Killing the ANTs: Automatic Negative Thoughts

No one likes to go on a picnic with a basket full of ants contaminating the food, but those of us who are afflicted with addictions have a brain teeming with ANTs of a different variety - contaminating our thoughts. We often refer to these automatic negative thoughts as “stinking thinking” but whatever you want to call them; they can fuel your addiction, make your life miserable, and keep you locked into your unhealthy ways for a very long time.

Thoughts are powerful. And, ANTs cause chemicals to be released in your brain that make you feel bad and reinforce the idea in your mind that there is no hope ... bad things happen and there is nothing you can do about it. Focusing on the terrible things that have happened and fearing what might happen is just the kind of stinking thinking that can lead you right into relapse.  

Invasion of an Army of ANTs

To avoid risking your sobriety, you need to recognize the most dangerous, combative ANTs. Do you consistently focus on the negative aspects of situations and totally ignore the positive? Do you over generalize by saying things like “I’ll never be able to stay sober?” These kinds of statements instil in your mind that you have no control and aren’t able to make changes. And if you are someone who looks at everything as black and white or good or bad with nothing in between…this just isn’t reality.

Another unsafe ANT is having a feeling about something and assuming your feeling is always correct. You need to realize that feelings can lie, and thinking “I feel like a total screw up” will just sabotage your recovery. As will judging and labeling yourself or other people by thinking “He’s a jerk,” and “I’m a loser.”

Do you attempt to predict the future?  For example, when the thought that you will never stay sober is imbedded in your mind, you won’t work as hard to stay in recovery.  This ANT is the “self-fulfilling prophesy” at its worst.

And probably the most harmful ANTs are blame and denial.  When you blame others for your troubles, you become a victim and convince yourself that you can’t change your situation since it is really someone else’s fault.  

Counter Attack with ANT Traps

The good news is... when you stop believing your own addictive thinking and start focusing on hopeful, positive thoughts; chemicals in your brain are released that make you feel good.  And, the feel good thoughts can help keep you away from drugs and alcohol and prevent a relapse. This is backed by scientific evidence ... so don’t go thinking, “no way, this won’t work for me.”

Here’s what you need to do if you want to trap and kill these wretched ANTs.

1. First you need to catch them in the act.
2. Then, by writing the negative thought down on paper, you will take it out of your head and rob it of its power.
3. And, every time you challenge an ANT by turning it into a positive thought, you are gaining control over your thinking and replacing a negative pattern with a positive one that can lead you to a sober and happy life.

Dealing with Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms

Dealing with withdrawal symptoms is one of the biggest challenges faced by people who are trying to quit drinking alcohol. Alcohol withdrawal syndrome, a potentially life threatening condition, is a major hindrance faced by alcohol addicts. Not everyone who quits drinking experiences alcohol withdrawal syndrome. However, a vast majority of people who have been consuming alcohol regularly over a prolonged period of time experience alcohol withdrawal symptoms. The severity of symptoms depends on the degree to which a person is addicted to alcohol. Alcohol withdrawal symptoms are caused by over activity of the autonomic nervous system that is responsible for managing the body’s reaction to stress.

What is alcohol withdrawal?

When regular drinkers quit drinking or reduce the amount of alcohol they consume, they experience alcohol withdrawal symptoms. If experienced in extreme, it may become a life threatening condition. It also makes it difficult for people to overcome alcohol addiction and leads to relapse.

Major alcohol withdrawal symptoms

• irritability
• shakiness
• anxiety
• fatigue
• insomnia
• headache
• tremor of the hands
• rapid heart rate 

These are some of the mild symptoms experienced by people addicted to alcohol. Some of the severe symptoms experienced by people include hallucinations, confusion, high fever and agitation. A person may become restless and depressed. This can greatly hamper his ability to carry out his day-to-day functions.

Alcohol Withdrawal Treatment

Seeking medical intervention is the best way to handle alcohol withdrawal symptoms. The services offered by alcohol detox centers may prove to be immensely useful in this regard. Equipped with the best medical expertise and knowledge, a reliable alcohol detox center can make it easier for a person to dealing with withdrawal symptoms to overcome alcohol addiction. Moreover, the encouragement and support provided by a qualified professional may prove to be the deciding factor when it comes to helping a person overcome alcohol addiction successfully.

If you’re a heavy drinker and wish to overcome your alcohol addiction, availing the services offered by an alcohol detox center will prove to be very useful. In the recent years, many reliable alcohol detox centers have emerged that have made it easier for people to get rid of alcohol addiction. For more information about alcohol withdrawal click here.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy - Successful Treatment for Substance Abuse and Mental Health

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, focuses on the impact Thoughts, Feelings, and Emotions have on each other.

Distorted thinking plays an important role in the emotions and behaviors of people with substance abuse and mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety, among other disorders. CBT is especially helpful for people with co-occurring disorders, which is a combination of drug or alcohol addiction combined with depression or anxiety.

It's difficult to say if a mental health issue drives addiction, or the other way around. Because each person is different, treating all patients the same usually doesn't offer for the best outcomes, which is why it's always advised to use therapies that work in both group and individual settings.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy differs from other forms of psychotherapy because it takes a more active approach that allows the therapist and patient to work together to address problems and symptoms of the underlying issues.

A typical session using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy techniques might examine thoughts of worthlessness and how they contribute to behaviors and emotions. By focusing on the root causes of distorted thinking, skills can be learned to overcome the destructive thoughts.

Scientific research has proven the effectiveness of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for disorders involving mood, eating, substance abuse, and psychiatric disorders. Research has also shown it to be effective for depression - both by itself and when used together with medication.

The Beck Institute (http://www.beckinstitute.org/cognitive-behavioral-therapy-anxiety/) has found it to be effective for treating a wide variety of disorders.

Because an individual's thoughts are the most important factor for controlling emotions and behaviors, CBT's effectiveness is now on the rise across a wide spectrum of treatment areas.

When a person learns to engage in adaptive thinking, behavior follows, resulting in healthier outcomes. While a person may practice these techniques in a treatment center, once learned, they can be used long after treatment ends, indefinitely for the rest of their life.

Because Cognitive Behavioral Therapy works well with or without medication and can be learned to counteract relapse and live in a healthier state of mind, it is quickly becoming an important part of evidence-based treatment for mental health and substance abuse issues.

Food Addictions and Why They are so Hard to Overcome

An addiction to one or more unhealthy foods can be just as damaging to your health as a drug addiction. Food addictions often lead to obesity, one of the leading causes of heart disease, high blood pressure and diabetes. Furthermore, an addiction to the wrong types of foods will sap a person's energy and lower his or her resistance to sickness.

What is a Food Addiction?

The Yale Rudd Center for Food Policy and Obesity notes that the signs of a food addiction include:

• The need to eat more of a particular food in order to feel relaxed and happy
• Deterioration of healthy relationships with family members and friends
• Inability to control how much of a particular food one purchases or eats
• Withdrawal symptoms when a person stops eating the food that he or she is addicted to

Why Getting Rid of a Food Addiction is Difficult

One of the main reasons why getting rid of a food addiction is very difficult is the fact that white sugar stimulates the same area of the brain that is stimulated by the use of drugs such as marijuana, heroin and cocaine. This is why addictions to sugary foods and beverages are common while addiction to vegetables is unheard of.

Research also clearly shows that people develop a tolerance to a certain level of sugar in their diet. This means that an addict has to eat more and more sugary foods on a daily basis in order to make it through the day.

Any type of food has an effect on the body. Foods can either make someone feel relaxed or give him or her a boost of energy. Those who have unhealthy lifestyle habits often become addicted to certain foods that either give a needed energy boost or help them relax and de-stress.

How to Deal with a Food Addiction

The first step in dealing with a food addiction is to acknowledge that it exists. A person who finds that he or she is addicted to a particular type of food should then speak with a doctor or get help from an addiction treatment center. Medical professionals can help an individual outline a safe yet effective detox and addiction treatment plan that will eliminate the problem for good.

Have You Ever Heard of the Drug 'Sizzurp'? You May Soon:

Hollywood and Popular Music's effect on drug usage in Teens

Sizzurp

Most of us have looked up to a Hollywood star or singer at some point in our lives. We may have even gone so far as to emulate some of the things they do. For today’s teens, similar behaviors can lead to scary and sometimes even deadly consequences. Sizzurp is the name of an increasingly popular fad drug among teens and celebrities. The use of the drug became popular during the early 90s, but recently, celebrities such as Lil Wayne and Justin Bieber have made headlines with their apparent use of the drug.

What is Sizzurp?

"Sizzurp," sometimes known simply as "Syrup" or "Lean", is a dangerous mixture of prescription strength codeine cough syrup and soda or candies for flavor. Codeine is an opioid that causes feelings of relaxation and often euphoria when used in large quantities.

What are the risks of taking Sizzurp?

• Side effects include: blurred vision, hallucinations, lower heart rate, and shallow breathing.
• Even one bottle of cough syrup can cause an overdose, depending how tolerant your body is to the medication.
• Research shows that opioid medication deaths in abusers are currently higher than those of other drugs like heroin and cocaine combined.

With the recent glamorization of Sizzurp use by Lil Wayne, many videos on how to correctly mix the cough syrup with different flavorings have shown up all over the internet. The abuse of the drink may have even sent the rapper to the hospital. “Taking enough of the medication can cause experiences similar to LSD trips with hallucinations, risky behavior and extreme paranoia,” says Dr. Deni Carise, chief clinical officer with CRC Health Group. Concerned parents should look for odd behavior such as slurred speech, lethargy and a new group of friends.

Teens are especially likely to use Sizzurp because they may believe something that you can pick up at the neighborhood drug store is less likely to be as harmful as other drugs. If you know someone you believe might be experimenting with homemade or prescription drugs, it's important you discuss the dangers with them and possibly seek medical help. Quitting opiate use without professional treatment can cause muscle spasms, vomiting, intense pain or withdrawal.  It's always best to seek the help of a Doctor who specializes in Opiate Addiction.

The Side Effects of Alcohol

Alcohol or substance abuse is one the fundamental causes for untimely deaths and illnesses. Drinking too much, whether on a single occasion or over a long period of time, can take a serious toll on the health of an individual and the side effects of alcohol can be damaging.

Alcohol is a depressant that affects the functionality of different parts and systems of the body.

The Side Effects of Alcohol on the Brain 

Alcohol has a way that interferes with the brains communication patterns, and alters the way the brain perceives emotions, situation and interactions. It affects the coordination of limbs and slows the cognitive processes, making it harder to think, reason out and make judgments. These disruptions can change the mood and behavior and individuals under the influence of alcohol can make rash life altering decisions which can have dire consequences on their lives.

Effects of Alcohol on the Heart

Consuming alcohol over a long period or too much on a single occasion can cause damage to the heart. Especially people who are pre-diagnosed with heart related diseases like high blood pressure, diabetes etc., are advised not to indulge in the harmful vice as it increases the risk of severe conditions and stroke.

Alcohol abuse leads to: 

• Heart stroke 
• High blood pressure 
• Cardiomyopathy – Stretching and drooping of heart muscle
• Arrhythmias – Irregular heart beat 

The Side Effects of Alcohol on the Liver

Just as smoking is linked to lung cancer, Alcohol abuse increases the risk and damage to the liver.

Long term alcohol abuse causes liver inflammations including various lethal conditions like:

• Alcohol hepatitis
• Fatty liver or Steatosis
• Fibrosis
• Cirrhosis 

The Side Effects of Alcohol on the Pancreas

Drinking alcohol can result in the inflammation and swelling of blood vessels in the pancreases that prevents proper digestion. Alcohol causes the pancreas to produce toxic substances that ultimately leads to pancreatitis.

The Side Effects of Alcohol on the Immune system

The immune system helps us keep protected from various diseases and infections. Alcohol weakens the immune system making the body susceptible to diseases and infections. Chronic drinkers are more liable to contract diseases like tuberculosis, pneumonia and drinking even on a single occasion as alcohol slows the body’s natural ability to ward of infections up to 24 hours.

Alcohol consumption can increase the risk of developing certain cancers such as:

• Mouth
• Esophagus
• Throat
• Breast
• Liver

Apart from physical repercussions, there are various psychological changes associated with alcohol which leads to conflicts in relations, disruptions in personal lives, career etc. More importantly it has lasting effects on pregnant and underage groups of the society.

Alcohol and Pregnancy

Evidence shows that maternal alcohol consumption can cause irreversible damage to the developing fetus or breastfeeding baby. This is the reason why women who are pregnant, planning for a baby or breastfeeding are advised against drinking alcohol. Alcohol can cause pre natal abnormalities and can lead to dysfunction of the brain.

Underage Drinking 

The law against underage drinking has been imposed keeping in mind the health of adolescents. Early drinking is related to increased alcohol dependency in adulthood. Drinking patterns are also related to the possibility of the damage to the developing of the brain. Children less than 15 years are at the greatest risk of harm from drinking alcohol.

Alcohol Ranks #5 on the Danger List

For more information on the side effects of alcohol or if you need help call (800) 444-1838

Is Propoxyphene A lethal opioid?

Part of the opioid family, Propoxyphene is a pain reliever used to treat mild to moderate pain from injury or surgery.

Since 1957, it has been prescribed for pain and is a part of drugs Darvon and Darvocet.

Propoxyphene has been discontinued and withdrawn from the market by its maker, Xanodyne.

The maker of this drug, has stopped and withdrawn Propoxyphene because of research showing that it can cause serious toxicity to the heart. 

Even when used in small amounts, it can harm the internal organs. The FDA has suggested that physicians stop prescribing or even recommending the drug to patients.

The drug works by attaching itself to opioid receptors in the central nervous system to generate feelings of pleasure in the body instead of pain. The early euphoric effect is what makes people addicted to the drug. Even though the drug was pulled from the market a few years back, it still exists on the streets and users use it recreationally by crushing the pill into a powder or by injecting the drug directly into their system in order to attain a sudden rush of euphoria.

Because of the short-term aspect of the euphoria, users seek more and more of the drug so as to continue the high for a long time. Its side effects and withdrawal symptoms are the same as the ones found in other drugs like oxycodone or hydrocodone.

Some of the side effects from the drug include:

• Stomach pain
• Vomiting
• Constipation
• Dizziness

A grave side effect of Propoxyphene is that it can cause fluctuations in heart rhythm that may even lead to death.

Some of the withdrawal symptoms from Propoxyphene are:

• Restlessness
• Muscle and bone pain
• Cold flashes
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting 
• Uncontrolled spasms in leg

If you know someone who is addicted to Propoxyphene, it is important to consult a specialist. There are rehab facilities that utilize the latest tools and methodologies to offer an end-to addiction.

Juvenile Offenders and Drug Addiction

It is estimated that around 80% of teen arrestees in state juvenile justice systems committed their crimes under the influence of alcohol, tested positive for drug use or admitted having substance abuse and addiction problems.

Juvenile Offenders and Drug Addiction

Only a small percentage of juvenile offenders receive addiction treatment and several studies have conclusively established the link between criminal behavior in youth and substance abuse.

In other words, it can be said that reducing substance abuse in adolescents reduces crime. 

It has to be noted here that there is a paucity of treatment options when it comes to the problem of drug and alcohol addiction. Drug education is the most common form of treatment provided to juveniles dealing with addiction problems. However, studies suggest that drug education is often ineffective when it comes to helping juveniles overcome drug addiction.

Considering the fact that drug and alcohol abuse is also linked to higher rates of re-offending, it has become supremely important to make available drug addiction facilities to juvenile offenders.

Firstly, it is important to screen juvenile offenders to find out the degree of their dependence on drugs and alcohol. Finding out the frequency and severity of drug abuse will be useful information when helping a juvenile offender overcome his addiction and it is highly important to implement and use reliable screening instruments.

Secondly, it is important to provide effective addiction treatment. Using a comprehensive and integrated treatment approach allows for complete recovery. Furthermore, it has to be ensured that treatment is continued for a fixed period to prevent any relapse. It is commonly seen that half and inadequate treatment leads to relapse.

Equipped with the best knowledge and expertise, drug addiction treatment centers ensure patients are receiving the best treatment available.

More resources on juvenile drug and alcohol addiction:

• Destinations To Recovery
• About.com

Parental Responsibility in Drug Addiction Prevention

Considering the fact that a large percentage of people addicted to drugs comprise of teenagers and young adults, it is important to emphasize the role of parents in making sure that their child stay away from drugs and alcohol. 

In fact, research shows that parental advice and guidance can go a long way when it comes to making sure that children stay away from harmful substances. 

In several studies, it has been found that children who’ve a strong relationship with their parents are less likely to abuse drugs and alcohol. For this reason, it becomes important for parents to take all necessary steps required to prevent drug addiction in teens.

Here are a few of the ways you can talk about drugs with your teens and establish a strong relationship:

Taking An Active Interest in Your Child's Lives

It has been found that children who feel neglected by their parents are more likely to abuse drugs. Spending some quality time with your children, supporting their activities and praising their efforts will go a long way when it comes to establishing a strong relationship with your children.

Be Tough

Being an authoritarian will not serve any purpose. However, at times, it is important to be tough with your children. As a parent, you must set clear rules for your children and ensure that they follow them. There should be an open communication and you should explain to your child why you want him to behave in a certain way.

Keep a Tab On Your Child’s Friends Circle

It is important to know the friends of your child. While you must not dictate what friends to choose, it is important to guide them and make sure that they don’t spend time with wrong people. If a child keeps company of people who abuse drugs, he is more likely to abuse drugs and alcohol himself.

Talk to Your Child

Having an open communication is vital. It is important to inform your children about drugs. Explaining to them the negative effects of drugs on body and mind will go a long way when it comes to making sure your children stay away from drugs.

If you’re a parent, you must keep in mind all the above factors so as to ensure that your children stay away from drugs and alcohol. You must not hesitate from seeking professional medical help if necessary. 

Drug Abuse and the Increase in HIV

It is widely acknowledged that drug abuse can greatly increase the risk of contracting and transmitting HIV. Ever since the epidemic broke out in the 1980s, drug addiction has proved to be a major hindrance when it comes to preventing the spread of the disease. Several studies have conclusively established the link between drug abuse and HIV. As there is no known cure for HIV, it is essential to take all necessary measures to prevent the spread of the disease. Providing effective drug addiction treatment can help reduce the number of new HIV cases.

Drug Abuse

How Drug Abuse Can Increase the Number of HIV Cases

·      Intravenous drugs and needle sharing are two of the primary causes of HIV transmission. It has been seen that drug addicts commonly share needles to inject drugs into the body. This multiplies the chances of spread of HIV and Hepatitis.

·      Drug Abuse is linked to uninhibited behavior. Under the influence of drugs, a person loses the sense of right and wrong. Loss of self-control and judgment ability can make a person indulge in wrongful sexual activities. Having unsafe sex with an infected partner under the influence of drugs is one of the major reasons of the spread of HIV. ‘Transactional sex’- trading sex for drugs or money is another major reason that can contribute to the spread of HIV in people.   

·      Drug addiction can worsen HIV symptoms in people. Taking every dose of ARVs is absolutely essential. However, people who abuse drugs are less likely to take all of their medications. Moreover, illegal drugs may have dangerous interactions with Anti Retro Viral medications. An overdose of these drugs may prove to be deadly for a person.

Considering the strong link between the spread of HIV and drug abuse, drug addiction treatment can be a very effective way to prevent the spread of HIV in people. Timely and effective medical intervention can make it easier for a person to overcome drug addiction. This, in turn, will reduce his or her chances of indulging in any type of risky sexual behavior that contributes to the spread of HIV. In the recent years, many reliable rehab centers have emerged that offer top-quality drug addiction treatment.  Inspire Malibu is one of the leading drug and alcohol rehab centers in the US. With its scientific and evidence-based treatment, Inspire Malibu has made it easier for countless people overcome drug and alcohol addiction. For more information on drug addictiontreatment options click here