Abusing Drugs in the Workplace

Over two and a half million individuals abuse drugs or alcohol in the workplace. This projection developed due to research conducted on the current addiction status of our citizens as well as the increase in drug and alcohol abuse that has been rising with each passing year.

Also in research conducted it has been shown that over two hundred and fifty billion dollars have been lost in the workplace each year since nineteen hundred and ninety-five due to alcohol or drug abuse at work. This accounts for poor performance leading to loss of business and/or sales, accidents, absenteeism/tardiness and crime within work environments.

Did you know that over thirty percent of all hospital calls during the work day in America are due to an accident involving drugs and or alcohol in the work environment? This number is only rising, and large corporations are starting to crack down. Some employers are requesting drug tests prior to hiring, with ongoing drug tests on a monthly basis. Others may test for drugs and alcohol immediately after an accident has occurred within an employer’s work environment. So what does this mean for addicts in the workplace?

At the present time over seventy percent of drug or alcohol addicts are employed either part or full time. These addicts range from eighteen to fifty years of age. Over fifty percent of these employees are Caucasian or African-American males. For these employees, there may not initially be an issue with their employment. It may take a few years for every company or corporation to jump ‘on board’ with respects to regular drug and alcohol level testing. Although when this does occur it may mean that these individuals will begin to lose their jobs; therein, losing their salaries, and often times the ability to find another job.

When drug and alcohol abuse is a reason for firing, your past employers may be able to state this information to employers looking to hire you in the future. In this economy losing a job, and not being able to find another can be financially detrimental. This could entail not being able to pay a home mortgage, and therefore losing a house. It also may mean not being able to pay for gas to travel to job interviews as well as being late on utility bill payments.

This can not only affect one’s credit tremendously, but the financial future of an individual’s family all together. If you or someone you know is abusing drugs and/or alcohol in the workplace, it is best to seek professional assistance from a drug and alcohol rehabilitation center. Fix the problem now, before it creates a heap of problems in your immediate or distance future.

About the Author: Robert Shryoc is the Director of Development at the Stonegate Center, a Texas treatment center. The Texas drug rehab community serves people entangled in the physical, mental, social and spiritual bonds of chemical dependency. For more information about the residential treatment facility please visit www.stonegatecenter.com.

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Drug Use Statistics

Drug use has increased every year for the past ten years. Also increasing are the number of individuals addicted to prescription medications, as well as the number of teenage and pre-teen drug abusers. But what truly are some of the statistics relating to drug use and/or abuse in the United States?

In two thousand and one United States citizens agreed to take part in a survey relating to drug abuse in the U.S. The findings were unbelievable in that over five million people in the United States were recorded to have a drug abuse problem, but were afraid or unwilling to attend a rehab program. Over one hundred thousand of these particular individuals stated that they tried to take part in a rehab program but were unable to.

Some doctors and researchers claim that there is a certain amount of denial or avoidance that takes place when drug users come to terms with needing rehabilitation. Director of the National Drug Control Policy, John Walter stated, “We have a large and growing denial gap when it comes to drug abuse and dependency in this country”.

After a household survey was taken, it was shown that young adults ages eighteen to twenty-four had the most amount of increase in drug use over just one year. Also increasing their own abuse bracket is the age range of twelve to seventeen. These young adults and teens have increased their drug and alcohol abuse levels by ten percent in only the past two years.

With respects to particular drug use, here are some of the current facts that came from the home surveys conducted as well as other research:

* The number of individuals who chose to experiment with Ecstasy (MDMA) increased over two percent within one year. In two thousand and one there were over seven hundred and fifty thousand users of Ecstasy in the United States alone.

* Marijuana use has increased by over one million in the past three years. This in part due to the Americans that stated they first began using and/or abusing marijuana in 2000, and state that they don’t choose to cease in the future.

* In two thousand and one, it was reported that over twenty five million persons drive or had driven under the influence of alcohol. Over ten million alcohol abusers in two thousand and one were between the ages of twelve and nineteen.

* In only 2000 it was reported that close to one million United States citizens used and abuse Oxycontin without a valid or necessary medical prescription. Currently it is estimated that over two million Americans now abuse Oxycontin in the United States alone.

It is safe to say that drug abuse has increased over only the past ten years. If you or someone you know is suffering from drug abuse, contact a drug and alcohol rehabilitation center.

About the Author: Robert Shryoc is the Director of Development at the Stonegate Center, a Texas treatment center. The Texas drug rehab community serves people entangled in the physical, mental, social and spiritual bonds of chemical dependency. For more information about the residential treatment facility please visit www.stonegatecenter.com.

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Preventing Teen Drug Addiction

Teen drug addiction can be a frightening path to travel down as a mother, father or friend of an addict. There are some instances in which there is nothing to do in preventing a drug addiction in a teenaged child. Although, in some cases taking preventative action can sway a teen from making a poor decision with respects to an addiction. So what are some preventative steps parents can take in assisting their teen in making healthy and positive decisions about drugs?

Communications:
First, it is pertinent that a teenager always know that they can speak with their parents or close friends about any issues that may arise in their personal lives, including that of drugs or drug addiction. If they know they have someone to speak to regarding such issues, they may come to inquire about drug use and/or drug abuse before they choose to experiment with such a harmful substance.

Also, informing your teenager about the health risks, financial stresses and negative lifestyle aspects that exist with drug abuse can also prove helpful. If a child knows and understands these risks, they may be inclined to make positive decisions relating to the determent of drug use or experimentation in the future.

Acting As A Role Model:
One of the best preventative steps one can take with respects to teenage drug addiction is to act as a responsible role model. Whether you are the parent, family member or close friend of a teenager, know that they will often act as will those around them. With this being said, using or abusing drugs in or out of the teenager’s presence may be a link to that teenager experimentation or abuse of a harmful substances in the future.

Limiting Exposure To Bad Influences:
Researchers claims that over fifty percent of teens will use and/or abuse a harmful substance if they see their friends or close relatives doing so on a regular basis. It has been stated by many teens that drugs appear to be less harmful and risky if they see a friends using them first.

With this being said, it is important for family members and parents of a teen to limit their exposure to bad influences in their life. Don’t hesitate to get to know your teen’s friends better, and ask questions about where your teen is going on a regular basis. Asking questions and understanding your teenager’s relationships will better assist you in leading them down a more positive and drug free path.

If you are a teenager, or know of a teenager who is currently suffering from a harmful drug addiction, it is of best interest to contact a drug and alcohol rehabilitation center at earliest convenience. Professionals within these centers can assist teens and their family in choosing a rehab program that best fits their individual needs.

About the Author: Robert Shryoc is the Director of Development at the Stonegate Center, a Texas treatment center. The Texas drug rehab community serves people entangled in the physical, mental, social and spiritual bonds of chemical dependency. For more information about the residential treatment facility please visit www.stonegatecenter.com.

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Addiction Economics 101

In all it is near impossible to put a monetary cost on an addiction in a lifetime. The finances don’t even start to include the health hazards, emotional problems and long list of relationships that can suffer throughout the process. Although, what if you knew some of the overall costs of an addiction? Would it make you think twice? Would it inspire you to seek rehabilitation for yourself or a loved one?

The monetary costs of addiction add up tremendously over time. In drinking just two-six packs of beer a day, an individual can ring up an unhealthy bill of close to five hundred dollars in one year. This is not to mention a dissolving liver, hearth problems, gaining of weight and a possible loss of work.

When looking at harmful drug addictions, an individual is most likely going to spend much, much more. With respects to an addiction to marijuana, let’s say an individual spends on average five dollars a day. Now, this is a low estimate, but it will work just for the sake of an example. In one year, a marijuana addict could rack up a bill of over seventeen hundred dollars each year. This would be prior to health bills, loss of work and the risk of cancer and/or illness.

Other monetary costs that may be included with addiction are that of legal bills. DUI’s, bail outs, warrants and traffic tickets are all very expensive. This is not to mention time in and out of court, which may require extra day-case expenses and time off work.

Besides that of monetary costs, there are also health costs and other costs that follow the path of an unhealthy addiction. Some of the additional costs may include but are not limited to:

Loss of Wages or Time at Work:
An addiction can debilitate your productivity both physically and mentally. Often times it is difficult to wake up after using, or to complete simple skills such as getting dressed or bathing. For this reason an addiction to either drugs or alcohol may make for a person missing out on time and valuable wages at work. This making their financial lives both difficult and draining.

Loss of Time:
The amount of time it can take to locate your drugs and/or alcohol, buy the substance, and travel back to your home to use, takes a significant amount of time. What else could you be productively doing with this time? This time could be used to: enhance your job/work related skills, spend time with your family and/or friends or to exercise and take better care of your body.

There are many reasons why not to use and/or abuse drugs or alcohol. Although if you know someone who is currently suffering from an alcohol or drug related addiction, consult with a drug and alcohol rehabilitation center at earliest convenience.

About the Author: Robert Shryoc is the Director of Development at the Stonegate Center, a Texas treatment center. The Texas drug rehab community serves people entangled in the physical, mental, social and spiritual bonds of chemical dependency. For more information about the residential treatment facility please visit www.stonegatecenter.com.

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Alcohol Addiction And Your Genetics

There are millions of people in the United States that suffer from an alcohol addiction each and every day. But did you know that it has been scientifically and medically proven that your genetics and family history may have something to do with it? But what is the link between your grandparents, great-grandparents, you and alcoholism? And should you consider this genetic link when choosing to consume alcohol?

First, what exactly are the genetic characteristics or factors that link one family member to another, regarding alcoholism?

Tolerance:
Most individuals will see like outer physical characteristics between one generation and the next. Has anyone ever said that you look like your grandmother, or maybe you have your grandfather’s eyes? This also works with respects to our inner body workings. It is possible to have a higher or lower tolerance for alcohol dependant on that of your family line. So, even as we cannot see such similarities, they may still exist within our bodies.

Physical Dependence and/or Proneness to Addiction:
A proneness to addiction has been scientifically and medically proven to follow genetic lines. This meaning that if your grandmother or grandfather easily falls into traps of addiction (alcohol, drugs, food, etc.) you may also have that proneness within your body.

Now, each person is different, and it may be easy to blame an addiction on your genetic line; but these scientific findings are meant to cause caution in individuals no excuse. The fact that there is a genetic link to addiction, does not 100% mean that you will have a) that exact addiction as your relative or b) an addiction at all.

So when is the genetic link more likely to show up in an individual? Scientists and doctors believe that the link draws closer between that of twins. Also, a closer link regarding probability for alcoholism can follow from parent to child.

So, if my parent was/is an alcoholic, should I never consume alcohol? No, being knowledgeable of this link does not mean that an individual should not drink at all – but caution must be taken. Some children who know that their parents were/are alcoholics will choose not to ever taste a sip of alcohol in their lifetime. While others may choose to limit their intake of alcohol and be very aware of warning signs of alcoholism within them.

The best advice that can be given is to drink alcohol in moderation and not frequently. Although, if you know a friend or family member that is currently suffering from alcoholism, be sure to contact a drug and alcohol rehabilitation center as soon as possible. Alcoholism is a terrible disease that can develop in anybody at any time, no matter what the initial genetic link.

About the Author: Robert Shryoc is the Director of Development at the Stonegate Center, a Texas treatment center. The Texas drug rehab community serves people entangled in the physical, mental, social and spiritual bonds of chemical dependency. For more information about the residential treatment facility please visit www.stonegatecenter.com.

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Addiction To Vicodin

Most understand that Vicodin is a pain killer that is medically prescribed for those in need after surgeries, or serious accidents. Vicodin is currently regulated by the state, and when purchased outside of prescription, is completely illegal. Now in the United States, Vicodin has become a drug that is being abused at the same level as cocaine, marijuana, meth and heroine. Like these drugs, Vicodin has several dangerous side effects that can not only lead to poor health conditions, but can also be lethal.

It is now a fact that generally unlike that of heroine and/or cocaine, even housewives and teens have latched onto using the drug. In easing pain, one can immediately become addicted to the substance, leaving them with an ever-growing need to always have it in their system. Over the last ten years, abuse of Vicodin has quadrupled in the United States. This rated by individual’s visits to the emergency room, overdose of the drug is common and also rising with each passing year.

So what exactly draws individuals to use and/or abuse Vicodin? When ingested, the drug creates a euphoric and calming state within the mind and body. Pain is minimized due to this euphoric state and this is what becomes addicting. Hydrocodone, the more generic version of the substance also gives the same feelings to the user, although also providing the same health hazards in return. When abused in large doses, lethal overdose is possible.

What are some of the health hazards regarding Vicodin and/or Hydrocodone abuse? The pills have a structural make-up like that of morphine or codeine. The substance is highly addictive and can make for severe dependence and/or or withdrawal symptoms when an abuser of the drug ceases to use it. Some of the side effects that come with using and/or abusing Vicodin may include but are not limited to:

* Decrease in sex drive and/or erectile dysfunction
* Constipation and stomach pains
* Depression or feeling of worthlessness
* Dizziness and lightheadedness
* Stomach cramps and/or blood in stool
* Swelling of the neck, face, lips and tongue
* Intense mood swings
* Facial and/or bodily twitching
* Loss of appetite
* Headache

This is only a short list of the possible symptoms that can be brought about by Vicodin and/or Hydrocodone abuse. The withdrawal symptoms can be just as brutal on the human body and brain.

These highly dangerous drugs are prescribed by doctors in small doses, for a reason. If you or someone you love is suffering from an addiction to Vicodin, contact a drug and alcohol rehabilitation center as soon as possible. It’s never too late to save your life, or the life of another. Professional help is just a call away.

About the Author: Robert Shryoc is the Director of Development at the Stonegate Center, a Texas treatment center. The Texas drug rehab community serves people entangled in the physical, mental, social and spiritual bonds of chemical dependency. For more information about the residential treatment facility please visit www.stonegatecenter.com.

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Choosing To Mix Drugs With Alcohol

Drugs and alcohol as substances by themselves can be quite harmful to the human body and brain. Although, when mixed together there becomes an even greater risk for physical or mental harm. Most individuals don’t think of the dangers that can result from mixing alcohol and drugs on even one occurrence. So what exactly are the dangers of choosing to mix drugs with alcohol?

There are many warning labels on over-the-counter drugs that warn against mixing them with alcohol. This mainly relates to pain medications, but in addition to acid reducers, allergy medications, antidepressants, diabetes medications and much more.

Some of which explain that one may become drowsy, or have an increase in heart rate of mixing that particular medication with alcohol. Some warnings also explain that one may become nauseous or lose loss of coordination when operating heavy machinery.

The fact is, there are so many side effects to mixing alcohol with drugs, it is unbelievable. Each individual’s reaction may be different, although the general affects apply to almost everyone. When mixing a true prescription drug or an over-the-counter drug with alcohol, one can even dilute the effects of the original drug being used to cure or ease an illness or pain.

Many medications do not even need to be prescribed, including that of herbal remedies and natural homeopathy pills and/or oils. Unfortunately, mixing these with alcohol also can result in some harmful effects to the body. Here is the most common list of general symptoms that come about when mixing herbal, prescription and/or over-the-counter medications with alcohol:

* Increase in heart rate and/or heart palpitations
* Change in blood pressure
* Drowsiness and/or fatigue
* Loss of coordination
* Dizziness
* Liver damage and/or ulcerations
* Risk of seizures, coma and/or death

Did you know that most all medicines have a certain level of alcohol within them already? Some meds can even contain up to ten percent alcohol. Cough syrups alone have some of the highest concentrations of alcohol in all medications available over-the-counter. If you choose to mix these medicines with alcohol you are putting yourself at risk for dangerous consequences. Speak to your local physician or health care provider to get complete information on mixing alcohol with drugs, and the dangerous side effects that may occur.

If you or someone you know is currently suffering from an alcohol or drug addiction, contact a drug and alcohol rehabilitation center in your area. Wherein just one call could save your life or the life of another.

About the Author: Robert Shryoc is the Director of Development at the Stonegate Center, a Texas treatment center. The Texas drug rehab community serves people entangled in the physical, mental, social and spiritual bonds of chemical dependency. For more information about the residential treatment facility please visit www.stonegatecenter.com.

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The Health Hazards Of Inhalants

Inhalants are one of the most deadly of all drugs abused by individuals. With the ability to stop a human heart and/or cause suffocation, it is no wonder many are reporting the dangerous health hazards that inhalants possess.

There are three noted types of inhalants that individuals choose to abuse for recreational purposes in the United States. These types include that of gases, solvents and nitrates. All are proven to be quite dangerous, but each in different ways.

Gases can often be found within household products such as propane tanks, aerosols (spray paints, whipping cream, hairspray, etc.). Medical gases such as chloroform, nitrous oxide and ether also fall within these category. Containing harmful and even lethal ingredients, those that choose to inhale these gases are risking their health and their life.

Solvents can also come in the form of household products, as well as commercial products. Solvents that are often abused as recreational drugs include but are not limited to: paint thinners, marker fluids, correctional typing fluids and/or contact/eyeglass cleaners. Nitrates, on the other hand, are only available to those within the medical field, by written prescription. All other nitrates outside that of written prescription are illegal.

Each inhalant is different, and the reactions and side effects it has on a particular person will always differ. Common side effects to abusing or even using any inhalant in the short-term, may include:

* Extreme liver and kidney damage
* Lack of oxygen in the blood stream
* Loss of teeth or diseases of the gums and mouth
* Lung infections

In the long-term there are additional side effects that may occur when abusing inhalants:

* Extreme limb spasms and/or stroke
* Hearing damage or loss of hearing
* Irreversible brain damage
* Heart attack

Although these side effects may occur with a few or many uses of an inhalant, the truth is that these harmful effects or even death can occur with only one use. In a study conducted approximately seven years ago, it was shown that over seventeen million children under age twelve had abused inhalants in their lifetime. The number continues to rise each day, alongside the horrible death rates and rates of unhealthy lifestyles of those that continue to use.

If you or someone you know if currently suffering from an addiction to an inhalant contact a professional immediately. A drug and alcohol rehabilitation center can answer all of your questions, and inform you as to the best program available for yourself or your loved one. Some of the affects of inhalants can be reversed, so do not waste another minute. Get help, today!

About the Author: Robert Shryoc is the Director of Development at the Stonegate Center, a Texas treatment center. The Texas drug rehab community serves people entangled in the physical, mental, social and spiritual bonds of chemical dependency. For more information about the residential treatment facility please visit www.stonegatecenter.com.

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The Dangers Of Club Drugs

Drugs found within the club scene can be dangerous on many different levels. Originally abused by teenagers and young adults these drugs can be found within bars, dance clubs, raves, etc. Mind altering and physically debilitating, only some of these substances are illegal in the United States. So what are the effects of club drugs, and what keeps people using and/or abusing them on a regular basis?

Ecstasy, also known as MDMA, ’E’ or ’X’, is a psychoactive drug that mainly acts as a hallucinogen as well as a stimulant. The substance can be injected, ‘snorted’ or taken in pill or suppository form. There are immediate effects that take place after using, that may include but are not limited to dizziness, hallucinations and an increase in energy.

Unfortunately, there are also effects that come with the pill leaving a person’s system, which may include but are not limited to: muscle aches, extreme migranes, depression, heart palpitations, chills, sweating or faintness. The drug actually makes the user unaware of their limitations, making for poor decision-making, and extreme acts of physical activity. After the drug wears off, the unseen initial side-effects start to show up within the body and brain.

GHB is another drug abused within the club scene. Often known as a ‘date-rape’ drug this colorless, odorless and tasteless substance (liquid or powder) is regularly placed within alcoholic beverages to unsuspecting victims. When ingested deep-sleep, coma or even death may occur. Side effects such as hallucinations, impaired judgment, difficulty breathing, loss of memory and physical numbness may also occur.

Katamine, also known as ’special k’, has also been used and/or abused at dance and rave locations, due to the hallucinations it may provide. This drug, used mainly as a sedative for animals is regularly used as a medical treatment within veterinary hospitals.

Used only as a sedative in small doses for animals, people have increased the dosage for a hallucinogenic high. In these larger doses several negative effects may occur, including that of:

* Severe depression
* High blood pressure and heart problems
* Motor function impairment
* Respiratory issues
* Death

Also used as a ‘date rape’ drug within the club scene, this dangerous substance has increased in levels of abuse over the past ten years. Emergency rooms have seen an increase in overdoses that have risen by the hundreds over even the past few years. Drug and alcohol rehabilitation centers have also seen a rise in the number of individuals that have abused the substance once or more in their pre-rehab existence.

Club drugs, ‘date rape’ drugs, etc. are more dangerous than users tend to assume. In not knowing the harmful and possibly lethal side-effects that can occur, club goers are taking their lives in their hands when using these hallucinogens type substances to ‘have a good time’.

About the Author: Robert Shryoc is the Director of Development at the Stonegate Center, a Texas treatment center. The Texas drug rehab community serves people entangled in the physical, mental, social and spiritual bonds of chemical dependency. For more information about the residential treatment facility please visit www.stonegatecenter.com.

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Social Drinking: An Excuse for Addiction?

Social drinking is quite common with respects to celebrations, college, work events, etc. Whether drinking beer or drinking champagne, it seems that too often these social drinking situations can quickly turn into an excuse for adults to lose control. So when has a person crossed the line from being a social drinker to having an alcohol addiction? And does placing the term ‘social drinking’ on an episode of alcohol over-consumption only serve as an excuse?

Medical experts and alcohol rehabilitation professionals tend to be believe that an individual formally crosses the ‘social drinking’ line when their behaviors and health become high risk, dangerous and/or unhealthy when socially consuming alcohol. Even with this being apparent, approximately half of the alcohol abusers in the United States tend to throw themselves into the category of being a social drinker regardless of behavior, attitude or health risks.

The amount of alcohol that is consumed by an individual with or without causing severe effects, can vary from person to person. Dependent on height, weight, tolerance, etc., others can handle the social effects of drinking better than others. Although, by consuming alcohol on a regular basis, one may suffer from internal health risks that can not be seen immediately from the outside.

So what are some signs that you, or someone you know may be using ‘drinking socially’ as an excuse for an addiction to alcohol?

* You can not attend a function without drinking (if you do you feel very uncomfortable)
* You are consuming more than three alcoholic beverages within each hour of the event
* You refuse to attend social events wherein there will not be alcohol
* Your friends/co-workers/family members say you are difficult to socialize with at events, after you have been drinking
* You are recklessly driving or acting after drinking at a social event
* You continuously make poor decisions while drinking at social events, that later may effect your job or relationships with family and/or friends

Many individuals abuse alcohol each and every day, not knowing that they have a problem. Other individuals may see that they have an issue with social drinking situations, but choose to deny and ignore it. It’s never too late to get help if you or someone you know is suffering from an addiction to alcohol. Alcoholism is a dangerous illness, that can be treated.

If you are unable to attend or have a fun time at a social event without drinking you may have an addiction to alcohol. For more information or to join a program to assist you with your drinking problem, contact a drug and alcohol rehabilitation center. Allow professionals within these centers to assist you in getting your social life back on track – in a positive and healthy light.

About the Author: Robert Shryoc is the Director of Development at the Stonegate Center, a Texas treatment center. The Texas drug rehab community serves people entangled in the physical, mental, social and spiritual bonds of chemical dependency. For more information about the residential treatment facility please visit www.stonegatecenter.com.

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