The Signs Of Addiction

 

There are many chilling things in our world nowadays, but none is more chilling than an addiction to drugs and alcohol.  It’s a growing issue in our society, and alcohol and drug dependency has become a tough nut to crack, so to speak.

Drugs and alcohol make individuals feel good.  When they're able to feel those feelings, they're apt to use more simply to sustain that feeling.  Finally, the drugs and/or alcohol take hold of a person’s life till they're completely commanded by the effects they're used to.  They might realize they have a problem, but if the painful withdrawal symptoms begin, using seems like a much better choice than suffering.

The U.S. has declared a “war on drugs”.  This is a great effort, however it may just be too big of an epidemic to control.  The literal truth is that if we take a personal interest in healing those around us, we may gain control of the issue one person at a time – if we’re lucky.

Knowing the signs of alcohol and drug dependency are actually rather simple – when you know what you’re looking for.  While the accompanying signs are simply suggestions to look for, don’t take them lightly:

* Chronic bloodshot eyes
* Conduct other than normal
* Always vanishing for long periods of time
* Issues with work or school
* Unreasonable shaking or tremors
* Financial issues
* Avoidance of social situations
* Spaced-out or unintelligible conversation

If you recognize any of these signs in a loved one, you ought to take steps to confront your loved one and attempt to steer them toward recovery efforts.  The process isn't easy, however if you take the time to help them realize that what they're doing is damaging not only themselves but those around them, they'll potentially be more open to help.

Alcohol and drug dependency can be debilitating to families all over the world.  It grabs lives and can ruin them in a blink of an eye.  Drug and alcohol addiction are very dangerous diseases that shouldn't be ignored. If you think you or a loved one may be struggling with this powerful issue, seek help now!

There are more resources available now than ever before when it pertains to drug and alcohol addiction.  Whether you seek out help from an in-patient rehab facility or through a guidance service, it’s imperative that help be gotten.  Drug and  alcohol dependency may be conquered, however first, there needs to be an admission that a issue exists.  That doesn’t mean failing, that really means power!

Things To Really Consider For Recovery

What is your gift to the world? What is your mission? Giving to others can have vast effects on your life and recovery. Whatever it is, here are a few ‘rules of thumb’ that might help you provide your gift and fulfill your dream on the road to recovery.

1. Hear  your own inner wisdom

There are so many thoughts waving around in this world, and so many experts clamorously proclaiming which way we ought to  go and how we ought to  live our lives. I've nothing against any of them. But I've learned over the years — one of the graces of aging — that I may and must trust the wisdom of my own heart. Of course I am speaking of lucid and sober heart.

It’s a lesson that was impressed on me indelibly when I was young  experiencing an urge to do things I knew I should not be doing. So many reasons not to do it – individuals I loved questioning my sanity.Trust your inner wisdom. Trust the innate wisdom of your own being. My heart truly did know how my life ought to unfold and my life was blessed as I listened to what it was stating to me. And deep down we know what is and what isn't good for us when we are in those sober moments.

2. Be humble

Humbleness is so easily neglected in our fast paced world. Regrettably, it may tend to carry an impression of cowering, of weakness. But real humility is really a sign of straight strength.

It’s not that we go around stooping to others. No. We stoop to the following phase of our recovery, we stoop to the greatness that's back of all life, we stoop to the divine character longing to be given greater expression through us. Humbleness is an crucial aspect of true character and it may alter your life in a heartbeat.

3. One step at a time

I have to thank certain people in my life for this one. It has been drilled it into my head ever since I was a child. The funny thing is, this approach never bombs. It doesn’t matter how crazy busy or upside down your life might get, if you wish to keep yourself free of bigger troubles, slow down a bit and remind yourself as frequently as you need to, “One step at a time, one step at a time…”

Tip Sheet For Batteling Substances

Ø Determine that you do truly wish to stop using drugs. Unless you've the want to change you'll never be able to.

Ø Be totally true with yourself and other people. Your chances of recovery are not great if you can't face yourself and deal with confrontations from other people.

Ø Be patient with yourself. It commonly takes at least 3 months prior to significant improvement, so don't quit if you don't get split second results.

Ø Take away influences that enable your substance use from your life.

Ø Prevent relying on somebody to stop doing drugs with you, as he or she might not have the willingness to change. You must be amenable to stop spending time with individuals who use substances, and to avoid enticement. Learn to walk off from those that insist on utilizing or discussing using in front of you. It might call for you to be alone for a while or discover a whole new set of acquaintances to hang out with.

Ø Stock up on nourishing, easy-to-eat foods like soup to maintain your strength while clucking (undergoing drug withdrawal). Be particularly sure to center on your protein consumption. This will help keep your blood glucose level stable, which successively helps maintain your mood on an even keel.

Ø Discover a group in your local area like Narcotics Anonymous or SMART Recovery. It will help you address the issues that arise when quitting drugs. Narcotics Anonymous isn't actually particular to narcotics - substance abusers of all sorts of drugs, including cannabis, attend Narcotics Anonymous. Recovering users of all sorts are likewise welcome at open meetings of AA. SMART Recovery assists addicts in learning to refrain from drugs, alcohol, and addictive behaviors utilizing self-management strategies, and might be a great alternative for individuals who don't feel well-situated with 12-step groups.

Ø Connect with a dependable friend who doesn't take drugs, if you have one. Ask him or her to remain with you to help out while you experience the worst of your withdrawal.

Ø If you feel you can't deal with drug withdrawal by yourself, then see a physician or go to a hospital ER.

Ø Put down a list of matters you enjoyed doing before you began using drugs or things you've been interested in doing that you haven't done as yet. Drugs have been a huge part of your life and it will be simpler for you if you plan ahead to fill the emptiness that their absence will produce.

Ø Distinguish your triggers, which are individuals, places, things, events, activities, emotions, times, dates and so forth., that make you consider using; consequently placing you at a higher risk of using. After you distinguish your triggers, prevent them.

Ø Discover your relapse warning signs, which are alterations in your behaviors and/or attitude that signal a risk that you're close to using.

Ø School yourself on the dangers to your brain and body.

Ø Discover a support scheme.

Ø Arrive at a list of health goals and read it daily.

Ø Formulate a crisis program.

Ø Formulate and utilize positive self talk.

Ø Discover healthy activities to substitute substance usage.

Ø Center on your health and attending to your family.

Can An Addict Teach Us About Personal Growth:Part 1

What can an addict teach us about personal growth?

A great deal. There's a great deal wisdom to be discovered by the addict’s journey from dependency to recovery.

I recognize that some of you scanning this now maynot be drug addicts and alcoholics. That’s all right – but you stand to acquire great insight from the experience of those who have struggled and overcome a dangerous addiction. There are a lot of parallels between recovery and personal development. Many would reason that their paths are really one and the same.

Living with a recovering drug addict , one of my loves is exploring the process of defeating addiction. While there are several different recovery programs, most of them share a lot of of the same features, so individulas who discover success in recovery do so by adopting a similar path. Here are a few of the things that lead to long term sobriety, while as well having pragmatic application for personal development:

Defeating addiction calls for overwhelming power

This was a big awakening for me personally. It took me awhi;le to realize just how strong of a commitment was called for for long term sobriety.

Applying overwhelming power is counter-intuitive. We don’t require it for 99 % of our day-to-day interactions. For instance, let’s say you want to pick up your front room. Would it truly be essential to individually dust and then hand-wash each whatnot, steam clean every square inch of rug, wash and repaint the walls and the ceiling, vacuum all cloths and drapery, and so forth? Naturally not. This is overwhelming power, and it’s plainly not essential in this situation. We get pretty good outcomes (a clean front room) with only a small investment (quick dusting and vacuuming). We can see this same case acted out in a million different places. Put in a small effort, and get a small return. Almost all of our basic, day-to-day experiences reinforce this concept.

Addiction and recovery does not work like that in the least. A small effort in defeating addiction will always result in relapse. It's only through the use of overwhelming power that an addict can defeat the unbelievable pull of addiction. Lukewarm efforts or even a moderately strong commitment will result in full failure. This is why a lot of addicts battle for several years, going in and out of treatment plans, only to someday (hopefully) work out the intense level of personal commitment needed to succeed.

For a lot of addicts and alcoholics, addiction is a life-or-death circumstance. They're surviving on the brink of absolute destruction at the hands of these chemicals. Suppose your goals in personal development were of a life-or-death nature. So use this precept to dominate your personal development goals.

Be sure to check back for the rest of this series.

Developing a Powerful Vision For Recovery

A vision is an aspiration that you produce in your mind and aim for it and plan for it from start to the end. It's this vision that thrusts you forward and aims your life with a purpose to reach ahead. It gives the power to achieve your aspirations and also inspires individuals around you with your positive mindset and drive to move forward.

However, how does one plan on acquiring a powerful vision and inspire their lives and the lives of others under its influence when it comes to recovery?

Think Ahead and Plan
If you have the ability to dream, you are able to plan your vision to meet your goals. Think of how you are and how you want your future to be. You are able to create a vision not only to pull in power and success to your recovery but it can also work for your relationships and other aspects of life. When you think ahead and plan in your mind, you are able to produce a vision. Let it be very specific and not something that's very vaguely pictured.

Think Positive
To acquire a powerful vision, you need to produce a positive mindset. Unless you think positive, the actions or planning can't happen in a positive manner. So, it's very essential to have a positive thinking in order to move ahead. Without positive thinking, there's no vision. Without a vision, there's no goal achieved in life or recovery.

Apply the Power of Affirmations
Positive thinking and affirmation with a belief in yourself is very crucial to develop powerful visions and carry it forward to attain success in life and recovery. You need to have motivation and it should be constant and there's nothing better than the power of affirmations to help you acquire all the motivation you need.

Determine Goals
Based on your vision, it's crucial to set goals both short term and long term. It's crucial to visit these goals often and check how many of them you've been able to achieve. If you have been successful in achieving your goals, celebrate it and take credit for it. This will help you stay motivated. However, at the same time, if you have not been able to accomplish some of these goals, it's best not to lose heart but to see why you have not been able to reach these goals and consider how to strive towards reaching them.

The vision that you have generated from your zeal to excel in recovery shouldn't just remain a unfulfilled dream. Rather, it's in your hands to give it the proper shape and molding that it requires to make it grow and attain fruition. Otherwise, the vision has no value.

If you need more info for inspiration,inner pace and helping yourself while helping others, be sure to check inspirationDNA.

You Must Do The Work for Successful Meth Recovery

Picture walking into a 20-story office building, recognizing that your approaching meeting is on the top floor. You walk into the building and right away search for the elevators. To your shock, and disappointment, some of the elevators show "out of order" signs, and the rest are presently being worked on by a team of repairmen. You ask one of the repairmen how to get up to your meeting on the 20th floor, and he points and says with a shrug, "You'll have to take the stairs." While circumstances exactly like this may not have ever happened to you, metaphorically, it's your life in Meth recovery.

You want to be successful in your recovery, stay clean and sober, and off the killer substance Meth. You want to not only be successful, but find the shortcuts or "elevator" to recovery.

Though you recognize your success in any undertaking, requires some effort, wouldn't you like to make it as painless and easy as possible?

There are no "overnight" successes in recovery!

True recovery success comes from "taking the stairs" and moving toward your goals one step at a time.

As you start to walk up the stairs to your meeting (metaphorically), you realize that while you would have rather had an easier way, there are some advantages to the stairway. You are getting exercise, building your endurance, getting a new viewpoint, creating a new experience, and as you go up the last flight of stairs, you understand the pride that comes from the effort!

All of this is true for the effort you put into life and your Meth recovery. The pains you go through create exactly these same benefits: exercise, endurance, new viewpoint, experience, and pride.

Given the symbol of "success in the stairway," what are the ways you can take the realism of effort and make the most of your effort, improving your likelihood of reaching the top floor as quickly as possible?

There are some ways you can utilize your effort intelligently to make your path to success straighter and more direct -- even if you do have to walk:

• Knowledgeable effort (Find the right path.). A lot of people believe that to generate big results, you must work hard. Effort is required, but it doesn't have to be overwhelming. Are you doing things the way other successful recovering addicts have done them? Are you taking time to learn the things that will minimize your recovery effort? Make your endeavor more informed, and recovery can be easier.
• Constant effort (Keep going.). Getting into the stairway is great, but you won't reach your destination unless you keep going. In order to be successful in recovery, you must make constant effort. What did you do last week to move toward your meth recovery? What about yesterday? What have you done (or will you do) to have recovery success today?
• Effort viewpoint (Does it have to be overwhelming?). If you always think about your recovery being overwhelming, guess what it will be? (Here's a hint -- it will be overwhelming.) But does recovery have to be overwhelming? Could it be eye opening? Could it be rewarding? Once you get a different viewpoint for effort, you make climbing the steps to your Meth recovery so much easier.
• Joint effort (Why not recover together?). Find others to travel your journey with you. Usually when people feel like a part of something bigger than themselves – they’ll be more disciplined and more effective. Who do you know that could mentor you or work with you or support you? Or, who can you mentor, help, or support? Check out NA meetings.
• Wholehearted effort (Get something out of the trip.). Choose to get something out of the trip up the stairs to your recovery. The fact is the elevator is broken; the walk is real and required. Why not decide to find the positive and get something out of the experience? It goes faster and easier. You know this is true. Make the choice to be more enthusiastic and positive.
  

Yes, effort is absolutely still required, but these are things you can do to make that effort more effective and agreeable.

Success in any area of life, especially Meth recovery, requires effort -- there is no free ride. But how you view and deal with that effort will make all the difference in the speed and ease with which you climb your path to recovery.

It May Be Time To Appreciate Small Miracles

Every day, there are things in our lives that we don’t pay attention to and think they are luck or chance or we simply take them for granted. Without doubt there are times when things throw us completely off balance or make us feel vulnerable or afraid, especially during recovery. most of the time we are so involved with daily routines, whether it’s work, errands, chores, staying off the drugs, that we don’t notice things around us that enrich our lives.

Honestly, no matter what is happening in life, there are no average moments, no minutes or seconds that are pointless. It’s important to remember that we never get those moments back. It’s very important to recognize and appreciate these moments to help us stabilize and move forward in our lives and recovery.

Waking to hear a birdsong outside your window, a nice hot cup or some warm buttery toast. Noticing your purring cat sleeping in a golden patch of sun that is warming the floor. These are all small miracles to feel grateful for, they are small pleasant gifts in our lives.
This may all sound a little corny to those that are fighting for their lives to end an addiction, but if you consider what life might be like without these small miracles, the more important they seem to be. And for that matter, the little things are what either drive us crazy or make us happy. So, the little things are important in life, even if they don’t seem to be at the time.

Pay attention to these small daily miracles and open yourself up to them. You will feel happier and more content with your life and consider each day different in its own way, which can be a big help in day to day recovery.

Remember that little miracles happen every day. Flowers bloom, babies are born, the sun comes up and we are a living, breathing part of this world. Take the time to recognize the warm, special moments that make you feel good about yourself and the world around you and realize that you are a miracle too.

The Good Works Award

We here at The Addicts Attic we be starting a new page and feature at our site called

The Good Works Award.

This award will be presented to those who are doing something special in the tragic world of addiction. If chosen, their story will be featured on our site for the time being and in the near future we will be working on a way to present them with a small gift as well.

If you know someone who deserves to receive the good works award , please contact me here and I will have a look at their story.

Or if you would like to donate a gift please contact me here and I will coordinate this with you.

The Good Works Award for March goes to

'A Place Called Home'.

A Place Called Home (APCH) is a dynamic youth center located in South Central Los Angeles. APCH provides at-risk youth with a secure, positive family environment where they can regain hope and belief, earn trust and self-respect and learn skills to lead to a productive lifestyle free of the gangs, drugs and poverty that surround them. We help inner city youth find their dreams through educational enrichment. APCH provides educational programs, counseling, mentoring, music, dance and art classes. We also have a recreation and athletic department. One on one attention is at the heart of all APCH programs and activities.

Visit the site today!


The very first Good Works Award goes to Richard Mansfield (aka Gypsy) and his site S-f-f-S.

The site is an NFP raising $ to give grants to parents raising kids from Meth broken homes.

A quote from the site:
"The 'S f f S' mandate is easily defined:

Should we receive a substantiated request to "HELP" aid a family raising a child suffering the turmoil of displacement from METHAMPHETAMINE RELATED CRISIS, so long as the child is in the custody of RESPONSIBLE, DRUG FREE ADULTS, WE'LL DO OUR BEST TO HELP."

Visit the site today!

Are You Listening to Your Body When Facing Relapse Or Addiction?

Are you running around taking care of other people and neglecting yourself?

Are you swamped with too much work and pressure to get things done?

Do you collapse at night wondering if there will ever be enough time?

If you have answered yes to any of these questions, then you can be sure that you need to take better care of your physical self. You’ll never have the time or energy for what you need if you don’t.

When you rush around doing things or taking care of other people, you can be sure that you have lost your sense of self. When you lose your sense of self, you most probably stop listening to your body.

Health issues and weight concerns and addiction are always a sign of not listening to your self. Your body is sending warning signals to you.

Relapse, weight gain or loss, tiredness, digestion problems, and aches and pains are all warning signals. Are you listening to your body?

A heart attack or relapse are two examples of extreme warning signals that things are not working properly. There are many more extreme examples. All of them are indications of not listening to your body.

Do you want to change your consciousness in order to have a healthier, clean and sober you? Do you want to regain a sense of self? Do you want to listen to your body and keep yourself healthy and happy for as long as possible and to be clean and sober?

If you have answered yes to any of these questions, you are probably wondering, how do I change my behavior? You have probably tried many things and none of them have worked.

The first step in change is awareness of a problem. Your awareness has now been raised.

The second step is motivating yourself to change. Look back at your life when you were in the worst possible place, if you do not regain a sense of self, and start listening to your body, you’ll be there again. Addicts are more motivated by the desire to avoid pain than to gain pleasure, so your imagination will be an important part of getting you on a healthier path and keeping you on that path.

Just keep imagining yourself with an extreme illness or at rock bottom because you didn’t listen to your body, and you will have a better chance of paying attention.

The third step is creating a clear vision of what you want to be doing. Talk to your clean and sober friends, investigate what path you want be on and don’t be afraid to ask for help.

The fourth step is getting support for your change process if doing it on your own is not bringing about the results you desire. Again, don’t be afraid to reach out to your support system and if you don’t have one find one at your local AA or NA meeting.

When you receive loving support from another human being, you are more able to internalize that support, and then give it to yourself.

Detox With A Patch For Addicts And Others

Reflexologists refer to the foot as the "second heart" because it has over 60 meridian acupressure points that are the reflective zones of our major internal organs. There are products named cleanse patchs that are effective for detox.

Simply wearing a patch on the sole affects all meridian points. As gravity and our body's own normal defense move toxins away from vital organs, our feet become the "storage place" for toxins. The patch is an aid to capture and remove these toxins.

You put one patch on each foot before going to bed for five nights. Everyone is different. People that are not addicts get nearly all the toxins out of their system by the 5th day. Addicts have more toxins built up their system and it will take longer. You will know if you should continue after the 5th day if the patches are still very dark. This means that there are still a lot of toxins in your system and you will benefit greatly by continuing to use them.

In extreme cases (like addicts), some people will need to 15 days or more. Once you complete your first cleanse and remove most of the toxins from your system, a maintenance is recommended. Look for good quality patches said that are said to be much more effective than other cheap detox patches out there. A inferior product needs the customers to wear the patches for 4-6 weeks straight before the patches start to lighten (if they get lighter at all).

Look for patches that contain Organic Agaricus Mushroom, Organic Tourmaline, and Organic Eucalyptus Sap Powder, if you can afford them. These are the three primary and necessary ingredients needed for detox patches to work. Most companies will use one or two of these ingredients combined with fillers and other non-effective ingredients. It is very expensive to use these three substances and therefore most companies don't.

What you need to know about the killer drug…Crystal Meth.: Final Part

This drug has a devastating affect on the lives of those who do it and those around them.

Crystal meth addiction can be controlled when the correct treatments are exercised. There are some residential and non-residential addiction treatment programs available for crystal meth users who are willing to undergo treatment.

These treatment techniques also include counseling. The treatment techniques include cleansing the body whereas the counseling appointments involve teaching the crystal meth user how to deal with his addiction.

It is really necessary for the crystal meth user to get a huge amount of concern and support from his loved ones, his friends, and his fellowmen so that he can a grasp on his addiction a little sooner.

Addiction is a lifelong matter and relapse is a part of recovery unfortunately. The most important keys to recovery are support, getting help and keep moving forward.

What you need to know about the killer drug…Crystal Meth.: Part 3

Meth is an illegal and an addictive drug and has a direct effect on the nervous system. When inhaled, crystal meth carries toxic substances to the human body.

The effects of meth:

Crystal meth influences the human body both mentally and physically. Here are the various effects of crystal meth on personality:

Psychological Effects:
(1) The euphoric effects of crystal meth are remarkably similar to that of cocaine.

(2) Crystal meth brings about psychological complications a lot faster than other kinds of prohibited drugs. The psychological effects of crystal meth carry on for around eight to twenty-four hours.

(3) Due to the fact that the effects of the crystal meth last for a longer period of time, first time crystal meth users are even more prone to use the substance for a second time.

(4) Crystal meth users will probably use the substance more frequently.

(5) Because crystal meth causes the users to stay wide awake for extended periods, which is about eight to twenty-four hours, the users also tend to have a long sleep times. The amount of time used by the crystal meth user for resting is normally equal to the time he spent for being wide awake.

(6) People who are addicted to crystal meth sometimes feel chemically-induced schizophrenia and toxic psychosis.

This drug has a devastating affect on the lives of those who do it and those around them. So stay informed and look for the next part of this series.

What you need to know about the killer drug…Crystal Meth.: Part 2

Meth is an illegal and an addictive drug and has a direct effect on the nervous system. When inhaled, crystal meth carries toxic substances to the human body.

The drug meth comes in several different forms, one of which is described below:

(1) One kind of meth is crystalline in shape and is mostly transparent and shiny in appearance. They look like sugar crystals. (that is where the name crystal comes from)

(2) It is inhaled via the use of one-chambered glass containers or what is called a meth pipe.

(3) When the meth is heated up by using micro torches (high powered lighters) or ordinary cigarette lighters, it turns into vapor right after forming a liquid puddle.

(4) This sort of meth begins to react in the body quickly, within 3 to 5 seconds. Within seconds the meth affect the nervous system. Its effects, which are visibly noticed, normally last for around eight to twenty-four hours.

There is one more type of methamphetamine available today and they go by the names yellow, smack, speed, crank, and grit.

Be aware if you hear these terms being used. This drug has a devastating affect on the lives of those who do it and those around them.

What you need to know about the killer drug…Crystal Meth.: Part 1

Crystal Meth is the acronym for methylamphetamine or methamphetamine. The street terms for crystal meth include LA ice, glass and cristina.

Meth is an illegal and an addictive drug and has a direct effect on the nervous system. When inhaled or injected, crystal meth carries toxic substances to the human body.

According to statistical research, crystal meth is so addictive that around 42% of first time users feel the need to try it again whereas approximately 84% of previous users will become addicted.

Several first time users of crystal meth are unaware of the unsafe, devastating effects the drug has on the body. They simply like taking the drug because they say it makes them "feel good."

Crystal meth is a killer and is claiming more lives everyday. Be sure to check out the rest of the information that will be provided in this continuing series.

Get a jump on curbing substance abuse

Parenting is the most difficult, the most challenging, and the most important job we will ever have. So many of our children's future successes and problems including drug abuse can come from early childhood.

Yet fortunately we do not have to go it alone. We can learn from the successful parents around us, if we are fortunate including our own parents, and also learn from those less successful as well.

We can also learn many important lessons about parenting from our own children. If we only listen and pay attention they tell us so much about what they want and need from us as parents.

The three gifts to give your kids.
While we can so often get caught up in the little details and daily grind of parenting, if we give these 3 gifts then the rest will hopefully take care of itself: our love, our care, and our time. Love is the easiest and yet the most overlooked of the gifts we must give our children. Show them through your actions and choices that you love them. Show them and tell them how much you care. Do this with little gestures and big ones and do it every day. And be sure to make time to listen and interact.

Of course there are no guarantees in life and a parent can do all they can and still have a child that abuses substances. But take heart, even if it does turn out that way after you’ve done all you can, there is still hope.

Could your loved one be coming down from a cocaine high, signs and symptoms

Cocaine is an addictive substance that has infected our society. The drug is a stimulant and can cause mood swings, unusual behavior and aggression.

If you are concerned that someone you love is using this drug, watch for changes in behavior and two or more of the following withdrawal symptoms to signal that they may be coming down from a high:

These symptoms will happen hours or days after using less cocaine:

Feeling anxious.

Feeling restless.

Feeling sick to their stomach, or throwing up.

Seizures (convulsions).

Increased shaking in the hands.

Seeing, hearing or feeling things that are not really there.

Sweating or fast heartbeat.

Trouble sleeping.

A rare peek into the life of a teen drug abuser.

Warning....course language!

Parents.... this is a must see video that shows a rare peek into the life of a teen drug abuser.

It is rare as parents to be able to see exactly what happens to our kids in their lives when they are out with their friends and getting high. As parents, out teens usually try to hide the fact that they are high so we don't see the true craziness or hear what is on their minds.

In this video you will get an unedited view of the way 2 young ladies feel and act while high. You may also pick up on some signs and symptoms to watch for with your own teen.

Do you feel responsible for your teen's addiction

One of the most difficult scenarios for a parent is to face is the fact that they have a child who is an addict. I am no exception!

I have been through all of the blaming , the self destruction, the manipulation and the loneliness of a parent with an addict child. There have been many days when I would have traded my life, literally, to have spared him the pain of this dreaded disease. Of course, any reasonable adult would feel the same way....I am no different than anyone.

Do something.
The point is that there has to come a time when we make our children responsible for their own actions. They need to, at some point, become functioning, responsible adults. The hard part is where to draw the line.

No one wants to see their child fall into an endless spiral of nothingness......but sometimes the worst thing we can do is bail them out over and over (this coming from the classic co-dependent).

The absolute sadness of a parent with an addicted child.
Sometimes....one must hit ABSOLUTE bottom before they can see a way out. It is painful for everyone....but the old saying "no pain, no gain" stands true here.

Parents... don't let anyone else tell you what to do....Make informed inquiries and make up your own mind...whatever your choice...This is the only way you will have peace.

Don't be bullied by your child (addicts are good at that)... and seek out professional help if you need to.

Reach out.
As well.......know that there are many of us in the same boat out there! Don't feel alone and reach out when you need a hand....We are here......I am here....

How do you feel about teen drug testing in schools?

There is really no argument that drug abuse is infecting our young people at epidemic proportions. This affects their overall lives as well as their academic performance. But does this give us the right to mandate drug testing in schools?

The number of schools in the US that are testing students for drug use is on the rise. This is largely due to legal barriers being taken down and more money being available for testing programs. As well schools have begun to test a broader range of students.

In 2002 the Supreme Court ruled that random testing of athletes and others in competitive extracurricular activities could be tested without violating the students' privacy rights.

The information gained is not made public.
The number of students that test positive for drugs is not released publicly and the schools are not required to report them to the U.S. government. As well the results can’t be given to police or used for punishment toward the student except to exclude them from extracurricular activities.

The general rule of thumb is for schools to test for marijuana, stimulants and opiates at an average cost of $42 per test.

Recently some schools are testing the legal boundaries the Supreme Court set for the screening of students. One district will be testing not only athletes and students in clubs, but also those who drive to school and anyone who wants to go to a school activity such as a dance, prom or class party.

Is it worth it?
The question remains however, is this really a deterrent and is it worth the money? If one is a tax payer that does not have any children, they may answer No.

The cold hard truth however is that teen drug abuse affects everyone whether they have their own children or not. This is evidenced in the rise in the numbers of youth who are being incarcerated.

For the rest of us who do have children and are terrified by the substances that are readily available to them, I believe the overall answer is that more should be done.

Perhaps our youth are not so happy about what they may feel is an invasion of their privacy……but it is our job as adults to be in our children’s business as a community.

Share your opinion with me here and speak out on the subject whether you’re a supporter or not.

Drugs

*- No Stone Unturned -*
by Scrypt

And so I turn the stone again,
Fingers clasped around its shiny sides
Easing round with every squeeze
Heavy in the palm of my hand
What right have I to feel so sad?
I'm just a pebble cast aside amid the rest,
No striking colour, funny shape or hidden gem,
And so, I turn my stone again
Suddenly an impulse grabs me from behind
I slip, tumbling relentlessly towards the sea
I turn the stone once more
And skip it free
And so I leave my stone, unturned.