Published in a recent issue of the Journal of Neuroscience, the study suggests identifying susceptible brain structures can assist in predicting learning and behavioral problems in children who were exposed to meth. Caudate Nucleus, a region in the brain playing a key part in memory, motivation and motor control, was lowered more by meth than alcohol.

The worrying part, also underlined by the lead author of the study Dr. Elizabeth Sowell, in all this is that pregnant women use meth quite commonly.

According to the National Surveys on Drug Use and Health, approximately 19,000 meth users in the country are pregnant women.

Not just this, half of these meth users also consumes alcohol.

Researchers analyzed the impact of meth by comparing brain scans of 61 children of which 21 had been prenatally exposed to alcohol and meth, 13 had been exposed heavily to alcohol and 27 weren’t exposed to either of the two. The team of researchers found out that the size and shape of few of the brain structures were different (based on the level of exposure). They found that brains of children that were exposed to meth were similar to alcohol ones. Furthermore, in meth-exposed children, an irregular increase was found in the cingulate cortex, a region in the brain that helps in resolving conflicts.

Apart from this, the researchers could also ascertain a specific child’s prior exposure to drugs. This could go a long way in diagnosing children with behavioral or cognitive issues. Plus, the findings of the research could also assist in understanding the regions in the brain that are highly vulnerable to injury during fetal development process. In a nutshell, the study is indeed a breakthrough of sorts and can be used to help children (exposed to drugs) in bettering their cognitive performance.

For pregnant women that are addicted to meth, it is imperative they use the services of an expert. For the child to be normal and grow normal, it is important to seek help from  addiction treatment centers.

1) Myth: Prescription drugs are safe since a doctor prescribed them.

• Reality: Even though a lot of checks and rechecks go into the making of pharmaceutical drugs, there are many prescription drugs that are as powerful (and at times more powerful) than illegal drugs. Take the case of heroin that, when controlled for quality, can be a better pain alleviator for cancer patients than even morphine.

2) Myth: A doctor will never prescribe a drug that is averse to other drugs that are being taken.

• Reality: A plethora of cases involving celebrities with more than one prescription absolutely nullify this myth. Even if the doctor told you not to take the drugs together, you invariably ignore their instructions. In order to steer clear of unwarranted interactions of drugs, the best thing to do is to ask a single pharmacist to review the drugs for interactions.

3) Myth: Asking an acquaintance for a prescription pill that was prescribed for the same problem won’t cause any harm.

• Reality: Apart from the fact that sharing your prescription medication with another person is illegal, you should absolutely refrain from becoming your own doctor by taking somebody else’s pain medication (and antibiotics) and in turn risking your health. On the same lines, no matter how forced you feel, you should never give your prescribed drug to your friend.

4) Myth: Pain killers treat only actual pain and there’s no reason to get addicted to them.

• Reality: The real goal of pain medication is to make the pain controllable. But in essence, people keep taking pain killers till they have completely removed the pain. They don’t realize that in the garb of alleviating pain completely, they have become addicted to the drug.

5) Myth: The doctor is always right.

• Reality: A good doctor will always try other ways such as exercising etc. to treat your disorder. Prescribing drugs comes only in the end. So make sure that you follow a doctor who has considerable knowledge about problems and drug prescription.

Not everyone who uses substances like alcohol becomes an addict.  This is an anomaly and has been a matter of scientific research for quite some time now.  Experts found that if the same substance is given to two people and they both react differently then this is most likely due to the variation in their psychological or genetic makeup. This is believed to be one of the common reasons why only some people are likely to become addicts. The brain’s response to alcohol determines whether a person will continue to drink or not. However, some of the latest studies suggest that along with the genetic factors, environmental factors also play an important role in addiction.

It is estimated that 40 to 60 percent of the risk of addiction comes from an individual’s biology and the effects of the environment on the expression of certain genes.

Stress has always been considered a biological factor which can lead to addiction. The surroundings in which an individual lives are also responsible for the same. For instance a person is more likely to become addicted to drugs or alcohol if an immediate family member also was. Peer and community links also play a vital role as youngsters having friends who drink or use drugs also tend to do the same.

It has been seen that certain people who have witnessed abuse grow with heavy insecurities and a lack of confidence. These factors and things like poor social skills can lead people to rely on substances to compensate. Therefore biological as well social factors can and do play a huge part in addiction.  Addiction is seen less in someone who is leading a satisfactory life and drinks only for pleasure vs those who are coping with extreme hardships.

One of the leading addiction treatment centers in US is Inspire Malibu, an award winning facility that has helped numerous individuals with drug and alcohol treatment. The treatment center is known for excellence in comprehensive individual care and uses science and evidence to treat addiction.

Drug Addiction Help

It goes without saying that it takes a lot of courage to admit oneself to having an alcohol or drug abuse problem. People who are able to come to terms with their addiction issue can be content with the fact that they have crossed the first major hurdle. You can ask any recovering or fully recovered individuals and a majority of them will tell you that had they not been able to take this step, they would have never been able to see the positive light on the horizon. Asking for help when it is needed the most is by no means disgraceful. In fact, it is only the beginning of a new chapter.

Seeking Help Reflects Positive Intention

Whoever says that asking for help is a cowardly act is wrong. Gone are those days when men used to let their ego come in the way and refrain from discussing their critical drug and alcohol dependency issues. The ultimate reality is that all human beings are flawed in some way or the other. So instead of feeling bogged down by the weaknesses, it is any day better to reach out and ask for professional assistance.

Let go of Unnecessary Egotism

Probably the worst thing about drug and or alcohol addiction is that it causes a major dent in key relationships. Usually when addicts realize their problems, their pride gets inflated which in turn leads them to close all doors that may provide timely help. Thinking that treatment is a DIY thing is not right and you must make it a point to bury the pride and enter a good drug and alcohol rehab facility right away.

No Need to be Afraid

People trying to kick their alcohol and drug addiction feel as if they are dependent on others. But you need to assess the situation and understand that treatment is not a solo thing. Without the help of drug and alcohol rehab centers and your close ones, you won’t be able to make any changes. Your focus should be on learning various skills and techniques and gaining confidence to lead a drug-free life.

Emotions are Temporary; Stay Unaffected

Once you enter rehab for addiction treatment you are bound to go through a wide range of extreme emotions. But you must always understand your long-term goal which is to recover completely.

In fact, individuals having a long history of abuse or tragic loss often succumb to drug or alcohol addiction as it momentarily relieves pain and suffering.  There is no doubt that substance abuse is a common but highly destructive method of coping with such life problems. A person initially takes drugs or starts consuming alcohol to feel relaxed after a stressful day or divert the mind from a major life challenge. This feels really great at first and therefore the individual is compelled to do so again whenever a problem arises. This eventually turns into a habit and that is hard to break.

So, a person finds himself taking drugs over & over again and finally becomes an addict. The body and mind then become extremely dependent on these substances and one might witness withdrawal symptoms if the body does not get them. If you find yourself here or know someone in this position treatment might be a good option before things get out of control. Rehab facilities can help you get rid of the addiction with various therapies and detox mechanisms. Proper care & attention along with scientific treatments have proven to work well. No matter how much will power you show, medical assistance becomes indispensable in case of alcoholism or even drug addiction. Today, there are a host of result oriented programs and therapies intended to assist in the recovery from addiction. However, these can be delivered only by well experienced medical professionals who specialize in the area.  When it comes to the recovery of someone close to you only the best of facilities can be depended upon, so choose your rehab center with care.

Inspire Malibu is an award winning drug rehab, alcohol rehab, and addiction treatment center providing individualized programs to their patients. The one on one therapy helps in the recovery of an addict. The center realizes that every individual is different and hence personalized care & attention is required to treat them. Inspire Malibu has an innovative non-12 step approach and they use intense clinical therapy and real self-empowerment, not the 12 steps as the basis for treatment. In fact, Inspire Malibu provides arguably the most comfortable detox in the country that is safe and on site.

Marijuana Addiction Brain

There is no denying that Marijuana is probably the most widely used illegal drug across the globe.

For centuries, it has been used for a myriad of reasons. But in the present times, it is predominantly used as recreationally. Various cultures use this drug in different ways. Those who smoke marijuana recreationally may feel temporarily affected by it but the effect of this drug on those who smoke it on a daily basis can be grave. Let’s take a look at some of the immediate effects marijuana has on the brain.

One of the most effective ingredients present in marijuana is THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabind). Once marijuana is smoked, the THC swiftly exits the lungs and enters the bloodstream. In the bloodstream, it moves toward the brain. This ingredient works by meddling with cannabinoid receptors present in the brain. These receptors are what control pleasure, memory, concentration, learning etc. In other words, a person feels high as soon as the THC is exposed to the body. This is just the short term effect of using marijuana.

Smoking marijuana more frequently causes permanent alterations to the mind and the body. THC stimulates the brain to release dopamine so using this drug everyday can derail the ability of the brain to release dopamine on its own. Also, frequent marijuana smoking has also been shown to cause short term memory loss.

Long Term Effects of Regular Marijuana Consumption

• lowers the reaction time
• rise in the feelings of fear
• paranoia
• anxiety
• a number of skills are negatively impacted

In a nutshell, marijuana is addictive and makes people experience both emotional and physical withdrawal symptoms.

Immediate Effects of Marijuana Consumption

• depression
• decrease in appetite
• aggressive behavior
• anxiety

There is no medication for marijuana addiction. If you are a compulsive marijuana user, it is best for you to seek the support of an addiction treatment center.

Harmful Drugs

Drug usage among teens is on the rise in the US. Parents are having a hard time dealing with this widespread problem prevalent in even the well-respected schools. One of the major issues is the exposure of kids to new and more dangerous kinds of drugs. Here’s a list of some of the new drugs that all parents, whether in the US or anywhere else, should know about:

1) Synthetic Marijuana

While marijuana has been in use for ages, the synthetic form of the drug is relatively new on the market. It is often sold under the names K2 and Spice. Basically, these herbs are laced with synthetic cannabinoids. The compounds present in this drug are way more powerful than natural marijuana and stay in the body for a longer duration. You must ensure your kid’s browsing activity on the internet as it is easily available on online.

2) 2C-E

2C-E or Europa is a variant of its banned kins. Without getting into murky legal aspects of this drug’s status, it is important for you as a parent to understand its dangerous impact. The 2C-E is a part of phenethlyamines or hallucinogens with the same chemical structure. Basically, their effect is similar to that of Ecstasy. It is said that it is a mix of the effects of LSD and psychedelic mushrooms.

3) Bath Salts

Bath Salts, just like synthetic marijuana does not share a label that states its ingredients. So there is no way one can term them safe. It is virtually impossible for a person to know the place where it was manufactured or the conditions under which it was manufactured. While the DEA does its job of cracking down on drug dealers, the onus lies with you the parents to keep a track of your children’s activities. Bath Salts are extremely dangerous.

4) Fentanyl Patches

You will be shocked to know that the drug present in the Fentanyl patches is 100 times more powerful than heroin. You should stay aware and prevent your kids from using harmless looking patches or even transparent squares that have Duragesic 100 mcg/h (Fentanyl Transdermal System) written on them.

These and many other potent drugs have been taking young lives all around the globe. It is time that the concerned authorities wake up to the massive problem. If you are a loved one is in need of help, Inspire Malibu Treatment Center offers 100% science and evidence based treatment.

Heroin Addiction

Addiction of any kind is bad and not only for the addict but for relatives and loved ones. Among the various types of substance abuse the most common one in the USA is heroin addiction. The drug causes extreme physical dependence and leads to symptoms such as withdrawal.  Today there a variety of effective treatments for heroin addiction.

Here is a brief overview of a few things you should know about heroin addiction treatment:

Treatment for heroin addiction tends to be the most effective when the abuse is identified early as it is quite easy to curtail the dependence during the early stages. The treatments to be followed next vary for every individual depending upon the stage, level of addiction and several biological factors. One of the most commonly used substances for this treatment is suboxone which is a synthetic opiate that works well both on blocking the effects of heroin and eliminating withdrawal symptoms. Other pharmaceutical approaches, such as buprenorphine, and many behavioral therapies also are used for treating heroin addiction.

• Suboxone programs

Suboxone is used to safely treating opioid addiction. Suboxone relieves the cravings associated with heroin addiction which is a major reason for relapse in most of the addicts. Combined with behavioral therapies and counseling and other supportive services, suboxone enables patients to stop using heroin and return to a more stable and productive life.

Check out a list of suboxone suboxone side effects.

• Behavioral therapies

In combination with the various medications behavioral therapies have shown proven results in most of the cases. For heroin addiction treatment, residential and outpatient approaches are commonly employed and each approach is tailored to meet the patient’s specific requirement. Doctors nowadays also make use of contingency management therapy that uses a voucher based system. The patient earns points on negative drug tests that can be later exchanged for items that encourage healthy living. Apart from these, cognitive-behavioral interventions are designed to help modify the patient’s expectations and behaviors related to drug use, and to increase skills in coping with various life stressors.

• Detoxification

Detoxification is the most basic and effective treatment used to achieve withdrawal from opiates. Detox programs minimize the severity of withdrawal symptoms and other medical complications as well.  Detoxification is actually meant to relieve withdrawal symptoms while patients adjust to a drug-free state.

Thus, the development in medical sciences has led us to finding solutions for the most severe of addictions. If someone you love is caught in the grips of heroin do not lose hope, addiction treatment is available!

• Depression
• Bi-polar
• Anxiety
• Panic
• ADHD

60% of people diagnosed with bipolar condition also suffer from addiction while the percentage of ADHD population suffering with addiction is 30-50%.

 25% of the individuals diagnosed with anxiety and/or depression suffer from drug abuse.

Dual diagnosis occurs when someone has both an alcohol and/or drug problem as well as a psychiatric condition. When these two disorders or illnesses occur in the same person, simultaneously or sequentially, they are called co-morbid. Some of the highly reputed rehab centers in the US like Inspire Malibu have started providing dual diagnosis treatment to individuals suffering from co-morbidity. For treating a dual diagnosis case it is essential to understand the risk factors that surround the patient and use appropriate tools and skill set to mitigate the risk of relapse. Not every drug rehab is equipped to address psychiatric issues fully.  So, it is critical to choose your drug rehab center with care. Not only do you need to ensure that the co-occurring disorders be appropriately addressed while in treatment but adequate follow-up and after-care recommendations are also made so that the patient is not at high risk for relapse.

Whenever you go to a drug rehab facility inquire about the various processes. It is important that the drug rehab facility has specialized doctors with clinical expertise in the particular psychiatric area that the patient requires help with. Only a specialized medical expert can treat various behavioral problems accurately and prevent their relapse in future.

At Inspire Malibu, the award winning drug and alcohol treatment facilites highly trained professional staff treats patients with individualized therapies. The center offers a highly innovative non 12 step alcohol and drug treatment to eliminate addiction and dependency along with providing the best dual diagnosis treatment. Inspire Malibu is a center known for its empathetic approach that provides its clients and their families with a complete continuum of treatment services that are personalized to fit their specific requirements. Upon arrival, each patient is carefully evaluated and assessed through a combination of tests and interviews. Then the treatment which is most specific according to his/her psychological and addictive condition is implemented.

Opiate Addiction

Regular consumption of opiates can cause a strong dependence. Overcoming opiate addiction is no easy task. The task becomes all the more difficult if you’ve been using opiates for a long time now. Here are some of the factors that play an important role when it comes to overcoming opiate addiction.

Family Intervention

Friends and family members play a very important role when it comes to helping a person overcome opiate addiction. It is essential for family members to detect any early signs of opiate addiction in their loved ones. The longer the addiction goes on the harder it will be to break the habit.   Family members should convince their loved ones to seek professional opiate detox treatment. This is no easy task as it is extremely hard and sometimes difficult for an addiction to come to a realization that help is needed.

Counseling and support groups

Opiate addiction affects countless people in the US. Apart from physical dependence, an opiate user becomes mentally dependent on drugs. This is where counseling and support groups play a very significant role. The importance of counseling can be gauged from the fact that most rehab centers consider counseling an integral part of opiate treatment. Counseling provided by qualified experts can go a long way when it comes to helping a person overcome his mental addiction on opiates. There are many organizations that work with the objective to help people overcome opiate addiction, stay off them and live a normal life. Joining support groups and connecting with other people who’re trying to overcome opiate addiction may also prove to be of great help.

It’s important to remember that road to recovery is a difficult one. Overcoming opiate addiction requires a lot of grit, determination and patience. However, millions of people all over the world have successfully overcome the addiction.

What is Alcohol Tolerance?

If a person drinks regularly, his or her body builds up a tolerance to alcohol. Alcohol tolerance simply means that consumption of a constant amount of alcohol produces a lesser effects on an individual. In other words, a person needs to consume more and more alcohol to produce the same effect.

The Role of the Liver and Brain in Building Tolerance

The liver of a person who drinks large amounts of alcohol produces enzymes that break down alcohol at a rapid rate. As the liver is able to break down alcohol faster, the person needs to drink more alcohol to produce the same effect. The brain also plays an important role in this regard. With constant exposure to alcohol, the neurotransmitters in the brain adapt to the presence of alcohol. Gradually, with this adaptation, it becomes essential for a person to drink more alcohol to get the same effect.

As the tolerance level of a person goes up, he needs to consume more alcohol to get the same effect. He ends up consuming alcohol to the level that is harmful for his or her long term and short term health. This can become the cause of several illnesses and diseases.

Excessive alcohol consumption can lead to a wide range of illnesses that may prove to be fatal.

• Liver Cancer
• Heart Problems
• Stomach Problems
• Kidneys
• Joints & Muscles
• Lungs
• Brain

For this reason, it becomes important for a regular drinker to take a break from alcohol. This will keep the tolerance level of the person low. It is important to note that our bodies react differently to alcohol and the amount of time needed to develop tolerance varies from person to person.

For those who’ve developed an addiction to alcohol, it becomes essential to seek professional medical treatment with evidence based treatment. The services offered by alcohol detox centers may prove to be immensely useful in this regard. Equipped with the best facilities, alcohol detox centers ensure that withdrawal symptoms are properly managed.

Alcoholism is a serious problem that affects millions of people of all ages across the country. Alcoholism surely does not discriminate, as people of different ages, races, and religious backgrounds can end up suffering from this problem. A person who is considered an alcoholic is someone who regularly feels the need to drink alcohol. They are typically known for their alcohol dependence because they feel they need alcohol to have fun or live their lives. Most people with alcohol dependence continue to drink as a way to suppress feelings, especially if they are stressed out and going through trying times. People who suffer from alcohol dependence may end up blacking out or being unable to remember events that have taken place due to being too intoxicated. They may also end up getting in trouble with the law for driving while intoxicated.

For individuals who know that they have a problem and are abusing alcohol, help is available. Inspire Malibu is a rehabilitation center that graciously accepts new patients to get help with their alcohol addiction so they can learn to live a sober and healthier life. During a stay at the rehab center, the detoxification process will take place, which is the process of weaning the individual off of the alcohol that they have become dependent on. It’s always important for an addicted individual to receive a medically supervised detox, especially since there will be withdrawal symptoms that follow.

The body of someone with alcohol dependence tends to get so used to the alcohol that when the body no longer has the alcohol, it can go into a shock period, which is commonly referred to as withdrawal. Some of the symptoms of withdrawal for an individual with alcohol dependence include anxiety, irritability, depression, nightmares, and fatigue. There are also more severe symptoms, which may include tremors, vomiting, fever, and convulsions. It is for that reason that an individual with alcohol dependence receive assistance from professionals who can help with this entire process to ensure the individual is safe while attempting to overcome their alcohol dependence.

The Inspire Malibu Rehabilitation Center offers a comfortable detox setting to ensure individuals feel prepared for this difficult step. Many people who are willing to go to rehab centers are often most fearful of the detoxification process because they know it is the most challenging step. However, the staff at the Inspire Malibu rehabilitation center goes above and beyond to maximize the comfort of those looking to recover from alcohol dependence. They have medical professionals on-board to monitor the individuals who are going through the detox phase.

Aside from ensuring the comfort of these individuals, the facility also offers a broad range of programs and activities for these individuals as well. Some of the different programs and activities that are available at Inspire Malibu include yoga, meditation, physical fitness courses, counseling, group therapy, and more. There is much to choose from at this rehab center. There are also many ways for those with alcohol dependence to make a difference in their lives by entering the doors of the Inspire Malibu rehabilitation center.

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Tim Stoddart is the owner of the website Sober Nation. He specializes in SEO and Social Media marketing and writes content that helps people looking for resources for addiction help. Follow Sober Nation on Twitter.

KTLA-TV, Los Angeles’ Leading News Station Features Addiction Expert Dr. A. R. Mohammad in Highly Praised Alcoholism Special

MALIBU, CA–(Marketwired – Apr 18, 2013) – Dr. Akikur Mohammad, Founder of Inspire Malibu, recognized by many as one of the top drug rehab and addiction treatment centers in Malibu, California and Assistant Clinical Professor of Psychiatry and the Behavioral Sciences at the University of Southern California, was recently featured as a leading alcoholism expert by Los Angeles news leader, KTLA. KTLA’s special ‘Health Smart’ series focusing on addiction and alcoholism, they sought insight from one of the leading science and evidence-based treatment providers in the industry, Dr. A. R. Mohammad.

Number 1: Signs and Symptoms of Alcohol Addiction

Alcohol takes the center stage in the life of a person addicted to it. Most of his or her activities revolve around alcohol consumption. People tend to ignore their professional and family responsibilities. This is reflected in their poor performance at work. Recurrent arguments and fights with family are also common. Alcohol becomes the most important thing in the life of those who’re addicted to it and relationships take a backseat.

Here are some of the common physical symptoms experienced by those who’re addicted to alcohol:

• Insomnia
• Anxiety
• Trembling of hands
• Diarrhea
• Headache

Number 2: How Alcohol Consumption Affects People?

Excessive alcohol consumption destroys the health of a person. Alcohol related illnesses are one of the leading causes of premature deaths in the US and other parts of the world. Memory loss, black outs and hangovers are some of the short term health effects of alcohol abuse. In the long term, alcohol abuse leads to a wide range of health problems that include cancer, brain damage, cardiovascular illnesses and liver problems.

Apart from physical problems, there are many mental, social and emotional consequences of excessive alcohol consumption. Physical abuse, family violence and psychological problems are some of the common problems in the lives of those who’re addicted to alcohol.

Number 3: Treatment of Alcohol Addiction

When alcohol becomes an addiction, it is important to seek professional medical treatment. Medical intervention is often necessary as it can make it easier for a person to recover from alcohol addiction in a convenient way. Alcohol detox focuses on dealing with withdrawal symptoms and preventing relapse.

There are many reliable alcohol detox treatment centers in the US that can help a person successfully overcome his addiction. As one of the leading names in the industry, Inspire Malibu promises to provide the best treatment facilities to the patients. Equipped with state-of-the-art equipment and professional expertise, Inspire Malibu helps people get rid of their addiction conveniently. For more information on alcohol detox and treatment click here

Prevent Drug Addiction

may prove to be quite dangerous. Experimenting with drugs and alcohol can lead to addiction that may ruin the physical and mental health of an individual. Staying away from drugs and alcohol is the only way to prevent drug addiction.

The question is, how to say no to drugs? While it’s difficult to prevent someone from taking drugs, there are certain things that each one us should remember to prevent drug addiction.

• Deal with life pressures

Inability to deal with life pressures is one of the major reasons that drive people to drugs and alcohol. For many people, drugs and alcohol consumption is a way to escape the harsh realities of life. Learning to cope with life pressures will go a long way when it comes to helping people stay away from drugs and alcohol.

• Don’t give into peer pressure

Some people, particularly teenagers and young adults, experiment with drugs juts to portray a cool image in front of others. They do it to fit in among their friend circle. Some kids wrongly believe that doing drugs or consuming alcohol will make them more acceptable and popular among other kids. Not giving into peer pressure will and can prevent drug addiction.

• Develop close family ties

Research indicates that people who share close relationship with their families are less likely to become drug addicts. The guidance and support provided by the family makes it easier for a person to deal with life pressures and stay away from all types of harmful substances.

• Develop healthy habits

Eating a balanced diet and exercising regularly is another way of preventing drug and alcohol addiction. A healthy body makes it easier for people to deal with life stresses. This in turn, reduces the temptation to use drugs and alcohol.

Following these steps are just a few ideas that can help prevent drug and alcohol addiction. However, it’s important for a person who has already developed addiction to seek drug and alcohol detox treatment. There are many reliable detox centers that may prove to be immensely useful in this regard. Inspire Malibu is one of the leading Non 12 step rehab centers that provides 100% Science and Evidence Based addiction treatment.

Drug Addiction Treatment

large percentage of people who abuse drugs and alcohol constitute youngsters. Studies conducted by renowned organizations have brought to light the worrisome fact that many children in schools and college have experimented with drugs at one time or the other. Many people become addicted to harmful substances at a young age. A large number of people enrolling for rehab programs at drug and alcohol rehab centers comprise of young adults.
Abusing harmful substances such as heroin, cocaine and alcohol may prove to be quite detrimental for the health of person. Apart from negatively affecting the physical and mental health of a teenager, drug and alcohol abuse may lead to various other complications. Some of the ways drugs and alcohol abuse affect the life of a teenager or young adult include -

Learning Problems Caused from Drug and Alcohol Abuse

Drug abuse can negatively affect the memory of teenagers. This may lead to bad academic performance and difficulty in memorizing things. The problem may deteriorate as a person grows older.

Social problems Caused from Drug and Alcohol Abuse

It has been found that teenagers who abuse drugs are likely to suffer from many social problems. They have difficulty mingling with their peers and are more likely to show anti-social behavior. The ‘rebellious’ behavior is also associated with drug and alcohol abuse. It has also been found that teenagers who abuse drugs are more likely to steal and indulge in physical fights.

Risky Sexual Behavior Caused from Drug and Alcohol Abuse

Teenagers and young adults who abuse drugs and alcohol are more likely to indulge in risky sexual behavior. It has also been found that young people who abuse drugs are less likely to use protection during sex. Furthermore, they are more likely to have sex with strangers. This considerably increases the chances of contracting STDs and teen pregnancy.

Considering all these factors, it has become essential for parents to play a proactive role when it comes to making sure that their children stay away from banned drugs and other harmful substances. Availing the services of a reliable alcohol and drug addiction treatment center may also become quite necessary to overcome drug or alcohol addiction.  If your teenager abuses drugs or alcohol and you need help call 800-444-1838

They all died of a drug overdose.

And the list doesn’t end with them. From Elvis Presley to Dana Plato, there are many famous people who consumed drugs in large quantities and ended up paying for it with their lives.

Defined as “taking an excessive amount of a drug or drugs”, a drug overdose is a dangerous condition and in many cases has proven to be fatal. It would be wrong to believe that it’s only the illegal drugs that can cause death when taken in large quantities. Consuming large quantities of prescription drugs has also ended in fatalities.

Some Causes of Drug Overdose

A person may consume drugs in large quantities either accidentally or intentionally. There have been cases in which children swallow medication accidentally. A person with an unstable mind may also end up consuming large amounts or the wrong drugs accidentally. Many people who use cocaine, heroin and other illegal drugs may accidentally end up injecting or inhaling large quantities of these drugs.   It’s not only large quantities of drugs that can cause an overdose.  When using illegal drugs or prescriptions medications against a doctors advice you risk the chance of serious implications

Common Symptoms Associated with a Drug Overdose

• Sleepiness
  

  Drug Overdose

• Confusion
• Excessive Sweating
• Chest Pain
• Shakiness
• Trembling
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Shortness of Breath
• Diarrhea

The degree of symptoms experienced depends on the nature and amount of drugs consumed. In extreme cases, a person may experience heart failure or brain damage. This can lead to immediate death. Providing emergency treatment is essential to save the life of a person who has consumed drugs in large quantities.

Treatment for a Drug Overdose

Handling someone who has experienced a drug overdose on your own may prove to be life threatening. As a friend and family member of a person who has experienced an overdose, you must call 911 immediately and let a reliable medical center take over. Even if the symptoms are not severe, it is essential to seek medical assistance. This could possibly save the life of your loved one.

The services provided by a reliable opiate treatment center may prove to be the deciding factor when it comes to saving the life of a person.  The idea is to prevent the drug overdose from ever happening, and to do this Drug Treatment is essential.  Inspire Malibu is one of the leading centers that provide 100% Science and Evidence based drug treatment. For more information on how you can help you loved ones call 800-444-1838

Dr. A.R. Mohammad Launches Awareness Campaign About The Dangers Of Prescription Drug Misuse And Abuse.

Addiction treatment expert Dr. A.R. Mohammad set to educate public about the significant dangers of prescription drug misuse at approaching town hall.

Malibu, CA – Dr. Akikur Mohammad, Founder of Inspire Malibu, recognized by many as the top drug rehab and addiction treatment centers in Malibu, California and Assistant Clinical Professor of Psychiatry and the Behavioral Sciences at the University of Southern California, announced today that he and his team of addiction treatment experts from Inspire Malibu will be addressing the public about the need for heightened awareness around the growing dangers of prescription drug misuse. According to a recent report by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), prescription drug misuse is second only to marijuana as the nation’s most prevalent illicit drug problem, with approximately 22 million persons nationwide initiating nonmedical pain reliever use since 2002.

Dr. Mohammad said, “According to the recent study, the misuse and overall abuse of prescription medication is on the dramatic rise and if medical professionals and the communities they serve don’t communicate, these numbers will continue to rise and families will continue to be torn apart.” Mohammad added, “Perhaps the most alarming finding from the report is that people of all ages are abusing and misusing prescription medication. With proper awareness, education and instruction, communities can make a serious dent in the problem by simply taking responsibility for what’s in their medicine cabinets; the proper disposal of unneeded or expired prescription medication is a simple and effective step toward curbing the misuse issue.”

Dr. Mohammad and the Inspire Malibu team will be addressing this concern and more at their next town hall meeting. Mohammad added, “The community needs to be aware of study’s like these so they can be informed and know how to make a positive difference. Inspire Malibu’s team of addiction experts is committed to serving our community and available to answer any questions people may have about drug and alcohol abuse. While prescription medication abuse is on the rise around the country, we are doing our part to get the word out and educate the community.”

For more information about Dr. Akikur Mohammad, Non 12 step treatment and Inspire Malibu’s next town hall event, visit http://www.inspiremalibu.com.

Call us Toll-Free at 1-800-444-1838 to find out more.

Dr. A.R. Mohammad Addresses Need For Parents To Communicate With Kids About Alcohol And Marijuana At Home.

Addiction and alcoholism treatment expert Dr. A.R. Mohammad vows to educate community about the importance of proper communication between parents and their children.

Malibu, CA –Dr. Akikur Mohammad, Founder of Inspire Malibu, recognized by many as one of the top California rehab centers, and Assistant Clinical Professor of Psychiatry and the Behavioral Sciences at the University of Southern California, announced today that he and his team of addiction and alcoholism treatment experts from Inspire Malibu will be addressing the public about the important role parents play with regard to the decisions their children make about alcohol and marijuana. According to new research from North Carolina State University, school programs that address alcohol and marijuana use are valuable, but the bonds parents form with their children are more important with regard to behavior associated with alcohol and marijuana.

Dr. Mohammad said, “According to the North Carolina State data, parental involvement is more important than the school environment when it comes to preventing or limiting alcohol and marijuana use by children. While data like this is not surprising, it makes community outreach mission critical for addiction professionals; parents need to know how critical it is that they communicate with their children and more importantly, they need to be armed with the proper information.” Mohammad added, “While school programs are fantastic, having a well-informed and safe home environment is crucial for curbing and even preventing alcohol and marijuana abuse.”

Dr. Mohammad and the Inspire Malibu team will be addressing proper communication techniques during their next town hall meeting. Mohammad added, “Effective communication and trust at home goes a long way; however, parents need to be sharing the right information. We encourage any parents with questions or concerns about addiction to contact us immediately. Our team of experts is committed to helping families communicate about addiction and helping them determine when treatment is the best option.”

For more information about Dr. Akikur Mohammad, Non 12 step treatment and Inspire Malibu’s next town hall event, visit www.InspireMalibu.com.

Call us Toll-Free at 1-800-444-1838 to find out more about Inspire Malibu.

Addiction and alcoholism treatment expert Dr. A.R. Mohammad encourages people struggling with addiction issues to avoid “Cold-Turkey” resolutions

Malibu, CA – Dr. Akikur Mohammad, Founder of Inspire Malibu, recognized by many as the top drug rehab and alcohol rehab centers in Malibu, California and Assistant Clinical Professor of Psychiatry and the Behavioral Sciences at the University of Southern California, today issued a public warning to all those setting themselves up for potential failure by making New Year resolutions that involve the immediate cessation of smoking, drinking, drug abuse, etc., without seeking proper medical guidance.

Dr. Mohammad said, “While the holiday season is typically a time for over-indulgence, ushering in the new year generally means that the over indulgent make a drastic effort to stop indulging cold turkey; there could be no greater recipe for failure and in some scenarios, significant health risk or death.” Mohammad added, “Whether you wish to stop smoking, drinking, eating or abusing drugs, you must have a well-planned, health-conscious strategy or the outcome will be disastrous under most circumstances. It is far safer and healthier to consult a medical professional when attempting to get control of addictive behaviors.”

Dr. Mohammad and his team will answer any questions and provide guidance to all those who submit addiction and behavior-related questions through the Inspire Malibu website. Mohammad added, “More often than not, people underestimate their physical and emotional dependency on the various vices they attempt to curb by making yearly resolutions. If they are lucky, they will white-knuckle their cravings and find some degree of success; however, the vast majority will resume their addictive behaviors – while many run the risk of severe discomfort, severe mood swings, seizures, irreversible medical conditions and even death if not in the care of a qualified medical expert. Contact our team today and we will help you not only make and stick to healthy, realistic resolutions, but also will work with you to create the best possible you for 2013 and beyond.”

For more information about Dr. Akikur Mohammad, Non 12 step treatment and Inspire Malibu’s next town hall event, visit http://www.inspiremalibu.com.

Addiction And Alcoholism Treatment Expert Dr. A.R. Mohammad Vows To Educate Public About The Need For New Tactics For Halting The Nationwide Underage Drinking Trend

Dr. Akikur Mohammad, Founder of Inspire Malibu, recognized by many as one of the top California rehab centers, and Assistant Clinical Professor of Psychiatry and the Behavioral Sciences at the University of Southern California, announced today that he and his team of addiction and alcoholism treatment experts from Inspire Malibu will be addressing the public about the dangers of underage drinking and more importantly, the fact that family awareness and early intervention can make a significant impact on the underage drinking trend that persists throughout the country – according to a new report issued by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).

Dr. Mohammad said, “According to SAMHSA’s findings, there is still an alarming underage drinking problem that persists across the country and not only does that reflect poorly on the current preventative measures alcohol retailers have in place, but also indicates the need for a significant awareness push. My team and I intend to lead that charge by reaching out to the local community with pertinent information and tangible steps that can be taken by families to curb underage drinking and deal with alcoholism before it results in tragedy.” Mohammad added, “Aside from underage drinking incidents being indicative of deeper issues that may continue to manifest if not addressed, underage drinking can lead to poor academic performance, sexual and physical assault, significant physical and emotional trauma, and even death.”

Dr. Mohammad and the Inspire Malibu team will be addressing underage drinking and the preventative measures that can be taken at home and school at their next town hall meeting. Mohammad added, “There are preventative steps that can and must be taken at the family and community level and our team is committed to sharing them with the public. If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction or alcoholism, contact our team and we will work with you to find a solution.”

For more information about Dr. Akikur Mohammad, Non 12 step treatment and Inspire Malibu’s next town hall event, visit http://www.inspiremalibu.com.

Malibu, CA – Dr. Akikur Mohammad, Non 12 Step treatment pioneer and founder of Inspire Malibu, recognized by many as the top California rehab centers and Assistant Clinical Professor of Psychiatry and the Behavioral Sciences at the University of Southern California, announced today that there is a new deadly designer drug hitting the streets in 2012 and parents, addiction experts and teachers all need to be vigilant and well-informed before innocent lives are lost.

The latest designer drug to hit the streets is a horrendous substance referred to as “Smiles” or its scientific name 2C-I, which is being distributed in many areas on blotter paper like LSD, that users are ingesting in order to get a hallucinogenic high. The potentially deadly new compound contains research chemicals that can be broken up and snorted, smoked, swallowed or reduced to a liquid for injection. Since the effects of ingesting Smiles are similar to LSD, meth and MDMA, dangerous amounts of Dopamine and very low levels of Serotonin impact the user’s brain, which results in severely damaged brain chemistry and inevitable psychosis with prolonged use.

“Similar to Bath Salts, Smiles is a derivative of unstable research chemicals available online that are being repackaged and sold as designer drugs. Since the drug has a much longer half-life than other drugs, abusers stay under the influence longer, and after just a couple of days, a staggering number of users experience full psychotic breaks, which often result in extreme delusions, violent outbursts and severe depression,” said Dr. Mohammad.

Dr. Mohammad continued, “If parents and experts aren’t made aware that many of the products derived from research chemicals are manufactured with the sole intention of getting users high, we will undoubtedly have a problem of epidemic proportion.” Mohammad added, “The manufacturers of Bath Salts have just altered the formula and repackaged the product as other ‘not for human consumption’ products like Smiles, which is a travesty. While legislators made Bath Salts illegal, the research chemicals used to make the products have not been controlled, which means that manufacturers will continue to produce these chemicals, package them as different products not outlawed and make them available to kids. Until research chemicals are controlled, this will be a never ending process and we must remain vigilant.”

Addiction studies have suggested that sobriety rates can be improved using evidence-based modalities that complement and enhance the efficacy of a 12-step or faith-based addiction recovery program.  The largest and most efficacious addiction research to date is a n=121 randomized controlled trial conducted by UCLA, which was published in a 2005 edition of The American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse, titled, “Effect of an EEG Biofeedback Protocol on a Mixed Substance Abusing Population.”

Results from this landmark UCLA addiction study:

• Improved abstinence rates – Sobriety rates 12 mos. after treatment: 77% abstinence for neurofeedback group; 44% abstinence for control group.
• Improved retention in rehab – There was a 60% reduction in clients prematurely leaving treatment against medical advice (AMA) in the neurofeedback group.
• Improved personality inventory – There were significant improvements in 5 of the 10 MMPI-2 scales, the most frequently used personality tests in mental health.

This UCLA addiction study has been successfully replicated by other research teams. In addition, addiction treatment centers that have implemented the same neurofeedback protocols used in these addiction studies have been able to replicate the improved retention rates documented in this addiction research.  Alpha-theta is the only neurofeedback protocol proven effective for the addicted population.

Provided is a full-text copy of the Scott-Kaiser Randomized Controlled Trial (also known as, the UCLA addiction study).

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Addiction studies that preceded the Scott-Kaiser study include:

• 1989 Eugene Peniston Pilot Study, n=10
• 1993 Scott-Peniston Outcome Study, n=24

The evolution of neurofeedback addiction protocols from the original Peniston Protocols into what are now called the Scott-Kaiser Protocols, named after the two lead scientists in the UCLA addiction study.

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Another addiction study of interest conducted in 2008 compared the clinical brainwave signals of an alcoholic group to that of a control group.  When the alcoholics were exposed to stimulus their brain cells were activated and emitted higher voltage than that of the control group.  This means that impulsive behavior increased when the alcoholics were exposed to a stimulus.  This excessive arousal in response to a stimulus may have severe consequences for an addicted person.  For more about the addicted brain, go to understanding addiction. Click for a full-text copy of this addiction research.

We will continue to add valuable addiction studies and addiction research so check back periodically.