Discouraging Facts & Figures About Synthetic Drug Addiction

 

Have you heard about news stories where some folks were taken to hospitals because they were walking around town “dazed” or were having “altered states of minds”? Well, I've heard of a couple of them, and in most cases the folks who were dazed and confused often exhibited violent or outrageous behaviors, because of their addiction to synthetic drugs! Read on to earn more about the discouraging facts and figures about synthetic drug addiction. 

What are These, and Why are Many Addicted to Them?

According to experts on dangerous drugs, synthetic drug addiction is on the rise today, especially among young adults, is because they're believed to give people a “safe” high. In addition, it's quite easy to acquire these, as one can find them in smoke shops, convenience stores and online venues. 

For example, there's something called synthetic marijuana, which is believed to be 800 times more potent than its natural, plant-based counterpart (and sells for just $30 per gram). Since these drugs are man-made, the drug's potency is literally in the hands of the manufacturer, and every dose is different too (and they're so sneaky that regular drug tests won't easily pick them up). 

Who Usually Falls Prey to Synthetic Drugs?

According to dangerous drugs experts, the ones who often fall prey to synthetic drug addiction are young teenagers, recovering drug addicts and convicted felons. The young folks are usually aged from 12 to 17 years old, and are a prime target because of their curiosity and gullibility. 

Those who recover from an addiction to heroin, cocaine and methamphetamine also see these synthetic drugs as “safer” alternatives to the more dangerous concoctions, so much that they could be taking something stronger than anything they've used before. And of course, convicted felons use these stuff in prisons, because they know that these won't easily show up in drug tests. 

What Types of Synthetic Drugs are Readily Available Today?

According to law enforcement officials, there's a designer drug in the works in a laboratory somewhere in the planet today, and what's sad is that the authorities just can't keep up with the influx of new, and even more dangerous variants. 

For starters, one of the drug called Spice and K2, which are actually street names for synthetic marijuana. These are often sold in small, silver plastic bags which look like dried leaves. What's bad is that these are often advertised as legal and safe! 

Next, there's Molly or ecstasy, which are referred to as MDMA, and are a common fixture as colored pills in night clubs, music festivals and dance clubs. Most often believe it's only ecstasy, but the truth is that the pill could be laced by something more potent, and more dangerous. 

There are even synthetic opioids like fentanyl, and synthetic cocaine, which can be easily sourced online, and are often labeled as 'research chemicals” or even “plant food”. These are also sold under street names like Amplified, Mint Mania and Mind Melt, and are fueling much of the global synthetic drug addiction. 

So, how do you stop, or contain the world's synthetic drug addiction? Well, there are many options available today, and these include enrolling patients in the 12 Step Program, or by placing them in various inpatient and outpatient programs.  

However, the type of treatment may depend on the severity of the condition. Like for example, if the patient is already addicted, then he or she may require 24/7 care in an inpatient treatment program.

Fast, Furious Facts about Fentanyl Addiction

 

According to drug enforcement experts in the United States, 67,367 people in 2018 died from drug-related overdose, which was nearly double the number in 2017. Around 31, 335 of these people died from an overdose due to a synthetic opioid called fentanyl. So, what is fentanyl, how does it affect its users and how can people overcome it? Read on to learn more fast, furious facts about fentanyl addiction. 

Fentanyl is a Powerful Synthetic Drug for Treating Chronic Pain

Doctors use fentanyl for treating patients who suffer from severe or chronic pain, especially after surgical procedures. Fentanyl is a synthetic drug which belongs to the prescription opioid class. However, because it's like morphine (but 50 to 100 times more powerful) a lot of folks easily get addicted to it. 

Today, fentanyl addiction is the newest drug threat to the planet, and its strength and potency has made it so popular for recreational use and abuse. Drug dealers often mix fentanyl with heroin to increase its potency, and then they sell fentanyl itself as heroin, which explains why  many users think they're taking pure heroin. 

How Do Addicts Use Fentanyl?

Fentanyl can be used in many ways, although this may depend on the intention of use. When used properly, clinicians and doctors provide it for patients in a monitored setting. Fentanyl is available via an intramuscular shot, a patch on the skin or cough drop-like lozenges. 

But, when used illicitly, fentanyl comes in different forms like pressed pills, powder, dropped onto blotted paper, eyedroppers and nasal sprays.  

The Effects of Using Fentanyl

Those who fall prey to fentanyl addiction often get a strong, pleasurable high, which leaves them feeling relaxed, euphoric and calm. Users also report “nodding out”, which refers to the blissful shift between states of semi-consciousness and alertness. But, when the high is over, the addict will continue to take fentanyl again. 

The other less pleasurable side effects of fentanyl use include drowsiness, confusion, slowed breathing, constipation and nausea. And like all opioids, fentanyl can also slow down breathing and heart rate, which can further lead to difficulties in breathing and potential respiratory arrest. 

What's the Best Way to Treat an Addiction to Fentanyl?

Perhaps the most frightening thing about fentanyl addiction is that it's much easier to overdose on it than on other opioids, because of its amazing potency. And, fentanyl-laced heroin can make things worse, because substances that are laced with fentanyl are usually to blame for many accidental overdoses.   

Thankfully, there are a number of ways to treat fentanyl addiction. For starters, drug and alcohol treatment centers an help treat substance abuse issues. Much of these programs are well-equipped and well-staffed to handle the complex conditions of fentanyl abuse. 

Most fentanyl addicts begin with a medically-supervised detoxification process, after which they transition to another level of care, depending on their treatment program. Next, patients are provided with the tools and resources required to enable them to return to their normal lives.

How to Counter the Evils of Over-the-counter Drug Addiction

 

If you think that the usual cough, cold or headache medications that you normally see on the shelves of pharmacies and drug stores are used properly by everyone, think again. In fact, the  truth is that over-the-counter (OTC) medications are generally available without a prescription, and are often safe at recommended doses. However, they can also be abused. But, even though these are less potent (or as harsh) as other substances like cocaine or ecstasy, they can still pose a high risk for developing a nasty addiction. Read on to learn more on what steps are being done to counter the evils of over the counter drug addiction. 

Even Recreational Addiction to OTC Drugs Can Alter the Brain

Whether the person is addicted to cough medicines like dextromethorphan, or cold medications like pseudoephedrine, or motion sickness pills, over the counter drug addiction in the long run may alter or damage the brain's chemistry. 

According to health experts, OTC drug addicts eventually build a tolerance to the drug, which prompts them to require more of the substance to get the previous effects. And, even when they stopped using the drug already, the person may develop withdrawal symptoms that are hard to control. 

The most common symptoms of  over the counter drug addiction include irritability, confusion, agitation, anxiety, depression and mood changes. The problem with this type of substance addiction is that it can be difficult to spot. 

For example, OTC medications like Tylenol and other cough medications do not carry the same dangerous image as illicit substances like ecstasy, opium and cocaine. Thus, most folks don't see them as addictive, and many of their loved ones or friends will not know that they're already addicted to it. 

The Grim Statistics of OTC Abuse

Some of the signs of over the counter drug addiction include continuing to use the drug despite knowing the consequences, and spending too much time and money using or getting them. In 2005, the US Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) issued a warning regarding dextromethorphan  abuse after a series of incidences caused by the medication. 

The World Health Organization also notes that around 3.1 million young adults aged 12 to 25 have used non-prescription cough and cold medications just to get high. An estimated 4% of 12^th graders in the United States have also been noted to have abused some form of cough medicine.  

The Treatment/Intervention Options for OTC Addiction 

According to drug intervention specialists, those who suffer from over the counter drug addiction have  a lot of effective treatment options to choose from, whether it's individual or group therapy, mental health counseling, and psychotherapies like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). 

There are also inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation programs and interventions which allow recovering addicts to stay sober, improve their lives and get helpful resources for preventing a relapse. 

Recovering addicts can also attend 12-step groups like Narcotics Anonymous (or any group that resembles this in their hometown), where they are afforded the love and guidance by fellow recovering substance abusers and their guidance counselors. 

Ways That Drug Intervention Programs Are Beneficial

 

Do you have a loved one that is spiraling out of control because of addiction? If yes, you may have tried many times how to stop them. This drug addiction is a continuous cycle of promises, threats, relapses, &reprieves. The thing is that drug intervention programs can put an end to this cycle. 

Drug intervention is somehow different from what could be seen on a reality show. These are methodically-planned processes including several hours of work of pre-intervention. This is even before the alcoholic or addict is approached. 

The essential key to obtaining a successful outcome is pre-drug intervention. This process comes with a specific goal of getting the alcoholic or addict to accept treatment. Then, he or she will be guided across the bridge towards a recovery plan long-term. 

Below are the ways that drug intervention programs seem beneficial. 

Interventionists Not Part of the Family System

The ones who will perform the drug intervention programs are not part of the family system. They find it easy to approach the addict in a collective way possible. The interventionists will tease out all manipulations, lies, & subterfuge. They’ll bring the complete picture of the addiction to the light. The addict won’t anymore hide in the difficulty that he or she has created. The game is finally over since everyone is informed. 

Being a neutral 3^rd party, they can essentially handle the process of treatment, discharge planning, & after-care therapy including support. The family members are often considered as distrustful & critical. But hiring an interventionist to perform the drug intervention programs might mean a sounding board for all. Reach out for advice and seek help from a professional. It’s always the right choice to have an addiction interventionist. This is the right thing to do to help move your family toward the road of recovery. 

Individualized & Focused Essential to Long-Term Sobriety

The impressive thing about the drug intervention is that it’s essential to the long-term sobriety of an individual affected. The patient will often start the treatment course following medical intervention. This is also then called detoxification. In this process, it will flush the toxins from the body of the addict. It will continue to stabilizing them for long-term therapy. Early drug intervention is an essential part of the detoxification process. The severity of withdrawal symptoms and the length of treatment can further be minimized by early action. 

Can Be Life-saving

A drug intervention can be life-saving for a relative or close friend. Especially when handled early on, they can become particularly successful. They likewise prevent dependency on deep substance use. This sort of dependency brings about all psychological, physical, & emotional issues with addiction.

Moreover, significant long-term health benefits can come with the early implementation of drug intervention programs. The risks also are further reduced with any critical conditions that might seem developing. These can include heart disease, kidney, & liver disease! 

Be confident in beating drug addiction by having a loved one undergo drug intervention programs. The goal here is to help someone enjoy a well-managed life of sobriety!

Benefits to Discover from Hiring Professional Heroin Intervention

 

Do you want to help your loved one recover from heroin addiction? If yes, he or she should be persuaded from undergoing an intervention. This might seem straightforward but this is the right solution. For one, people who are addicted to this drug find it difficult to make practical decisions, regulating their emotions, & controlling their behavior. 

Hiring professional heroin intervention services is one of the few solutions to convince your loved one in starting a treatment plan. This may include therapy or rehab. It’s therefore essential preparing for any kind of scenario coming up during a meeting. The individual addicted may be experiencing rejection, denial, & hurt feelings. 

Indeed, a well-rehearsed plan will push for a smooth intervention. This will continue towards a healthy lifestyle. 

Below are the ways that professional heroin intervention services can seem beneficial. 

The Attending Addiction Specialist is Trained

An addiction specialist is trained in facilitating good intervention. One is already an expert in people struggling w/ drug addictions. He or she will help in the execution & planning of the meeting. Plus, any unexpected challenges that may come up might also be handled effectively. 

This professional includes an intervention specialist, social worker, & therapist. Better to check the credentials and search for someone having experience in the intervention style you’re searching to do. 

The Intervention Group Is Dedicated

The heroin intervention services often suggest including 4 to 6 important people in the life of a loved one. This is to best convey the message. Every member will have to invest in the health of an individual. They need to dedicate themselves helping during a treatment solution over the long term. Plus, they will show their support along the way. Anyone who also is using drugs should not be associated with the loved one. 

Treatment Options Are Introduced

The impressive thing about the professional heroin intervention services is that they introduced techniques that will work with your loved one. They’ll figure it out between the intervention specialist & the group. The logical treatment options will likewise be presented. 

A Comfortable Setting is Chosen

A private, safe, & non-threatening location will be chosen by the ones enacting the professional heroin intervention services. This will then make your loved one and everyone involved feel like they’re on a neutral ground. Among other options include private space, a conference room, & a local community center. 

Short Meetings Are Organized

Short meetings will usually be organized over time. This is part of the professional heroin intervention services offered. Before the meetings, a plan will often be carried out in the order that the people involved will speak. They’ll have their specific time of speeches and written messages. That’s also including how they respond to some specific reactions. This will then reduce the stress of logistics while the emotions kept running high. 

The messages will be maintained to be sweet and short.  They won’t need to be turned into a conversation. 

No turning back in hiring professional heroin intervention services today. Trust only the addiction specialist to help you with your loved one’s addiction problem!

Effective Guide in Staging an Intervention for an Addicted Family Member

 

Cocaine intervention is a significant event that is created by friends & family of a person struggling with cocaine addiction. This will help an individual in realizing having a problem. One will now believe that he or she needs help & support. 

Reality television shows have already popularized interventions in the past few years. They provide incentive & encouragement for the individual struggling with addiction & seeking help. They come in different forms than the usual family meeting often displayed in the media. 

Truly, cocaine intervention is a carefully planned process. This is essential for the family & friends involved. This helps all of the team members in staying on the topic & avoiding placing blame, saying hurtful things, & making accusations. 

Its main focus is on staying on the positive. It’s necessary for the individual struggling with cocaine addiction to understand the condition affecting both the emotional & mental health. The thing is not to put the blame on him that might only cause harm. 

Family & friends may stage an intervention by consulting a professional interventionist. One will structure the process of planning and will guide the intervention team. This will then lead to the success of the overall event. 

Below are the steps involved in the successful cocaine intervention. 

Seek Help

It will involve calling a professional interventionist, doctor, or social worker. It may even require contacting friends & other family members. Support is needed in the process. It’s also not advised to do all the work alone. 

Establish an Intervention Team

The team to organize should also include a professional interventionist. It generally includes friends, family members, & co-workers. It must not include a person presently struggling with his substance abuse issues. 

Devise a Plan

The scheduling of cocaine intervention will include a time of day, specific day, location, & a guest list. It must also include a clear outline of the process and how it will work. What everyone will say is even one thing to consider. This indeed makes an overall guide for the event. 

Gather More Information

It’s right to gather more information about the addiction, recovery process, & substance abuse. Include knowing more about rehabilitation & detox programs. This is especially the ones that suit their needs & personalities. 

Write the Most Impactful Statements

The successful intervention would include writing the most impactful statements. Everyone must have something to say about the struggles of an addicted person. These will include personal statements & details about the impact of addiction on the individual. 

Relationships are mostly & deeply hurt because of substance abuse. Now, the written statements about how the relationship is affected help the individual struggling with addiction. One will understand more of his struggle not impacting him alone but the whole family, too. The statements will also need to be emotionally honest and will have to focus on love. Personal attacks should never be included in these statements. 

Offer Help

The people attending the cocaine intervention must support their loved ones addicted to cocaine. This is true while he or she is going through rehabilitation, detox, & long-term recovery. For instance, offer some rides to the treatment once a a week. Also, offer some support in the group meetings or family therapy sessions. 

Follow this effective guide in staging a cocaine intervention towards a family member addicted!

The Risks Of Combining Meth And Alcohol

 

The practice of using multiple drugs at the same time, also called Polysubstance dependence is not uncommon. Meth users that mix the habit with binge drinking often experience an increase of the impact of meth use. The effect of alcohol on the motivation of a person to use methamphetamine, or vice versa, is considered to be momentary. That is why treating methamphetamine addiction can be really hard for the users and their families. A meth intervention is one of the effective ways to stop the misuse and the co-use of both substances. 

The Dangers of Mixing Meth and Alcohol

Many people mix meth and alcohol because they believe that it can magnify both the high of each substance, at the same time, relieve some of the negative effects of each substance. For example, meth may relieve sedation due to alcohol drinking while alcohol may alleviate insomnia associated with meth use. 

Studies reveal that alcohol intake can get in the way of meth metabolism, resulting in a higher meth concentration in the bloodstream. So, if alcohol increases meth levels in the blood, it may heighten the stimulating effects of meth on the nervous system and cardiovascular system. For example, the combination of meth and alcohol can increase heart rate much further than using meth alone. 

Meth may counteract some of the effects of alcohol drinking, like sedation and impaired performance. As a result, a person using both may think they are sober enough to drive or engage in other physical activities and dangerous behaviors. Meth also has the tendency to increase libido. On the other hand, alcohol tends to lower inhibitions. Those who use these substances at the same time may be more likely to engage in high-risk sexual activities, making meth and alcohol a dangerous combination. 

Intervention, Treatment, and Rehabilitation

Abusing any substance alone comes with many serious risks. But, when you throw in other substances to the mix, it can introduce new adverse effects, amplifying the dangers of the initial substance. If you or someone you know has a hard time stopping using meth, alcohol, and other drugs, as well as mixing substances, it is time to seek meth intervention. Each time a person abuses drugs, the risks are so high that there is the potential for grave harm. 

Individuals who have acquired a dependence on both methamphetamine and alcohol should begin their recovery in meth intervention. When it comes to alcohol withdrawal, it may bring about severe and sometimes life-threatening symptoms, and meth withdrawal can be distressing both physically and psychologically. An inpatient environment where the patients receive supervision and care around the clock may prevent potentially fatal complications and can provide a more comfortable detox. 

After meth intervention and detox, treatment usually involves therapy and also medication. Common aspects of addiction treatment consist of group counseling, individual counseling, medication, family therapy, drug and mental health education classes, and skill-building groups, recreational and other alternative therapies. Treatment can help patients gain the tools they need to develop and maintain the much-needed recovery from meth and alcohol addiction.