LOCAL AND NATIONAL RESOURCES

Medical Detoxification- Alcohol & Other Drugs

• Drug Rehabilitation & Recovery

• Facts on Alcohol & Treatment

• Cocaine Addiction Treatment

• Prescription Drug Rehabilitation

• Opiate Detoxification & Treatment

• Heroin Detoxification & Treatment

• Methamphetamine Addiction Treatment

Drug Rehabilitation & Recovery

Prescription Drugs

Prescription drugs are commonly classified in the following manner:

• Narcotics/Analgesics (opioids)
Moderate to Severe Pain Relief
(Vicodin, OxyContin, Percocet)
• Sedative-Hypnotics (‘downers’, barbiturates, benzodiapenes)
Anxiety; Insomnia
(Xanax, Valium, Librium)
• Stimulants (‘uppers’)
ADHD; Narcolepsy; Asthma
(Ritalin, Dexedrine, Meridia)

Illegal Drugs

Illegal drugs include any/all drugs that are illegal to possess, manufacture, distribute and consume. These include marijuana, cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, hallucinogens, inhalants, among many others.

Alcohol

Alcohol includes wine, beer, liquor and spirits, mixed drinks, among others.

Addiction

Addiction is defined as a physiological or psychological dependence. Tolerance, which is a resistance to the intended effects of the drug, increases rapidly upon onset of consumption of many addictive drugs. Addiction cravings can supercede the desire for food, sleep, sex, and most other physical or psychological wants or needs.

Physiological and Psychological Effects of Drug Addiction

Less severe side effects of many addictive drugs include confusion, fatigue, nausea, constipation, lightheadedness, rash or itchiness, dizziness, and mood disorders. More severe effects include respiratory decrease/arrest, cardiac arrest, coma, and death.

Withdrawal

Common withdrawal symptoms from drug abuse include sweating, malaise, anxiety, depression, insomnia, vomiting diarrhea, goose bumps, ‘itchy blood,’ muscle spasms, muscle/body aches, etc. Substance abuse detoxification without medication or preparation, called ‘cold turkey, is much more likely to result in these negative withdrawal symptoms in a much more pronounced manner. See below for further withdrawal information.

Drug Abuse, Drug Detoxification and Drug Rehabilitation

Drug detoxification is critical, prior to commencing drug rehabilitation. Although detoxification itself is not a treatment for drug addiction and abuse, it can help relieve withdrawal symptoms while the patient adjusts to being drug free. Fortunately, there are a number of effective options for treating drug addiction. Long-term substance abuse should not be abruptly discontinued except under the supervision of an experienced physician, who can manage the withdrawal symptoms and minimize the withdrawal period.

Alcohol

Shorter-Term Physiological Effects of Alcohol Abuse:

As alcohol consumption is increases, the drinker typically experiences the following sequential stages:

• Euphoria – increased self-confidence, increased poor judgment, shortened attention span, etc.
• Functional Difficulty - sleepiness, poor coordination/motor control, memory loss, blurred vision, etc.
• Stupor – extreme confusion, heightened emotional state, loss of consciousness, vomiting, etc.
• Shutdown – prolonged episodes of loss of consciousness, decreased circulation and rate of respiration, suppressed reflexes
• Death

Long-Term Physiological Effects of Alcohol Abuse

The sustained abuse of alcohol has numerous long-term physiological effects including, but not limited to, liver damage, heart disease, brain damage, stomach and esophageal ulcers, skin problems, sexual performance problems, memory loss, vitamin deficiencies, etc. Other issues include emotional instability and irritability.

Alcohol Rehab and Detox Considerations

Many alcoholics fail to see themselves as an alcoholic, ascribing their abuse as controllable and acceptable. That perception is compounded by the fact that alcohol is not a controlled substance (illegal), and thus generally consumed. An alcoholic is often more open to the need for treatment after injuring others or damaging property, while under the influence. For the long-term abusing alcoholic, alcohol detox is often required, prior to entering the rehabilitation phase of alcohol treatment due to the medical complications that may develop as a result of immediate cessation of alcohol ingestion.

Alcohol Detox and Abuse Rehabilitation

Detoxification from alcohol is critical, prior to commencing alcohol treatment and rehabilitation. Although alcohol detox itself is not a treatment for addiction, it can help relieve withdrawal symptoms while the patient adjusts to being Alcohol free. Fortunately, there are a number of effective options for treating Alcohol addiction. Long-term alcohol abuse should not be abruptly discontinued except under the supervision of an experienced physician, who can manage the withdrawal symptoms and minimize the withdrawal period.

Cocaine

General Information

Cocaine is an alkaloid that is derived from the leaves of the coca plant. It is a Central Nervous System stimulant and appetite suppressant, it is highly addictive and has the most reinforcing effect known. The stimulating ‘euphoria’ experienced through cocaine use can last from 20 minutes to several hours, depending on the purity, dosage and method of administration of the drug. The initial signs of stimulation are hyperactivity, restlessness, increased blood pressure, increased heart rate and general euphoria. Sexual interest may also be amplified.

Cocaine is most often used as a recreational drug, however it is also a topical anesthetic used in eye, nose and throat surgery. Cocaine is illegal in most every country of the world when used for non-medical, non-government sanctioned purposes, and is the second most popular recreational drug, behind only cannabis (Marijuana). Cocaine is administered orally (chewed/eaten), nasally, intravenously (injected), by smoking, and through other less common modes.

Cocaine in its purest form is a white, pearly product. However, its texture can range from crumbly to extremely oily, to hard, to crystalline. The color of adulterated cocaine ranges from white, to off-white, to pinkish, to yellowish crème, to light brown in its powder form. The color and texture differences are a function of the adulterants, origin and processing of the powdered cocaine.

Side Effects and Health Issues of Cocaine Abuse

Side effects may include twitching, paranoia and impotence. Excessive dosage side effects may include hallucinations, paranoid delusions, tachycardia, itching and formication (sensation/perception that ants and/or insects are crawling all over the skin).

Chronic Abuse Side Effects

Chronic cocaine intake may result in the following conditions: a life time risk of heart attack – cocaine abusers are 7 times more likely to suffer from heart attack than non-users!; chest pain, lung trauma, shortness of breath, sore throat, flu-like syndrome, degradation of the nasal septum cartilage, autoimmune and/or connective tissue diseases, kidney diseases and renal failure. Although these latter conditions are commonly diagnosed in chronic users, they may be caused by short term exposure in susceptible individuals.

Overdose Symptoms

Cocaine overdose causes tachyarrhythmia’s and excessive elevation of blood pressure, which can be life-threatening. Indeed, risk of heart attack in the hour after cocaine intake increases 24-fold in the user.

Withdrawal Symtoms

Cocaine withdrawal is characterized by a dysphoric mood, fatigue, unpleasant dreams, insomnia or hypersomnia, increased appetite, psychomotor retardation, agitation and anxiety. See below for reducing withdrawal symptoms and discomfort.

Cocaine Detox and Cocaine Rehabilitation

Cocaine detox is critical, prior to commencing cocaine rehab. Although cocaine detox, itself, is not a treatment for addiction, it can help relieve withdrawal symptoms while the patient adjusts to being cocaine free. Fortunately, there are a number of effective options for cocaine rehab. Long-term cocaine use should not be abruptly discontinued except under the supervision of an experienced physician, who can manage the withdrawal symptoms and minimize the withdrawal period.

Prescription Drugs

Prescription Drug Classification

Prescription drugs or scheduled drugs are commonly classified into three categories:

• Narcotics/Analgesics (opioids)
      Pain Relievers
     (OxyContin, Vicodin, Percocet)
- abused because of their eupho

• Stimulants (‘uppers’)
      Anti-depressants, Anti-Anxiety; Narcolepsy
     (Ritalin, Dexedrine, Meridia)
- abused because of their energizing and euphoric effects

• Depressants/Sedative-Hypnotics
     (‘downers’;benzodiazepines; barbiturates)
     ADHD; Insomnia; Asthma
     (Xanax, Valium, Librium)
- abused because of their sedating properties

Effects Of Prescription Drug Abuse

Severe physiological and psychological effects may occur as a result of prescription drug abuse. These effects are extremely broad in scope and intensity, some of which can result in death. Many severe physiological symptoms of prescription drug abuse include respiratory depression/arrest, loss of consciousness, coma and even death. Less severe side effects include lowered heart rate, shallow respiration, nausea, vomiting, dry mouth, and pupil constriction, itching, and rash, among many others.

Psychological effects include impaired judgment, confusion, euphoria, mood disorders and somnolence.

Withdrawal

Common withdrawal symptoms from prescription drug abuse include sweating, malaise, anxiety, depression, insomnia, vomiting diarrhea, goose bumps, ‘itchy blood,’ muscle spasms, muscle/body aches, etc. Prescription drug detox, without medication or preparation, called ‘cold turkey, is much more likely to result in these negative withdrawal symptoms in a much more pronounced manner. See below for further withdrawal information.

Prescription Drug Detoxification and Rehabilitation

Prescription drug detox is critical, prior to commencing rehabilitation. Although detoxification itself is not a treatment for addiction and abuse, it can help relieve withdrawal symptoms while the patient adjusts to being prescription drug free. Fortunately, there are a number of effective options for treating prescription addiction. Long-term substance abuse should not be abruptly discontinued except under the supervision of an experienced physician, who can manage the withdrawal symptoms and minimize the withdrawal period.

Opiate Addiction & Treatment

Opiate Detox and Opiate Rehab Information

General Information
The term opiate refers to the alkaloids (nitrogen containing organic compounds) found in opium, which is extracted from the seed pods of the opium poppy plant.

Traditionally the term opiate referred to the derivatives of morphine. However, the broader term ‘opioid’ is the more appropriate term that encompasses all drugs, both natural and synthetic, with opium or morphine-like pharmacological action.

The primary opiates derived from opium are morphine, codeine and thebaine. These are narcotics, used for their analgesic (pain relieving) properties. Opiates act as CNS (Central Nervous System) depressants.

Adverse Effects

Common adverse reactions resulting from the use of opiates may include itching, nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, dry mouth, miosis, urinary retention and constipation.

Overdose Symptoms

Symptoms opiate overdose include slow respiration, seizures, dizziness, weakness, loss of consciousness, confusion, cold/clammy skin, fatigue, and coma.

Addiction

Prolonged use of any opiates eventually changes the brain in fundamental and lasting ways, which explains why addicts cannot simply quit without professional help. This is why treatment is essential. Drugs of abuse take over the brain’s normal pleasure and motivational systems, advancing the drug use to the highest priority in the individual’s motivational hierarchy, thus overriding all other motivations and drives. These brain changes are responsible for the compulsion to seek/use drugs, which is defined as addiction.

Opiate Detox and Opiate Rehab

Opiate detox is critical, prior to commencing opiate rehab. Although opiate detox, itself, is not a treatment for addiction, it can help relieve withdrawal symptoms while the patient adjusts to being opiate free. Fortunately, there are a number of effective options for opiate rehab. Long-term opiate use should not be abruptly discontinued except under the supervision of an experienced physician, who can manage the withdrawal symptoms and minimize the withdrawal period.

Heroin Detox Information

General Information

Heroin is a synthetic opiate, derived from morphine, but 4 times as addictive. It is illegal to manufacture, distribute or possess. Heroin is very addictive and habit forming, as frequent repeated intake causes a rapid development of tolerance. It is a Schedule I narcotic drug. Heroin produces an intense ‘euphoria,’ upon intake, however, it disappears with increasing tolerance. Although the chemical structure is similar to morphine, indeed Heroin metabolizes into Morphine in the brain, and other opioids, many Heroin users claim somewhat different perceived effects, thus making it a more popular recreational drug.

Heroin is taken orally, nasally, by smoking, intravenously and through other less common methods.

Side Effects Of Heroin

Severe physiological side effects include respiratory arrest, seizure, spontaneous abortion for pregnant women, coma and death. Less severe side effects include lowered heart rate, shallow respiration, nausea, vomiting, constipation, urinary retention, dry mouth, and pupil constriction, itching, and rash.

Psychological side effects include confusion, euphoria, somnolence, and addiction.

Withdrawal

Withdrawal symptoms include sweating, malaise, anxiety, depression, insomnia, vomiting diarrhea, goose bumps, ‘itchy blood,’ muscle spasms. Heroin users who attempt detoxification ‘cold turkey’ (without medication or preparation) are much more likely to experience these negative withdrawal symptoms in a much more pronounced manner. See below for further withdrawal information.

Heroin Detox and Abuse Rehabilitation

Detoxification from Heroin is critical, prior to commencing rehabilitation. Although detoxification itself is not a treatment for addiction, it can help relieve withdrawal symptoms while the patient adjusts to being Heroin free. Fortunately, there are a number of effective options for treating Heroin addiction. Long-term Heroin use should not be abruptly discontinued except under the supervision of an experienced physician, who can manage the withdrawal symptoms and minimize the withdrawal period.

Methamphetamine Addiction Treatment

General Information

Methamphetamine (methcathinone and amphetamine) is a psychostimulant drug, primarily used for recreational purposes. It stimulates the sympathetic nervous system, the ‘fight or flight’ mechanism, which increases heart rate and blood pressure and induces hyperglycemia, and bronchodilation. Methamphetamine acts directly on the brain’s reward mechanisms, causing excitement and a euphoric ‘high,’ thus making it highly addictive. Methamphetamine rapidly enters the brain, precipitating a cascading release of norepinephrine, dopamine and serotonin. Users may become obsessive/compulsive or perform repetitive tasks, such as cleaning, hand-washing or assembling/disassembling objects, appliances, etc. Methamphetamine is occasionally prescribed to treat extreme obesity, severe depression, decongestion, and for treating ADHD and narcolepsy under the brand name Desoxyn.

Methamphetamine comes in a variety of forms, most commonly as a colorless crystalline solid.

Side Effects

The most common side effects include twitching, jitteriness, repetitive behavior (known as ‘tweaking,’ hence the name Tweak), teeth grinding and jaw clenching, diarrhea, nausea, loss of appetite, agitation, talkativeness, irritability, panic attacks, increased libido, dilated pupils.

Addicts may lose their teeth abnormally fast, due to the drug’s effects that cause decreased production of acid-fighting saliva, resulting in tooth decay.

Overdose Side Effects

Effects caused by overdose of Methamphetamine may include formication (sensation of flesh crawling with ants or bugs), which often leads to compulsive picking of the skin creating infected sores (‘Meth Mites’). Other effects include paranoia, delusions, hallucinations, and kidney damage.

Addiction

Methamphetamine is highly addictive, particularly when smoked (inhaling the vaporized drug) or injected. It may also be absorbed anally or intravenously. As with all addictive drugs, the addiction potential is increased when the method of delivery causes the drug’s concentration in the blood stream to rise quickly.

Meth Detox and Meth Rehab

Meth detox is critical, prior to commencing meth rehab. Although meth detox, itself, is not a treatment for addiction, it can help relieve withdrawal symptoms while the patient adjusts to being Methamphetamine free. Long-term Methamphetamine use should not be abruptly discontinued except under the supervision of an experienced physician, who can manage the withdrawal symptoms and minimize the withdrawal period.