Addiction Stories

Working To Fight Addiction All Over The U.S.

2005-10-27T12:59:00.000-07:00

Even though I am going to college four hours away, my friends at Narconon Arrowhead still keep in touch with me on a regular basis. I get to hear how wonderful they are all doing every week. It's amazing to me that my friends at work keep in touch with me more often than some of my friends from High School. They really are the best and I am so proud to be a part of their team even though I am over 300 miles away. We all work together in some way to reach the same common goal - to help save lives of all people with a drug or alcohol addiction.

Two Main Reasons That Addicts Cannot Stop Using Drugs

2005-08-03T14:51:00.000-07:00

According to Narconon Arrowhead, there are two main reasons that addicts cannot stop using drugs or alcohol. Those two major causes for addiction have been identified as

Mental and physical cravings caused by drug residues which remain in the body even long after a person quits using the drug.
The "Biochemical Personality" -- the "way of thinking" that is caused by drug addiction and the lifestyle an addict adopts to get drugs and live with a drug habit.

These two situations are intricately linked, the one feeding the other, and both must be recognized and dealt with before a person can fully free himself or herself from the addiction. The information provided makes perfect sense to me.

Biochemical Aspects of Addiction
The addict can "just say no" a thousand times, but it only takes saying "yes" one time to start the cycle of addiction again.
In essence, when a person uses drugs over a period of time, the body becomes unable to completely eliminate all traces of them. The traces that remain are stored in the fatty tissues. Called "drug metabolites", these traces re-enter the system and trigger cravings for the drug along with the "Biochemical Personality" traits that are a non-optimum way of life.
Left unhandled, these manifestations will haunt a person for years even if they have sobered up. Left untreated, they can trigger a serious relapse.
These unresolved symptoms and manifestations, whether physical or mental in origin, create an underlying low-level type of stress which cannot be completely ignored by the addict. The addict can "just say no" a thousand times, but it only takes him saying "yes" one time to start the cycle of addiction again.

Drug Residues Remain in Fatty Tissues
Drugs are broken down in the liver into substances called metabolites. Although removed rapidly from the blood stream, metabolites can become trapped in the fatty tissues. The one thing in common and the problem that needs to be addressed is that these drug residues remain trapped for years.
Tissues in our bodies that are high in fats are turned over very slowly. When they are turned over, the stored drug metabolites are released into the blood stream and reactivate the same brain centers as if the person actually took the drug. The former addict now experiences restimulation of a drug episode (or "flashback") and subsequent drug craving. This is common in the months after an addict quits and can continue to occur for years, even decades.

The Cycle of Quitting, Withdrawal, Craving And Relapse
When the addict initially tries to quit, cells in the brain that have become used to large amounts of these metabolites are now forced to deal with much decreased amounts. Even as the withdrawal symptoms subside, the brain demands that the addict give it more of the drug. This is called drug craving.
Craving is an extremely powerful urge and can cause a person to create all kinds of reasons they should begin using drugs again. He is now trapped in an endless cycle of trying to quit, craving, relapse and fear of withdrawal.
Eventually, the brain cells will again become used to having lowered drug metabolites. But, because deposits of drug metabolites release back into the bloodstream from fatty tissues for years, craving and relapse remain a cause for concern.
Left unhandled, the presence of metabolites even in microscopic amounts cause the brain to react as if the addict had again actually taken the drug and can set up craving and relapse even after years of sobriety.

Handling the Drug Metabolites
The Narconon Rehabilitation Program utilizes a combination of exercise, induced sweating in a sauna, and nutritional supplements to eliminate the traces of drugs, or metabolites, stored in the fatty tissue.
No drugs of any kind are part of the Narconon Rehabilitation Program, such as "addiction substitute drugs" like methadone.

The results of this phase of the program are:
Reduction or elimination of drug and alcohol cravings.
Reduction or elimination of many symptoms associated with drug addiction and alcoholism. These can include depression, irritability, and fatigue.
Ability to think more clearly.
Improved memory and attention span.
Increased energy.
Increased sense of well being.
Enthusiasm toward Life.

Using drugs to get someone absolutely seems absoluetly unthinkable after knowing the correct information. Call 1-800-468-6933 today to recieve free information regarding drug and alcohol addiction treatment.

Certified Chemical Dependency Counselors

2005-07-28T12:37:00.000-07:00

I have noticed that a lot of my co-workers are active Certified Chemical Dependency Counselors. They are very proud of attaining such an accreditation, but I never really researched what was involved in earning this certificate that so pleasantly hung on the wall in their offices.

In order to receive their C.C.D.C. credentials, they are required a minimum academic education plus minimums of specialized training in specific topics. The academic requirements consist of
a Masters in counseling, health education, social work, human services, psychology or applicable field of study. The specialized training and education consists of a minimum of 300 clock hours of in-service training and other tasks dealing with substance counseling. There are many courses and tests.

All in all, many of our staff here at Narconon Arrowhead have, in fact, earned their Chemical Dependency Counselor Certification and I am very proud of all of them for working hard to help others in the downward spiral of addiction.

Controversy with Tom Cruise

2005-07-25T12:11:00.000-07:00

If you are anyone, you have heard or watched Tom Cruise talk about psychiatry and such. He said during his interview with Matt Lauer, "I've never agreed with psychiatry, ever. And when I started studying the history of psychiatry, I understood more and more why I didn't believe in psychology."

Now, I understand the 'shaking' information that he has stirred up and the controversy that comes along with it. But the things he says makes perfect sense. I am on his side. Especially when it comes to Ritalin and Adderall. I have witnessed some peers of mine be prescribed Ritalin and they totally change. The once joking, excited kids went to still, lifeless people. They would sit and stare blankly at the wall. It was eerie! Ya know? I thought to myself, "something just isn't right!" So, when Tom stood up for what he believed and let people know that sometimes prescriptions are dangerous and people should not be so naive, I was very excited for him and pleased to find someone who shares my viewpoint.

Narconon Arrowhead provides drug and alcohol rehabilitation and education information drug-free. We don't use drugs to get people off of drugs. Isn't that a little ironic? To use drugs to get people off of drugs? We are a clean, and totally rehabilitating program that has helped so many people cleanse their mind and body. What else could you want? It has changed my dad and most of my friends.

I'm standing up for what I believe in, just like Tom Cruise did.

Where I Live

2005-07-20T17:23:00.000-07:00

This is where I live. Sometimes I forget how wonderful it is around here. I can't believe that I am here, in the middle of a huge state park on the largest lake in Oklahoma, doing what I love to do... help other people. I have worked for Narconon Arrowhead for around 2 1/2 years now and I cannot believe it is coming to an end very shortly. I have enjoyed the experiences and lessons that I have learned here. I know so much and understand more now than I ever thought that I would at 18. All of this is due to working with people that are changing their lives around. Some are as young as me and have done some pretty heavy drugs and it is very inspirational to watch them just pick up and turn their lives around. They know that they could end up emotionally hurt or even dead. That realization alone is the strength to overcome addiction and then go on leading productive and clean lives. It is possible. Drug addiction is not a disease. It is curable. I have about 100 friends that I work with that could back up that story alone. Anyway, this is a dedication to everyone out there that had the willingness to help themselves which in turn helps others - getting off drugs and on the road to success!

I know that there are still people who are struggling and they need all the support they can get. Take it from a daughter's advice... one who almost lost her dad to the horrible battle of addiction, call Narconon today and get referred to a treatment program that suits you best.

Drugs Cost To Society

2005-07-08T07:32:00.000-07:00

A study prepared by The Lewin Group for the National Institute on Drug Abuse and the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism estimated the total economic cost of alcohol and drug abuse to be $245.7 billion for 1992. Of this cost, $97.7 billion was due to drug abuse.

This estimate includes substance abuse treatment and prevention costs as well as other healthcare costs, costs associated with reduced job productivity or lost earnings, and other costs to society such as crime and social welfare. The study also determined that these costs are borne primarily by governments (46 percent), followed by those who abuse drugs and members of their households (44 percent).The 1992 cost estimate has increased 50 percent over the cost estimate from 1985 data. The four primary contributors to this increase were:

the epidemic of heavy cocaine use
the HIV epidemic
an eightfold increase in state and Federal incarcerations for drug offenses
a threefold increase in crimes attributed to drugs

More than half of the estimated costs of drug abuse were associated with drug-related crime. These costs included lost productivity of victims and incarcerated perpetrators of drug- related crime (20.4 percent); lost legitimate production due to drug-related crime careers (19.7 percent); and other costs of drug-related crime, including Federal drug traffic control, property damage, and police, legal, and corrections services (18.4 percent). Most of the remaining costs resulted from premature deaths (14.9 percent), lost productivity due to drug-related illness (14.5 percent), and healthcare expenditures (10.2 percent).

Narconon Arrowhead provides more drug information and assistance to people struggling with addiction. Log onto www.stopaddiction.com or call 1-800-468-6933.

Counting Down The Weeks

2005-07-04T11:57:00.000-07:00

Yes, I am counting down the weeks until college. I only have six more weeks to work here at Narconon and visit with my dad until I am off into the big world alone. I know that I am prepared for college in many ways, and also not prepared in some. I have slacked off on my study skills over the past two years, which seemed pretty simple to me. I hope that I can get my study skills back and at least pull off mostly A's my Freshman year. I am majoring in Graphic Design at UALR. I am prepared in that I know, as an adult now, that I can handle most situations that I am faced with. My dad and my co-workers have taught me so many things; I have learned a lot about responsibility, gratitude, willingness, and strength. I know that I am strong enough to conquer anything that comes my way whether it be school, not falling into the drug or alcohol trap of college, and definitely not joining a sorority. hahaha No really, I have heard the wise words from ex-drug addicts. They preach to me about staying away from the substances and there is no doubt in my mind - I am strong than addiction.

Family Stress

2005-06-22T07:53:00.000-07:00

I took a few weeks off from work so that I can spend some time with my family before I head off to college. I am still working on the internet and things for Narconon Arrowhead while I am away. I didn't really realize how much I would miss everyone there. I am so used to everyone being happy, saving drug addict's lives, and enjoying life itself. Things are much more stressful here. I cannot wait to go back home and help everyone make a strong effort to continue doing what we do there at Narconon - save lives.

Confronting Issues

2005-06-10T12:48:00.000-07:00

I have been watching some of the addicts as they go through Narconon's rehabilitation program. I notice how they are downtone and frustrated coming into a period in their life where they need help and then transfer into these strong individuals that conquer their alcohol or drug addiction and then lead an amazing life. This simple transformation is only because they confronted issues that they had in their past. They came to grips with their addiction and forced it out of their system. They no longer accepted taking drugs to get off drugs... They kept it clean and took vitamins and replenished their bodies and forced the drugs out and then dealt with underlying issues that had plagued their humanity at a time before they arrived. Narconon really does help someone find that inner person that screams for sobriety. I love to witness that.

How to Talk to Your Kids About Drugs

2005-06-06T12:54:00.000-07:00

First and foremost it is important to be educated about drugs yourself.

This blog and Narconon Arrowhead can provide you with information. There are many other resources available, including several government websites that provide basic drug information, current news, and study results.

Also important is how you talk to your kids. What has never worked in any drug education is to tell a person something from an authoritative viewpoint. As soon as one starts in with that approach, the child will immediately tune the person out. A better approach is to ask them questions and then provide basic, true information.

One can just ask "What have you heard about drugs that is good?"

At this point is is very important for the parent to simply listen to the child's response without interrupting them. Give them your full attention, no matter what they say, be patient and listen carefully.

When they have finished telling you the good things they have heard about drugs, we have found it is best to just say "thank you" or "I understand" to the communication they just gave you. This helps give your child confidence that they can talk to you and that you are interested in what they have to say. It's like having communication with your best friend, only this one happens to be your child.

Now that they have told you what they heard that was positive about drugs, it is time to get them the correct information. The objective is to give the child correct information so they can make sound decisions on their own. We have found that when young people are given the accurate information about drugs their attitude about them changes and they make their own decisions not to use them. Their own solid decision will carry them a long way.

When providing them with information, ensure that they fully understand it.

Consult their understanding and ask for an example of what they have just learned. If they ask a question that you can't answer, it is important that you are honest with them and don't try and make something up. Use the opportunity to work with them to find the answer.

Honestly, patience and good communication are the key to talking to your kids about drugs. Getting their questions answered will help ensure they make the right decision not to use drugs.

More College Students Abusing Prescription Drug Stimulants

2005-05-30T08:47:00.000-07:00

The national study included data from students at 119 four-year colleges and was published in the January issue of the Addiction Journal.

Three of the prescription drugs that were being abused by college students included in the study were the addictive stimulants Ritalin, Adderall and Dexedrine. These drugs are categorized as Schedule II narcotics by the Federal Drug Administration. This is the same classification given to drugs like heroin and cocaine. These prescription drugs are used to treat the subjective diagnosis of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).

The study also found that students who abuse these drugs non-medically are much more likely to abuse other substances such as alcohol, ecstasy, marijuana and cocaine. It was also reported that this group of students were more likely to engage in risky behavior such as driving after heavy drinking.

J.T. Daily was a student at the College of Charleston in South Carolina. Having been put on the addictive stimulant Dexedrine as a teenager, Daily said, "The effects of taking Dexedrine for me were worse than drinking alcohol or smoking marijuana. In college, I knew many other students, including athletes that abused it regularly."

In fact, it became so popular that he would go through 400 pills in a month because so many other people were abusing his prescription as well. J.T. wound up on ecstasy and later became addicted to cocaine. He ended up dropping out of college because of his addiction, but thankfully received treatment through the Narconon Arrowhead Drug Rehabilitation and Education Program.

According to Narconon Arrowhead's Executive Director, Gary W. Smith, C.C.D.C., "We have seen a significant number of individuals addicted to methamphetamine, cocaine who have enrolled in our program whose drug use started when they were diagnosed with ADHD and then put on prescription stimulants used to treat this disorder. Unfortunately more times then not these kids were misdiagnosed put on these drugs only to become drug addicts by the time they reached adulthood."

Narconon Arrowhead is a non-traditional rehabilitation and education program that is very effective in helping people become drug-free. Based on the research and developments by L. Ron Hubbard, Narconon Arrowhead is the largest and most successful private residential drug rehabilitation center in the nation.

Having successfully overcome his addiction several years ago, today J.T. Daily is the Director of Drug Education for Narconon Arrowhead and he has personally lectured to tens of thousands of students across the country. His prevention presentations have helped enlighten kids and adults about the truth about drugs and addiction.To receive free information about drugs and addiction or to get help for a loved one in need, contact Narconon Arrowhead today or call 1-800-468-6933 .

Full-Time Job

2005-05-25T07:50:00.000-07:00

I graduated two weeks ago and I can't believe that my High School career is over. I started working full time at Narconon and I love being able to work all day long. I get to see more people's lives being saved from drug or alcohol abuse. I work on the internet lines and even though I do not directly handle the students going through the Narconon program, I see them everyday walking, laughing, and just enjoying being drug free. I really like that feeling. Especially since my dad did the same thing about 8 years ago.

River Rafting

2005-05-11T15:09:00.000-07:00

Yesterday our senior class went down the Illinois river! We had a blast. A lot of the students said that this was one of the first times that they had been down the river without an ice chest full of beer. Later on, I heard these same people say that this was by far their best river trip and that they didn't need alcohol to have a blast. I couldn't believe it!! It's good to hear things like this.

The Great A.D.D. Hoax

2005-05-02T14:13:00.000-07:00

There is a great website devoted to the truth about Attention Defecit Disorder.

http://keirsey.com/addhoax.html

No One Wants to be an Addict

2005-04-24T12:48:00.000-07:00

No one really wants to be a drug addict or alcoholic, but this doesn't stop people from getting addicted. The question most commonly asked by friends, family and addicts themselves is simply:
"How? How did this addiction happen?"

And right after that come these questions:
"How could my (friend, son, daughter, father, sister, or brother) become a liar, a thief, someone who cannot be trusted? How could this happen? And why won't they stop?"

Narconon counselors know the problems and pitfalls of addiction and rehabilitation, and they know how to handle them. They've helped thousands of addicts regain the seemingly impossible goals of a productive addiction-free life, a family reunited, and realization of personal hopes and dreams.

GET HELP NOW!

Call Toll Free 1-800-468-6933

Graduation

2005-04-18T14:57:00.000-07:00

2.6 million teenagers do not know that you can die from an alcohol overdose.
During a typical weekend, an average of one teenager dies each hour in a car crash, nearly 50% of those accidents involve alcohol.
Eight young people a day die in alcohol-related crashes
More than 35% of all 16 to 20 year old deaths result from motor vehicle crashes. 37% were alcohol-related crashes.

These are just a few statistics of things that go on during the prom and graduation season. I myself will be graduating this year. With these celebrations comes the reality that drinking and driving causes death. I know I will not be a statistic.

Internet Really Works

2005-04-11T15:34:00.000-07:00

Each week we keep track of how many people reach out for our rehabilitation services through the internet. The numbers keep rising. So many people turn to the internet now for answers, even dealing with drug or alcohol addiction. I hope that this trend continues and people keep searching for our services.
Our main website is www.stopaddiction.com

Stability

2005-04-03T11:10:00.000-07:00

Narconon helps a person to regain their abilities. Most of the people that come here already have the ability to maintain self-control and to confront life's issues. It is the stability and consistency that they are lacking. Narconon teaches a person how to consistently apply tools for their lives that solve problems regarding their addiction. All of us have problems, but it is how we deal with them that directly affects how successful, productive, and happy we are.

Prom and Parties

2005-03-24T13:58:00.000-08:00

Well, I can't believe that prom is almost here again. Our prom date is April 15th and it's only like 3 weeks away!! Prom is definetly something special but for so many people out there I know that it can be a struggle also. A lot of kids my age take drugs around prom time like ecstasy and drink afterwards. What is the point in getting wasted on prom if the next day you will remember nothing. You spend $250 on a dress and hair to wake up, not knowing where you are or what happened the night before. I know ahead of time that I want to remember everything that goes on. I want to laugh later on about the memories I had during my senior year. Drugs just aren't for me.

Pregnancy and Drug Use Trends

2005-03-08T13:31:00.000-08:00

Drug abuse can occur at any stage in a woman's life. Of women who use illicit drugs, however, about half are in the childbearing age group of 15 to 44. In 1992/1993, NIDA conducted a nationwide hospital survey to determine the extent of drug abuse among pregnant women in the United States. This National Pregnancy and Health Survey* still provides the most recent national data available.

The survey found that of the 4 million women who gave birth during the period, 757,000 women drank alcohol products and 820,000 women smoked cigarettes during their pregnancies. There was a strong link among cigarette, alcohol, and illegal drug use. Thirty-two percent of those who reported use of one drug also smoked cigarettes and drank alcohol.

Survey results showed that 221,000 women used illegal drugs during their pregnancies that year, with marijuana and cocaine being the most prevalent: 119,000 women reported use of marijuana and 45,000 reported use of cocaine. The survey estimated that the number of babies born to these women was 222,000, a close parallel to the number of mothers. Generally, rates of any illegal drug use were higher in women who were not married, had less than 16 years of formal education, were not working, and relied on some public source of funding to pay for their hospital stay.

Despite a generally decreasing trend in the use of drugs from 3 months before pregnancy and through the pregnancy, women did not discontinue drug use. However, findings from other NIDA research on women in treatment, for example, indicate that once women are successfully detoxified and enrolled in a treatment program, their motivator to stay drug free is their children.

The survey also pointed to issues of prevalence differences among ethnic groups. While the rates of illegal substance abuse were higher for African Americans, the estimated number of white women using drugs during pregnancy was larger at 113,000 than the number of African-American women at 75,000, or Hispanic women at 28,000.

As for the legal drugs, estimates of alcohol use were also highest among white women at about 588,000, compared to 105,000 among African-American women, and 54,000 among Hispanic women. Whites had the highest rates of cigarette use as well: 632,000 compared with 132,000 for African Americans and 36,000 for Hispanics.

Rates of marijuana use were highest among those under 25 and rates of cocaine use were higher among those 25 and older.

courtesy of NIDA.gov

Correlation between alcohol and drug use?

2005-02-25T13:57:00.000-08:00

An annual average of 4.2 million persons aged 16 to 20 reported driving under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs during the past year. About 169,000 of these persons reported that they had been arrested and booked for DUI/ DWI involving alcohol or drugs in the past year.

Among persons aged 16 to 20, 17% reported past year DUI/ DWI involving alcohol, 14% reported past year DUI/ DWI involving illicit drugs, and 8% reported past year DUI/ DWI involving a combination of alcohol and illicit drugs used together.

Children of Alcoholics Week

2005-02-21T14:02:00.000-08:00

February 13-19, 2005 is Children of Alcoholics Week. An estimated 1 in 4 U.S. children is exposed to a family alcohol problem, and countless others are affected by familial drug abuse. These young people are at increased risk of a range of problems, including physical illness, emotional disturbances, behavior problems, lower educational performance, and susceptibility to alcoholism or other addiction later in life.

If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, please call the toll free number 800.468.6933 right now for assistance. Or visit our website at www.stopaddiction.com

Rehab Popularity

2005-02-15T15:25:00.000-08:00

As I search in google, excite, yahoo, etc. for drug or alcohol rehabilitation terms, I notice that there are millions of websites out there that provide information and help to someone overcoming addiction. It makes me proud to know that the drug statistics are beginning to go down and that our nation is doing something about our tremendous drug problem.
There really is help out there... everywhere. With the click of a mouse, you can find the rehabilitation you need to once and for all end the battle of addiction.
Check out http://www.stopaddiction.com to learn more today.

Prescription Drug Use and Abuse

2005-02-07T14:41:00.000-08:00

Article by Michelle Meadows
It was supposed to be a short course of treatment with tranquilizers after the death of her infant son 15 years ago. But Lynn Ray, 46, of Germantown, Md., says her abuse of the anti-anxiety drug Xanax and other prescription drugs led to a long struggle with addiction that nearly ruined her life.
Tranquilizers, which slow down the central nervous system and cause drowsiness, numbed Ray's agony, helped her sleep, and untied the relentless knot in her stomach. Soon, even if her doctor had prescribed one pill in an eight-hour period, she took two or three in an attempt to intensify the calming effect of the drug.
When the doctor stopped writing prescriptions for her and encouraged grief counseling, Ray began doctor-shopping--going from doctor to doctor, fabricating panic attacks, backaches, migraines, and other ailments that would get her multiple prescriptions for tranquilizers and pain killers. "I became a very good actress," Ray says. "I thought I needed these drugs no matter what, even if I had to bamboozle the doctors to get them."
Most patients take medicine responsibly, but approximately 9 million Americans used prescription drugs for non-medical purposes in 1999, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). Non-medical purposes include misusing prescription drugs for recreation and for psychic effects--to get high, to have fun, to get a lift, or to calm down.
Experts stress that prescription drug abuse isn't about bad drugs or even bad people. It involves a complex web of factors, including the power of addiction, misperceptions about drug abuse, and the difficulty both patients and doctors have discussing the topic.
There is also the delicate balance of curbing criminal activity related to drug abuse while making sure that people with legitimate health needs can still access care, says Alan I. Leshner, Ph.D., director of NIDA. "We recognize the very real issue that millions of lives are improved because of prescription drugs--the same drugs that are sometimes abused," he says.

Consequences of Abuse
Ray had convinced herself that abusing prescription drugs was safer than abusing heroin, marijuana, and other "street drugs." "I would never do those," she says. "I figured I had a prescription for what I was doing, which made it OK."
Scott Walker, program director for substance abuse at the Mountain Comprehensive Care Center in Prestonsburg, Ky., says he hears that rationalization over and over. "Some people tell themselves they aren't using something old Joe cooked up in a garage somewhere," Walker says. They may figure a legitimate manufacturer made this, "so what could be the harm?"
As Ray's life unraveled, she found out the harm can be great, whether you're using heroin or sleeping pills. She lost her job as a computer programmer after repeatedly showing up late for work and falling asleep at her desk. Her son, a preteen at the time, couldn't understand her erratic behavior and didn't want anything to do with her.
Then in 1995, she crashed her car three times in one month while under the influence of tranquilizers and painkillers, seriously injuring others each time. Her driver's license was revoked, and she served a one-year jail sentence in 1998. "I will always know in my heart that I could have killed those people," she says. "It doesn't matter that I didn't kill them; it matters that I could have."
Walker says that roughly half of the people undergoing substance abuse treatment at Mountain Comprehensive Care Center come after realizing that they found themselves in a hole too deep to get out of on their own. The other half, like Ray, come because of some criminal charge related to drug possession or drug use.
OxyContin (oxycodone), a controlled drug approved in 1995 to treat chronic, moderate-to-severe pain, has received considerable attention because of deaths and crimes associated with its abuse. OxyContin is a morphine-like narcotic that contains a high dose of oxycodone. Manufactured by Purdue Pharma, Stamford, Conn., the drug was originally believed to pose a lower risk for abuse because it is a controlled-release drug designed to be taken orally and swallowed whole, says Deborah Leiderman, M.D., director of the Food and Drug Administration's controlled substance staff. The drug's active ingredient, oxycodone, is slowly released over a 12-hour period. "But the safety of the drug is based on taking the drug exactly as intended," she says.
Abusers sometimes disrupt the time-release formula of the drug to speed up absorption, often chewing the tablets, crushing them and snorting the powder, or dissolving them in water and injecting the drug to get a fast high. Abusers have also used OxyContin with other painkillers, alcohol, and marijuana. Several deaths have resulted, mostly in rural areas of the Eastern United States, especially in Virginia and West Virginia.
Other products containing oxycodone such as Percodan and Percocet have also been abused over the years. Abuse of opiates is not new; what's new is the recent surge in local epidemics of opiate abuse.
The most highly abused stimulants are illicit drugs, including cocaine and methamphetamines. There also have been recent reports of Ritalin (methylphenidate) abuse among middle and high school students. The drug, which produces effects more potent than caffeine and less potent than amphetamine, is prescribed to treat attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and other conditions. But some have used it to suppress their appetite or to stay awake while studying. The DEA lists Ritalin as a "drug of concern" and reports that some abusers have dissolved the tablets in water and injected the mixture, which can block small blood vessels and damage the lungs and retina of the eye.

Trends in Teenage Drug Use

2005-02-02T13:30:00.000-08:00

I was looking up trends and statistics of drug use among teenagers online today and I discovered that within the last few years, most of the drug use has actually decreased. I would like to believe that this is due to all of the drug awareness that is going on in our High Schools all over the United States. Narconon Arrowhead has an amazing drug education lecture team. They have all recovered from drug use themselves so they know first hand what really is going on in the body when you use. With this trend, hopefully teenage drug use will reach an all time low in the next decade.

The Party is Over

2005-01-25T13:22:00.000-08:00

My friend Jimmie that was in the car wreck in my earlier blog is going to be getting out of the hospital tomorrow. He has a little damage as far as his memory goes, but the doctor said that is he okay. He has trouble remembering what he used to be like; he can't remember who he used to hang out with, he can't remember what his personality was... He basically has to start completely over.

I hear about things like this happening all over the world, but you put yourself in a different point of view when it happens to one of our friends. A group of the guys at school that used to party and drink alcohol a lot made a pact to stop drinking. I was amazed at this news because so many of them went to parties every single weekend. They experiemented with drugs and drank all the time!

I hope that Jimmie's past will help their future. He has touched so many already.

Fellow Seniors Driving Drunk & Wrecked

2005-01-18T17:56:00.000-08:00

Saturday night I received text messages on my cell phone around 1:00 AM. Not until Tuesday at school did I find out what all the commotion was about. All I heard was that Jimmie (a friend) was in a car wreck and he was in a comma. Tuesday I found out that two of my fellow seniors, a girl that had graduated a few years before, and Jimmie (a sophomore at my school) were all in the wreck.

The four had been to a party earlier that night. Luckily, Jimmie had not been drinking. Rowdy, the driver was very intoxicated. He ran off the road into a culvert and flipped his jeep multiple times. He has a bruised kidney, the girl broke her nose and wrist, Brandon, the other senior, had over 25 stitches put in his head, and Jimmie bashed his head into the row bar and was immediately knocked out and in a comma. Jimmie was the only one not drinking that night.

I talked to Brandon today at school and told him that I was scared that he wouldn’t graduate with us in May. He said words that I never thought would come out of his mouth. "I am never touching the stuff again. It is not worth losing my life." Many partiers I’ve talked to would disagree with this, but until things happen to you I suppose you think otherwise. I'm glad that he made the right decision and also that no one was killed. The accident will affect those four lives for many years to come.

Luckily, Jimmie’s life was somehow saved that night. He will be going home in a few days. As for me, I’m glad that my dad kept me at the house sometimes and told me the truth behind alcohol and drugs. Some people, however, are not so lucky. My school was very shaken up by this news and I believe it truly affected every soul at school this morning.

My Drug History

2005-01-17T08:07:00.000-08:00

I have never tried alcohol or drugs. However, I have had many experiences in my life dealing with these situations. My father was heavily involved in drug addiction when I was about eleven years old. I was never around him when he did these things, but I know that our relationship was damaged. He didn't act the same... He didn't come around the house as often as he did before...
The day that my grandmother found Narconon Arrowhead, dad had to fly out to the rehabilitation program. I didn't understand why he was leaving. But, the end result was totally rewarding. His life changed forever.
He has been clean for 8 years now. He is stronger than he has ever been and our relationship is ten times better than it ever was. I'm so proud of him and I know that I will always be able to say no to drugs and alcohol because I watched him battle with addiction and it discourages me completely.
I wish everyone could be as lucky as I am to have lived in a drug-free environment.

A Look Back

2005-01-13T15:15:00.000-08:00

I was taking a look back today at my memories of Jr. High and now High School. It is amazing how people change. There are students that fall into peer pressure and get involved with drug addiction and alcohol, despite the consequences. Then, there are the ones that surpass these influences and go on to accomplish bigger and better things. From my experience as a 17-year-old with a father that was once in the downward spiral of addiction, I am thankful to live in the environment that I live in. And, I am also thankful to have the family and friends that I have because there really are better things to do with you time than put yourself in front of death itself.

Drugs in Schools

2005-01-10T13:20:00.000-08:00

As most everyone knows, I am a senior in High School. I know many kids that are experimenting with drugs or even participating in long-term alcohol and drug addiction. Recently, I recieved some newletters to pass out to everyone in my school from our local Healthy Community Coalition in McAlester. I am the Student Council President at Canadian and I decided it would be best for us to pass these out as a group at the school. As we were passing them out, I noticed that the kids were looking at them and some were acknowledging that they might even go to some of these free classes. I felt like we were making a small change in the school. Our STUCO sponsor was very happy that we had influenced some other kids to get the word out. Our little school has experienced some sort of change. I only hope that other schools out there would do the same.

Air Time

2005-01-03T13:25:00.000-08:00

During the holidays, the use of drugs and alcohol increase a lot. In fact, at least 50% of all holiday traffic fatalities involve alcohol use. The people that I work with try to convey the importance of drug and alcohol awareness by distributing public service announcements to radio stations across the U.S. By doing this, hopefully listeners will understand the importance of awareness, especially during the holiday season.

Happy New Years!

2004-12-22T14:13:00.000-08:00

I'm excited to see some friends and family during this holiday season, but it makes me think of all the people who need help overcoming drug and alcohol addiction.

As an extra resource, I found a blog about addiction treatment reform. I think it's pretty cool.

Happy Holidays

2004-12-13T14:14:00.000-08:00

This week at work, we skyrocketed our newest stats! We had a great response from press releases that we send out. I feel like I am making a contribution to others by getting the word about drug addiction out there to everyone. It's so important to me to let everyone know that there is hope, regardless of what the situation may be.
So, I am trying to get the word out there for everyone to hear! Drug addiction has a solution! Get in touch with someone at Narconon Arrowhead.

An eventful day

2004-12-03T19:45:00.000-08:00

A lot of exciting things happened today. I went to Staff Meeting today and it looks like we are all doing really good this week and are on task.
Also, Narconon Arrowhead is participating in the parade in Eufaula on Saturday. The theme is Mardi Gras, suprisingly. Our float looks really well made. I can't wait to see what everyone else thinks of it. Our theme is, "we're celebrating because we're drug free".
That's it.

Intro Internet Asst.

2004-12-01T14:43:00.000-08:00

Hey! This is my first post on my new blog site. My job here at Narconon Arrowhead is Intro Internet Asst. Narconon Arrowhead is a drug rehabilitation center. We help promote drug addiction and alcohol addiction awareness and information to people who are in need of drug rehabilitation or alcohol rehabilitation. I love my job and everyone that I work with. I think it was a great idea to set up this new blog thing so that everyone in our org can voice their opinions. We are currently working on getting together all of our stats for our main website,
http://www.stopaddiction.com
so that we can see how much progress we have made over the past few months.
Well, that's it for today!

ML,
Britt