Signs And Symptoms Of Addiction

Signs of substance abuse and addiction may vary according to the addiction at hand. In order to determine the presence of addiction, one must know what to look for.

Signs And Symptoms Of Addiction

• A change in appetite is often one of the first symptoms associated with substance abuse or addiction. A noticeable increase or decrease in appetite may serve as a red flag for concerned friends and loved ones.

• Another symptom associated with addiction is a withdrawal from friends and relatives. You may notice the individual associating with a new group of peers. Other addicts will alienate themselves completely.

• Excessive and abnormal amounts of alone time in the bathroom or bedroom in addition to unexplained school or employment absences may prove as yet another warning sign. Take note of any aggression or defensiveness when the individual is confronted about these behaviors. 

• Wild mood swings, irritability and irrational behavior may indicate an issue with drugs or alcohol. Other behavioral and personality changes may include: stealing, lying, sneakiness, lack of concentration and focus, unexplained euphoria, violence and paranoia.

• Smells and clothing may be indicative of a substance abuse issue. Alcoholics will often attempt to cover the smell with mouth wash, mints and gum.

• Drug addicts who use needles to inject the substance will generally adorn garments with long sleeves to hide track marks and other red flags.

• Not every symptom will be easily spotted. Fortunately, addiction is not easily hidden. Keep your eyes and mind open.

Need Addiction Treatment  Help?

• If you or a loved one is struggling with an alcohol or narcotic addiction, Above it All Treatment Center is the place to call.

The Legacy of Cory Monteith

The hit TV show “Glee” regularly depicts real-world issues within the confines of William McKinley High School. The episodes only pale in comparison to the recent death of star Cory Monteith.

The actor passed away this past July at age 31 due to a toxic combination of alcohol and heroin, according to the Canadian coroner’s report.

On “Glee”, Cory played a singer/clean-cut quarterback on his way to college. However, the actor was quick to let fans know just how different his own story really was.

Cory freely discussed details of his past with the press: drinking and drug use at age 13, high school drop out and stealing to account for the next high. Following an intervention from family and friends, Cory decided to seek help for his drug addiction at age 19.

Over time, Cory was able to clean himself up, begin acting, and in 2009, shot to stardom with the cast of “Glee”. By all accounts, Cory was a beautiful individual inside and out.

However, like many recovering addicts, Cory struggled with sobriety. Reports confirm that the actor voluntarily re-entered a rehabilitation facility in March of this year, successfully completing a 30-day program. Unfortunately, it just wasn’t enough.

Cory’s death is but another reminder of the perils associated with drug and alcohol abuse. Athlete or artist, poor or rich, old or young, struggling or successful – nobody is safe.

When one star overdoses, fans mourn by the millions. The sad fact is that drug and alcohol abuse takes hundreds of thousands of wonderful people each year, with little to no attention from the general public.

It’s important to view Cory’s struggle as an example for families to follow. His addiction and demise do not make him a hypocrite. They make him a human being.

Surely, Cory Monteith would prefer that his fans and friends do more than mourn another celebrity death. When “Glee” returns to living rooms this coming season, the producers will likely pay tribute. They may even present a story to help fans avoid the same pitfalls.

Here’s hoping that Cory’s story motivates each of us to take a stand for the generations to come. 

Inpatient Treatment May Be Right For You

If you are addicted to OxyContin, oxycodone, heroin, Percocet, fentanyl or other opiates, we can help. We provide medically assisted withdrawal and detoxification services to get you stabilized.  You’ll also get the counseling, resources and support you need to build a new life for yourself, healthy and sober. You don’t need to have all the answers. You just need to be ready to make a change. Our team of experts will be at your side to support you every step of the way.

Sometimes the usual outpatient rehab does not provide enough of a constant therapy and assistance to allow you the ability to recover.  While some patients can quit cold turkey and others can do with the simple routines of outpatient therapy, there are some who need a more personalized approach.  If this is you, then our team of professionals is here to provide you with the constant care that is required to build your strength, to build your resistance, to build your resolve and to put you on the path to a relapse free recovery.

At Above It All Treatment Center we will sit down and map a day by day personalized program that will be designed with you and your needs in mind.  We will discover your strengths and identify your weaknesses so you are aware what needs to be conquered.  Our inpatient program has a strong track record for turning serious drug addicts into fully recovered former addicts that are leading normal lives and meeting family and work responsibilities.  Contact us today and see what we can do for you.

Do I Need Prescription Drug Treatment?

Prescription drug treatment is gaining momentum as individuals across the U.S. continue to develop pain killer addictions. In certain instances, people are placed on these medications following an injury or surgery, ultimately leading to a dependency following extended periods of use. In this entry, we will help you identify some common signs associated with prescription drug addiction.

Chronic Pain

Those addicted to prescription medications often cite chronic pain as a reason for their abuse. Many addicts also use this complaint as a means to obtain additional prescriptions from physicians.

Doctor Shopping

Addicts swap pharmacies and doctors on a regular basic to conceal their addictions. Some visit multiple physicians in an attempt to obtain additional prescriptions. In this way, the addict is able to fly under the radar, ultimately escalating the addiction to new heights over time.

False Ailments

Addicts often fake physical and psychological disorders in order to feed their addictions.

Medication Fixation

Though a physician may prescribe alternative treatments to medication, addicts may appear uninterested in attempting these recommendations. Example: An otherwise healthy patient will likely attend a lab testing or X-ray appointment in hopes of finding a solution for their pain; An addict may choose to avoid these commitments on purpose.

Theft

Many prescription drug addicts steal leftover prescriptions from friends and family members. Others lift prescription pads from doctor’s offices to forge future prescriptions. Individuals who ask others for leftover medications are often in the grips of addiction.

Help

If you or someone you know is suffering from a prescription drug addiction, your best option is to locate a specialized substance abuse rehabilitation facility to help address the issue. Search online or in your local Yellow Pages, and call each facility up to learn about it’s specified philosophies and treatments. With a little time and effort, you’ll be able to locate a facility to accommodate your needs and goals on the road to recovery. 

Prescription Drug Treatment Considerations & Facts

Studies show more and more individuals seeking prescription drug treatment to address pain killer addiction. Some people are placed on these types of drugs following a painful injury, while others purchase through street dealers. If taken for long enough periods, these substances can become extremely addictive and harmful to both the individual and those around them. Below, we will outline a few key points to consider when considering recovery from a prescription medication addiction.

Step 1 – Pain killer addiction is extremely common in the U.S., posing a threat to people in all walks of life. Before an individual can receive help for their addiction, they must first admit that there is an issue that requires professional help. Someone who is not interested in receiving help will not respond to the treatment being provided.

Step 2 – If friends and family members are involved in the recovery, an intervention plan must be put in place. Once the addict feels ready to accept help for their dependency, a discussion with a professional drug counselor will better prepare them for the road ahead.

Step 3 – Most professionals agree that inpatient oxycontin rehab is the most effective means in achieving long-lasting sobriety. In this way, the individual is afforded the opportunity to detox and reassess life choices in an environment that is both controlled and positive without excessive exterior influence.

Step 4 – Once in treatment, addicts are introduced to facility philosophies and programs, including group and individual therapy. The addiction is analyzed, assessed and treated along with factors that may have negatively contributed to the individual’s abuse, such as a childhood trauma or recent death in the family.

Step 5 – Following treatment, addicts are encouraged to attend after-care groups, such as NA to help them keep on a sober track in the outside world.