Cocaine - Facts About a Highly Addictive Drug, Life Threatening Side Effects and Recovery Challenges

Cocaine comes from the coca plant and has been used by the natives of South America for over a thousand years. This plant, erythroxylon coca, is common to many parts of South America. Cocaine use is common in much of the world and has been for centuries. Coca leaves were used by native populations to alleviate the rigors of high altitude and to diminish fatigue (1).

Cocaine causes addiction or dependency in the brain in a dramatic fashion. This drug increases several neurotransmitters in the pleasure center of the brain. The most important of these neurotransmitters are norepinephrine, epinephrine and dopamine. Dopamine is the major neurotransmitter providing the feeling of euphoria, which centers in a part of the brain known as the nucleus accumbens in the prefrontal cortex. This area is rich in dopamine receptor sites and is the main site for euphoria and pleasure. Cocaine also gives the user significant energy and flight of ideas. Pressured speech and paranoid behavior are also common. The euphoria is frequently the dominant effect and responsible for ongoing cocaine use, abuse, addiction or dependence.

"Crack cocaine" is obtained by mixing cocaine powder with baking soda. This "cocaine bicarb" got its name from the crackling sound it makes as it is smoked. Crack cocaine has a lower vaporization temperature and can be smoked easily. This explains why these "rocks" are so addicting. Approximately 25 million people in the United States use cocaine at least once in their lifetime (2).

Detox, withdrawal and cravings from cocaine are not dangerous or life threatening. Individuals go into a "crash phase" once stopping cocaine after prolonged use. This crash phase is characterized by extreme fatigue, lack of pleasure and increased appetite. The crash phase lasts for a few days to a week. These symptoms are related to decreased levels of various neurotransmitters or chemical agents in the brain that were depleted during cocaine binging. The withdrawal symptoms from cocaine use generally depend on the individual, frequency and amount of cocaine that was used. Withdrawal, detox and cravings from cocaine are usually diminished over a few weeks.

Cocaine dramatically increases blood pressure and heart rate. This can cause varied health problems: strokes, heart attacks, hypertension, cardiac arrhythmias and possibly things we do not know about as yet. Cocaine, when mixed with alcohol, forms the compound cocaethylene. This is toxic to the heart muscle and may seriously damage the liver.

Cocaine can cause a multitude of psychological effects. Paranoia, hallucinations, anxiety, panic attacks, confusion and psychotic behavior are some of the possible effects. Cocaine is particularly destructive to family and social relationships. Individuals who use become addicted or dependent and may go to extremes to support their addiction. The potential legal ramifications with cocaine use, dependency or addiction are dreadfully serious. There are many individuals doing life prison sentences due to cocaine usage. Keep in mind that, in the United States, the Courts have historically taken a fervent stance against cocaine offenses.

This drug stays in the urine for about 3 - 5 days. Heavy users test positive for longer than that. Treatment or therapy for cocaine use, dependency, addiction, detox, withdrawal and cravings is wide-ranging. The majority of medications used to help with cocaine treatment/therapy provide symptomatic relief. Inpatient care is ideal for individuals strung out on cocaine; but it is, unfortunately, very costly. Probably every antidepressant known to man has been used to treat cocaine addicts with varying degrees of success.

Home treatment, including therapy for detox, withdrawal and cravings for cocaine, is an affordable option to inpatient treatment. Individuals frequently seek alternative treatment for cocaine addiction. There are herbal formulations and supplements available to help addicts. These non-addicting, natural treatments provide individuals with a confidential alternative recovery option. Herbal/supplement home treatment for cocaine addiction should be continued for at least 2 years. It can take that long to normalize the electrical and chemical changes that occurred in the brain during the course of addiction.

Cognitive and behavioral therapies are very important in recovery from cocaine addiction or dependency. Support groups are necessary, especially in early recovery. Relapse is common with cocaine addiction/dependency and the recovering addict must be aware of multiple relapse triggers. Certain people, places and things can cause immense problems for an individual in recovery from cocaine addiction/dependency.

References:
1. PinkyAgarwal, M.D. etal., Mar8, 2011. medscapereference, 9/10/11, http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1174408-overview

2. Roxane Dryden-Edwards MD., 2011, WebMD Newsletter, 9/14/11, http://www.medicinenet.com/cocaine_and_crack_abuse/article.htm

Tom Jarvis is the creator of the all-natural and non-addictive Addiction Buster® formulas and an expert in the field of addiction. He was a chemist prior to attending medical school, where he graduated with honors. He has spent over 20 years treating over 20,000 patients addicted to alcohol, drugs and addictive behaviors. Tom Jarvis is also a recovering alcoholic & drug addict.

Visit our site http://www.addictionbuster.org/ to get FREE access to our 4 Step Recovery Plan for Alcohol, Drug & Addictive Behaviors.

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Developing Personal Power in Recovery

When active in addiction(s) we were on an unrelenting self-destructive path. Life in general seemed overwhelming and there was a tendency to blame other people, places and things for our problems. No matter how hard we tried, will-power seemed to be of no use. We continued to spiral downward and the grief, guilt, depression and loneliness dominated existence.

We hung onto childhood ideas and brought them into our adult experience. We may have been arrogant, believing we had all the answers and everyone else was wrong. We were defiant, resisting the suggestions made by others, and self-indulgent hoping that outside pleasures would fill the gaping hole on the inside. Over time, our personal power whittled away.

When we sought help and began our journey into recovery, we became elated by the sense of a new beginning. We began to repair the destruction created by our behavior. Our relationships improved as our loved ones, employers and associates began to trust us again. They saw we were earnest in changing our lifestyle.

Those who sought formal treatment may have been taught that you were powerless. This may be true to some degree but it is also confusing. We became powerless over the substance of what we were abusing but that was just a symptom of what was really going on.

Agnes Whistling Elk said, "Power is strength and the ability to see yourself through your own eyes and not through the eyes of another."

As recovering addicts we actually need personal power to help raise our self-esteem by identifying with our true values, setting boundaries in our relationships, aligning our outward actions with our internal beliefs and making a stance for who we truly are. This allows us to feel comfortable in our own skin. As we progress, we no longer have peaks and valleys in our emotions because we have the power to believe in ourselves. We stop fighting everything and everyone because we allow them to be who they are and we feel confident about ourselves. We learn to lead from our hearts rather than analyzing from just our brain. Personal power comes when we tune in and listen to that inner guiding voice. We also gain strength by asking others for help and listening to their suggestions. We become open and honest with ourselves and others while knowing we have no claim on anyone else to make us happy.

Further along in our process we have taken action toward restoration of our lives and may have started the process of forgiving ourselves and others. We start to live for today and planning for our brighter future. Our life energy is redirected from being in crisis to having a positive outlook. Personal power is beginning to be restored.

Below are 10 things we can do each day that will help in developing a healthier lifestyle and forge a pathway to strengthening your personal power.

1. First thing in the morning identify with the people and/or experiences for which you are most grateful. A grateful heart is powerful.

2. Let go of grudges. Releasing this negative energy from your heart frees you from the power of others.

3. Start your day with a positive affirmation. A positive affirmation helps to align your thinking and opens your heart path.

4. Create periods of quiet time throughout the day. This is an opportunity to listen to that subtle, guiding inner voice.

5. Allow time in your day for exercise. Moving our bodies releases energy that promotes a positive outlook.

6. Eat healthy whole foods. Whole foods help to balance our bodily systems.

7. Look for ways to expand your community, such as volunteering, joining a club or experimenting with a new hobby.

8. Call a friend and ask them how they are doing without a need to talk about you.

9. Know your values and live in accordance with them. Living in alignment with who you truly are is the most powerful way to live.

10. Make restful sleep a priority. When rested, we can think more clearly about the challenges we may face.

Practicing the above healthy habits strengthens our foundation and creates personal power. When we take responsibility for who we are and maintain a healthy perspective we will likely be able to deal with unexpected life challenges for the days to come.

Author: Steve Clair
Steve is a Life Coach who dedicates a portion of his practice to working with individuals in recovery from addictions. His guided process is life changing and was developed to help build a firm personal foundation to grow from. Coaching is not a replacement for treatment or therapy and is best suited for individuals ready to take their recovery to new heights for today and the future.

If you are interested in learning more about the benefits of Recovery Coaching, contact Steve at sclair@oz.net for a complimentary coaching session. http://www.covisionwellness.com/

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Internet Addiction - Signs, Symptoms, Dependency, Treatment and Recovery

Internet addiction is a worldwide problem and growing every day. With the growth of the internet and effortless access, this addiction is "viral" in its own right. Many internet addicts are teenagers or young adults. In China as many as 15% of youngsters are addicted to this activity. Hong Kong posts disturbing numbers. It is estimated that 40% of the youth population there is addicted! For the U. S., estimates indicate that we have 20 million internet addicts, with the rate going up 25% yearly. According to a University of Maryland study released last year, many college students are addicted to the internet (1).

Internet usage is a strong visual stimulus to the brain. CT Scans of internet gamblers have detected dopamine release similar to that seen in crack addicts. It is reasonable to assume that this condition is mediated through the pleasure center of the brain. Dopamine is the major neurotransmitter involved with the pleasure center. The internet provides not only visual stimulation but tactile and auditory as well. This complex problem undoubtedly involves multiple neurotransmitters and other parts of the brain besides the "pleasure center."

Current estimates state that being online over 20 hours a week may be considered addiction. This would exclude someone who uses the internet in their work.

Detox, withdrawal and cravings with these persons are a real phenomenon. They believe that the only way they can be "connected" socially or intellectually is when they are online. Depression, anxiety, a feeling of isolation and frustration are common symptoms when addicts cannot access the internet.

The harmful side effects of this problem can be disastrous. Many school-age children neglect their studies, playing internet games or socializing online, undoubtedly contributing to high dropout rates and poor grades. Internet addiction is linked to ADHD and depression in teens (2). Reading comprehension and writing abilities all suffer due to internet abuse/addiction. This problem can damage relationships and families. When one considers online gambling or online pornography, you are looking at a real nightmare. These addictions can result in financial ruin or imprisonment.

Current treatment for this horrible addiction is in the infancy stages and involves behavioral and cognitive approaches. It is believed that the medical community must realize that this serious disorder causes chemical and electrical changes in the brain. There have been studies which have shown that repeated visual images in children can change the anatomy of the brain. Countless hours on the internet undoubtedly change the brain qualitatively and quantitatively.

Counseling is common for this problem and there are support groups available. The medical community has been slow to identify this as an addiction and medical treatment is not typically used for this quandary. Naturally, insurance companies are hesitant to offer any type of coverage to treat this or any other addictive disease.

Alternative medical treatment for internet addiction is a logical approach to this wide-spread problem. There are naturally occurring herbs and supplements that can help to normalize the chemical and electrical changes that take place during ongoing addiction. These natural herbs and supplements are non-addictive and can be taken in the privacy of one's home, maintaining confidentiality.

This type of treatment should probably continue for at least two years. The majority of individuals with internet addiction were exposed at an early age. The changes this caused in their brain would take a considerable period of time to reverse. The recovering individual would have to be careful with any internet activity during the recovery period.

Any recovery plan should probably include some type of 12-Step Program. The 12-Step Program is a classic venue for behavioral therapy. These programs have been around since 1935 and they work. All of the 12-Step Programs resemble the AA (Alcoholics Anonymous) model. These groups provide needed support and put the recovering person in contact with individuals who have similar problems.

References:

1. Tyger Latham, Psy.D. July 26, 2011. Can You Really Become Addicted to the Internet? 8/5/11. http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/therapy-matters/201107/can-you-really-become-addicted-the-internet

2. Amanda MacMillian. Oct. 05, 2009. Internet Addiction Linked to ADHD, Depression in Teens. CNN Health. 9/4/11. http://www.cnn.com/2009/HEALTH/10/05/depression.adhd.internet.addiction/

Tom E. Jarvis is the creator of the all-natural and non-addictive Addiction Buster™ formulas and an expert in the field of addiction. He was a chemist prior to attending medical school, where he graduated with honors. He has spent over 20 years treating over 20,000 patients addicted to alcohol, drugs and addictive behaviors. Tom E. Jarvis is also a recovering alcoholic & drug addict.

Visit our site http://www.addictionbuster.org/ to get our FREE 4 Step Addiction Recovery Plan for Alcohol, Drugs & Addictive Behaviors.

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Heroin Group Counseling Aids Recovery

The scientific name for heroin is diamorphine. It is extracted from the dried milk of the opium poppy (Papaver somniferum). Diamorphine does not naturally occur in opium poppies but is manufactured from morphine, a natural opiate. Of all the opiates, heroin has the most addictive potential. Heroin group counseling is part of a multi-step process in drug rehabilitation.

Effects

After the initial euphoria, followed by feeling calm and relaxed, diamorphine makes the user feel drowsy. Their pupils constrict, speech becomes slurred, attention is impaired and the user feels detached. It may also result in headache, vomiting and mood disturbances. This is a Class A drug, meaning that even possessing it is illegal and may lead to a prison sentence. Being illegal, it is manufactured in less than controlled conditions and cut with any number of obnoxious agents in varying proportions. It is impossible to predict what strength is being supplied and it is easy to overdose.

Short Lived

The buzz from the drug is short-lived. Tolerance builds up quickly. Very soon, larger amounts are needed and more frequently to maintain the same high and to avoid the painful and unpleasant side effects of withdrawal. Eventually, the body becomes so dependent upon the drug that larger and larger amounts need to be taken just to feel 'normal', never mind high and euphoric.

Bodily Damage

Paradoxically, despite being dependent on the drug, it has many negative effects on the body. It can damage the blood vessels, leading to thrombosis and abscesses, which can go on to become gangrenous. Gangrene can spread to the brain, bones and heart and can also lead to amputation of a limb. A leading British scientific journal rated diamorphine the single most harmful of twenty popular recreational drugs, both in terms of its addictive potential and the amount of physical damage it produces.

Withdrawal

Users who don't die from an overdose or from one of the other serious complications of using the drug may decide they have had enough and to clean up their life. Stopping on their own can be next to impossible because of the painful effects of withdrawal. Common symptoms include headache, vomiting, shakes, sweats and severe muscular pains.

Medication

Many users will go to a detox treatment center for help getting the drug physically cleared from the body. This may involve being prescribed substitutes like methadone and other forms of support to make withdrawal easier. Some people choose to undergo 'cold turkey', which is complete cessation of the drug without medical support.

Life After Detox

After detoxification, the next step is learning how to live without the drug, the emotional side. One of the strengths of residential treatment centers is they physically remove the recovering addict from the physical and psychological cues that trigger the drug seeking behavior to begin with. This also provides practice at developing relationships with people who do not take drugs.

Once the residential phase of rehabilitation is complete, heroin group counseling is very useful for helping people to maintain a drug-free lifestyle. Recovering addicts can provide moral support for each other as well as additional practice at interacting with non-drug users. With dedication and a lot of help from friends, family and the medical community, it is possible to come back from heroin addiction and heroin detox to live a productive, normal life.

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Addiction Recovery - The Influence Of A Friend

"Carmel" (not her real name) is a recovering alcohol and other drug addict. She recently came to see me when she fell off the wagon. We are doing the treatment with EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques), chakra balancing, Reiki, and some chakra colour therapy, and she is responding well. In our session, an important aspect came up that I want to talk about today. This aspect is an important one for both addicts and those who care for addicts. I hope it helps you or someone you care about.

It transpired that Carmel had recently taken on a new flatmate. This flatmate was vetted very carefully. Even in the advertisement for the room, Carmel clearly stated that she wanted someone who did not take drugs and was not a big drinker. But, as soon as she relaxed into the household, Carmel´s new flatmate started openly smoking marijuana and drinking more than the average person. Carmel soon became influenced by this new friend who engaged in these activities in her own front room (and let´s face it, it is impossible to ignore the smell of someone smoking pot in their own bedroom anyway). She finally took a toke of a joint. This led to another, and more, and before you know it, Carmel, who was a teetotal, was getting seriously drunk with this lady.

Part of our treatment was about the possibilities of looking for a replacement flatmate. Another possibility we thought of during the treatment was to tell the flatmate that she must under no circumstances let Carmel have any marijuana or alcohol. We investigated the pros and cons of different courses of action, so that Carmel will be better-prepared to deal with this.

It is important for a recovering drug addict to be in an environment where they are not regularly exposed to and offered drugs, be it alcohol or any other drug that they had a problem with. This is why so many addicts in recovery break with their old drug friends and work hard to make new, clean, friends. The Law of Attraction also comes into it. Someone said that we are like our 5 closest friends. So it is important for anyone in recovery to surround themselves by people who are clean, or at least by people who are doing their best to be or become clean.

Eventually, I believe that Carmel has to replace the flatmate, but of course, that is Carmel´s decision. Right now, she needs the money and needs to become stable, before she is strong enough again to advertise and interview potential flatmates, let alone tell the existing one to leave. Our treatment has already resulted in Carmel going back to her Alcoholics Anonymous/Narcotics Anonymous meetings, and this is already helping her balance the negative influence from her flatmate with positive influences from people who are clean or trying their best to be. Carmel´s challenge is a daunting one, but she can pull out of this, one day at a time.

© Suzanne Zacharia 2011. My name is Suzanne Zacharia and I am committed to spreading the word about ways to improve your health, happiness, success, and lifestyle. Want to use this article? You can, as long as you credit me with it and invite your readers to get my FREE book "7 Real Truths of Energy Psychology" at http://www.newagetherapies.com/ or my free course "5 Days To Change Your Life" at http://www.newageinternationaltraining.com/

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Recovery From Alcohol Addiction - How to Avoid a Relapse

Relapse does not need to happen. When you are motivated to quit alcohol addiction there are some primary things you can do to increase your chances for recovery and avoid a relapse.

Know the risk

When you have finally become motivated to get free from alcohol addiction your life will be changed. Things you did before without a second thought are now being altered because you don't drink.

Your friends will act different. It will appear alcohol is everywhere...and it really is. Thing you used to do with alcohol you are now trying to do without alcohol. It will seem very different.

There is always risk when you do familiar activities or are hanging around with family and friends who still drink. The risk is in how easy it is to pick it up again and how difficult it is to refuse it.

You can get a better understanding of what to do if you begin to...

Understand relapse

Relapse happens when you are unprepared to remain sober. If you want recovery from alcohol addiction you need to keep away from relapse.

When you return to alcohol use it is not simply when you actually drink. It's when in your thoughts you decide you're going to drink. The thought always precedes the action.

That is why you need to...

Make a sobriety plan

A sobriety plan often is called a relapse prevention plan.

In it you need to:

Identify what triggers you to drink again.

By knowing what immediately precedes your use you can begin to put in alternate behaviors.

For example, you realize when you are all stressed out you are likely to drink. An alternate behavior could be spend time journaling about what is bothering you or focus on something you can DO something about.

Make a list of the places you go where you would drink if you go.

Your drinking happened in specific places. Those places can trigger you to drink again. What you can do about it is begin to have a plan of either removing alcohol from where you go or remove yourself from where the alcohol flows.

If it is written it will be more fixed in your mind. It needs to be a living document. I mean by this you need to keep adding to it as you identify more triggers and come up with more alternative choices

Develop a specific plan for each of these circumstances.

Don't try...just do it

I'll try is just a delay of action. If you really want to stay in recovery from alcohol addiction it is important for you to become a doer.

There are many actions you can do to prevent relapse:

Go to support meetingsGet a sponsorBe honest to yourself and othersStop excusesTake responsibility for your actionsMake your sobriety planGet professional help when you need it

Never stop quitting

Relapse happens even if it is preventable. The most important thing you can do is have a resolve within yourself to never stop quitting. Those addicted to alcohol don't have a problem with quitting...it the starting up again that is the real problem.

Nearly 30 years working with those who are addicted and their families. Owner of Great Divide Technologies, LLC the home of http://www.freemyaddict.com/, http://www.addictionrecoverysupports.com/ and other websites.

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