Archive for drug abuse

Evidence Based Substance Abuse Treatment

There is much talk in the substance abuse treatment field these days about Evidence Based Treatment. The phrase refers to treatment that has shown some sort of evidence (presumably scientific) that it is effective. Examples, of such treatments include cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, a variety of new medications, brief interventions, etc. On the surface of the matter it would seem that any reasonable person would support doing research on the phenomenon of addiction and its treatment and utilize the results of that research to continually improve the treatment that is provided. We like to believe we are reasonable people and certainly do support outcome research in our field and do our best to use the results of that research to improve care. However, caution is advised here for a number of reasons.

First, outcome research into emotional and behavioral conditions is notoriously difficult to do in the real world. It has been described as similar to entering a hall of mirrors. Generally speaking, the research tends to result in the conclusion that with any given condition there are a number of types of therapy that demonstrate effectiveness. The research tends to bog down though when attempts are made to determine whether or not one type of substance abuse treatment is superior to another. Studies then begin to focus on the attempt to match treatments that have shown some effectiveness with certain types of patients in order to maximize treatment outcomes-basically trying to determine what kinds of treatments, provided by what kinds of therapist work best with what kinds of patients. The theory is that with good assessment we can match patients with the kinds of treatments that are most effective given their symptoms and maximize the chances of success. We are sort of at that place with regard to outcome research into the treatment of addictions. The bottom line answer though is that it is too early to tell. Our field has yet to be able to even agree on how to measure the condition we are studying so that the results of one study or approach can be reasonably compared to another.

Second, because it seems difficult to argue with science and evidence there is a strong tendency for those with political, economic, religious or social agendas to use the cloak of science to alter an existing substance abuse treatment system to further agendas other than what is actually best for chemically dependent patients. I could say much about this topic but will not get on my soapbox. Rather, I think it is important to state where we are with all of this at Valley Hope.

We believe that chemical addiction is a disease, that there is no cure, that recovery is possible, that there is ample evidence, anecdotal and empirical, that substance abuse treatment like ours works. We believe that all alcoholics and addicts are human beings deserving of caring, respectful, dignified treatment; that they are ill not bad. We believe that the causes of chemical dependency are complex and not easily understood, that the disease ravages the entire person and that as a result treatment needs to be aimed at helping the whole person- mind, body and soul. We believe that the disease is chronic not acute and that recovery requires a commitment to a life long plan of action. Consequently, we believe that our commitment to helping each patient cannot be time limited. We believe that the active ingredients in treatment that works are not easily defined; that they do not lend themselves easily to exploration through the scientific method; and that science looks at phenomenon through a certain lens that colors and shapes the way a certain picture looks. History is replete with examples of how the meaning of data has been transformed by a change in perspective or by somehow recognizing the effect of context on the interpretation of the data. For now, we know deep in our hearts that love moves mountains and that a spiritual awakening is tied to recovery from addiction even though building a body of data to support these realities is difficult.

Further, we will be very cautious in implementing new substance abuse treatments that sound too good to be true as we have seen so many come and go over the years. There is no easier, softer way to recovery, no magic pill, no easy aphorism to guide every decision. We will scour the research on chemical dependency treatment to glean all that we can to aid us in helping more people achieve recovery. We will, however, evaluate the research critically and insure that we do not abandon treatment philosophies and methods that we know in our hearts work in order to chase faddish treatments based on early outcome studies that show some statistical significance but questionable clinical significance.

Category: drug abuse / Tags: ,

The Differences Between Drug Addiction and Drug Abuse

A drug problem is an everyday struggle of not only the user, although some users haven’t realized yet that it is a problem, but the users family, friends, or special loved one. You may not instantly determine or realize that someone you care about is having problem with drugs.

People involved with drug problems or know someone who has at times thinks that drug addiction and drug abuse are basically the same thing, and should just be used interchangeably. But actually they are both different terms with different meanings. Complexity revolving drug abuse and definition has become increasingly clear and several efforts have been done to look of the right meaning both terms.

Drug Addiction:

The World Health Organization committee (WHO) had collected numerous of definitions concerning drug abuse and addiction and had suggested a generic term “drug dependence”. This addiction is defined as a disorder wherein the drug user’s behavior is being strongly influenced and dominated by the drug. It is a condition of recurring intoxication that happens when there is constant consumption of drug. It has characteristics of intense need or desire of continuous use, tendency of increasing dosage, unfavorable effects on both individual and society, and dependence on effects.

Drug Abuse:

Drug abuse is defined as the misuse of the drug or substance according the culturally acceptable standard. It is simply an abuse usage of substance which may involve excessive and habitual use in order to attain a certain effect. These so-called substances may be illegal, can be taken from streets and syndicates against the law, or can be legal as well in a form of prescription that are used in a pleasurable manner rather than medical.

Causes of Drug Addiction and Drug Abuse:

As both terms have different definition, their causes are different as well. Drug abuse is more complicated than drug addiction, although drug addiction has more forceful motivational condition. With drug addiction, it comprises the drug’s effect on the brain wherein it can become a strong motivational factor to use the drug again. On the other hand, drug abuse as a misuse of a substance, may or may not go together with a strong motivational factor to continue the use of the drug. In many cases, therefore, drug abuse does not necessarily make drug addiction, but drug addiction can constitute drug abuse.

Patterns of Behavior:

Drug addiction and Drug abuse have basically the same effects. Both have unwanted or unfavorable consequences both to society and the individual. Some symptoms and patterns of behavior of drug addiction and abuse comprise an abnormally slow in speech, reaction or movement, cycles of restlessness, inability of sleep or intensified energy, sudden gain or loss of weight, series of excessive sleep, sudden constant wearing of long-sleeved tops even under high temperature just to hide scars of injection points, loss of physical control, sudden impulse and confidence in doing risky activities, and withdrawal symptoms when trying to stop drug use.

Knowing the fact that drug users are prone to deny their drug-related symptoms and behavior, the family, friends, and loved ones must be sensitive and be more aware of these signs.

Being with a Drug Abuse or Addiction Problem:

At times it is not easily recognizable that someone so important to you is struggling with drug problem. It could be that it has started very early but not noticeable since the progression is slow, and that person might have been good in hiding the level of drug use from you. Or since that drug has been used early on and slowly, you might have easily adapted to the users behavior to the point that it seems normal still. It can be that the realization that someone so important to you is a victim of drugs is painful. You should never feel embarrassed. There are so many people who are in the same position as you. Drug abuse and addiction have affected millions of families all over the world.

There are available help and support everywhere. You can start by looking for support groups locally. Support groups can be in your very own religious area, private or government institutions, and small communities. By just listening to others who share the same experiences and dilemmas can be a very good way of support and give comfort. Other sources to find support and help would include a therapist, spiritual leader, a trusted friend or family member.

Category: drug abuse / Tags: ,

How to Detect Drug Abusing Teenagers

The effects of substance abuse in teens are not only individual; they can also be seen on the society. They may face problems at school or college and may involve in criminal activities. It is therefore very important to detect drug abusing teenagers. Drug testing should be conducted on a regular basis at schools and homes to identify and save them from harmful drugs of abuse.

Signs of drug abuse
Identifying certain signs helps you to detect if the kid is addicted to the drugs. Some of the common physical and emotional signs are:

• Change in sleep patterns
• Poor motor coordination
• Poor hygiene and illness including nausea and excessive sweating
• Irregular heartbeat
• Impaired thinking
• Mood swings
• Hyperactivity or overtired
• Depression

Drug abusing teens lose their interest in family activities, often abuse verbally and physically at home or school, and disrespect the family or school. In addition, abrupt decrease in grades, memory and attention loss, and lack of interest and concentration on studies are some of the signs at school. The moment you observe any of the above mentioned signs, you need to immediately check if the kid is abusing drugs. Drug testing is one of the safest and easiest ways to detect the drug abuse among teens.

Types of drug tests
There are different types of methods to detect the teens who are using drugs. Some of the common ones are urine, saliva, hair, and blood tests.

Urine drug test
Of all the types, urine testing is used most commonly as it is inexpensive method used to detect a drug user. You can use urine test kits at home or school to check if the child is addicted to illegal drugs. Quick and accurate results are obtained by these test kits.

Saliva drug test
It is more advantageous as it is relatively non-intrusive. Saliva from the mouth is taken through a swab and is checked for the presence of drugs. Most recent drug abuse can be detected by saliva tests. Conducting saliva test is very easy and also provides accurate and immediate results.

Hair drug test
This method is also non-intrusive. A hair sample of 1.5 inches in length is enough for conducting the test. Drug or its metabolites deposited at the hair shaft are detected by hair tests. You can get very reliable and accurate results by this method.

Blood drug test
You can also use a blood sample of the teen to detect illegal drug usage. It is however expensive and you need to approach laboratory as you cannot conduct it at your home.

Detection periods
The detection period depends on the method of test conducted. These detection periods vary from the type, dosage, and frequency of drug used.

Urine drug test can detect drug or its metabolites for 30 days in frequent users and for 2-3 days in occasional users. The test detects Cocaine for 4-5 days, Heroin for 2-4 days, Methamphetamine for 3-5 days, PCP for 3-7 days, and Codeine for 2-4 days.

A saliva test is mostly used to detect recent drug usage. However, it can also detect drugs consumed 3 days back. Of all the methods, hair drug test has a longer detection period. It detects illegal drug consumption for about 90 days.

What if results are positive?
Once the kid is tested positive by drug test kit, talk to him/her about the result. You can get a confirmatory result through laboratory tests. Communicate with him regularly regarding the effects of drug abuse. Ask him to leave companions or friends who are habituated to drugs. If necessary, send him/her to substance abuse treatment program.

Importance of intervention
Detection and intervention of drug abuse at primitive stages can prevent further damage. Drug intervention is an attempt made by family members or school authorities to help the teen get out of drug abuse or addiction. The main objective of intervention is to make the teen understand the physical and mental destruction caused by drug abuse. If you are not able to speak to the kid on this, you can take help of your friends or relatives. You can also consult specialists who counsel drug abusers and help them get back to their normal life.

Parents and school authorities should always keep an eye on the behavior and activities of the teens. Necessary measures have to be taken in order to prevent them from taking drugs.

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