Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services

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How To Stop Marijuana Cravings

By John Myler 

Would you like to learn proven methods to stop marijuana cravings from tempting you?

According to the National Household Survey on Drug Abuse that was conducted in 2001, it is estimated that 83 million Americans have tried marijuana. It is also estimated that 5.6 million of these users reporting having problems with illicit drug use and more than 2 million of these users feel dependent on smoking marijuana.

There are effective treatments and supplements that you can take to control the urge to smoke marijuana, however not everyone can afford to go to a rehab clinic or fork out hundreds of dollars for craving supplements that may or may not work.

This is where Emotional Freedom Technique (or EFT) comes into place. It is free, quick, easy and very effective at stopping cravings of all kinds including craving to smoke marijuana joints.

So what is EFT?

EFT is in simple terms, a method to break habits. By applying pressure on certain areas of your body whilst thinking about your craving you can reverse this craving for whatever it is you do not want. The technique is also used to send positive affirmations to your subconscious mind. The technique looks very strange but it is very simple to do and very effective. I would recommend everyone try this technique as it is so simple to achieve results.

What you will be doing is tapping with our fingertips on certain key points of the body. Just before tapping and during tapping you should concentrate on your craving. For example, if you wanted to smoke a joint, you would think about smoking a joint and imagine yourself already smoking a joint.

It's very simple stuff and can be performed by anyone. Results are instant and the whole process should not take you more than 3 minutes to complete.

The Cannabis Coach provides an interactive complete marijuana stop-smoking system to guide you through your mental and physical cravings from your quit date on to smoke-free status. Get your life back on track and start saving money! http://www.cannabiscoach.com

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Multi-Generational Drug Abuse

By Steve Joseph           

Drug abuse is a most divisive force within a family unit. It causes people to lie to those that trust them, to use violence against those that love them and above all, to loathe themselves. In many cases the abuse of drugs goes on for many years, causing an ingrained type of damage that becomes a feature of daily life. Yet amidst the pain and suffering that is caused by drugs, there often remains an inability for individuals to fully heal themselves. In fact says that the incidence of drug abuse amongst children of drug addicts remains disproportionately high, in spite of first hand experience with the devastating disease. This fact clearly outlines the need for and the significance of expert rehabilitation programs that counters the disease to the same extent that drug abuse has negatively impacted the family.

There are a variety of methods and programs that exist with regard to drug rehab programs but the priorities of almost all drug rehab programs are defined by the level of abuse of the drug addict. The process of successful drug rehab programs is usually based upon a series of fundamental needs which are designed to:

-Allow the immediate effects of the drugs in your system to dissipate

-Safely detoxify the body and remove lasting traces of drugs from the body

-Avoid relapse by undergoing individual counseling

-Identify the things that may trigger a relapse

-Undergo family or marital counseling as appropriate

The last point which relates to family and marital counseling can be extremely significant for the purposes of breaking a lasting cycle of abuse. Most rehab programs are keen to point out the need for families to tackle drug abuse and agree that the role of family and friends as a means of support cannot be overstated. Hand in hand with this issue is the need for individual members of the family to be reconciled with the pain of their experiences. Family members simply cannot provide a supportive network for recovering addicts if they are continuing to harbor resentment or unresolved issues that stem from the drug user. Secondly, the chances of forming a multi-generational pattern of drug abuse are far greater if family reconciliation is not undertaken.

The author is a regular contributor to [http://www.rehabinfocentre.com] and permission to reproduce this article is given only on the basis that all links remain active and intact.

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Beyond Needle Marks - How Substance Abuse Affects Skin

By Matt Nilsen                 

The damage caused by substance abuse becomes increasingly challenging to camouflage. You may see the signs in yourself; you may see the signs in someone you care for. The mirror rarely lies. Your reflection will eventually reveal the burden you work so hard to conceal.

Substance Abuse Damages the Skin

For those who are relatively healthy, skin changes are often the first recognizable indicator of substance use and abuse. This may explain why dermatologists are often the first of the medical professionals to recognize the early signs of substance abuse disorder.

For better or worse, your skin is a reflection of what's happening inside your body. The chemicals fueling your addiction will impair your skin's ability to repair and heal. The effects are cumulative. While chemical abuse will cause your skin to take on a dull, unhealthy tone, certain types of substances are known to cause specific skin concerns. Some of the common skin concerns include:

• Infections

• Ulcers

• Vascular damage

• Mouth sores

• Skin flushing

• Hyperpigmentation

• Breakouts

Accelerating the Aging process with Stimulants

If you are indulging in any type of stimulant, you potentially expedite the aging process. Your heart beats faster, and your body needs to work harder to keep up with the increased demands. Under the strain of stimulants, your body produces the stress hormone, cortisol. Cortisol breaks down the collagen and elastin in your skin.

Collagen is the support structure within your skin. Elastin keeps your skin supple. When a body is under the stress of chemical dependency, the loss of collagen and elastin will result in saggy jowls, drooping eyelids, loose skin, wrinkles and deepened folds around your nose and mouth. In fact, stimulant abuse can cause you to look decades older. When you combine the effects of collagen loss with the potential weight loss and malnutrition associated with stimulant abuse, the acceleration of skin aging is even more pronounced

The Scars and Scabs of Methamphetamine Use

The chemical imbalances and dehydration caused by drug use, particularly methamphetamines, can result in uncomfortable and troubling sensations on your skin. You may feel like you have bugs crawling on your skin and below the surface. The sensations can be maddening. You may respond by scratching or picking at your skin. Irritation leads to more scratching and picking. Repeated skin irritation and skin injury will result in sores that heal slowly, or not at all. This cycle will scar your skin.

Sores that are slow to heal, blisters, scabs, and scars are some of the more recognizable skin problems associated with methamphetamine use. Commonly called meth sores or meth mites, these sores most commonly occur on your face and arms.

Since methamphetamines also interfere with blood flow, meth sores can appear anywhere on your body. Methamphetamines destroy blood vessels, interfere with your body's ability to repair cellular damage and can also cause leathery looking skin.

The Enlarged, Protruding or Damaged Veins of Intravenous Drug Use

Many IV drugs are vasodilators that can also induce vasospasms. That means that IV drugs will cause your blood vessels to expand, but then quickly contract. Vasospasms disrupt your circulation, which results in pain, swelling, skin ulcerations, skin infections and blood clots.

Approximately 88 percent of intravenous drug users will also develop chronic venous insufficiency. Venous insufficiency means the valves inside your veins that keep your blood flow moving towards your heart don't close properly. Leaky valves allow the blood to flow backward into the veins. This results in enlarged veins that can bulge and twist, varicose veins.

Severe venous insufficiency can also result in skin ulcers that are difficult to heal because of the decrease in circulation. This skin on your lower legs can discolor and take on a rough, scaly appearance. This is more than a cosmetic issue. Vein damage increases your risk of deep vein thrombosis (blood clots) and raises your risk of developing a life-threatening pulmonary embolism (a blood clot that travels to the lungs).

Cellulitis as a Consequence of Skin Popping

While most microorganisms living on your skin are harmless, they can cause devastating consequences when entering your body through an injection site. When veins become damaged by drug use, some IV drug users resort to skin popping, injecting drugs under the surface of the skin. Skin popping is linked to an increased risk of cellulitis, a rash-like skin infection caused by staph or strep bacteria. While this form of bacterial infection is not contagious, it forms a tender, hot, red swollen rash that spreads rapidly.

Cellulitis requires prompt medical attention. Left untreated this infection can enter your bloodstream and lymphatic system. Cellulitis can cause chronic swelling of the infected limb, or worse. Although it's rare, cellulitis can destroy soft tissues, requiring surgery to remove the damage.

Staph and Fungal Infections Due to Immune System Impairment

Substance abuse disorders disrupt your immune system. They make it difficult for your body to fight infections, this can result in an increase in infections that your once healthy immune system could have eliminated before it could cause any problems. You may find yourself prone to staph infections and fungal infections, particularly on your feet, where fungus thrives in the moist environment. If you are prone to psoriasis or eczema, you may find your flares more frequent and increasingly difficult to manage.

Surface Indications of Alcohol Abuse

Skin flushing can be an indication of alcohol abuse. Alcohol is a blood vessel dilator. Alcohol breaks down to acetaldehyde, which can cause a histamine release, which is the same thing that can happen during an allergic event.

With long-term alcohol abuse, you may also notice an increase in spider veins, small, broken capillaries close to the surface of your skin. Spider veins are often the most noticeable on your face, neck, chest, arms, hands, and abdomen. Particularly in those with liver damage.

The damage to your liver caused by alcohol dependency can also cause jaundice, the yellowing of your skin and eyes. This discoloration is an indication that you have an excessive amount of bilirubin in your system. Your liver normally breaks down bilirubin, but the function has been impaired by alcohol. When treated in its early stages, jaundice caused by the alcohol-related liver disease can be improved.

Increased Severity of Breakouts and Acne

Because of the increased amount of cortisol produced under stress; you may also find that your skin reflects the internal struggle by breaking out. Cortisol increases inflammation; acne is your skin's response to the inflammation cortisol causes. Acne can also be aggravated by the skin picking habits associated with meth use and the simple fact that addiction may cause you to overlook your basic skin care needs.

Drug and alcohol abuse can cause inflammation, malnutrition, and dehydration. It weakens your immune system and damages blood vessels. Addiction adversely affects your body's ability to heal. Your skin reflects the damage, while your brain, bones and internal organs continue to pay the price.

Restoring your appearance may be enough motivation to get you, or keep you, on the right path to a drug-free lifestyle. It may not. But as you conquer your addiction, you will see the signs of your progress. You can be assured that the improved health of your skin is a visible indication of the healing within.

Drug Detox Centers is physiological rehabilitation after drug addiction. An accredited and licensed facility that prevent unpleasant outcomes from suddenly quitting a drug. The focus of detox program is on monitoring and supporting the patient as the body cleanses itself of the drug's toxins and goes through withdrawal symptoms.

We have a team of drug detox specialists who are trained in assessing an individual's requirements and can help you find a program that is best-suited for your needs. Call (877) 262-6566 now to speak to one of our drug detox specialists and start on the road to recovery! [http://drugdetoxcenters.com]

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Combatting Anxiety With 4-7-8 Breathing Pattern

By Susan Navarez 

Individuals suffering from anxiety are on a continuous lookout for techniques that can help them combat the mental disorder and relax their minds. One such technique doing the rounds these days is the 4-7-8 breathing pattern.

Also known as the "relaxing breath", the 4-7-8 breathing technique involves breathing in for 4 seconds, holding the breath for 7 seconds, and exhaling for 8 seconds. According to some proponents, this breathing technique helps in reducing anxiety and even helps people fall sleep within a minute. Even though there is little scientific evidence to support this breathing technique, a lot of people are turning to it for instant relief from anxiety symptoms and a more relaxed sleep.

Understanding the 4-7-8 breathing technique

The 4-7-8 breathing technique is followed as a core exercise by several alternative healing therapies such as yoga and meditation, as it helps promote relaxation. This breathing technique needs an individual to focus on taking a long deep breath at the time of inhalation. Supporters of this technique feel that it can help achieve the following:

• Better sleep
• Management of various types of yearnings and cravings
• Reduced or controlled anger responses
• Improved and gradually reduced anxiety symptoms

How to practice the 4-7-8 breathing technique?

Prior to starting this breathing pattern, it is suggested that an individual gets into a relaxed sitting or lying down position. They should then touch the roof of their mouth, just behind the front teeth with the tip of their tongue. Once settled, the individual should follow the below mentioned steps.

• Exhale the air out of the lungs so as to empty the lungs completely
• Inhale for a count of four seconds
• Hold the breath for a count of seven seconds
• Exhale forcefully via the mouth for a count of eight seconds. While exhaling, the individual should make a "o" of their lips and make a "whoosh" sound.

An individual must follow this breathing technique twice a day to start noticing the benefits at the earliest. However, first-timers must refrain from exceeding four breath cycles at a stretch. Once the practitioner is comfortable with the technique, they can practice it for longer durations.

For the first couple of times, an individual may feel light-headed after practicing this breathing technique. Thus it is advised to try this technique while lying or sitting down to avert falls or dizziness. It is far more important to maintain the ratio instead of focusing on the number of seconds the breathing pattern lasts for. If an individual struggles to hold their breath for a long time, they can opt for a breathing pattern of shorter duration, which would be:

• Inhaling for a count of 2 seconds
• Holding the breath for a period of 3.5 seconds
• Exhaling forcefully for 4 seconds

If an individual is successful in maintaining the appropriate ratio, they will start noticing the benefits within a couple of weeks of following this technique consistently, once or twice a day. They would notice a lower frequency in the occurrence of their anxiety symptoms and a more restful sleep.

Seeking help for anxiety disorder

Anxiety is a part and parcel of life, and feeling anxious in situations that are challenging and stressful is quite normal. However, when anxiety persists and worsens with time, it becomes a disorder. Anxiety afflicts nearly 40 million American adults and is one of the most common mental health concerns in the U.S.

If you or a loved one is suffering from an anxiety disorder, get in touch with the Medical Concierge of California. We offer our patients evidence-based treatment for anxiety disorders using a combination of medications, individual and group psychotherapy, and alternative therapies like yoga and meditation. Call our 24/7 anxiety disorder treatment helpline 866-678-8308 to learn more about our anxiety disorder treatment centers. You can also chat online with our counselor for more information on how we customize our intervention programs to get you the maximum benefits.

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Two Keys to Reducing Stress

By Christy Geiger             

What symptoms do you exhibit when stressed? How do they show up for you?

Often stress shows up in a wide variety of ways: physical, mental and emotional.

Physical signs include headaches, muscle tension, upset stomach, restless sleep, shaky/sweaty hands, and fidgeting.
Mental signs include being easily distracted/unable to focus, being more forgetful, having simple issues become exaggerated, and having increased dreaming.
Emotional signs include irritability, short temper, exhaustion, and an inability to make decisions.
How can you relieve or reduce your stress?

TIP #1 - Take Charge.

When you feel in control, you can RESPOND rather than REACT to your environment. You feel more empowered and better able to manage what comes your way. Begin by looking at what you can control and what you cannot.

List the things I control in my life.
List the things that are TRULY out of my control.
What is my attitude towards the things I control? Toward the things, I don't?
What stresses can I say "no" to, eliminate, reduce or delegate in my life?
What can I add to my life that will counteract stress? (meditation, workouts, etc.)
What positive people do I want in my life to support me?
What negative people do I need to spend less time with?
What is most important to me?
Make a list, prioritize, and commit to removing one stressful thing a day!

TIP #2 - Incorporate Exercise.

Regular exercise is one of the best stress-reduction techniques out there. It has multiple stress-relieving benefits:

IMPROVED HEALTH: "Exercising adds life to your years as well as years to your life" through a lowered heart rate and reduced risk of heart disease; it may also prevent certain types of cancer and will increase stamina.
IMPROVED MOOD: Exercising causes the brain to release opium-like substances that ease pain and produce a natural high, giving a sense of well-being and comfort. It also stimulates the brain to secrete serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine, which act as antidepressants and improve mood (deficiencies can result in depression, anxiety, impulsivity, aggression, and increased appetite).
REDUCED BODY TENSION: Exercising helps relieve pent-up emotions we hold in our muscles. Having a relaxed body allows you to sleep better, have more energy, enhance concentration and memory, and quicken your alertness and reaction time, resulting in an overall feeling of well-being.
CREATE A PLAN:

How can taking charge and exercising affect my stress level?
How do I want to feel after I have planned and exercised-both physically and emotionally?
What can I do to incorporate planning and exercise in my life? (What? When? With whom? For how long?)
GET STARTED TODAY:

Find a friend to exercise with for the recommended minimum of 20-30 minutes a day, 3-5 times a week. Working out with a friend helps to provide a plan for regular routine, accountability, and allows for multitasking so you can brainstorm, encourage or share thoughts with a friend while working out.
Get a personal trainer or join a gym. Push yourself to WORK OUT!
Be conscious about exercising. Park farther away and walk. Take a flight of stairs instead of an elevator. Do sit-ups while watching TV. Take the dog for a morning walk before you shower.
All the benefits of planning and exercise impact your ability to be sharper, move faster and feel better. Taking time to do this will actually give you more time for the other things you need to do and REDUCE YOUR STRESS!

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Substance Abuse

By Damian Sofsian

We live in a world where war against drug abuse is a continuous struggle.

Drugs are classified as legal and illegal. Medicines, cigarettes, and alcohol are considered legal drugs. But excessive drinking and smoking by adults, and especially by teenagers, also poses a threat for extensive addiction. Medicines that are taken without proper prescription are detrimental as well.

Illegal or prohibited drugs, like heroin and marijuana, are those that have intoxicating effects to the human body and usually produce negative behaviors when taken. The common abused substances include alcohol, marijuana, tobacco, narcotics, heroin, steroids, inhalants, stimulants, depressants, club drugs and prescription medications. Unfortunately, all these drugs are being abused widely. We cannot discount the fact that substance abuse or addiction is among the most serious socioeconomic problems we are facing today. It is a persistent menace that needs to be addressed head on.

The negative consequences of addiction are school failure, poor judgment that may pose higher risks for accidents, violence, and unproductive work output and in some instances, suicide.

Substance abuse negatively affects not only the person involved but others as well. Domestic violence, child abuse and failed marriages are the most common results. Schools and communities are also negatively impacted by drug abuse, as the quality of education eventually deteriorates and the crime and unemployment rate rises. Consequently, the nation's economic status also suffers.

Fortunately, we have various agencies and facilities that cater to the prevention, reduction and treatment of illegal substance use. If you think someone has drug abuse problem, the best thing to do is to contact the right sources to get that person help.

Given this, it is better to educate our children at an early age regarding the effects of illicit drug use. A better understanding of these drugs will prevent them from being victims later on.

Substance Abuse [http://www.WetPluto.com/Substance-Abuse.html] provides detailed information on Substance Abuse, Substance Abuse Treatments, Substance Abuse Clinics, Substance Abuse Counseling and more. Substance Abuse is affiliated with Prescription Drug Addiction Treatment [http://www.WetPluto.com/Common-Symptoms-of-Prescription-Drug-Addiction.html].

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