath salts is growing more popular than ever and is now being outlawed by many states throughout the country. Read on to find out more about the bath salts drug and what harmful effects it can have on drug users and drug treatment centers.

What is the bath salt drug?

• Commercially known as Ivory Wave, White Lightning, Hurricane Charlie,  and Bolivian Bath among other names, the bath salt drug is designed to be a synthetic version of Meth - Methylenedioxypyrovalerone or MDPV.
• Bath salt drugs are designed to be undetected in traditional drug testing kits, which is part of the popularity behind the drug. The only way you can know for sure if someone is under the influence of bath salts is if they tell you they are.
• Although they are called “bath salts” they are not the same as the traditional colored and scented salts you put in your tub for a nice relaxing bath. However, drug makers are attempting to use creative marketing to disguise the drug as bath salts and to put “not for human consumption” on the packaging in order to legally set the product.
• Many states are banning the sell of these "bath salts" anyway and making it illegal to purchase or sell the bath salt drug, with a misdemeanor for possession and a felony charge for selling.
• Because the bath salts are a chemical substance and there is no way to test for the drug, it is difficult to tell what exactly has been put into the mixture. Many of the chemicals could be even more harmful than scientists are currently aware of causing many of the adverse side effects seen under the influence.
• It is unclear if bath salts are addictive or not.
• There have not been any documented deaths as a result of bath salts overdose, however the number of bath salt drug use emergency hospital-related incidents are continuing to climb higher each month, which is the primary force behind lawmakers trying to prohibit the designer "bath salts" drug from being bought and sold.
• Bath salts are currently available in some locations online and in some stores over the counter. However, with more and more states banning the sale of the bath salt drug, it is becoming more difficult to find and purchase.

What are the effects of bath salts?
Many of the side effects of the bath salts drug can be extremely harmful, including:

• Hallucinating
• Paranoia
• Psychosis
• Stimulatory effects
• Suicidal tendencies

What is the future of the bath salts drug?

More and more states are taking action to prohibit the sale and use of this drug. There is already talk in the federal legislatures to label the substance as a Schedule I Drug, which means there is no medicinal value, but a high potential for abuse. This action will define the drug as illegal for sale, purchase, use and possession.

Drug treatment centers are seeing an increase of people requesting information and assistance with treatment for these new synthetic drugs like "Spice" and "Bath Salts".  Although these drugs are fairly new, most drug rehab centers have already educated themselves on the symptoms, effects, and treatment options for these drugs.  When choosing a drug rehab to treat synthetic drug use make sure you are specific in asking questions about their knowledge, experience, and options for treatment. Finding the right drug treatment center can mean the world of difference in your road to recovery.