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!

Holistic Addiction Treatment - A Review

A lot of addicts ask, “What is used in holistic addiction treatment?” In addition, the addict’s acquaintances and loved ones might likewise ask and question how it may benefit their loved one.

Holistic addiction treatment is a comprehensive and progressive treatment system that centers on treating the whole person. An crucial point about holistic addiction treatment is that it provides a wide range of therapies that go a long way in assisting the person in full recovery. Additionally, these addiction treatment platforms likewise foster peace (which you know is crucial if you read my blog).

I have come across an outstanding program that uses holistic treatment for addictions. While checking into the program that uses a holistic approach (which, remember, centers on the whole person) I came across Holistic Light Addiction Rehab Center.

This program uses the treatments developed by Dr. Jacob Marshak (The Marshak Method). Dr. Marshak, after graduating from school in Russia began one of the first private rehab centers in Russia. He as well is a Kundalini Yoga teacher (yoga is used in holistic treatment, hence the "peace" part). Due to the glowing testimonials on the website, I was compelled to investigate further as it's important that addicts have an individualized plan and a center that actually cares about their recovery.

As I searched the net I found that Dr. Marshak is really a world renowned therapist and his treatment is well respected. The treatment includes therapeutic exercise to help manage mood swings that addicts have an issue with during and after recovery. As well the program includes special supplements to aid in recovery. Which if you follow this blog at all you know that I totally have faith in and have provided you info on that subject.

I say yay! I have long wondered why it is that conventional medicine and holistic medicine couldn't just get along and provide a better resolution for any patient, especially addicts. As well, there are testimonials from patients treated at Holistic Light Addiction Rehab Center. The reviews are glowing. But as addicts are usually skeptical by nature I knew that this alone would likely not be enough. However, to my surprise I found that this center provides a guarantee. This was surprising to me as many centers unfortunately count on the fact that addiction can mean a long cycle of recovery and relapse which pads their pockets. The last thing an addict needs is to feel they are not personally cared about and that the very people that are there to help them are concerned about everything but their true recovery. So a guarantee blew my mind!

If you follow anything here you know that the subject of addiction has had a personal impact in my life, being a mother of an addict. I am not in the habit of endorsing any one place or treatment as I believe each person requires treatment that is "just for them". That being said, I am impressed with this award winning program that centers on the needs of each "individual". After all, addiction is NOT a "one size fits all" thing.

My final thought to you today is, if you have an addiction you might already be at the place where you know that you need to stop. You may be battling with your recovery (as is the case with most if not all addicts). But getting the best care you can is essential to your total recovery and according to my research Holistic Light Addiction Rehab Center is a fantastic place for you to begin your journey.

Check it out for yourself here : http://www.holisticlight.com/

As always, my thoughts and prayers with you.

You Are Sober- Now What

You got yourself clean and sober and today the fog is beginning to lift and realness smacks you in the face:

This is your life. Sober.

Now, what are you going to do to sustain it?

This is the entire point of a recovery program, be it a spiritual based program, the 12 step plan, a series of counseling and therapy sessions, or whatsoever. They all seek to do the same thing:

Keep you from backsliding.

So which one is the most beneficial one? What is the most beneficial technique of preventing relapse?

Now plainly there are recovering addicts and alcoholics who succeed utilizing different forms of relapse prevention. A few individuals follow a spiritual based plan and they do exceedingly well with it and it transforms their life for the better and they never utilize drugs or alcohol again.
Others will totally reject a religious based plan and they will not become open to the theme even for a short moment. For them, perhaps a different sort of relapse prevention works best, even the spiritual based 12 step plan maybe.

And still others are out there recovering who don't utilize faith or 12 step programs to prevent relapse. They discover additional ways to metamorphose their lives.

So now you understand: there's more than one way to live clean and sober in recovery. There's more than one way to forestall backsliding. Blanket statements like “Each alcoholic has one hope in this world and that's the plan of AA” are simply dead wrong.

The most beneficial relapse prevention model that is unparalleled to you is likely a mixture of many approaches, and will depend upon your willingness to search out what works for you, and what doesn't work for you.
Consider that for a minute:
It's your duty to test out what works better for you in recovery.

This guides us to 2 major hints:

* Don’t simply blindly live with the 1st solution stuffed down your throat, and
* Don’t simply sit there. Become active, and begin exploring your own development in recovery.
Finding what works for you

What do you utilize to assess success in recovery?
By far the most crucial measure is upheld abstinence. If you relapse, what you were doing wasn't working. Try something else. Relapse is the elemental indicator that you have to modify your plan of attack to recovery.

But let’s suppose that you manage to lay down a couple of weeks or a couple of months of clean time, but you nevertheless don’t feel really positive in your recovery. What is a different measure of success that you are able to utilize to judge how well you're doing?

Favorable daily action.

If somebody says “what did you accomplish for your recovery today?” and all you are able to say is “well, I didn’t drink or utilize drugs, but that's enough!” then I think you're really harming yourself in the long haul.

If abstention was all that was called for, then we would not require plans, or self help groups, or rehabs, or therapists, or counselors, or whatsoever. If all it called for was abstention, then there would be no junkies or boozers.

But recovery calls for more than mere abstention. If all you may claim as favorable action for every day is your sobriety, then you're on thin ice. You have to accomplish more.

More what?

More favorable action. More favorable changes in your life that center on personal growth.

I can't tell you what your precise relapse prevention program is, as everybody will be unique in that respect. But if you're not taking favorable action each day, then you have to discover a way to turn things around.
For instance, you may:

* Work out.
* Assist others in recovery.
* Go to meetings and share frankly.
* Go to religious groups and become involved with the community.
* Better your education and learn more.
* Volunteer.
* Instruct.

These are generally just general actions you may take to provide you an idea.

But truly what you wish to do is to figure out how you are able to grow personally, how you may better your own life, and how you may utilize your extra talents to assist and empower other people in the world. What are you great at doing? How may you best assist others? Discover a rewarding way to accomplish that.

A great relapse prevention program is based totally on YOU taking action. What actions you adopt are subject to experiment. You might have to research for a while. However the key is that you don't sit stagnate, and expect your recovery to come to you.

No, you have to go produce it for yourself.

If you abide by somebody else’s relapse prevention program, then you can't truly complain if you're not acquiring the outcomes that you wish. Rather, take charge of your own recovery, and begin working out which path will lead to personal growth.

Accept responsibility for your own success in recovery.

Quit Drugs Today Affirmations

Individuals use drugs for assorted reasons. Fundamentally, though, drugs give us a sought after effect producing a feeling of euphoria that makes us feel more beneficial - at least temporarily. This is where the thought process becomes a little skewed. Individuals start to crave the feeling of euphoria that they get when they use drugs and that's when it gets to be a problem. It may be a vicious cycle.

You feel you can't live without the feelings that drugs provide you and that you just won't be able to cope with life without those drugs. That's what spawns addiction. A positive affirmation may be anything you wish it to be, but it has to be positive! Look in the mirror, look into your own eyes, and repeat your affirmation again and again.

Change your mentality from not believing what you state to wholeheartedly accepting that it is the truth. Do this numerous times a day if you have to. Finally, you'll begin believing what you say without having to quiet down those negative thoughts when they sneak in.

I deserve to be glad and successful

I have the might to change myself

I may forgive and understand other people and their motives

I may make my own choices and decisions

We might think there's willpower involved, but more likely, change is due to desire power. Wanting the new addiction more than the previous one. Wanting the new me in preference to the individual I am now.

Using Affirmations For Beating Meth

If you're serious about laying off meth, then you ought to earnestly consider utilizing the power of self-suggestion to alter your thought practices. With autosuggestion you'll be able to program your subconscious with the fresh ideas, feelings and behaviors that you wish for yourself as you get to be clean and sober. You can provide yourself some help with the steps of successful affirmation, suggestions for quitting substances, and reinforcing your new ego. This chapter will introduce you to utilizing affirmations to help yourself quit meth.

Design

In order to be successful at utilizing affirmations you have to have a clear-cut step by step game design. You have to set a time aside where you are able to utter your affirmations aloud every single day for at the least one calendar month.

It's most beneficial to write your affirmations down first of all and then as you learn them you are able to narrate them in your own words. If you are able to state your affirmations aloud each day for more then 21 days, you'll discover this to be unbelievably powerful.

Get Moving

State aloud so you are able to hear your own voice the accompanying:

"I understand that I have got the power to quit meth today. Consequently I require of myself doggedness and ceaseless action towards the goal of laying off meth now. I'm creating a promise to myself that I can and will stop"

We today know that through the precept of affirmation and suggestion that the recurrent act of stating desire toward your goal will sooner or later become physical truth. Consequently it's advised that you spend equal to 30 minutes each and every single day, and spend that time on considering the drug free individual you intend to turn into. As you affirm your target of quitting meth, make a clear-cut mental image of this individual you're turning into.

As you rehearse this you'll discover it works in a predictable style. As you continually and repeatedly bear in your mind the picture of your fresh self, you'll discover that you slowly and mechanically transform your truth in positive ways. Consequently it's crucial to spend 10 minutes of every day, requiring of yourself the self-control and self-assurance to quit meth.

Devote

In order to devote yourself even more to this procedure, make sure to get it down in writing. Put down a description of your goal to stop meth and promise to never quit trying, till you've developed the self-control to stop. It will be something you are able to go back to. Particularly at those times when you feel like surrendering.

Reward

In conclusion, you'll wish to remind yourself every day about some of the basic principles of affirmation. Simply recall that affirmations will carry on working for you as long as you only utilize them in fashions that benefit yourself and everybody around you.

You'll sooner or later pull in to yourself the outcomes, places, and things you'll need to utilize, likewise the cooperation of others. Remember to formulate within yourself a love for all individuals, and particularly love for yourself. You'll discover that individuals are more then willing to assist you, as you're the type of individual who's helpful towards other people.

Carry with you your personal statement of affirmation at all times, and put your name to it. Make certain to commit it to memory and recite it aloud each day.

Utilize your faith and your emotions, and you'll discover that you step by step influence your own actions, quit abusing meth, and become and successful and self-governing individual. Remember the steps for affirmation, provide yourself the most beneficial suggestions for quitting meth, and make that a habit.

You'll discover that you by nature produce a plan for quitting and follow that plan by utilizing affirmation and self-suggestion.

Related articles

• Affirm Your Worth With Affirmations (everydayhealth.com)
• Some other options to Cold Turkey Methods of Quitting Smoking (madhealthnfitness.wordpress.com)

An Apology and Sad News

I firstly must apologize to my loyal readers as I haven't been staying up to date here at The Addicts Attic. I know from emails that I have many loyal readers seeking information and help with this devastating topic.

For the last year I have been the caregiver for my dear mother who was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer. Sadly she lost her battle on Oct 4. I am now trying to put the pieces back together from her loss and a very difficult year as well as stay clean and sober from my own old demons.

I will be able to get myself together with the help of my remaining family.... most of which are in the picture above (minus the strongest.... my dear Mom).... and with the help of God.

Soon I will be back to providing information and support to my loyal readers as this subject (substance abuse and recovery), as some of you know has greatly impacted my life.

To all of you... my apologies and hang in there! Now More Than Ever I realize that life is but a blink of an eye.... Make the best of it today as we don't know if there will be a tomorrow.

WE MISS YOU MOM

Our New Forum

Hey everyone... we just added a new feature to The Addicts Attic to better server your needs. We now have a forum! Come and join us and share your views, your help or your troubles. We expect everyone to behave themselves here and remember that this is a place of help and support for those affected by addictions in some way. Be helpful or you will not be allowed to participate.

You will find the link under Pages to the right.

Thanks and Enjoy!

The Use Of Exercise In Treating And Preventing Addiction

As of late studies have been done to find out whether or not the use of fitness equipment and exercise may help prevent drug abuse and/or assist in recovery. A few opinions on exercise equipment are that there are new grounds to believe that exercise may help prevent drug abuse. Researchers lately discovered that teens that worked out each day were more than 35% less likely to try marijuana than those adolescents that didn’t exercise. Although the causes behind this are not totally known, it adds up that adolescents that exercise and are mindful of their health might be too occupied to get mixed up with drugs or alcohol.

Working out makes us feel good about ourselves, and assists individuals in overcoming damaging thoughts that may lead to drug abuse. Physical exertion and fitness equipment like Tunturi treadmills are often a part of rehab programs, as this supplies distraction, and appears to give a shot of self-assurance and relieves tension and depression.

However a few of the researchers are now finding out why exercise assists in the fight with addiction. Physical exertion stimulates endorphins. Endorphins are in lower supply in addicts, which causes negative thoughts, which keeps them using. With the advantages of physical exertion, an addict could stop the drug abuse.

There are issues that aren't yet understood about the use of exercise in the prevention of addiction, but that there's some information that exercise assists in drug abuse prevention. Besides exercise is just good for you.

The way our youth lives today is very different from years past. TV, computers and video games have been substituted for the physical activities youngsters once loved. Fitness appears to have taken a backseat when it concerns the modern youngster. Our youngsters are becoming victims of inactive, unmotivated, unhealthy living and their health and self worth is suffering.

Instructing your youngsters on the importance of physical fitness and the use of fitness equipment is critical to preserving physical and mental health. Stopping drug abuse before it happens is always the best way to go and a healthy body and self image can go a long way for prevention. However with the new information on exercise and addictions, if you are a recovering addict remember that it it's never too late to get healthy... both physically and mentally.

Get started with some kind of fitness equipment... like a Tunturi elliptical cross trainer for example and get some exercise as soon as you can. As always... be sure to check with your doctor before beginning any new exercise program.

Crushing Addiction Calls For A Firm Push To Keep Developing

Can An Addict Teach Us About Personal Growth:Part 2

Everybody who's on the path of development and growth to fight an addiction peters out of steam every once in a while. In recovery, we calls this complacency. What we have discovered with addicts and alcoholics, is that we're either advancing forward in our recovery, or we're stagnating our way back toward a relapse. There's no “treading water” when it concerns our progress – we must keep pushing ourselves to develop.

Once again, this is something that a lot of recovering addicts learn slowly over time, as they observe a pattern in which they slowly slip back into their stale ways. They in time find that the only way to make constant, forward advancement in recovery is to continue pushing themselves to accomplish fresh goals and achieve new things. Illustrations of this include helping new addicts in recovery, getting back to finish a college degree, or pushing themselves to get a more beneficial job. We can't stalemate and be successful in recovery. Stagnating leads to relapse. Steady development is a huge key to long term soberness.

The significances of complacency regarding personal development are very visible. While many us may read literature day-after-day regarding personal development, and many us may as well have our daily practices and routines that we’ve adopted in order to go after a more spiritual life, how much have we truly developed lately? Ask yourself: should I be reaching for something more in my life right now? Will I be fulfilled if I continue living the way I have been living recently?

Be sure to check back for the next part of our series and watch for my new upcoming book on Stress That Accompanys The Holidays.

Related addiction articles

• Drinking Diaries: On Rejecting Addiction and Drama (psychcentral.com)
• Latin America's crack problem swells (telegraph.co.uk)

From the Eyes of An Addicts Mother-Reflecting On the Birth of My Child

On July 10th my son had born to him a bouncing baby boy. However the baby was early and quickly developed some complications not due to the fault of anyone... just one of those things.

My son, who has been through many trials in his oh so short life, with addictions and the like was overcome with immediate love for this little human he brought into the world.

I was thinking back about my sons birth and how much love I felt for him the second he was born. He had no problems at birth... his developed later on. My son has said to me many times over the course of the last few days since the baby was born that "He totally understands why I would get so crazy upset with him when he was doing crazy things". I guess it just takes some growing up.

The baby recovered....thanks to the grace of God and went home yesterday....my son is as well recovering thanks to the grace of God.

What Meth Can Do For You

Have a look at what meth can do for you from the good people at SFFS.



Then check out the site at SFFS.

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!

New Film On The Real Dangers Associated With Meth

Our society is getting lost in the popular trend , methamphetamine, also known as speed, crank, ice, glass, crystal meth, sketch, go, junk, wake up, zoom, crystal, cridium, stuff, tweak, dope, and lines. This substance is snorted, smoked, injected and eaten. Now available is "Tweaked: A Generation in Overdrive". This is a 50 minute film with the intimate details of a family who struggled through meth addiction to recovery.

Meth is typically sold in 1/4 gram ($20-25), one gram ($50-75), and 1/8 ounce ($140-180) whick makes it cheaper and more accessible than cocaine. Police say $100 can buy a cocaine user a twenty-minute high; the same amount can keep a meth user buzzed for a day or two.

The life ruining drug Meth, now rivals cocaine as the drug of choice in many parts of the United States. Unlike cocaine, meth does not need to be smuggled into the United States as it’s made right in peoples homes. The Federal Government recently reported, "While cocaine use continues to slow, meth has taken its place as the most widely abused drug in the United States." At the same time, the U.S. Department of Justice has named meth the "drug of choice" among youth.

The films: "Tweaked" and "Tweaked: A Generation in Overdrive", present a warning of the real dangers associated with Meth abuse growing in America. The first film, "Tweaked", presents the problem with little hope or solution. Running 20 minutes, the length and graphic content send a devastating wakeup call to any addict or potential user that this drug KILLS.

"Tweaked: A Generation in Overdrive" is a 50 minute film with the same message as "Tweaked" plus the intimate details of a family who struggled through meth addiction to recovery. This longer, more detailed version is informative and should be viewed by youth, parents and community leaders in order to fully understand the problem and see the potential for escape.

The makers of the film series issue this WARNING:
These two films contain hard to watch images of graphic violence and abuse caused by those addicted to Meth. You can find the film series here:


You can also visit The Addicts Attic education video page to download and watch free Meth education videos.

Triple C-Skittles-Robo Trippin-Tussin-Dex: If You’re Hearing These Terms You need To Pay Attention

If you have noticed lately that many stores are keeping your favorite cough and cold medicine behind the counter there is a legitimate reason for it. Our youth has found yet another way to experiment with substance abuse.

There is a new ‘high’ and if you’re hearing the terms Triple C, Skittles, Robo Trippin, Tussin or Dex, you need to pay serious attention. All of these terms refer to using cough and cold medicine or cough syrup to get high. ‘Triple C’ specifically refers to Coricidin HBP Cough & Cold.

What causes the high? DXM.

At dangerously high doses Dextromethorphan acts like PCP and ketamine. For many years this substance has been as a safe and effective cough suppressant found in over-the-counter cough medicines. But these days, some teens are abusing this substance and causing serious damage to their bodies and minds. They think because it's found in over-the-counter medicines that it must be harmless, just an easy and safe way to get high. This is not true!

What Happens?

The effects of abusing DXM vary with the amount taken. Common effects can include confusion, dizziness, double or blurred vision, slurred speech, impaired physical coordination, abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting, rapid heart beat, drowsiness, numbness of fingers and toes, and disorientation. As well, the appearance of stiff joints while walking (an almost zombie like walk) is a little known side effect that I have unfortunately learned from one of my children.

People who do Triple C, Skittles, Robo Trippin, Tussin, or Dex describe different "highs" ranging from mild distortions of color and sound to visual hallucinations and "out-of-body," feelings of detachment from the environment and self, sensations, and loss of motor control.

At high enough doses, DXM alone can suppress the central nervous system and if that happens the brain can stop telling your lungs to breathe. As well, extremely high doses of DXM can induce a hallucinatory state which can lead to "accidents" that result in death.

In this day and time it is so very important for parents to notice even small changes in our children’s behavior. Our kids are becoming more inventive with ways to ‘escape reality’. If you notice any of these symptoms, hear any of these terms or see that your cough medicine is disappearing, take it seriously. You could be saving a life!

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.

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.

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....

What Every Parent Should Know About Addiction.

If you're a parent....this will scare you, but here's the reality.

I am the loving parent of a teen and my experience is not unusual.Parenting teens in this day and time is outrageously difficult.

Firstly, we need to talk to our kids about drugs long before they hit their teen years. Studies show that children are using their first illegal substance at ages as young as 6. Yes, you must talk to your teen about drugs and all the downfalls that come with them without talking down to them.

However, the "understanding" and "right to passage" garbage is just that! Our kids still need to understand that they are just that,kids, and we are the parents.

Our Kids are lost.
Teens are lost today and they face single parent households with one income and they have time on their hands with no supervision. I'm not suggesting anything different than went on in my own household. Over the years we've begun to feel guilty about having to earn a living and not being the "stay at home" parents from Leave It To Beaver. We've helped ease our guilt and our stress by being our teens "friend" instead of their "parent".I am a responsible parent, who loves my child,has set boundaries,used discipline and would put myself in front of a train for my child.......as any normal parent but... I DID IT TOO!I changed my views on this approach to parenting when my teen was introduced to and became addicted to "Meth"( today's most popular drug).

Don't believe the lies.
Yes Parents....DON'T LET ANYONE TELL YOU "Weed" is Not a gateway drug! Through my teens tragic experience I have learned from drug treatment professionals all about the effects of drugs on endorphins and brain wave patterns.

Counseling, drug treatment facilities, incarceration,NA meetings,MA meetings, locking windows and doors so no one can "sneak out at night,discussions and promises, theses are all the things my household has experienced due to my teens drug abuse.

What you can do.
The bottom line is, and here is the scary part....... Sometimes you do all you can physically, emotionally and spiritually, but if someone doesn't hit bottom...they don't know which way UP is. When this is the case, make sure there is a way for them to get out of the hole, as in my teens experience all you can do is...

1. NEVER GIVE UP ON YOUR KID!

2. KNOW ALL of the signs and symptoms of all the newest drug fads (I will be writing on those right from the horses mouth soon) and ACT as soon as you see a symptom!

3.Let your teen know YOU CARE by Having Rules and ENFORCING THEM (I know...easier said than done....but do it)

4.Try to get your teen Hooked on something else that they are interested in (again easier said than done...most kids don't want to do anything except hang out)

5.MONITOR THEIR FRIENDS! (remember?...when you're a kid you want to fit in)

6.CHECK UP ON THEM!(are they really at Bob's house)

7. Know their friends parents... (are they really the kind of people you want supervising your teen)

8. Take care of your emotional needs. (you can't help anyone if your a wreck)

9. Pray and seek Good Professional advice

10. HANG IN THERE AND DON'T GIVE UP ON YOUR KIDD!