From the Eyes of An Addicts Mother

In my time on the net, providing information about addictions that I have learned through my own experience with an addicted child, I have found that there really are not many places for parents of addicted children to truly express their real feelings on the subject without fear of being judged or put down. This goes for not just parents, but anyone who cares about or has an addict in their life.


So... The Addicts Attic, me, will be providing a new addition to the site. I will be sharing some of my personal experience and my TRUE feelings that manifested and are still coming up in some related situations today about the trials of addiction. If it turns out that I am jugged harshly by some... I guess that’s unavoidable...


But I truly believe it's time for people to have a place where they can vent their HONEST feelings and do it in a place where others can truly understand where they are coming from. A place to truly share hurts, sorrows, regrets, triumphs or to just complain and get it all out.


Please join me in sharing your personal experience by leaving comments on the posts from this series:

From the Eyes of An Addicts Mother

I really look forward to your input and sharing with you.... and you may just be helping someone else at the same time while helping yourself.


Have a great day.

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.

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.

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.

Are You Creative and Have Something to Say?

If you are a creative person and like to share your poetry, send me an email with the poem you would like to have posted.

I will review it and if it fits with this topic, I will post it and share your feelings with all.


Featured Poems


sorry sug
By: Gypsy

a present from a demon what's this omen that's arrived
soulless orbs , yellow sick cast
red pupil center'd eyes

playing games with war darts filled with poison meant for veins, nightmares assemble youth now trembles assimilate your bane

displacer cloak on shoulders sexxy streaming through the wind,

making invisibility, sure, go figure, we can all pretend

they all can see those black peeperz gleaming sport, shining a monster's sin

can you just feign off feeling frightened Chief and accept this as your fate

you drew this straw you registered the second you chose our date,

Imagine that...
trust me sug...

what the fukkk r u gonna do?

you could die before the new sun dawns,

KING, QUEEN, WARRIOR, General, frightened miniscule PAWN...
pick one chump,

but pick just one - to whome will you be true

a resume filled of things disgraceful so sure that they were not you,
not even on a wildest whim
recessing even az u have in the bowels of depravity
bearing every weakness through a toothless grin

once upon a long time back astride a worthy steed,

Now?

Not now...
But HOW, sweet Prince?
Yes
But how indeed...

Not since PRECIOUS...
that Icy cold !$#$%,
with her rose fragranced pinkness and grace,
not since her ether based deliscious taste
when that spike made you first bleed

A Gypsy KING!

yeeeeaaaaaah...

Once phat with bling,
pockets all flush with cash

Bottomless!

Deep and purple plush
filled all up with this bad mans rush,

A Gypsy KING with flash none could, would, should endeavor to compare

GYPSY KINGS so rare, so Princely fair, you and ol'Chrissy sure were "THE PAIR"

Then that freefall from on up HIGH
as all spellbound watched you plummet,

the entire trainwreck
oh you clueless clown
just grinning your patented "ah hell, fukkit" frown,

like a BOLT you flamed down from the sky

The Surgeon white clad, quotin', "*@%*, this oughta be bad, ya know for years I've known THIS guy",
standing stark still deep deepity deep in the shadows,
just hangin out, prick just waiting - just standin' by

Then that fair Gypsy King fallen,
a spike hangin' outa his chest,

with a everlong - eternal
timeless
drawn out
patient
agonized
ceaseless glimmer
taste becoming dimmer,
a soul shuddering shiver
and that breath becoming thinner, thinner yet thinner;

SOMEHOW,
HOW?

Clarity, wow,
the thoughts then presented, of a LIFE a GOD intended
that brain pan began to simmer,

daughter...
dope...

Daughter?
Dope
DAUGHTER... DOPE!!!

DaDa?
Deth!
Disaster
Deliver?
Bewilder
just consider

CAN YOU JUST PLEASE CONSIDER ALIVE?

DAUGHTER! Muther fuckkkker, DAUGHTER, straight up.

14 years now,
still not believing HOW

but

through the GRACE OF GOD,
SAY IT!
State simply,

A METH DEATH SENTENCED GYPSY "survived"

gypsy
1/28/09

Before Meth/After Meth

By: sotired

Before Meth
Your beautiful smile
Brightened up my day
After Meth
Your beautiful smile
Simply went away

Before Meth,
I could sleep
The whole night through
After Meth,
I stay awake
Wondering and waiting for you

Before Meth
I could count on you
To always be around
After Meth
I look for you
But you're no where to be found

Before Meth
I could leave my wallet and my purse
Laying on the ground
After Meth
I take my wallet and my purse
And hide them so they can't be found

Before Meth
The curtains were open, the door was unlocked
and we answered the phone too
After Meth
You peek through the curtains or the holes in the garage
It could be the cops or the bad guys to get you

Before Meth
You'd go to the store
And come back right away
After Meth
You'd go to the store
And we might not see you for another day

Before Meth
We were a family
Doing family things
After Meth
Family? Family?
You don't even know what that means

Before Meth
You loved your kids
With everything you had
After Meth
You don't see them or call them
It's like they don't even have a dad

Before Meth
I felt love
Like I've never felt before
After Meth
You treat me like I'm the devil
You hate me to the core.

Before Meth
I never knew drugs could change someone
So completely
After Meth
I don't know who you are anymore
You're not the man I loved so deeply.

Life

By Sterling

Its filled with hurt, filled with pain
Dealing with the same problems on a daily basis
Wandering around aimless with not a damn thing to gain

Others tell me to put a smile on my face
They say its not that bad
But do they know what it's like
To wish to be covered with a body bag

I wonder
Will things ever change?
Or will I live life
With happiness completely out of my range

As I sit and think the anger sets in
A demon constantly stands at the foot of my bed
Its only goal
Is to take over my head

I can only take so much
The pain is to deep, so I turn to the drugs
All I really ever wanted
Is a life full of love and hugs

Having dreams
of slit wrists
myself dying
my stomach twists

Numerous sleepless nights
Drenched in sweat with suicide on my mind
I cannot find help
I look for it with no luck, it is as if I am blind

I fall into the dark
It begins to consume my soul
I cannot break free
Inside my body there is constantly an empty hole

I believe everyone in this life
Has a reason to exist, but not me
People with careers are happy
But I wonder in 5 years where will I be?

But the answer is clear, almost obvious
Probably in a hole in the ground or in a cell
So I ask myself
Should I end it myself and end this living hell

*- 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.

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!