Drug abuse among teens has reached tragic levels. It Doesn't matter how vigilant you are, your teenagers will definitely be exposed to drugs at school, the very place you believe to be a safe environment. Mrs. Reagan's 'Just say no to drugs' campaign fell flat on its face. The truth is that teens perceive adults as old fuddy-duddies that don't know anything. Parents, try as they may, face an uphill war in safe guarding their young ones from the devastating effects of drugs.
The challenge is made more difficult by the fact that most of us have prescription drugs in our bedroom drawers. When confronting the issue of teenagers and drugs, you have to present a sound argument that distinguishes between necessary medications and street drugs. This isn't easy. Some common prescription medications are being peddaled in schools as a way to catch a buzz. Teens don't realize that these prescriptions are issued in duplicate or triplicate, as a method to control the use of certain narcotics. Not having experienced a real need for such drugs themselves, they could well come to the conclusion that their parents are enjoying some buzz that they are for some reason being denied.
Another problem with educating children on the issue of teen drug use is that society does not make any distinction between drugs. Some pharmaceutical drugs have a place, but when it comes to teens and drugs, we say that every drug is bad. This is a deception. Some kids need prescription medication for a legitimate condition. Used improperly, that medication can produce a high in a kid who doesn't need it. Sometimes, that drug can have fatal consequences when used as a 'recreational' drug.
Children are not able to make those distinctions. For example, a person with severe pain because of arthritis or cancer, could be prescribed codeine or another opiate to manage the pain. Children don't understand that this person doesn't get high. That medication only dulls the pain. However, in the world of teenagers and drugs, this narcotic becomes an opportunity toget high. They don't know the difference.
One major deception that encourages teen drug use is the fable of pot. This street drug is made out to be the first step to drug addiction, thrown in the same category as heroin and ice. The minute that grade school kid tries pot, the child sees that even though it makes them feel good, they can hide this new habit from their parents and it doesn't make them crazy. They make the conclusion that the rest of the warnings about teens and drugs are lies. That's the reason why they fall into the trap of the extremely dangerous drugs.
As a nation, we need to teach our kids. Explain the effects of drugs. Cocaine, crack, heroin and drugs like 'ecstasy' can ruin their lives or kill them. Be honest. We can help our teens.Addiction is a serious problem in our society today but with the "proper" education we can teach our future generations the realities of addictions and drug abuse.
Sunday, September 28, 2008
The Question Of Teenagers And Drug Abuse Deserves Our Utmost Attention
Saturday, September 27, 2008
Winning The War Against Heroin Addiction
Please do not delude yourself, heroin addiction is rampant, gone are the days when heroin addiction was restricted to the innercity slums, the reality is that heroin addicts can be found in city law offices, in managerial circles at the big end of town, it is everywhere. Every day, thousands across the country are engaged in the battle against heroin addiction. Methadone clinics have sprouted up all over the around the country and are helping a lot providing many with a chance to quit using this dangerous drug, unfortunately, many others still do not have access to this help. Yet others using these clinics replace their addiction to heroin with an addiction to methadone.
Heroin addiction does not discriminate, it can strike anyone; but with the proper attention, it can be overcome. Heroin addiction not only affects the addict but in most cases draws family and friends into the foray as well.
Finding Drug Rehabilitation
It is usually a fruitless exercise to throw an addict into rehabilitation unless he or she has admitted that they have a major problem that is too big for them to get out of by themselves. This job requires professional drug rehabilitation. It is virtually impossible to combat this terrible addiction on your own without professional help.
If you find yourself in a situation where you are addicted to heroin, realize it and desperately want help, enroll yourself immediately into a rehabilitation program irrespective of your financial situation, there is help ready to assist you. Thankfully, there are many rehabilitation clinics that offer programs for those with little or no income; state medical programs often cover this type of treatment.
It is normal for a rehabilitation program, to last anywhere between 30 and 90 days; this all depends on the individual situation. In most cases, methadone is used as a heroin replacement, which is administered in decreasing doses, so as to wean your body gradually off of the drug.
Under certain circumstances a rapid detoxification program is used to rid the body of all traces of the drug quickly. This is only done under the guidance of professional personnel. Obviously every case is different, this has created several schools of thought pertaining to which type of detoxification works best; irrespective of the preferred treatment the fact remains that heroin addiction is destructive, dangerous and in often life threatening in nature.
Support Of Family And Friends Is Vital Both during And After The Rehab Program.
Because you have completed a rehabilitation program this does not mean you are out of the woods, far from it, the real battle has only just begun. It is important you own your addiction, and make the conscious choice to never surrender to your cravings. By having a strong support system in place it is much easier to stay in the winning way, this is most definitely needed before you are released from your rehabilitation program. Family and friends are a great comfort, and there are countless support groups available, such as Narcotics Anonymous, where you can find daily support from those who are just like you.
Congratulations, by admitting that you are addicted to heroin you have taken the first most important step along the road to recovery. It is up to you to do whatever it takes to fight this battle – your family, your friends, and, most importantly, your life will be changed for the best as you overcome heroin addiction.
Friday, September 26, 2008
Understanding The Effects Of Alcohol Abuse
We all suffer from the pressures of life’s trials and tribulations that we must overcome.. Unfortunately too many of us are now turning to instant relief found in consuming large quantities of alcohol. The problem is that the relief is only temporary. Wwhen you wake up the next day you still have the same problems to face. You will be surprised how many people drink, and become alcoholics, to help them to forget their daily problems or even to ease the emotional pain they are experiencing in their lives. They seek further solace in the blur of alcoholic haze.
Whenever there is any abuse and over indulgence in any substance there are effects that appear unexpectedly The effects of alcohol abuse come in many forms. Some are emotional, some are physical, and some can even be financial. In reality the negative effects of alcohol abuse far outweigh any supposed benefits you may think that it brings to you.
Even though the alcoholic may not realize it one of the effects of alcohol abuse is the destruction of your emotional well being. In many cases alcohol abuse brings out the worst in a person. This abuse is often directed towards family and friends who can in most cases be counted on to stand by you in your hour of need. However, there is a limit to the physical and emotional abuse that your family and friends can take before they are forced to turn their back on you.
In most cases your friends and family are your most important support structure; they will stand by you in good times and bad. Alcohol abuse can easily lead to physically fighting with your friends and family and consequently a loss of trust.
Ask yourself, would you trust someone that is drunk all the time? Sometimes the results are that your friends and family are either forced to abandon you to avoid you taking them down into your personal hell or they are forced to seek an intervention. Either result puts a great deal of strain on your relationship and can cause serious emotional damage.
Do You Want to Lose It All?
When you become alcohol dependent you often find ways to grab a drink during your day at work this will reduce your productivity and in some cases endanger your being as you try to perform your tasks under the influence of alcohol. Most, if not all employers will automatically terminate drunk employees. Therefore loss of income is another effect of alcohol abuse and when you lose your job to the effects of alcohol it unleashes an entire series of terrible events. At some point you can no longer pay your bills, your home and car are likely to be repossessed, the family you have sworn to support has to leave to find a better way in life, and you are left with nothing.
Listen, without any exaggeration if you continue to abuse alcohol on a daily basis you stand to lose literally everything that you hold dear in your life and your road to recovery will be long and difficult.
Alcohol abuse is everywhere, look around you and you will see the suffering that it causes. The road to recovery is strewn with alcoholics whose lives have been ruined, not to mention all the pain and anguish suffered by family and friends. Recovery from alcohol abuse is not as easy as the movies and television portray it to be. It is a long and painful process. Many people try and fail at many times over before they finally do succeed..
Thankfully there is a way out of this terrible scourge but real strength and determination is a prerequisite to fight your way out of this ailment.
The Effects Of Alcohol Abuse Can Be Dramatic And Life Shattering
The pressures of life present us all with trials and tribulations that we need to overcome. Unfortunately too many of us are now turning to what is perceived to be an instant relief that is found in consuming copious quantities of alcohol. The problem is that the relief is temporary when you wake up the next day you still have the same problems to face. Many people drink, and become alcoholics, to help them to forget their daily problems or even to seemingly ease the emotional pain they may be experiencing in their lives. They seek further solace in the blur of alcoholic haze.
As with the abuse and over indulgence in anything there are effects that appear unexpectedly the effects of alcohol abuse come in many forms. Some are emotional, some are physical, and some can even be financial. The reality is that the negative effects of alcohol abuse far outweigh any supposed benefits you may think that it brings to you.
Although the alcoholic may not realize it one of the effects of alcohol abuse is the destruction of your emotional well being. Sometimes alcohol abuse can bring out the worst in a person. This abuse is often directed towards your family and friends who can in most cases be counted on to stand by you in your hour of need. But there is only so much physical and emotional abuse that your family and friends can take before they are forced to turn their back on you.
Usually your friends and family are your support structure; they will stand by you in good times and bad. Alcohol can lead to physically fighting with your friends and family and it can also lead to a loss of trust between you.
Ask yourself how can anyone trust someone that is drunk all the time? Sometimes the results are that your friends and family are either forced to abandon you to avoid you taking them down into your personal hell or they are forced to seek an intervention. Either result puts a great deal of strain on the relationships and can cause serious emotional damage.
Losing It All
When somebody becomes alcohol dependent they often find ways to sneak a during their day at work this tends to reduce their productivity and in some cases endanger their being as they try to perform their tasks in an alcoholic stupor. Most, if not all employers will automatically terminate drunk employees. Therefore loss of income is another effect of alcohol abuse and when you lose jobs to the effects of alcohol abuse it unleashes an entire series of terrible events to unfold. At some point you can no longer pay your bills, your home and car get taken away, the family you have sworn to support has to leave to find a better way in life, and you are left with nothing.
It is not an exaggeration to say that if you continue to abuse alcohol on a daily basis that you stand to lose literally everything that you hold dear in your life and your road to recovery will be long and difficult.
Alcohol abuse is everywhere, just look around you and you will see the suffering that it causes. The road to recovery is strewn with alcoholics whose lives have been ruined not to mention all the pain and anguish suffered by family and friends. Recovery from the effects of alcohol abuse is not as easy as the movies and television make it look. It is a long and painful process. Many people try and fail at many times over before they finally do succeed.
Thankfully there is a way out of this terrible scourge but real strength and determination is required to dig your way out of this quagmire.
What Are The Early Signs Of Alcohol Abuse?
The consumption of alcoholic beverages dates back to the beginning of time. Unfortunately some of us are affected by the excessive consumption of alcohol in a very negative way. Hence the problem of alcohol abuse which has disrupted lives, societies and civilizations over the generations..
In today’s society consuming alcohol has become the norm and when consumed in moderation, it can be a relaxing tonic. Many people come home from a hard day of work and unwind with a drink. How do you know, though, when that relaxing drink has taken over your life? How do you know when you become dependent on it? Alcohol abuse in today’s society is becoming a serious problem. In the past people used to believe that alcohol abuse was a characteristic of a weak person, but now it is known that it is really a serious disease that has a chance of affecting us all.
Statistics on Alcohol Abuse
A surprising statistic is that 1 in 13 adults is affected by alcohol abuse. The online health guide, WebMD reported that in the United States alone, 12 to 14 million adults suffer from alcohol abuse and each year, around 100,000 adults will die from alcohol abuse. It has also been proven that alcohol abuse is a large factor in contributing to the country’s car accidents, suicides and homicides. Alcohol also affects many other things in daily life, including increased rates of job absenteeism, and increased reports of domestic violence and child abuse.
What are the Signs of Alcohol Abuse?
Occasional drinks at home or with friends does not mean that you have a problem with alcohol. As a guideline:
- in women, a key indication that there is a degree ofalcohol abuse is if you consume more than seven drinks a week and more than three in a social gathering.
- In men, the rate of consumption would have to equal more than 14 drinks per week or anexcess of four drinks while with friends.
Other signs include:
- alcohol cravings,
- a loss of control when drinking, which leads to the person unable to stop drinking. –
-Tolerances built up to alcohol can be another sign of alcohol abuse,
- physical dependence on alcohol, such as nausea, sweating and headaches if no alcohol is consumed.
Scientists are discovering that many other factors are involved with drinking, such as family history of drinking, family genetics toward drinking, stress levels, and social and environmental factors.
Alcohol abuse is a very serious disease that is escalating all over the western world. It is a treatable disease, but is difficult to cure and it can affect anyone. Many factors make people more susceptible to it than others. Whilst many people drink and enjoy themselves in moderation, it is important that we all hear the message and keep our consumption to recognized tolerable levels.
Unfortunately modern society has raised the spectre of alcohol consumption to levels of absurdity as the fashion of Binge Drinking has become the norm amongst many of the young. This bad influence can only lead to more and more of us suffering from alcohol abuse.
Dental Assistants working with Drug Users
The effects of drug use in relation to oral health care include missing dental appointments, fear, anxiety, cravings for sweets, the risk of infection from Hepatitis B and HIV, oral neglect, periodontal disease, gingivitis, and painful gums. It is easy to see from this list how taking drugs can lead to ongoing oral health issues. If the drug use continues tooth lose and inflamed gum areas may increase.
Dental Assistants are often consulted when individuals call the dental office or come in complaining of severe tooth pain. This can be a ploy on the patient’s behalf to obtain drugs from the dental facility, either in the office or in the form of a prescription. Dental Assistants need to watch for such scenarios and listen to their gut reaction in such cases. Often, these individuals will come in at closing time, get a prescription and an appointment to return the next morning. They get the prescription filled, but never show up for the appointment.
Since drug use is so common, Dental Assistants and other dental staff should be properly trained in the areas of drug use, drug interactions, and promoting drug treatment. If your employer does not offer such training, it is important that you bring it to their attention. In the mean time, it is your responsibility to train yourself by educating yourself in these areas. You can do so with textbooks or online materials.
Dental Assistants can provide patients with education, early intervention, and motivation to seek treatment for drug use. Often Dental Assistants can help the patient find a treatment program to look into. It is important for the Dental Assistant to treat the patient with respect, but fully disclose the risks involved in continued drug use as well as they affects to their dental health. This is where those valuable communication skills come in to play.
Dental Assistants need to be very careful when providing dental care to drug users. Since the types of drugs they use generally aren’t disclosed, it is unknown what types of behaviors they will display. They may become violent or experience a chemical reaction when treated with a local anesthetic.
Treating patients who use drugs also raises the risk of being exposed to communicable diseases. All precautions need to be taken to protect yourself. Most dental facilities have policies and procedures in place for dealing with individuals who come in for appointments under the influence of drugs and other substances. However, for ongoing drug users, you might not even know they have been using anything prior to treating them.
As a Dental Assistant, if you suspect a patient has been using drugs, approach the situation confidentially and carefully. Your main goal is to make sure other patients and staff members are not at risk of being harmed. You have the right as a Dental Assistant to refuse treatment to anyone for any reason. While most Dental Assistants don’t exercise this right often, there is not reason to put yourself or others at risk.
Drug use can adversely affect an individual’s oral health. Dental Assistants can offer then assistance with getting treatment for drug use. They can also educate the patient on the effects of drug use. However, this is a gray area where Dental Assistants need to procedure based on the observations of the patient and the policies and procedures in place for the dental facility they work for.
