The Not-So-Glamorous Side of Amphetamines

 

There are few people who have not heard of "Breaking Bad" and the compelling characters and the exciting plot lines. Indeed, the main character who made a fortune manufacturing meth was seen as a sympathetic here to many. But that is just the Hollywood treatment of it and the everyday reality of meth is much more horrifying than nay zombie movie. Just a quick glance at a few of the "Faces of Meth" campaign which shows the progressive destruction on met users faces tell the real story. Addiction to amphetamines, also known as speed or uppers is a serious addiction. The effects of meth ravage the user in ways that can never be undone. Users seem to age years in just a matter of months and the destruction to their teeth is well known as "meth mouth". One of the most notable physical signs of meth us and abuse is the abundance of sores and scabs on the face and skin which is attributed to "meth bugs" which is simply an overwhelming sensation that the user feels crawling under their skin and tries desperately to remove. This leaves sores that have little chance of healing as they are constantly picked at and can become infected, leading to infection and even scarring. Another physical change that meth users experience is the rapid decline in their teeth. Meth use leads to chronic dry mouth, dental neglect and tooth decay. The teeth begin to rapidly decay, break and fall out while the user seems oblivious to the seriousness of the situation. Those two physical signs, along with serious weight loss mean that the meth abuser cannot hide their addiction for long. It is literally written all over their face. This is why time is of the essence when dealing with meth abuse. It is hard enough to recover from drug abuse without having to also try to recover from the serious and permanent damage that meth can inflict on the addicts body and health.

If Your Loved One is Dealing With Alcohol Addiction, They Should Enter an Alcohol Abuse Treatment Center

Alcohol addiction is a serious problem. People who rely on alcohol to get through the day are causing serious damage to their bodies, and preventing themselves from living a happy and satisfying life. If you see signs of alcoholism in a loved one, you'll want to talk to them about it right away. It's important to confront them in a gentle but serious way. Make sure they know how concerned you are, and make sure you provide them with suggestions on how they can get help. Talk to them about alcohol facts. Make sure they know the kind of damage that drinking so much can cause for them. Let them know that alcohol is a depressant, and that even if it makes them feel better now, it'll make them feel worse later on. They should know that this isn't a long-term solution to their problems. Research the alcohol abuse treatment centers in your area, and talk to them about their options. Make sure they know that they'll have your support as they pursue treatment. You want them to feel like they're ready to take the right steps to improve their lives. Don't let your loved one downplay their alcohol addiction. Even if they're okay now, they won't be okay later unless they get help. You have to stay firm about the seriousness of the issue and make sure that they get the help they need. If you can get your loved one to enter an alcohol abuse treatment center, they will get better. However, recovery may be impossible if they don't get help. Do whatever it takes to convince them that they should seek out assistance for their problems with alcohol. It's what's best for them.

Getting Alcohol Abuse Treatment

 

Alcohol abuse is a problem that runs rampant, undiagnosed for a long time because the substance is legal. It can lead many problem drinkers to remain in denial because they do not see that alcohol and drug abuse are the same thing, just involving different substances. Once someone has realized they have a problem with alcohol, getting treatment for it is the first step to reclaiming their life. When a person first enters a rehabilitation center, they will need to detox. Someone that has been drinking heavily may experience extreme sweats, vomiting, and hallucinations. At the worst end of the spectrum, an alcoholic may even have life threatening seizures. The staff will do everything possible to minimize the negative signs of withdrawal and keep the person safe. Once the patient has been medically cleared, they will then begin participating in the program established by the treatment facility. The counselors and other staff members will gather to develop a plan that includes individual counseling sessions for the person to begin working through their personal issues. In addition, treatment centers have group sessions where everyone is encouraged to talk to others. These can prove an invaluable source of support for someone new to being sober. It is helpful to talk to others who understand the discomforts of withdrawal and how frightening it can be to learn to live without alcohol. The patient is also assisted in making contact with outside resources that can help them to maintain sobriety upon leaving the facility. This can include going to an outpatient alcohol treatment center or free support groups that have other recovering alcoholics. 

Individualized counseling sessions are frequently recommended, especially for those who have other problems, such as dealing with abuse issues. The more resources a person has, the greater the chances they will remain sober.

A Resource for Addiction and Recovery: