Getting the right help for the individual is essential to successfully treating addiction. Getting help for the family of the individual is also very important, and it is something that shouldn’t be overlooked. Everyone in a family suffers when a member has an addiction to substances. Help is out there, and below are some resources designed to treat the family members of addicts.

Spouses of Addicts

Oftentimes, spouses understand more than anybody about how an addict is suffering. Whether the couple had a healthy relationship before the addiction took over or not, the other adult in the household can see what both the addict and the family are sacrificing because of the addiction.
Al-Anon holds regular meetings throughout the country to encourage families of alcoholics to focus on their own peace of mind and strength. Nar-Anon, like Al-Anon, focuses on the Twelve Steps to healing for family members. Nar-Anon helps families of individuals addicted to narcotics, and it also holds free meetings throughout the country.

Co-Dependents Anonymous is another support group for spouses. Because of the stress that addiction can put on a couple, often the spouse of an addict develops an unhealthy co-dependence in an attempt to hold it all together. Co-Dependents Anonymous helps individuals to free themselves from destructive behavior and if possible live their lives with their spouse, but not dependent on them.

Parents of Addicts

Adolescents addicted to drugs pose a difficult problem. Being so young, it is important that the child and their family get help for the addiction right away so the teen can look forward to a life free from this suffering. Adolescents are usually still living in their parents’ homes and under their rules, so it is especially important for parents to be informed about the methods of treatment and ways to help their child when they are back home.

The Phoenix House is a New England-based coalition of professionals that work together to provide treatment for young addicts as well as counseling for the entire family. Parental involvement is key to these programs and education, activities, and therapy are provided for entire families.

Inspirations for Youth and Family is another organization that treats adolescents for drug and alcohol abuse. Families are also provided with therapy and activities that work toward the goal of reuniting the family.

Children of Addicts

Not to be overlooked, children in a family with addiction also suffer and should receive treatment. The Center on Addiction and the Family (COAF) offers a wide range of programs that help the whole family deal with addiction, some specifically geared toward children. Alateen offers meetings for teens of alcoholics, much like Al-Anon. Even though they might not have a very large voice when it comes to addiction in the family, children are very much in need of counseling or treatment as they suffer with a loved-one’s addiction.

Families have many options to getting treatment as they deal with an addict among them. It is important to reach out for help from professionals in order to free themselves from the addiction.

More Resources
http://www.treatmentsolutionsnetwork.com/families-addiction-treatment.html

drug addiction support groups

• Narcotics Anonymous (N.A.)
• Cocaine Anonymous (C.A.)
• Crystla Meth Anonymous (C.M.A.)
• Marijuana Anonymous (MA)

other addiction support resources

• Find an AA Meeting Near You
• AA Meetings Online
• Gamblers Anonymous (GA)
• Find an MA Meeting Near You
• Find an NA Meeting Near You
• Nicotine Anonymous
• Overeaters Anonymous (OA)

Michigan Drug Law Votes

Michigan voters have recently joined with other states in voting to legalize marijuana for medical purposes. In a Proposal that was voted on last week by the public, lawmakers have pushed to allow seriously or terminally ill patients to use marijuana as prescribed by a physician for medical purposes only. These patients, under the Medical-Marijuana Proposal, will also be able to grow and possess limited amounts in order to create a supply for their medical use. 12 other states currently have the same allowance of marijuana for medical purposes.

Advocates to this proposal include the Michigan Coalition for Compassionate Care, the Michigan Nurses Association and other public health associations, mainly because they have seen the medical benefits of marijuana in very sick patients. Many would argue that no other legal medication can provide the relief that marijuana can give when an individual is suffering from a long-term illness. Supporters of this measure see this as a victory for patients and their families who are struggling to be heard.

Those opposed to the proposal, however, include law-enforcement, anti-drug organizations, and groups like Citizens Protecting Michigan’s Kids. These groups and individuals believe that acts like this one are making enforcement of anti-drug laws more and more difficult, and creating setbacks for our nation’s anti-drug campaigns.

Massachusetts Drug Law Votes

Massachusetts also passed a measure this week that would lesson the punishment for possession of marijuana of less than one ounce in that state. Currently, offenders can be penalized with fines up to $500 and also 6 months jail time for simple possession of the drug. It seems that both sides of the issue in this state have many of the same views as those in Michigan. Either marijuana is seen as a real benefit to those physically suffering, or the legalizing of it would go against all we tell the public and our kids about the risks of drugs.

California Drug Law Votes

Voters in California also had their say in their state’s Proposition 5, the Non-violent Offender Rehabilitation Act (NORA). The majority of voters turned this Act down. The measure would have given more funding for the treatment of substance addiction and offenders would be more likely to go to a drug treatment facility than to prison. Those opposed to the Act voted against it because they believe, in part, that an addict and his or her family have to want to get treatment for the addiction, and not have it imposed as a punishment. Those in favor of NORA include some healthcare providers and others that see an overwhelming need to get some of these addicts into treatment any way they can.

Through the voting that took place last week, individuals in many of our states were given the chance to give their opinion regarding drug laws. Different people had their reasons for voting the way they did, but the important thing for us to remember is that we need to keep working toward eliminating illegal drug use and substance addiction, and that help is out there for those suffering with addiction.

Karoub, Jeff Voters approve medical marijuana November 05, 2008

Helmuth, Eric Calif. Prop 5 Defeated, Marijuana Initiatives in Mass. and Mich. Pass
November 5, 2008

Billy, Michael Michigan Voters Legalize Medical Marijuana, Massachusetts Loosens Penalties Nov. 5, 2008

Mich. Voters Lean Toward Legalization of Medical Marijuana
September 29, 2008

Countless studies have been done relating to drug and alcohol abuse and its treatment. However, every once in a while a study is done that seems to elude to some new substance addiction treatment, but for whatever reason there is little follow-through, and the results go unnoticed. Without subsequent studies, it is hard to say if the original scientist was on to something or not.

Perhaps one example is a study done last year by Steven LaRowe, from the Medical University of South Carolina, which showed that cocaine addicts that were given an amino acid, NAC, had a significant decrease in their desire to use cocaine. However, since that time, there have not been any subsequent studies about amino acids and drug addiction.

Drug Addiction and the Brain

The background for LaRowe’s study has to do with the effects of food on drug addiction. When an individual uses drugs like cocaine, the drugs interfere with the brain’s normal signals for things such as pleasure and relaxation. Some drugs mimic the brain’s neurotransmitters, while others increase the signals, all of which cause the body to stop sending the signal on its own. When this happens, a person’s body needs the drugs in order to carry out the signals, and addiction has resulted.

Food and Neurotransmitters

A new theory is out there because of research like LaRowe’s, which says that diet may be able to play a part in drug rehabilitation. The human body turns amino acids found in certain foods into the neurotransmitters needed to send signals in the brain. One amino acid is N-acetylcysteine (NAC), which is found in nuts and seeds and was studied by LaRowe and his colleagues. A second one is tryptophan, which is found in meat, brown rice, fish, and milk. Other studies have shown that increasing these amino acids can promote relaxation and reduce depression.

Drugs and Food

Because drugs target the same signal-sending molecules as some foods, it has been suggested that by increasing these foods in the diet of a drug addict, we should be able to reduce their addiction. It is thought that in some cases the amino acids in the foods will allow the body to send its own signals again, thus reducing the craving for the drugs, while others will give the individual a more positive outlook on their life as they break from the drug abuse. Some are suggesting that food could reduce drug withdrawal symptoms including depression, anxiety, and sleeplessness, which would give the addict a boost in breaking the habit.

More Research

As is often the case, while these ideas may appear to be scientifically sound, they have not been explored in depth. Last week, Food for the Brain organized a conference in London centered on the use of dietary changes to treat drug addiction. Perhaps this topic will now be in the forefront of research, and some much needed studies will be done to either develop this idea, or explain why it may or may not be feasible.

Sources

Treatment on a plate. A dietary approach to treating addiction seems worth investigating Oct 16th
A look at substance abuse, awareness, treatment and recovery in Emery County October 14, 2008
LaRowe, Steven Is Cocaine Desire Reduced by N-Acetylcysteine? 2007 American Journal of Psychiatry
Ross, Julia The Role of Diet in Mental Health Excerpted from The Diet Cure

food, addiction treatment, studies. addiction, drug abuse

Monday September 22 is Family Day, a day set aside to remind parents to interact with their children in order to prevent drug and alcohol abuse in young people. While it may seem that as parents we shouldn’t need a reminder to engage our children, but according to statistics, we do. Many parents today rarely see their children because of busy work schedules or commitments. Children are also getting busier with school, sports, friends, and other extra curricular activities. Many families pass each other on the way to the shower in the morning, and that is it. Sometimes when parents and their teenage kids do end up talking, it becomes an argument and no meaningful conversation takes place.

We know we are busy, but what are the consequences of all that running around in the long run? Family relationships begin to decline, parents lose the ability to relate to their kids, and kids begin to turn to other things to keep themselves occupied. Drugs and alcohol easily make their way into young people’s lives when parents are no longer watching.

On Family Day, parents are encouraged to do one simple thing in order to curb drug and alcohol use by their children and teens: eat dinner with them. According to research by The National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse (CASA) at Columbia University, children who have frequent family dinners are less likely to use drugs and alcohol. In fact, the report says that children who never eat dinner with their families are 61 percent more likely to start smoking or use illegal drugs, and that children who have infrequent family dinners (less than three per week) are two and a half times likelier to have used marijuana and tobacco.

This year CASA celebrates its eighth annual Family Day-A Day to Eat Dinner with Your Children. Parents are encouraged to celebrate their family today, and sit down and have a meal together. President Bush, Governors of all 50 states, and more than 800 cities have given their support to Family Day. Celebrities, politicians, and businesspeople are all dedicating this day to family togetherness.

It seems so simple, eating dinner with your family to prevent your kids from trying drugs and alcohol. The truth is, the more time families spend eating dinner together, the more likely parents are to talk with their kids about issues important to them. By sitting down together at the dinner table, parents show their kids that they are available to them, that they care about them, and that their kids can come to them with questions or problems.

This is not an event that should take place only once a year. Families need to regularly eat dinner together or find time to spend together throughout the week. Family Day is just one way to get us off to the right start.

http://casafamilyday.org/familyday/

Press Release The National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University Sept. 15, 2008

Sharp, Tammy Westerchil encourages City to celebrate Family Day Leesville Daily Leader September 21, 2008

Metro Drug Commission prepares for Family Day Sept. 22, 2008

“I don’t have a problem.” “This time I’ll get clean for good, I promise.” “I just can’t do it.”
How many of us have heard statements like this in response to the thought of seeking treatment for substance abuse? How many of us have uttered them ourselves?

You are not alone.

According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), in 2006, 22.6 million people aged 12 or older were living with substance abuse disorders in the past year, and of that number, only 4 million received some kind of treatment. There are many things standing in people’s way of getting treatment for substance abuse. Shame, financial concerns, mental health problems, denial, past failure; these all can make the thought of turning to professionals for help very scary.

But the statistics are favorable for recovery. People are able to overcome addictions with treatment every day. For those in treatment for alcoholism, the number that have overcome their addiction is as high as 70%.

September is National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month, and it allows us as a country to renew our commitment to preventing addiction. Many local organizations have planned activities this month to recognize those who have had the courage to recover from addiction, as well as their families and support providers. This year’s theme is “Join the Voices for Recovery: Real People, Real Recovery,” which emphasizes that recovery is possible and many people who have recovered from addiction have gone on to lead healthy, productive lives.

National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month, which is supported by SAMHSA of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, also encourages those still struggling with addiction to seek help. These individuals need to be given hope that they too can work to rebuild their lives. There has been and still is often a label of disgrace held by the public for those addicted to substances. Education is the key to helping people understand that addiction is a disease and it will take more than a positive attitude to overcome. The things that will help deal with the issue of addiction are support for treatment facilities, encouragement for the families of the addict, and encouragement and help for the addicts themselves.

Getting help

Families need to be aware of the signs of addiction. Sudden changes in behavior, lying, depression, hostility, and fatigue are just some of the warning signs of drug or alcohol addiction. Once an addiction has been identified, getting a loved one to accept treatment is the first step for families. Finding the right treatment facility for you or your loved one is the next step.

It will be a hard road. The recovery process is long, and it is common to suffer setbacks. But the anticipation of regaining one’s life and joining with others who have been down that road already can give great comfort. That’s what this month is all about.

Royer, David Don’t let shame preclude treatment Columbus Local News September 3, 2008

Scott, “Sonny” NAIC: A voice for recovery Sept. 3, 2008 The Norman Transcript

Romalino, Carly A month for turning clean and sober Gloucester County Times September 08, 2008

http://recoverymonth.gov