The addiction to drugs is a difficult thing for any individual to deal with.  Often, addiction leads to the decline of a person’s well-being, financial security, and health.  Drug addicts have a hard time keeping a job, their families suffer the consequences, and sometimes the addicts find themselves either in trouble with the law, or homeless on the street.

The issue of treating drug abusers has been discussed in great detail in our country for decades.  There are those that say we should buckle down on drug users and increase our illegal drug enforcement in order to put all those drug-using criminals behind bars.  However, those that just want to lock up every drug addict are ignoring the fact that drug addiction is a sickness, and without proper treatment, the user will find themselves back on the streets using drugs once they are out of jail.

New help for drug addicts

The idea of treatment vs. jail is one that has come up numerous times in the last few months, as our country struggles with the best way to get drug addicts back on their feet again.  New York has recently relaxed laws that date back to the 1970s in order to allow judges to send addict law-breakers to treatment programs, rather than to jail.

Other states and countries are looking into different options also.  In Australia, where 70-80% of prisoners are incarcerated because of drug problems, community-based treatment centers are now being offered to those that have served time because of drug related crimes.

Texas is taking a hard look at what they can do to help those with drug addiction that have found themselves chronically homeless, or caught in the cycle of going to jail for drug possession, then back to being homeless and doing drugs, and so on.  One of their answers is to solve the housing problem, and then get these people into drug treatment, rather than send them straight to jail.

Cost effective treatment

Overall, it would save states money to focus on fixing the underlying problem of drug addiction, rather than try to manage drug addicts with jail time.  If we look at the cost for the court system, law enforcement, jail time, and emergency health care and shelter for those that go right back to drug abuse once they are out of jail; the cost of simply putting a drug addict in jail really adds up.

On the other hand, if a drug addict is sent to a treatment facility where they can get the help they need to overcome drug addiction, the individual stands a chance to get back out into the world and contribute in a positive way to society.  In New York’s estimation, sending those convicted of nonviolent drug crimes to treatment rather than jail will save the state a quarter of a billion dollars a year.  Financially in the long run, and for the benefit of the addict, it seems addiction treatment rather than jail is the way to go.

Sources

NY eases drug laws, sees annual savings of $250 mln Mar 27, 2009

Popple, Garth Rehab, not jail, best for drug abuse March 28, 2009

Pulkkinen, Levi Change in D.C. stirs state drug policy debate March 26, 2009

Horner, Kim Battling homelessness in Dallas requires more housing, mental health services, advocates say March 29, 2009

In the war against drugs and drug addiction, there are many struggles that physicians face as they try to help patients overcome their addiction.  We now know that most drugs actually change the user’s brain so that it physically craves the drug.  Much research has been done over the years to find a way to end drug addiction, but still many people struggle with addiction today.

University of Buffalo’s Latest Research
The newest research involves nanotechnology, and it has some pretty promising conclusions.  Nanotechnology refers to “the study of the control of matter on an atomic and molecular scale”.  Basically when we are dealing with nanotechnology, we are talking about very small particles. Scientists at the University of Buffalo’s Institute for Lasers, Photonics, and Biophonics teamed up with the UB’s Department of Medicine, and the results were published in this week’s Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

Gold Helps Deliver Molecules to Abnormal Gene
Scientists at UB were working to keep a certain protein in the brain of an addict from signaling addiction and creating cravings.  This protein, the DARPP-32 gene, triggers a group of signals that make the individual feel that they need more of the drug.  These researchers found a way to safely and efficiently deliver short interfering RNA (siRNA) directly to the brain to silence the DARPP-32 gene.  In theory, once this gene is silenced, the cravings for more drugs are interrupted and quieted also.

In the past this transfer of RNA was difficult because it has to cross the blood-brain barrier, which is not an easy thing for RNA to do.  So the researchers decided to use gold nanorods (very small particles of gold) and coat them with the needed RNA.  The gold can effectively carry the RNA over the blood-brain barrier and deliver it right to the desired gene.  The gold in this study was rod-shaped in order to be able to pack more RNA onto it.  In fact, 40% of the RNA particles now made it to the right spot in the brain, which is a significant increase from previous techniques.

Researchers are hopeful that this technology is a big step forward in substance abuse treatment.  Next, UB scientists are ready to conduct in vivo experiments with the gold nanorods.

Possible Treatments for Other Disorders
Another good thing about this technology is that scientists are hoping it will be useful in treating other diseases and disorders.  In theory, this type of chemical weapon could be applied to treating asthma, AIDS, dementia, and prostate cancer.  In essence, the nanoparticles, being designed the way they are, may be able to deliver a variety of drugs to the desired areas, namely abnormal genes.  This news is a big deal in the science world, and we can guess that more researchers will be done to find ways to apply this nanotechnology to other treatments also.

Sources

Eaton, Kit Nanotech Invention May Be Golden Bullet for Controlling Drug Addiction Mar 24, 2009

Goldbaum, Ellen To Fight Drug Addiction, UB Researchers Target the Brain with Nanoparticles March 23, 2009

Vieru, Tudor Nanoparticles to Target Drug Addiction Scientists seem to think this might work March 25, 2009

One of the most widely used illegal drugs in the United States is cocaine, and like many other drugs, it comes from a plant that has been used for thousands of years in other parts of the world.  Cocaine comes from the coca leaf, a plant that has a long history in spiritual rituals.

Coca and Andean Indians

It used to be that in the Andean Indian culture, the coca plant was linked to a sacred goddess.  These cultures believed that they had to please the coca goddess in order to have a successful harvest.  The leaves of the coca plant were chewed or smoked to help these natives connect with spiritual beings, as well as provide magical protection and powers.

Traditionally, coca leaves were chewed only by the leaders or royalty.  Over time, however, even lower classes were encouraged to chew the leaves to experience the benefits.  When the Spanish invaded the Incas land, they tried to outlaw the chewing of coca leaves.  But it soon became apparent that the Incas worked better when they were given leaves to chew.  Coca leaves give the user a boost of energy, as well as prevents hunger.  Mood stabilizes and stamina also increases in those that chew coca leaves.

First use of cocaine

Cocaine was first extracted from the coca plant in the 1860s.  At first it seemed to be a miracle drug that was useful in treating depression and morphine addiction, and it was prescribed by many physicians for various reasons.  However, it became evident that there were some serious problems with using cocaine, and it decreased naturally in popularity by the 1920s.

It was still being produced heavily in South America and other areas though, and cocaine made a comeback to the United States in the 1970s and 1980s.  At that time, it was illegal, yet in great demand.  The cost for cocaine was high, and violence became connected to the use and selling of cocaine.  Areas of cities that had many drug dealers became dangerous because of the guns and violence they brought with them.

Cocaine has had a rocky history in the United States.  There has been much controversy about the connection between the United States government and cocaine dealers.  There have been articles and books written about the CIA working with cocaine dealers to help win the war on communism.  Others argue that the aggressive role the U.S. government played in banning the drug actually led to the smuggling of it into our country.

Cocaine today

Cocaine is still being used illegally in our country by many today.  Cocaine stimulates the central nervous system, which increases heart rate and blood pressure.  The user feels a high and a feeling of satisfaction and energy.  Cocaine causes the user to disregard everything else besides the drug, leading to addiction.  For those dealing with cocaine addiction, the best help is most likely a treatment facility that offers detox, as well as long term residential care.

Sources

The History of Cocaine

http://www.infoplease.com/ce6/sci/A0812715.html

U.S. Drug Plague Of 1980s Was Spurred By Earlier Interventions In Andes March 20, 2009

Ayma, Evo Let Me Chew My Coca Leaves March 13, 2009

The debate about the safety of Ibogaine has gone on for years.  Some people think it is the greatest drug ever found for addiction treatment and can’t imagine why anyone wouldn’t give it a second thought.  Other people believe that the drug is dangerous and the risks far outweigh the benefits.

History

Ibogaine comes from the roots of an African shrub, Tabernanthe iboga, and has been used by Shamanic tribes for centuries in rituals that connect humans with the spirit world.  The use of Ibogaine in the treatment of drug addiction was discovered by accident in the 1960′s, and the use of it for treatment has been argued about ever since.

Addiction Interrupter

Ibogaine at low doses is a mild stimulant.  At higher doses it causes hallucinations and an experience that interrupts a patient’s addiction to a variety of substances.  Ibogaine is known by scientists to have anti-addictive properties, and actually seems to alleviate withdrawal symptoms of substances such as heroin, cocaine, nicotine, and alcohol.  The problem is that the experience that comes with taking Ibogaine is severe and scary and dangerous to the patient.

Effects of Ibogaine

Someone that has taken a high dose of Ibogaine will experience two phases.  The first phase is the visual phase and it consists of hallucinations of objects moving around the room, colors flying, memory impairment, and dreamlike sequences.  This phase can last up to four hours before the second phase begins.  The introspective phase consists of a feeling of euphoria and thought clarity.  The patient will often reflect on their lives and the background behind their drug addiction.  This phase can last one hour, or it can last a few days, depending on the patient.

Risks

It is the experience that comes with taking Ibogaine that has many people concerned.  The patient is not in control of their body, and often is paralyzed by their altered mental state.  There have been a number of deaths from Ibogaine, possibly caused by interaction with other drugs, or pre-existing medical conditions.  But because of all these things, the U.S. government put Ibogaine on Schedule 1 in 1967, making it illegal in this country.  Other countries have banned Ibogaine as well, while there are as many as 12 countries that do allow its use.  Canada and Mexico both are among those that do allow the use of Ibogaine in clinics.

Future of Ibogaine

Boston’s Northeastern University recently held the Boston Ibogaine Forum, where those interested in the future of Ibogaine met for a conference filled with information about the drug.  Supporters want more research to be done on the drug in the hopes that it will soon be legal to use.  Perhaps, though, it is actually the study of the drug that both sides are waiting for, to determine whether or not it is as effective and safe to use as some say.

Sources

Greene, Doug Feature: The Boston Ibogaine Forum — from Shamanism to Cutting Edge Science 3/1/09

Sanchez, Carolina Banishing addiction forever? March 17, 2009

Why Choose Ibogaine for Drug Detox?

Admitting there is a problem with addiction is a scary thing for anyone struggling with substance or alcohol abuse.  Taking steps to get help for it is just as intimidating, and sometimes it is the fear of the unknown that keeps people from getting the help they really need.  What will happen when they make the phone call to a treatment facility and what can they expect as they walk through the door?  What kinds of programs can they expect to be admitted into, and how long will the treatment last?

Drug Treatment Admission

Almost all of these questions can be answered by understanding the treatment facility’s admission process, and the admissions do vary by facility.  After doing a little research on the facility and calling to talk to someone in person, the individual struggling with addiction will feel a little more at ease about the whole process.

Assessment Process

The first thing that can be expected is for a professional at the facility to conduct an addiction assessment.  This is done for a variety of reasons, mostly to determine what kind of treatment is in order.  The assessment will probably be a list of questions to give the health professionals a history of their patient, such as current situation, length of time and type of drug addiction, criminal history, health history, and so on.  They will also ask the new patient about personal goals and ambitions, family structure, and school or work experience.  The medical staff will conduct a physical exam, and will note any other disorders the patient is dealing with, such as depression or anxiety.  The patient is asked to be open and honest about all these questions, and the answers are to be kept confidential.

The goal of obtaining these answers is to have a measure of how severe the patient’s addiction is, to look at other factors influencing the patient, and also to know how serious the patient is about getting help.  The interview process can give the professional a good understanding about the patient and help them find the best treatment for the addiction.  It will also help the staff evaluate the progress the patient is making as they undergo treatment.

Drug Treatment Plan

After the assessment has been completed, the staff will work with the patient to develop a treatment plan.  This plan will give the patient an idea of the type of program that is recommended, as well as the length of time they can expect to be in treatment.  It may be necessary for the patient to work with different professionals, such as counselors and physicians, and to take part in programs such as group therapy, family counseling, and individual counseling.  The treatment plan will make sure that all the pieces are lined up and the patient receives all the care they need.

During this whole process, the patient should be sure they are asking questions they might have, and should be put at ease by the staff about any concerns they have.

Sources

http://www.thecyn.com/treatment-admissions/

http://www.inspirationsyouth.com/drug-rehab-teens.asp#teen-addiction-0

http://www.phoenixhouse.org/National/PHGetHelp/gethelp_steps.html

This week we mourn the death of Father Joseph Martin, an inspiration for many who are recovering from substance abuse and alcoholism.  This co-founder of Father Martin’s Ashley was an icon in the substance abuse treatment industry, helping millions of individuals on their road to recovery.

Early Life
Father Martin was born in Baltimore, Maryland on October 12, 1924.  He attended St. Thomas Aquinas elementary school and then Loyola High School, where he was valedictorian of his graduating class.  He graduated from Loyola College in 1944.

Martin attended St. Mary’s Seminary in Baltimore where he studied and was ordained as priest in 1948.  Father Martin then entered the Society of St. Sulpice, which is the community of priests devoted to training and educating seminarians.  He was assigned to teach high school students in Mountainview, California and soon after moved back to Catonsville, Maryland where he taught at St. Charles College.

Father Martin was struggling with alcoholism at this time, and in June of 1958 he entered Guest House in Lake Orion, Michigan.  This facility specialized in treating clergy, and it was there that Father Martin’s life changed dramatically.  He met with and learned from Austin Ripley, founder of Guest House, and Dr. Walter Green, another recovering alcoholic.  After completing his treatment, Father Martin resumed teaching, while regularly attending Alcoholics Anonymous meetings.

Chalk Talk

Father Martin often took the opportunity to speak to people about alcoholism, and his enthusiasm, charm, spirituality, and humor made him an instantly popular speaker.  He soon became a lecturer and educator in the Division of Alcohol Control for the state of Maryland.  He often conducted seminars about alcoholism for doctors, social workers, and lawyers.  The U.S. Navy put Father Martin’s lecture on film in 1972 and called it “The Blackboard Talk”.  It soon became known as “The Chalk Talk” and it has been used in countless places around the world, from hospitals and treatment facilities, to professionals, and even in most branches of the U.S. government.  Being a leader in the addiction treatment field, Father Martin continued to educate and publish films, tapes, CD’s, and DVD’s to help others struggling with substance abuse and alcoholism.

Father Martin’s Ashley

Father Martin, along with Mrs. Mae Abraham, opened Father Martin’s Ashley in 1983 near Havre de Grace, Maryland.  The facility, which followed Father Martin’s philosophy for recovery has always been known for its quality treatment.  Two years after its opening, Father Martin’s Ashley was named one of the top 10 addiction treatment facilities in the country by Forbes magazine.

Honors and Awards

Father Martin devoted his whole life to the recovery of substance and alcohol abuse.  He received many recognitions and awards.  He was the recipient of the Andrew White medal in 1986 from Loyola College for his contribution to the betterment of the state of Maryland.  He received the Rutgers Summer School of Alcohol Studies Distinguished Service Award.  Father Martin was invited by the Vatican to participate in the International Conference on Drug and Alcohol in 1991, and was also the recipient of the Norman Vincent Peale Award in 1992.

Father Joseph Martin died on March 9, 2009 of heart disease at his home in Havre de Grace.  He leaves behind him a legacy of hope and healing for those suffering from addiction.

Sources

http://www.kellyproductions.com/index.asp?PageAction=Custom&ID=6

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joseph_Martin_(speaker)

March 9, 09 Father Joseph Martin, 84, Dies

The Rev. Joseph C. Martin, Leading Authority on Alcoholism and Addiction Treatment, Dies at 84 March 9, 2009

http://www.fathermartinsashley.com/interior.php?section=AboutAshley&subsection=Bio

The problem of drug abuse among teens has been an issue for years, with a greater rise in recent years of teens using things like prescription drugs.  It is now easy for adolescents to find and abuse a variety of drugs, usually from the comfort of their own homes.  The hard part is finding a good treatment facility to help them recover from their drug abuse.

Teens Undertreated

A new study, funded by the Substance Abuse Policy Research Program (SAPRP) at the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, has grim findings for teens in our country.  The study, which was published in this month’s article of the Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment, concluded that only about 10 percent of adolescents needing help for substance abuse actually enter treatment.

Few Facilities

There are a number of reasons for this.  First of all, there are few facilities that offer services geared specifically toward adolescents.  Less than one third of treatment facilities even have specialized treatment programs for teens.  Some programs that are funded heavily by the government actually exclude teens from their programs.

Poor Quality

Another possible reason for the small percentage of adolescents getting help is the mediocre care that is given in many of the facilities that do treat adolescents.  70% of programs for substance abusing teens only offer treatment on an outpatient basis.  Studies have shown that more intensive inpatient treatment is more effective in treating substance abuse.  Other things affecting the quality of these programs would be the types of services that are offered.  Things like family counseling and treatment for other existing psychiatric conditions, like depression need to be taken into consideration.  Teens need to be treated differently than adults.  It doesn’t work well to mix teens and adults in substance abuse programs because of differences in cognitive ability and life experience.

Early Intervention

It is extremely important for parents to be aware of what their adolescents are doing and watch for warning signs of drug abuse.  Teens are known for being secretive and manipulative, often keeping drug abuse hidden well from family and teachers.  Teens today are also very resourceful, finding access to a variety of drugs easily and quickly.  They tend to be willing and able to engage in more risky behaviors than their parents would expect.

While the risk is there for substance abusing teens to turn into substance abusing adults, dealing with the problem early can have very positive results.  Teens need to be educated about the dangers of substance abuse in an effort to prevent drug abuse.  If a parent suspects their teen is using drugs already, turning to good addiction help and getting them treatment is important.  There are effective, respectable facilities out there that can successfully treat your teen.

Sources

Prabhu Ponkshe Adolescents are undertreated for addiction March 2, 2009

Teens Undertreated for Substance Abuse March 2, 2009

Drug Maker Accused of Illegally Marketing Antidepressants for Kids and Teens March 4, 2009

Fowle, Noah Open eyes, dialog best tools against drug abuse and addiction March 2, 2009

It is a sad and unfortunate occurrence, but one that happens all too often.  A young teenager, with their whole life ahead of them, follows the crowd and tries drugs.  The one or two times of experimenting soon leads to addiction, and before long a simple high isn’t enough.  The teen tries a different type of drug, or takes a bigger hit of the same kind of drug. This goes on and on until one time they overdose, and the result is death.  Each year, too many teen lives are cut short by drugs or alcohol, and many more are ruined because they are in trouble with the law for dabbling in drugs.

Parents play a role in preventing teen drug abuse

Parents should be aware that they are responsible for their teen’s behavior, and the best way to prevent their child from using drugs is to talk with them on numerous occasions about the dangers of drugs.  Parents should also pay attention for the warning signs of drug or alcohol use.  In many of these cases where a teen dies from overdose, parents are shocked and say they had no clue their child was doing drugs.  Parents need to do their research to be aware of the warning signs of drug use.

Parent to Parent

One good resource for parents is other parents who have gone through the process of discovering their teen was doing drugs.  Oftentimes the best advice in a situation is given by those that have been through the same situation.  Parents that have suffered the loss of a teen have insight that even many professionals might not have, because they have personally experienced the emotions, doubts, and questions that go along with finding out about drug abuse by their adolescent.

Sometimes, looking back at their life, parents do find that they had clues, but ignored them or overlooked them.

Watch for signs of drug use

Teens can be very crafty, and are always on the lookout for parents to discover their secrets, so they are good at covering their tracks.  Things that might seem innocent may actually be used to administer drugs, such as aluminum foil in a teenager’s room, which could be used to smoke a drug.  Mouth wash is used by many teens to cover up the smell of drugs or alcohol on the breath.  A teen that is using drugs may have falling grades or start hanging with a different crowd of friends.  Anxiety, depression, or trouble concentrating can also be signs of drug use in teens.  However, these things could all be explained by typical adolescent behavior.  While it all may be confusing to determine whether an adolescent is involved in drugs or simply living the life of a teen, parents need to be extra vigilant in these years in their conversations with their teen.  If a young adult sees their parent as being involved in their life and willing to talk, they will be more likely to take their parents’ advice about staying away from drugs.

Sources

Bernstein, Maxine Three men plead guilty to drug charges in oxycodone overdose March 03, 2009

Wilkerson, Elizabeth Signs of trouble: Police say talk to children, watch for drug abuse Feb. 23, 2009

Di Domizio, Tony Mothers tackle prescription drug abuse February 23, 2009

What are the symptoms and warning signs of drug abuse?

The stories are heartbreaking; young children enduring painful physical and emotional abuse at the hands of their parents, and no one finding out about it until years later.  It has been suggested for a while now that poverty and substance abuse go hand in hand, and that many children that are abused are suffering at the hands of parents that abuse drugs or alcohol.

Substance Abuse and Poverty

The connection between substance abuse and poverty makes sense.  Those that get hooked on drugs or alcohol may lose their jobs because of it, or they spend all the money they do have to sustain the habit.  Many of these people might go on welfare, or use whatever means they can to survive, putting more and more money into the addiction.  If they have children, it is the children that also have to go without, and that may bear the brunt of their parent’s anger.

That is not to say that all addicts are poor or homeless and using welfare checks to buy drugs.   There are plenty of well-to-do individuals out there, trying to keep their addiction a secret, while making their way through their jobs every day.  It just becomes difficult over time to support a drug habit and keep a job at the same time.

Substance Abuse and Child Abuse

The connection between substance abuse and child abuse is not a big stretch either.  Addiction changes people’s minds, and often makes them irritable, irresponsible, and sometimes violent.  The poor child that gets in the way while a parent is feeling these things will definitely suffer.  Beatings, sexual abuse, verbal abuse, and neglect are all common when a parent isn’t thinking straight   Children in homes like these learn to take care of themselves, learn to stay out of the way, and learn some pretty distorted social behavior.  Children that grow up with an abusive addict for a parent are more likely to have poor self image, self destructive behaviors, hidden fear, and greater risk of substance abuse themselves some day.

Solutions

What should be done about those homes where a parent addicted to drugs or alcohol is abusing their children?  First of all, these homes need to be identified.  There have been numerous suggestions about how to go about doing this.  There are those that want to test everyone that receives a welfare check to make sure they are not using drugs, and there are those that want Child Protective Services to be restructured in order to catch more child abuse.  It may be the most helpful, however, to work to treat all parents that are suffering from drug or alcohol addiction, and help them find good drug treatment options.  These parents should also be educated about child abuse and the damage it does.  With more awareness out there about the importance of a safe home for children, these kids can be spared a life of suffering.

Sources

Bengs, Margaret Drug abuse, alcohol add to child neglect Feb. 27, 2009

Coffman, Christy Part III: Child abuse: protection from, prevention of and prosecution for February 28

State budget cuts threaten most vulnerable 03.01.2009

Porterfield, Mannix Delegate opens Web site on drug testing legislation 2-28-09