Addiction Recovery in Paradise with Paradise Recovery

Prescription Drug Use Is a Cause for Concern

2009-01-28T22:10:00.001-10:00

Prescription drug addiction or abuse is no different from alcoholism or an addiction to any other substance. However, it is almost unheard of to prescribed alcohol or cocaine for medical reasons. People who suffer from chronic pain are in a very difficult position when they become addicted. Painkillers do relieve pain, but for a person who is predisposed to addiction these pills can be extremely dangerous and in some cases deadly.

It is true that the drugs themselves are highly addictive, but not everyone who takes painkillers becomes an addict. However, this is not to say that those who suffer with chronic pain are not at increased risk of prescription drug addiction.

According to the Journal of the American Medical Association, the area of pain and chemical dependency has become an increasingly important issue. A recent survey conducted by the National Institute on Drug Abuse at Columbia University indicated that approximately 50% of primary care physicians have difficulty speaking with their patients about substance abuse (FDA Consumer Magazine, Sept.- Oct., 2001).

So if you or someone you love is battling with legitimate pain and have become addicted or are abusing prescription pills, Do not hesitate give Paradise Recovery a call today. Our highly educated and trained physicians are not afraid to deal with the real issues concerning your condition. Call 1-(866)-478-9898 and speak to one of our admission counselors today!
Timothy J. Mochrie, BSW.

Social Drinking: How Much Is Too Much?

2009-01-11T20:25:00.004-10:00

The consumption of alcoholic beverages is a traditional part of socialization in many cultures, including our own. For most Americans, drinking moderate amounts of alcohol is a normal part of the cultural fabric which adds to the enjoyment of life.

For others, however, the consumption of alcohol leads to alcoholism, a primary disease in which the drinker becomes unable to predict and control his drinking.

Alcoholism afflicts at least 18 million Americans; it is a major public health problem which requires specialized treatment. For alcoholics one drink is too many and a million is not enough.

Interestingly, many social drinkers find that it is not always easy to tell how much is enough for them.

Many people who would not be diagnosed alcoholic are able to recall episodes when consumption of alcohol was associated with accidents, embarrassing behavior, poor decisions or other negative consequences.

The questions of "how much is too much" is answered in different ways by different groups. Cultural,racial, religious and biologic factors may all play an interactive role in determining the point at which social drinking becomes a problem.

As it turns out, "how much" may be less important that "what happens".
Research tells us that the following questions may be helpful in determining whether alcohol is a source of problems.

1. Can you stop drinking when you want to?
Some people find they consume more than they originally intended. They may also find it necessary to exert great efforts to consciously stop drinking after one or two.

2. Is your drinking associated with interpersonal problems? Alcohol's effects "disinhibit" normal social controls in the brain. For some, arguments, fights or relationship problems are a clue that alcohol is a problem.

3. Have you had health concerns related to alcohol consumption?
Recreational sports injuries, weight change or other medical problems can all be important indicators that alcohol is a health risk.

When your body talks to you, learn to listen. The enjoyment of alcoholic beverages is a part of normal adult activity for many people. A majority of American adults enjoy alcohol in moderate amounts, but remember: Anything that causes a problem is a problem!

You may not be an alcohol abuser but just make sure that alcohol is not abusing you.

If you or someone you know has a problem with alcohol, please call our professionals counselors now.

Written for the Mahogany Magazine Vol 5 Number 6 August 1993 by Ditzler, Kellar and Wong.

Philip L. Wong

Codependency

2008-12-19T13:40:00.004-10:00

People who are experiencing substance abuse and/or dependency issues often have complications in their personal relationships. The term "Codependency" is oten used to describe these relationship issues. While it is critical for the person experiencing substance abuse to receive help, it can be as important for those persons in relationship to get help. This help can be in the form of Alanon meetings and Individual Therapy. While the client may be in residential rehab those in relationship also getting help at this time can be most beneficial for both people.

How is methamphetamine different from other stimulants, such as cocaine?

2008-12-17T20:56:00.001-10:00

Methamphetamine is structurally similar to amphetamine and the neurotransmitter dopamine, but it is quite different from cocaine. Although these stimulants have similar behavioral and physiological effects, there are some major differences in the basic mechanisms of how they work. In contrast to cocaine, which is quickly removed and almost completely metabolized in the body, methamphetamine has a much longer duration of action and a larger percentage of the drug remains unchanged in the body. This results in methamphetamine being present in the brain longer, which ultimately leads to prolonged stimulant effects. And although both methamphetamine and cocaine increase levels of the brain chemical dopamine, animal studies reveal much higher levels of dopamine following administration of methamphetamine due to the different mechanisms of action within nerve cells in response to these drugs. Cocaine prolongs dopamine actions in the brain by blocking dopamine re-uptake. While at low doses, methamphetamine blocks dopamine re-uptake, methamphetamine also increases the release of dopamine, leading to much higher concentrations in the synapse, which can be toxic to nerve terminals.

Isolation

2008-12-17T12:14:00.002-10:00

Adiction and isoloation often have a correlation. One isolates to engage in the addiction. One isolates because they are addictied. Residential Rehabs, such as Paradise Recovery in Hawaii, provide the opportunity to see the effects of substance abuse and how it effects their life that they may begin to experience a sense of normalicy and social issues.

2008-12-11T15:47:00.003-10:00

Give The Gift of Recovery

Do you have a friend or know of someone who
is struggling with addiction?

Do something that matters make a difference!

Give the gift of recovery to a friend or loved one.

Please call 1-(866)-478-9898 and speak to one of our admission counselors today!

P.L.Wong CSAC

How to tell if you are Dependent?

2008-12-10T10:06:00.002-10:00

Most people who suffer from addictions often wonder if they are dependent. The easiest way for an individual to tell if he or she is dependent is to stop using the chemicals or the substances for an extended period of time. During this time of not using people who are dependent often experience instances of craving the substance. This period of craving is usually coupled with physical and psychological distress which is more commonly referred to as withdrawal.

So if you or someone you love is having a difficult time remaining free of substances and are experiencing some of the characteristics of dependence listed above, there is no better time to get help then now. Stop craving the substance that you are dependent and begin to crave your new life. It is possible with a little help from Paradise Recovery. Please call 1-(866)-478-9898 and speak to one of our admission counselors today!

Timothy J. Mochrie, BSW.

Alcoholism Is a Disease

2008-12-03T21:43:00.004-10:00

• Alcoholism, or alcohol dependence, is a disease that usually gets worse
unless it is treated. Symptoms include:
•Craving – a strong urge to drink.
• Loss of control – being unable to stop drinking.
• Physical dependence – withdrawal symptoms (nausea, sweating,shakiness, anxiety).
• Increased tolerance – the need to drink greater amounts of alcohol to feel its effects.
• Blackouts – forgetting what happens when drinking.

You don’t have to be an alcoholic to have a problem.
• A drinking problem is any level of drinking that harms the drinker,
jeopardizes the drinker’s well-being, or places others at risk.
• Even moderate drinking can sometimes be a problem.
• Taking any amount of alcohol with some medications can be dangerous.
• Even one drink a day can accelerate liver damage in people with hepatitis.

Problem Drinking Is Treatable
• Looking honestly at your own drinking can be difficult.
This is called “denial” and is part of the problem.
• Many treatment options are available. For help and information:
• Talk to your doctor or a substance abuse counselor.
• Call 1-800-LifeNet (see More Information).
• Call Alcoholics Anonymous or go to a meeting.

If someone you care about has a problem:
• Encourage the person to get help.
• Take care of yourself – consider a support group such as Al-Anon or Alateen.
Don’t give up!
People can and do get better, every day.
Recovery is possible.

Get help now, call our experienced treatment professionals at Paradise Recovery now!!

P.L.Wong, CSAC

Prescription Drugs are just as Dangerous

2008-12-03T19:52:00.002-10:00

Oxycodone is a semi-synthetic opioid analgesic, used primarily in the treatment of pain. It saw a significant increase in recreational use when the higher-dose time-release form Oxycontin was introduced in 1995. A recent national study showed that the sharpest increase of users of prescription drugs for non-medical purposes occurred in the 12 to 17 and 18 to 25 age group range. Most of these individuals in these groups reported that they have doctor shopped, forged prescriptions, and even ordered drugs of the internet to support their addiction.

All of these behaviors are very risky and can lead an individual to face consequences such as jail time, or even worse death. So if you or someone you love has been involved in any of these risky acts and believe that it’s time for a change, call Paradise Recovery Today to set up an appointment. It's a lot safer than the alternatives.

Timothy J. Mochrie, BSW.

Drink Too Much?

2008-11-30T18:07:00.002-10:00

Here are practical suggestions for either cutting down or abstaining from alcohol along with tips for helping loved ones who have a drinking problem.

Useful sources of help for alcohol and drinking abuse problems are also listed.

Some Questions
Could you or someone you care about drink too much?
Do you drink alone when you feel angry or sad?
Does your drinking ever make you late for school or work?
Does your drinking worry your family or friends?
Do you ever drink after telling yourself you won't?
Do you ever forget what you did while you were drinking?
Do you ever get headaches or have hangovers after drinking?
Have you started hanging out with heavy drinking friends?
Do your friends use less alcohol than you do?
Have you ever been in trouble because of your drinking?
Do you ever borrow money or go without things in order to buy alcohol?
Is drinking hurting your reputation?
Do you feel a sense of power when drinking?
Do you ever drink until your supply is gone?
Have you ever lost friends because of your use of alcohol?
Do you think you might have a drinking problem?

The more of these questions that apply, the greater the chance that you might have a problem with drinking.

But having a drinking problem doesn't mean that you are alcoholic or that you have to abstain from alcohol.

If you have questions or want answers about alcohol or other drugs call us now at Paradise Reovery.

P.L.Wong CSAC

The Insanity of Addiction and Restoration of Recovery.

2008-11-26T08:29:00.002-10:00

Addiction to drugs or alcohol damages one's ability to think soundly and express emotions in a natural way. Through the disease of addiction individuals begin to act on impulse, regret what they have done, and then blame others around them. The individual who is addicted often repeats these behaviors on a daily basis. The process of exhibiting the same behaviors over and over and expecting a different result is generically referred to as insanity.

Through the process of recovery and the use of twelve step practices and individual begins to think more clearly, become aware of emotions, and behave in a positive way. All the wreckage of the past is dealt with and relationships are restored. So if you or someone you know is tired of living in the circus of addiction, and want to be restored to sanity, take that first step by picking up the phone and calling Paradise Recovery today.

Panic Disorder and Alcoholism

2008-11-22T14:02:00.003-10:00

Panic Disorder can cause a high level of anxiety with which people often feel unable to cope. These people sometimes will turn to alcohol to decrease their anxiety. Initially this may appear to address the problem, as temporarily the person lessens the anxious feelings.

Unfortunately, this is not a coping skill that decreases the the level of anxiety during the Panic Disorder at future onsets. As the use of alcohol continues the level of anxiety may increase when experiencing the actual attacks, and therefore require more alcohol to decrease the anxiety. It is possible that the use of alcohol over a period of time to address the anxiety can lead to a dependency. The person can now be experiencing two issues, alcohol abuse or dependency and Panic Disorder.

Residential treatment can be an appropriate form of attaining help to address these dual issues of alcoholism and panic disorder. The individual can learn how to use more effective coping skills that over time can give genuine help with lessing the levels of panic experienced. Residential treatment also lends the person the opportunity to address the alcoholism and it's correlation to the anxiety.

Hugh F. Carlin, Jr. MSW, LSW

Family Therapy with Drug Abuse and Addiction

2008-11-13T12:23:00.003-10:00

The role of the family when dealing with drug abuse and addiction is a huge one. Family therapy can have a huge impact in conquering the drug abuse and addiction that has affected, most likely, every aspect of your family dynamics. It’s not an easy road to walk on, but when family therapy is implemented, you all will learn how to deal with drug abuse and addiction in a healthy and productive way.

When your loved one is in a rehab clinic, you will likely be asked to attend family therapy sessions on site. This is an extremely important part of the recovery process. You may be hesitant to attend these sessions, but rest assured that they will be life-affirming for not only you, but your loved one as well.

Often, the person who has the addiction is feeling alone and withdrawn from the family. That could be the reason why he or she began using in the first place. People who abuse drugs are looking for a way to fit in – a tool to help them be part of something when they feel alone. That often has to do with feeling alienated from the family.

When you participate in family therapy, you are telling your loved one that you care about them and their recovery and that it is important to you. If you find yourself resistant to participation, just keep in mind that you are there to learn and to help. It is important to show your support when a loved one has an abuse or addiction problem with drugs.

Family therapy can actually strengthen your family in ways you never even considered before. What family can’t use a little advice and guidance when it comes to their lives?In today’s world, dysfunction is a family dynamic that is all too common. When you are participating in family therapy for drug abuse and addiction, you are saying that you want something to change within that family dynamic and make it better than it is. You may think you have the “perfect” family, but no one really does. A little soul searching can go a long way – especially for the family member who is struggling with abuse and addiction.

Substance abuse affects families – there’s no doubt about that. Whether your loved one is in an inpatient or outpatient program, it’s essential that you obtain family therapy for drug abuse or addiction in some shape or form. You’ll all be much better for it, and your loved one will have an easier time becoming drug-free.

Get help now do not let another minute pass, call our experienced counselors at Paradise Recovery now!! We are open 24 hours a day!

plw

Family Therapy with Drug Abuse and Addiction

2008-11-13T12:05:00.002-10:00

The role of the family when dealing with drug abuse and addiction is a huge one. Family therapy can have a huge impact in conquering the drug abuse and addiction that has affected, most likely, every aspect of your family dynamics. It’s not an easy road to walk on, but when family therapy is implemented, you all will learn how to deal with drug abuse and addiction in a healthy and productive way.

When your loved one is in a rehab clinic, you will likely be asked to attend family therapy sessions on site. This is an extremely important part of the recovery process. You may be hesitant to attend these sessions, but rest assured that they will be life-affirming for not only you, but your loved one as well.

Often, the person who has the addiction is feeling alone and withdrawn from the family.
That could be the reason why he or she began using in the first place. People who abuse drugs are looking for a way to fit in – a tool to help them be part of something when they feel alone. That often has to do with feeling alienated from the family.

When you participate in family therapy, you are telling your loved one that you care about them and their recovery and that it is important to you. If you find yourself resistant to participation, just keep in mind that you are there to learn and to help. It is important to show your support when a loved one has an abuse or addiction problem with drugs.

Family therapy can actually strengthen your family in ways you never even considered before. What family can’t use a little advice and guidance when it comes to their lives?

In today’s world, dysfunction is a family dynamic that is all too common. When you are participating in family therapy for drug abuse and addiction, you are saying that you want something to change within that family dynamic and make it better than it is. You may think you have the “perfect” family, but no one really does. A little soul searching can go a long way – especially for the family member who is struggling with abuse and addiction.

Substance abuse affects families – there’s no doubt about that. Whether your loved one is in an inpatient or outpatient program, it’s essential that you obtain family therapy for drug abuse or addiction in some shape or form. You’ll all be much better for it, and your loved one will have an easier time becoming drug-free.

If you have any questiions please call our professional counselors available 24 hours a day.

Help us show you to the light at the end of the tunnel, get help now!

Gratitude

2008-11-12T18:07:00.006-10:00

What is gratitude? According to passages written from the Little Red Book , which evolved from a series of notes that were intended to help beginners of Alcoholics Anonymous, gratitude is thought to be a healthy mental attitude that enlarges ones capacity for happiness.
As we near closer to the holiday season we are reminded of all the things in life that we have to be grateful for. This time of year for many is a time of happiness and togetherness that is spent with family and friends. Thanksgiving is a time of year when individuals look at their own personal reality in a appreciative manner.
For individuals who suffer from addiction this time of year means more drinks, more parties to attend, and more ways to rationalize use of substances. Individuals who are using substances do get a sense of happiness, but this so-called happiness comes from artificial means and usually does not last long.
So if you or someone you know is having a tough time trying to find things to be grateful and your level of happiness is dwindling don't wait any longer. Please feel free to give Paradise Recovery a call today!
Timothy J. Mochrie,RC.

The Cost of Addiction

2008-11-10T22:55:00.005-10:00

Times are a bit tough economically. Housing prices have slumped. Massive job cuts. And let's not even talk about the stock market or our 401k plans. Not exactly the best time to invest in recovery. When the cupboards just about bare (or seeming so) treatment for addiction should take a bit of a back seat priority wise.

Unless of course we consider the cost that use has had in our lives.

Give this a try--should just take a minute:

Take the amount you drink or use each day and put a price to it. Let's take a moderate amount--say a six pack of decent beer each evening. Seven bucks a night. Forty nine bucks a week. One-hundred and ninety eight bucks a month. Maybe add a little for holiday months.

Begins to add up.

Now think of any meals you've cooked but not eaten due to drinking/using. Add that on.

Ever have a DUI? Need a lawyer? Have to pay a fine? Add that on.

Crash your car? Add that on.

Skip work due to a hangover or a drink? Add that amount on.

Ever need to see a doctor due to your use? Add that on.

Divorced due to use (even distantly so)? Paid court fees, lawyers, alimony? Add that on.

Ever break anything when drunk or high? Add that on.

Ever lost a job or job opportunity because of alcohol or drugs? Add that on.

Kids need some type of therapy because of your use? Add that on.

Spill stuff on your clothes? Carpet? Friend's clothes or carpet? Add that on.

Less productive at work? Add that on.

Seeking therapy to help with some kind of problem which really of course couldn't be your drinking (but your just so darned depressed and irritable all the time and not like you used to feel)? Add that on.

Using something to let you sleep, wake you up, douse the fire in your skull, get your stomache to stop wrenching around like a couple of sneakers in a dryer? Add that on.

Logic kind of fails, doesn't it. It doesn't matter what the economic climate is like, addiction costs; and the price is high. Whether it's your money, your dignity, your life--you will end up paying.

Comparably--treatment is a bargain.

If you or someone you know is paying the full price for their addiction, reach out. Help is available. Paradise recovery--the path to a new life awaits.

Does Drug Rehab Work?

2008-11-09T15:13:00.003-10:00

The question of whether drug rehab works relies on several factors, such as the type and length of addiction, the duration of the rehabilitation program, and what kinds of long-term support are provided to the recovering addict. Not enough research has been concerned with evaluating, in a controlled setting, programs in comparison with each other. Therefore, raw numbers are unreliable, but suggest that addicts rarely quit without any relapse. Most addicts have the potential to recover.

All studies agree that the longer an addict participates in a treatment program, the more likely it is that drug rehab works. Therefore, it is logical that lifetime commitments to recovery, as the philosophy of 12-step programs dictates, helps the addict to maintain their pledge of abstinence. Also, when the addict's goal is complete abstinence, drug rehab works better than for those who believe moderation is an acceptable goal.

For some reason, there appears to be a leap in the success of recovery at the three-month mark. Many intensive, inpatient programs offer residential treatment for up to three months. In this kind of supportive, drug-free environment, people can more easily transition to living by themselves. When residential support lasts only a month, success rates plummet.

The cooperation of family, friends, and employers are crucial in helping drug rehab work well.
Researchers have discovered that the least effective method of drug rehab is short-term detoxification. This kind of interventionist medical treatment, where the addict stays in a hospital for 3-10 days while he or she physically withdraws from the drug, doesn't work. While this is an expensive treatment, it appears that those who go through temporary abstinence, for a week or two, are no more likely to enter long-term recovery than those who have not withdrawn at all.

Some scientists believe that 15% of addicts are able to recover with very little support, but this is always disputed. Once they admit to their addiction, they may be able to break their habit without entering a program, yet are difficult to research. These are probably addicts in their early stages of establishing the routine of addictive thoughts and behavior. It's important to realize that, with alcoholics, 90% of them relapse at least once in the first four years of recovery. They eventually continue with success and show that persistent drug rehab can work.

Many treatment options for alcohol abuse are available.

For help and information follow the Nike Slogan "Just Do it".

Call us at Paradise Recovery now for the best alcohol treatment and addiction services!

P.L. Wong, C.S.A.C.

Labels: alcohol rehab, alcohol treatment center, alcohol treatment program, best alcohol rehab, Paradise Recovery

YOU CAN ONLY QUIT ONE THING AT A TIME …RIGHT?

2008-11-06T12:36:00.005-10:00

Alcohol and tobacco1 are among the top causes of preventable deaths in the United States (1). Moreover, these substances often are used together: Studies have found that people who smoke are much more likely to drink, and people who drink are much more likely to smoke (2). Dependence on alcohol and tobacco also is correlated: People who are dependent on alcohol are three times more likely then those in the general population to be smokers, and people who are dependent on tobacco are four times more likely than the general population to be dependent on alcohol (3).

The link between alcohol and tobacco has important implications for those in the alcohol treatment field. Many alcoholics smoke, putting them at high risk for tobacco-related complications including multiple cancers, lung disease, and heart disease (i.e., cardiovascular disease) (4). In fact, statistics suggest that more alcoholics die of tobacco-related illness than die of alcohol-related problems (5). Also, questions remain as to the best way to treat these co-occurring addictions; some programs target alcoholism first and then address tobacco addiction, whereas others emphasize abstinence from drinking and smoking simultaneously. Effective treatment hinges on a better understanding of how these substances—and their addictions—interact.

Understanding just how alcohol and tobacco interact is challenging. Because co-use is so common, and because both substances work on similar mechanisms in the brain, it’s proving difficult to tease apart individual and combined effects of these drugs. In this Alcohol Alert, we examine the latest research on the interactions between these two substances, including the prevalence of co-occurring tobacco and alcohol use disorders (AUDs), some of the health consequences of combined use, biological mechanisms and genetic vulnerabilities to co-use and dependence, barriers to the treatment of tobacco dependence in patients with alcohol and other drug (AOD) use disorders,2 therapies that are proving effective in treating co-occurring tobacco and alcohol dependence in depressed patients, and treatment interventions for adolescent patients with co-occurring tobacco and AOD use disorders.

HOW PREVALENT ARE ALCOHOL AND TOBACCO USE?

The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism’s (NIAAA’s) 2001–2002 National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions (NESARC), which is one of the largest comorbidity studies ever conducted, included extensive questions about alcohol and tobacco use and related disorders. NESARC data confirmed the widespread use of alcohol with tobacco: Approximately 46 million adults used both alcohol and tobacco in the past year, and approximately 6.2 million adults reported both an AUD and dependence on nicotine (6).

Alcohol and tobacco use varied according to gender, age, and ethnicity, with men having higher rates of co-use than women (7). Younger people tended to have a higher prevalence of AUDs, nicotine dependence, and co-use (6). Although Whites were more likely to drink alcohol, American Indians/Alaskan Natives were most likely to smoke, or to smoke and drink concurrently (6). Asians/Native Hawaiians/Pacific Islanders were least likely to smoke or drink, or smoke and drink concurrently (6).

Comorbid mood or anxiety disorders are another risk factor for both alcoholism and nicotine dependence. NESARC data show that alcohol abuse is strongly correlated with a co-occurring mood or anxiety disorder (3). The presence of comorbid mental illness also raises risk for tobacco addiction. In another study, Williams and Ziedonis (8) found that 50 to 90 percent of people with mental illness or addiction were dependent on nicotine.

HEALTH RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH ALCOHOL AND TOBACCO USE

Alcohol and tobacco use may lead to major health risks when used alone and together. In addition to contributing to traumatic death and injury (e.g., through car crashes), alcohol is associated with chronic liver disease, cancers, cardiovascular disease, acute alcohol poisoning (i.e., alcohol toxicity), and fetal alcohol syndrome. Smoking is associated with lung disease, cancers, and cardiovascular disease (9). Additionally, a growing body of evidence suggests that these substances might be especially dangerous when they are used together; when combined, alcohol and tobacco dramatically increase the risk of certain cancers (10).

Cancers of the Mouth and Throat

People who drink and smoke are at higher risk for certain types of cancer, particularly those of the mouth and throat (12–14). Alcohol and tobacco cause approximately 80 percent of cases of cancer of the mouth and throat in men and about 65 percent in women (11,16–18). For people who both smoke and drink, the danger of mouth and throat cancer increases dramatically—in fact, the combined risk is greater than or equal to the risk associated with alcohol multiplied by the risk associated with tobacco (15). Alcohol and tobacco co-use appears to substantially increase the risk of at least one type of cancer of the esophagus (19).

Liver Cancer

During the past decade, the incidence of liver cancer has increased dramatically in the United States (20). Although some studies have reported that alcohol and tobacco may work synergistically to increase the risk of liver cancers (21,22), more research is needed to explore this issue.

Cardiovascular Disease

The American Heart Association (23) estimates that more than 34 percent of the United States population has some form of cardiovascular disease. Tobacco use and alcohol consumption both are major risk factors for various forms of cardiovascular disease. However, little evidence exists to suggest that drinking and smoking together raise the risk more than the sum of their independent effects (24).

BIOLOGICAL AND GENETIC FACTORS INVOLVED IN CO-USE

Why do tobacco and alcohol use co-occur so frequently? Clearly environmental factors contribute to the problem. Both drugs are legally available and easily obtained. Over the past two decades, however, it also has become clear that biological factors are at least partly responsible. Although tobacco and nicotine have very different effects and mechanisms of action, Funk and colleagues (27) speculate that they might act on common mechanisms in the brain, creating complex interactions. These possible mechanisms are difficult to study because alcohol and nicotine can affect people differently depending on the amount of the drugs consumed (28–30) and because numerous factors, including gender and age, influence the interaction between nicotine and alcohol (31,32). Still, a common mechanism might explain many of the interactions between tobacco and alcohol, as well as a possible genetic link between alcoholism and tobacco dependence.

Mutual Craving

Studies show that consuming tobacco and alcohol together can augment the pleasure users experience from either drug alone. For example, in a study by Barrett and colleagues (33), subjects were given either nicotine- containing or nicotine-free cigarettes and asked to perform progressively more difficult tasks in order to earn alcoholic beverages. The subjects who smoked nicotine-containing cigarettes worked harder and drank more alcohol than those smoking nicotine-free cigarettes. Conversely, Rose and colleagues (34) showed that drinking alcohol enhances the pleasure reported from smoking cigarettes. This research is supported by animal studies (35–37), which show that nicotine-treated animals consumed more alcohol than did control animals.

A Common Brain System

Evidence increasingly suggests that both alcohol and tobacco may act on the mesolimbic dopamine system, a part of the brain that is involved in reward, emotion, memory, and cognition (27). Brain cells (i.e., neurons) that release dopamine—a key brain chemical involved in addiction—have small docking molecules (i.e., receptors) to which nicotine binds. Evidence suggests that the interaction between alcohol and tobacco may take place at these nicotinic receptors. When nicotinic receptors are blocked, people not only tend to consume less nicotine (38) but also less alcohol (39). This common mechanism of action may explain some of the interactions between alcohol and tobacco, including why alcohol and tobacco can cause users to crave the other drug and the phenomenon of cross-tolerance.

Tolerance and Cross-Tolerance

A decrease in a person’s sensitivity to a drug’s effects often is referred to as tolerance. This phenomenon occurs when a person must consume more of a substance in order to achieve the same rewarding effect. In the case of alcohol and tobacco, this puts him or her at greater risk for developing dependence. Cross-tolerance—that is, when tolerance to one drug confers tolerance to another—also has been documented in people who smoke and drink (27).

Genetic Factors

Recent studies suggest that common genetic factors may make people vulnerable to both alcohol and tobacco addiction. Clearly, both alcohol and nicotine dependence runs in families. Identical twins (who share 100 percent of their DNA) are twice as likely as fraternal twins (who, like all siblings, share 50 percent of their DNA) to be nicotine and alcohol dependent if the other twin is dependent (40–42). Strains of mice have been bred to be more or less tolerant to alcohol’s effects (27). And recently, the Collaborative Study on the Genetics of Alcoholism—the first study to examine the human genetic makeup (or genome) for regions that involve both alcohol dependence and smoking—has identified genes and regions of genes that may be involved in both AUDs and nicotine dependence (4). Davis and De Fiebre (43) suggest that some overlap may exist between genes that code for sensitivity to alcohol and those that influence sensitivity to nicotine. People may be more or less sensitive to alcohol and tobacco’s effects because of natural genetic variations in the number and type of nicotinic receptors that they possess (44).

MEDICATIONS

Bupropion—Bupropion is the only antidepressant that has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of nicotine dependence. Slow-release bupropion has been shown to be effective in the treatment of depression and nicotine dependence; however, it has not been shown to be effective for the treatment of alcohol dependence (68).

Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT)—Although NRT has not been shown to reduce drinking, it might be an important treatment component in patients who use tobacco and alcohol to self-medicate for a mood disorder. Research suggests that NRT may improve the mood of depressed abstinent smokers (69), in addition to helping them quit smoking.

Varenicline—Varenicline works at the nicotine receptor level to diminish nicotine’s effects (68). Recent studies have shown that it is significantly more effective than placebo in helping patients to quit smoking (70,71).

Topiramate—Topiramate is an anticonvulsant drug. Johnson and colleagues (72) demonstrated that subjects who received 300 mg/day of topiramate were much more likely to abstain from both alcohol and tobacco than patients receiving only brief therapy. In this study, topiramate had no effect on mood.

CONCLUSION

Because of the mortality and morbidity associated with both tobacco and alcohol abuse, it is important to address both addictions. Research is beginning to explain some of the reasons behind the frequent co-occurrence of these disorders. Treating co-occurring disorders remains a challenge; however, evidence suggests that combining treatments might be the most effective way to address concurrent addictions. Special populations, such as depressed patients and adolescents, present additional challenges, but research is exploring new strategies targeting these groups. Although more work needs to be done, it is clear that research already is helping to improve the lives of people with co-occurring addictions to alcohol and nicotine.

Footnotes

1 Tobacco is available in several forms (e.g., cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and snuff and chewing tobacco); however, most comorbidity studies focus on cigarette smoking alone (6). In this article, tobacco use will refer to tobacco in any form, smoking will refer to cigarette smoking, and nicotine will refer to the psychoactive ingredient in tobacco products.
2 Studies define AOD use disorders differently. For the purposes of this article, AOD use disorders will refer to both abuse and dependence.

REFERENCES
(1) Mokdad, A.H.; Marks, J.S.; Stroup, D.F.; and Gerberding, J.L. Actual causes of death in the United States, 2000. JAMA: Journal of the American Medical Association 291:1238–1245, 2004. PMID: 15657315 (2) Bobo, J.K., and Husten, C. Sociocultural influences on smoking and drinking. Alcohol Research & Health 24(4):225–232, 2000. PMID: 15986717 (3) Grant, B.F.; Hasin, D.S.; Chou, S.P.; et al. Nicotine dependence and psychiatric disorders in the United States: Results from the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions. Archives of General Psychiatry 61:1107–1115, 2004

The Fastest Growing Population to Use Drugs Is?

2008-11-05T18:12:00.003-10:00

When people begin to use drugs in their teenage years they often believe that experimenting with drugs is just a phase of their lives that they will eventually grow out of. The truth is that individuals who are thirty five years of age and older are the fastest growing population of illicit drug users in America today. This statistic may seem alarming to some but its the truth. Individuals who started using at an early age have yet to stop and more people in this age bracket are begining to start using for the first time. You see addiction of any type does not discriminate based upon age, religion, color, economic status, or culture. So, if you are sitting there thinking I am too old to recover, or contemplating your use because you just started, and its not something that you have dealt with in the past please give Paradise Recovery a call today to set up an appointment.
Thank You, Timothy J. Mochrie,RC.

2008-11-05T06:57:00.003-10:00

A lot of times we talk about what it is we don't want. We don't want to gain weight. we don't want to drink, we don't want to use drugs. We spend so much time using our energy on what we don't want we create exactly that. Now is the time to think of what you want. Drug addiction, alcohol addiction is something you don't have to live with.
Its easy just for a moment look to the future and create a future in your mind of not using. As you do that now, know you can make it happen. Decide every day "I can make anything happen that I want".
How much more effective will you be after you complete your rehab. Life will feel better, things will sound better, relationships will be more meaning full and you will have peace of mind knowing you did it for you. when would now be a good time to take care of you

Aloha Anthony Mendez C.S.A.C

Powerlessness and Strength

2008-11-03T21:16:00.004-10:00

The first step in addiction recovery is to admit powerlessness. The word itself carries a huge amount of negative connotation, making the first step sometimes insurmountable to many alcoholics and addicts. After all who amongst us wants to acknowledge to ourselves, not to mention to others, that we lack power, that we don't possess the power to stop (using or drinking or gambling or eating or whatever the addictive behavior may be).

The paradox is this--By admitting powerlessness, we gain strength.

By making this simple admission, "I am powerless" we can acknowledge that we need help.

And by starting with that simple statement we can begin to seek those who can help us.

Meaning we are no longer alone with our addiction.

If you or someone you know suffers from addiction, reach out for help. A few simple words can get you the strength you need to begin the road to recovery.

Meaning that others can share in providing a solution.

Meaning that we can begin to surround ourselves with people who know what we are going through, and who can help us.

So powerlessness doesn't mean weakness. Powerlessness leads to community. It leads to solution. It leads to the strength.

Dual Diagnosis

2008-11-03T14:38:00.002-10:00

People with substance abuse issues often have used drugs and/or alcohol to alter thier mood. For example, someone may feel depressed and use alcohol to avoid the feelings of depression. If the person suffers from clinical depression that is a disorder that could be best addressed with a mental health professional such as a psychologist or social worker. If the person also suffers from a alcohol dependency disorder he is dealing with two different significant disorders co-occurring at the same time. One disorder is a alcohol dependency and the other disorder is a clinical depression. This having two co occuring disorders is called Dual Diagnosis. Research has shown that a person with both disorders may have more severe life problems. These usses can often need to be addressed in a residential treatment setting, especially if the person is experiencing withdrawal symptoms.

Blacking out vs. Passing out

2008-10-30T16:16:00.003-10:00

Blacking out due to your pathological use of alcohol?

Blacking out is commonly confused with passing out. It cannot be overemphasized that these two conditions are mutually exclusive. That is, by definition, at any given time, you cannot have one if you have the other. A blackout is a period of amnesia during which the person is actively engaged in behaviors (e.g., walking, talking) but the brain is unable to form new memories for the events, leaving the person unable to recall the events once they are no longer intoxicated. Consistent with the definitions used by other researchers, Goodwin et al. (1969a) defined a blackout as "amnesia for the events of any part of a drinking episode, without loss of consciousness" (p. 194). Indeed, far from losing consciousness, the literature suggests that it is possible for individuals to experience blackouts while appearing only moderately intoxicated to the outside world. Jennison and Johnson (1994) state, "Blackouts usually happen in a drinking setting during which the person may or may not appear to be intoxicated" (p. 24). Further, Sweeney (1989) indicates that "...a person may drive a car and carry on a conversation in a nearly 'normal' fashion" (p. 161).
The term passing out is less clearly defined, but is invariably used to mean either falling asleep from excessive drinking or literally drinking oneself unconscious. Even in its most general, colloquial usage, passing out indicates the occurrence of a state that is incompatible with active behavior. Given that blackouts tend to occur at relatively high BAC levels, particularly after rapid consumption of alcohol, it is certainly possible that an individual could experience a blackout prior to passing out. However, the two states cannot occur simultaneously, as a person cannot be both conscious and unconscious at the same time.

Many treatment options for alcohol abuse are available.

For help and information follow the Nike Slogan "Just Do it".

Call us at Paradise Recovery now for the best alcohol treatment and addiction services!

Don’t give up!

People can and do get better, every day.Recovery is possible.

P.L. Wong

Labels: alcohol rehab, alcohol treatment center, alcohol treatment program, best alcohol rehab, Paradise Recovery

Denial

2008-10-29T16:24:00.003-10:00

Denial is the most important obstacle to be overcome in getting someone with an addiction help. If the alcoholic or addict can't see that the problems they are facing in their lives are a direct result of the addiction, he or she is unlikely to seek help when it comes to dealing with their addiction. Addicts and Alcoholics are usually the last ones to realize their addiction is likely the cause of all their problems. These problems include but are not limited to; loss of a job, relationship issues, or legal troubles. The phrase "Denial is not just a river in Egypt." is commonly heard at Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous meetings worldwide. So if you or a loved one are tired of paddling down the very deadly and uncharted river of denial please give Paradise Recovery a call today to set up an appointment.

Creating Your Reality

2008-10-28T05:40:00.007-10:00

The Art of persuasion is a powerful tool used for centuries. This art that when used correctly will effect change in people, you can do anything. How often do we tell ourselves how dumb we are. Always convincing our selves on what we can't do. Often times recovery is a goal so alien to us just the thought may lead to thinking how unattainable it could be.
Drug addictions creep up on us and before we know it we are in so deep it seems there is no way out. In reality most cases of addiction does not happen over night. When intoxicated we feel good but only for the first few times. And then we have to chase that high. All the time convincing our selves I cant wait to get high. We talk ourselves into a good time we know deep down we may not get and usually don't.
When would now be a good time to convince yourself of a new reality. Create for your self a life that others have. You have the power to be, do or have what ever it is you want. Picture in your mind the person you know you are and let us help you find that person.
Create a future memories of your self. Stop letting the past define you and learn from it. Let us use the power of persuasion to go beyond your current reality. Take your power back and transform your self. Take the time you deserve 90, 60, or 30 day stay to re discover you.
Be Amazing
Anthony J Mendez csac