Addiction
Addiction is a disease and not a life style choice. It is a neurologically based disease. Alterations in neurotransmitter imbalance result in dependency. Dependency causes changes in behavior, effecting relationships and emotions. When discontinued withdrawal results. With support and treatment physical and emotional recovery can begin however physical drug withdrawal does not change the underlying neurological addictive disorder. Treating the underlying addictive disorder is important to recovery.
Is Addiction a Disease?
Addiction is a neurologically based disease. For many years specialists in the recovery field have compared alcoholism or addictions to a physical disease: like for example diabetes. In reality addiction is more closely related to a neurological disorder.
The problems facing most addicts, alcoholics, and their families are depressing and frustrating. The problems on the most part are hopeless and discouraging. The statement that an addict "could change if he wanted to" is misunderstood. The fact is that an addict cannot change in the long run even if he or she would like to. The definition of addiction: "the loss of control over the use of a substance." It is important to understand that this loss of control is not in terms of days or weeks, but in longer term behaviors: terms of months and years. Most addicts have lost control because they have suffered permanent physical neurological changes based in their brains and nervous systems.
If alcoholism or addiction develops, the problem has moved outside the idea of free choice. It has developed into a long term mental and physical neurological disorder. All the emotional 'feelings' involved in drug or alcohol seeking are based in neurology. Addiction is based in physical dependency created by altered neurotransmitter balances, and driven by millions upon millions of new living, functioning active neurological pathways which have been established to sustain the condition in the addicts brain. Physical drug withdrawal does not change the underlying neurological addictive disorder. After drug withdrawal, long term overpowering cravings are common. These so called cravings are, in reality, spontaneous nerve impulses. Even in the longer term, overwhelming cravings are outside the addicts' control.
NIDA focusing on Teens and Addiction: Follow up to the focus on the risk survey, (thanks to Alecia Dager)
The problems facing most addicts, alcoholics, and their families are depressing and frustrating. The problems on the most part are hopeless and discouraging. The statement that an addict "could change if he wanted to" is misunderstood. The fact is that an addict cannot change in the long run even if he or she would like to. The definition of addiction: "the loss of control over the use of a substance." It is important to understand that this loss of control is not in terms of days or weeks, but in longer term behaviors: terms of months and years. Most addicts have lost control because they have suffered permanent physical neurological changes based in their brains and nervous systems.
If alcoholism or addiction develops, the problem has moved outside the idea of free choice. It has developed into a long term mental and physical neurological disorder. All the emotional 'feelings' involved in drug or alcohol seeking are based in neurology. Addiction is based in physical dependency created by altered neurotransmitter balances, and driven by millions upon millions of new living, functioning active neurological pathways which have been established to sustain the condition in the addicts brain. Physical drug withdrawal does not change the underlying neurological addictive disorder. After drug withdrawal, long term overpowering cravings are common. These so called cravings are, in reality, spontaneous nerve impulses. Even in the longer term, overwhelming cravings are outside the addicts' control.
NIDA focusing on Teens and Addiction: Follow up to the focus on the risk survey, (thanks to Alecia Dager)
Articles
October 28, 2020 - This Addiction Treatment Works. Why Is It So Underused?
December 7, 2019 - Coping with Addiction & Recovery During the Holidays
December 7, 2019 - Coping with Addiction & Recovery During the Holidays
Where are they getting drugs?
At Home
The medicine cabinet is the most common location for drug abusers, stealing prescription medicines to over-the-counter cough medicines and sleeping aids, all in an effort to get help them get high. Adults should safeguard these drugs, as well as, any pills in the parent's bedroom, trash receptacle, refrigerator and left on a kitchen counter. Pills and prescription drugs that are accessible at home also create a danger to young children too. People should make an effort to remove old prescriptions and unused drugs from their home. They should never FLUSH them down the sink drain or toilet as they cause dangers to our public and private water system.
The Store
Some stores have started to keep cough and cold medicines containing dextromethorphan (DXM) behind the counter to help limit folks from abusing these drugs. Teens often get around this by store-hopping or taking turns buying these products. Be on the lookout for store receipts, empty bottles of cough syrup, cans of whipped cream, or pill packets among your teen's belongings. Be aware if they stop at the store before going out with friends.
From Friends & Parties
Even if you safeguard your pills and medicines, other families may not. Speak with parents in other households that your child may have access to about safeguarding medications. Talk it over and discuss what you do in your home and encourage them to do similar safety measures. Ask other parents not to give your child any medications without your permission.
At School
Unfortunately, schools have become a secret trading post for drugs. This is where kids gather, talk and dispense or sell pills (and uncontrolled, illegal drugs) to their friends. Talk to the school administration, nurses, teachers, and coaches about teen prescription drug abuse to ensure they are aware of the problem and know the warning signs.
Grandparents' House
Grandparents can be another source of prescription drugs for teens and young adults. The same preventive measures you take in your own home should be taken at the grandparent's home. Talk to your extended family about your concerns and ask them to safeguard their medications.
On the Internet
The fastest growing danger and one of the easiest ways to obtain powerful prescription drugs is the online pharmacy or through social media. If you think you need a doctor's prescription, think again. If you notice excessive time spent on the internet, unfamiliar charges on a credit card, unusual or peculiar deliveries, investigate.
The medicine cabinet is the most common location for drug abusers, stealing prescription medicines to over-the-counter cough medicines and sleeping aids, all in an effort to get help them get high. Adults should safeguard these drugs, as well as, any pills in the parent's bedroom, trash receptacle, refrigerator and left on a kitchen counter. Pills and prescription drugs that are accessible at home also create a danger to young children too. People should make an effort to remove old prescriptions and unused drugs from their home. They should never FLUSH them down the sink drain or toilet as they cause dangers to our public and private water system.
The Store
Some stores have started to keep cough and cold medicines containing dextromethorphan (DXM) behind the counter to help limit folks from abusing these drugs. Teens often get around this by store-hopping or taking turns buying these products. Be on the lookout for store receipts, empty bottles of cough syrup, cans of whipped cream, or pill packets among your teen's belongings. Be aware if they stop at the store before going out with friends.
From Friends & Parties
Even if you safeguard your pills and medicines, other families may not. Speak with parents in other households that your child may have access to about safeguarding medications. Talk it over and discuss what you do in your home and encourage them to do similar safety measures. Ask other parents not to give your child any medications without your permission.
At School
Unfortunately, schools have become a secret trading post for drugs. This is where kids gather, talk and dispense or sell pills (and uncontrolled, illegal drugs) to their friends. Talk to the school administration, nurses, teachers, and coaches about teen prescription drug abuse to ensure they are aware of the problem and know the warning signs.
Grandparents' House
Grandparents can be another source of prescription drugs for teens and young adults. The same preventive measures you take in your own home should be taken at the grandparent's home. Talk to your extended family about your concerns and ask them to safeguard their medications.
On the Internet
The fastest growing danger and one of the easiest ways to obtain powerful prescription drugs is the online pharmacy or through social media. If you think you need a doctor's prescription, think again. If you notice excessive time spent on the internet, unfamiliar charges on a credit card, unusual or peculiar deliveries, investigate.
Warning Signs
It is so important to be aware of signs rather than live in denial or be unaware. You could save someone's life. Possible signs of substance abuse can be identified if you begin to observe unexplained changes in physical appearance or unusual behaviors. To positively diagnose, this would require a professional who will conduct an overall screening.
Here are some of the warning signs:
Physical Signs of a Substance Abuser
• Change in sleeping patterns
• Bloodshot eyes
• Slurred or agitated speech
• Sudden or dramatic weight loss or gain
• Skin abrasions/bruises
• Neglected appearance/poor hygiene
• Sick more frequently
• Accidents or injuries
Behavioral Signs of a Substance Abuser
• Denying use; lying and covering up
• Sense that the person will "do anything" to use again regardless of consequences
• Loss of control or choice of use (drug-seeking behavior)
• Loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities
• Emotional instability
• Hyperactive or hyper-aggressive
• Depression, sadness, isolation
• Missing school or work
• Failure to fulfill responsibilities at home, school or work
• Complaints from teachers or co-workers
• Reports of intoxication at school or work
• Secretive behavior
• Avoiding eye contact
• Locked doors
• Going out every night
• Change in friends or peer group
• Change in clothing or appearance
• Unusual smells on clothing or breath
• Heavy use of over-the-counter preparations to reduce eye reddening, nasal irritation, or bad breath
• Hidden stashes of alcohol
• Alcohol missing from your supply
• Prescription medicine missing
• Visiting on-line pharmacy internet sites
• Money missing
• Valuables missing
• Disappearances for long periods of time
• Running away
• Secretive phone calls
• Unusual containers or wrappers
Source: The Partnership for a Drug-Free America
Here are some of the warning signs:
Physical Signs of a Substance Abuser
• Change in sleeping patterns
• Bloodshot eyes
• Slurred or agitated speech
• Sudden or dramatic weight loss or gain
• Skin abrasions/bruises
• Neglected appearance/poor hygiene
• Sick more frequently
• Accidents or injuries
Behavioral Signs of a Substance Abuser
• Denying use; lying and covering up
• Sense that the person will "do anything" to use again regardless of consequences
• Loss of control or choice of use (drug-seeking behavior)
• Loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities
• Emotional instability
• Hyperactive or hyper-aggressive
• Depression, sadness, isolation
• Missing school or work
• Failure to fulfill responsibilities at home, school or work
• Complaints from teachers or co-workers
• Reports of intoxication at school or work
• Secretive behavior
• Avoiding eye contact
• Locked doors
• Going out every night
• Change in friends or peer group
• Change in clothing or appearance
• Unusual smells on clothing or breath
• Heavy use of over-the-counter preparations to reduce eye reddening, nasal irritation, or bad breath
• Hidden stashes of alcohol
• Alcohol missing from your supply
• Prescription medicine missing
• Visiting on-line pharmacy internet sites
• Money missing
• Valuables missing
• Disappearances for long periods of time
• Running away
• Secretive phone calls
• Unusual containers or wrappers
Source: The Partnership for a Drug-Free America
What is Narcan (Naxolene)?
A goal for The Coalition for a Better Wallingford is training all "first responders" in administering Narcan when emergencies involve overdose.(At present only Town Department Heads and 4 Paramedics are trained, but not one member of the Wallingford Police is trained in this procedure).
Understanding Naloxone
Naloxone (also known as Narcan®) is a medication called an "opioid antagonist" used to counter the effects of opioid overdose, for example morphine and heroin overdose.Specifically, naloxone is used in opioid overdoses to counteract life-threatening depression of the central nervous system and respiratory system, allowing an overdose victim to breathe normally. Naloxone is a nonscheduled (i.e., non-addictive), prescription medication. Naloxone only works if a person has opioids in their system; the medication has no effect if opioids are absent. Although traditionally administered by emergency response personnel, naloxone can be administered by minimally trained laypeople, which makes it ideal for treating overdose in people who have been prescribed opioid pain medication and in people who use heroin and other opioids. Naloxone has no potential for abuse. Naloxone may be injected in the muscle, vein or under the skin or sprayed into the nose. Naloxone that is injected comes in a lower concentration (0.4mg/1mL) than Naloxone that is sprayed up the nose (2mg/2mL). It is a temporary drug that wears off in 20-90 minutes. (Source: Harm Reduction Coalition, harmreduction.org)
In fact since 1996 administration of Naxolene (Narcan) has reversed overdose in 10,171 reported occasions. (Source: Centers for Disease Control, CDC report February 2012). Because of statistics like this the State of Connecticut passed legislation in October 2012 that enabled providers to prescribe Naxolene to relevant family members and responders (with training in administering Narcan) without liability. Public Act 12-159 - An Act Concerning Treatment for a Drug Overdose
Why Wallingford?
Brown University study by Dr. Traci Gold (2010)
"A report on research by Brown University and Rhode Island Hospital released last year found that Wallingford and Ansonia-Derby had more prescription-related overdose deaths between 1997 and 2007 than any of the state's other municipalities". Source Record Journal article January 20.
With this study the town of Wallingford became aware of a growing and existing problem of opioids and heroin addictions. Having lost dozens of mostly young people to overdose death in the last 5 years The Coalition for a Better Wallingford is strongly advocating the training of all possible first responders in the administration of Naxolene (Narcan). Our police are often the first to reach the scene of an overdose and this training can literally mean the savings of a life if administered in a timely fashion. We are asking for community support in persuading our local government to implement this as policy.
Understanding Naloxone
Naloxone (also known as Narcan®) is a medication called an "opioid antagonist" used to counter the effects of opioid overdose, for example morphine and heroin overdose.Specifically, naloxone is used in opioid overdoses to counteract life-threatening depression of the central nervous system and respiratory system, allowing an overdose victim to breathe normally. Naloxone is a nonscheduled (i.e., non-addictive), prescription medication. Naloxone only works if a person has opioids in their system; the medication has no effect if opioids are absent. Although traditionally administered by emergency response personnel, naloxone can be administered by minimally trained laypeople, which makes it ideal for treating overdose in people who have been prescribed opioid pain medication and in people who use heroin and other opioids. Naloxone has no potential for abuse. Naloxone may be injected in the muscle, vein or under the skin or sprayed into the nose. Naloxone that is injected comes in a lower concentration (0.4mg/1mL) than Naloxone that is sprayed up the nose (2mg/2mL). It is a temporary drug that wears off in 20-90 minutes. (Source: Harm Reduction Coalition, harmreduction.org)
In fact since 1996 administration of Naxolene (Narcan) has reversed overdose in 10,171 reported occasions. (Source: Centers for Disease Control, CDC report February 2012). Because of statistics like this the State of Connecticut passed legislation in October 2012 that enabled providers to prescribe Naxolene to relevant family members and responders (with training in administering Narcan) without liability. Public Act 12-159 - An Act Concerning Treatment for a Drug Overdose
Why Wallingford?
Brown University study by Dr. Traci Gold (2010)
"A report on research by Brown University and Rhode Island Hospital released last year found that Wallingford and Ansonia-Derby had more prescription-related overdose deaths between 1997 and 2007 than any of the state's other municipalities". Source Record Journal article January 20.
With this study the town of Wallingford became aware of a growing and existing problem of opioids and heroin addictions. Having lost dozens of mostly young people to overdose death in the last 5 years The Coalition for a Better Wallingford is strongly advocating the training of all possible first responders in the administration of Naxolene (Narcan). Our police are often the first to reach the scene of an overdose and this training can literally mean the savings of a life if administered in a timely fashion. We are asking for community support in persuading our local government to implement this as policy.