Does relapse happen in an instant or over time

• 12
• Aug

Many people think a relapse happens in an instant and that it is just an impulse that over comes us and we can’t help ourselves or can’t see it coming  In most cases that is not true and there are many factors and stressors that lead up to the actual event of taking that drug or the first drink.

I have seen it first hand and have learned to watch for the big signs and then begin to watch for smaller ones.  The big signs are attitude, isolation and outburst etc.  There are others, which have been judged by some to be accurate predictors and they call these clues “dry relapse symptoms”.  They say that if you use a tool like the Faster Scale you can see the behaviors in yourself which could lead to a relapse.

The F – A – S – T – E – R   Dry Relapse Pattern

“F” = Forget Priorities (Denial; flight; a change in what’s important; how you spend your time and thoughts.)

Secrets; bored; less time/energy for God, meetings, and church; avoiding support and accountability towards people; superficial conversations; sarcasm; isolating yourself; changes in goals, flirting; obsessed with relationships; breaking promises/commitments; neglecting family;  preoccupation with materials things, television, or entertainment; procrastination; lying, overconfidence, hiding money.

“A” = Anxiety (Getting energy from emotions.)

Worry; using profanity; being fearful; being resentful; replaying old, negative thoughts; perfectionism; judging others’ motives; making goals and lists you can’t complete; poor planning; mind reading; fantasy; masturbation; pornography; co-dependent rescuing; sleep problems; trouble concentrating; seeking/creating drama; gossip; using over-the-counter medication for pain, sleep, and weight control.

“S” = Speeding Up (Out-running depression.)

Super busy; workaholic; can’t relax; driving too fast; avoiding slowing down; feeling driven; in a hurry; can’t turn off thoughts; skipping meals; binge eating (usually at night); overspending; can’t identify own feelings/needs; repetitive, negative thoughts; irritable; making excuses for “having to do it all”; dramatic mood swings; lust; too much caffeine; over exercising; nervousness; difficulty being alone or with people; difficulty listening to others; avoiding support.

“T” = Ticked-Off (Getting high on anger; aggression.)

Procrastination causing crises in money, work, or relationships; sarcasm; black and white, all or nothing thinking; feeling alone; feeling that no one understands; overreacting; road rage; constant resentments; pushing others away; increased isolation, blaming; self-pity; arguing; irrationality, can’t handle criticism; defensive; people are avoiding you; having to be right; digestive problems; headaches; obsessive (stuck) thoughts; can’t forgive; feeling grandiose (superior); intimidation; feeling aggressive.

“E” = Exhausted (Out of gas; depression)

Depressed; panicked; confused; hopelessness; sleeping too much or too little; can’t cope; overwhelmed; crying for “no reason”; can’t think; forgetful; pessimistic; helpless; tired; numb; wanting to run; constant cravings for old coping behaviors, thinking of using sex, drugs, or alcohol; seeking old unhealthy people & places; really isolating; people angry with you; self-abuse; suicidal thoughts; spontaneous crying; no goals; survival mode; not returning phone calls; missing work, irritability; no appetite.Exhausted then leads to:

“R” = Relapse

Returning to the place you swore you would never go again. Giving up; giving in; out of control; lost in your addiction; lying to yourself and others; feeling you just can’t manage without your coping behavior, at least for now. The result is usually shame, condemnation, guilt and aloneness. Each one of these go into details on what each

Now you may not agree with these same predictors but I assure you there are predictors.  Any addict being honest and of clear mind with tell you they began to have thoughts days or even weeks before they actually relapsed.  They begin to think about the past, how they felt, and even fanaticize or justifying why one time won’t hurt anyone and no one would know.  Just one… there is not just one for an addict. There is a saying “1 is too many and a 100″ is not enough.  I first heard this from one of my dad’s drinking buddies when I was about nine and had no idea back then what it meant.

Here is the problem with the faster scale;

1. You have to be aware of the faster scale

2. You have to actively work the faster scale

3. You must be willing to take corrective action

If you are missing just one of these three, the scale breaks down and becomes useless.

If those around us could hear our thoughts and understand our words, they could use it to help us to stay on track.  But they can’t and they aren’t with us 24/7 so what do you do.  Is there an option, is there a tool addicts, families and counselors could use to spot these and similar triggers. 

Yes there is…  

Teen use of Marijuana and Tobacco

• 22
• Jul

Looking at the statistics of tobacco and marijuana use and the statistics of overall drug use among our most vulnerable population, our teenagers, it is scary.

When you break out the statistics separately the numbers are not as alarming but when you show them together you see a clear correlation and a growing trend affecting the behavior of our teenagers.  It illustrates the addictive nature of cigarettes, smokeless tobacco and marijuana and the effect they have on a yet to be that developed young brain.

Looking at the numbers recently published by the CDC they state “each day in the United States, more than 3,200 people younger than 18 years of age smoked their first cigarette, and an estimated 2,100 youths and young adults who have been occasional smokers become daily cigarette smokers”.

The CDC breaks out these numbers showing that “23.3% of high school teens and 6.7% of middle school students use tobacco products”.  These numbers are down compared to those 20 years ago but most students stated that even though the law prohibits them from buying tobacco products they said it was fairly easy to obtain.

Tobacco use seems to follow social patterns and family status.

• Social and Physical Environments
  • Social norms portrayed in tobacco advertising and in movies promote smoking in young people.
  • Boys and young men are more likely to use certain types of tobacco, although sex differences have narrowed.
• Small Social Groups: Family and Peer Groups
  • Young people are more likely to use tobacco if their peers use tobacco.
  • Young people are more likely to use tobacco if they perceive tobacco use is acceptable or normative among their peers.
  • Parental smoking may promote smoking among young people.
• Cognitive and Affective Processes
  • There is a strong relationship between youth smoking and negative affect, such as depression, anxiety, and stress.
  • Expectations of positive outcomes from smoking, such as coping with stress and controlling weight, are related to youth tobacco use.

Marijuana – In 2012 almost half or 47.8% of the youth aged 12 to 17 reported that it was fairly easy or very easy to obtain marijuana. In the same study 39.9% of those students said they had used marijuana at one or more times.

The younger and more often teens use marijuana, the more likely they are to engage in other substance use and the hire risk of developing a substance abuse disorder. There is a significant link between those who began using marijuana at an early age to have a substance abuse problem compared to those who tried marijuana at age 21. Further, those who tried marijuana were more likely to smoke cigarettes and that number is 93.4% of marijuana users use tobacco products.

The pattern of marijuana and tobacco use follow similar traits such as stress factors, family status, social interaction, and both indicate behavioral problems.

“Teen users are at significantly higher risk of developing an addictive disorder compared to adults, and the earlier they began using, the higher their risk. Nine out of 10 people who meet the clinical criteria for substance use disorders involving nicotine, alcohol or other drugs began smoking, drinking or using other drugs before they turned 18. People who begin using any addictive substance before age 15 are six and a half times as likely to develop a substance use disorder as those who delay use until age 21 or older (28.1 percent (Risk of Future Addiction Disorder) vs. 4.3 percent).”

 

Our young people are being attacked from all sides

The Entertainment industry has a lot of explaining to do.  They expose our children to more violence than most soldiers on active duty in the Middle East see in a four year tour.  They put violent games in their hands such as “Call of Duty,” a realistic military simulation that requires players to kill people, Grand Theft Auto V which made $800 million in the first day.  Yet they say they have no effect.  If that is the case then why did advertisers spend 2012 U.S. $139.5 billion in 2012 to influence our behavior?  I don’t see anyone protesting this abuse of our children.

Have any of these simple slogans influenced you?  Finger-lickin’ good – Taste the Rainbow – This Bud’s for you

This is why Life Recovery Solutions believes our tools will have a significant impact on those who suffer from addiction by providing tools

When you provide people with tools, support and hold them accountable they are more likely to make better choices and become productive, positive members of society.

Sources:

http://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/data_statistics/fact_sheets/youth_data/tobacco_use/

http://www.drugwarfacts.org/cms/Adolescents#sthash.9B8OpctV.dpuf

Is Marijuana usage a danger

• 02
• Sep

We now have two states that have legalized marijuana. I often hear that what is the harm; it’s a victimless crime so it might as well be legal and be taxed.   Ask the families of those who have been victimized by those using marijuana or other illicit drugs and you will find out that it is not a victimless crime. But for a moment let’s pretend that there are no victims of those who use or are addicted to marijuana. Have you ever considered the impact on the user and how it can affect their life?

Let’s start with the easy part, how does it impact the person and their ability to support themselves and others?  According to the National Institute of Drug Abuse, (The science of addiction) they found that those who smoked marijuana daily have a significant reduction in intellectual capacity compared to those who don’t use marijuana.  A meta-analysis of 48 relevant studies—one of the most thorough performed to date—found cannabis use to be associated consistently with reduced educational attainment (e.g., grades and chances of graduating).  Despite similar education and income backgrounds, significant differences were found in educational attainment: fewer of the heavy users of cannabis completed college, and more had yearly household incomes of less than $30,000.

In addition, several studies have linked workers’ marijuana smoking with increased absences, tardiness, accidents, workers’ compensation claims, and job turnover. For example, a study among postal workers found that employees who tested positive for marijuana on a pre-employment urine drug test had 55 percent more industrial accidents, 85 percent more injuries, and a 75-percent increase in absenteeism compared with those who tested negative for marijuana use. Since the legalization of marijuana in the state of Colorado they have had a significant increase in the homeless population.  This according to an article published in the Denver Post in July of this year. According to one source,

“The number of those who go to Father Woody’s normally rises by about 50 people per month during the summer, Paterson said. This year, she said, “we have gotten 923 new homeless over the last three months,” more than 300 a month.”  All of the other shelters interviewed showed similar increase in homelessness.

Now many people believe that marijuana is not a gateway drug. If it is not a gateway drug why has marijuana itself continue to become stronger and in some case 20 times more potent than it was 30 years ago.  The answer is simple we build up a tolerance over time and need more on more or higher doses to achieve the same effect or high we once received.  Therefore, whatever you are using marijuana to escape from requires more frequency of use or higher doses to mask the feeling you are escaping from. When the “high” fades, the problem, unwanted condition or situation returns more intensely than before. The user may then turn to stronger drugs since marijuana no longer “works.”

In case that wasn’t enough here is the evidence compiled from a number of studies. The vast majority of cocaine users (99.9%) began by first using a “gateway drug” like marijuana, cigarettes or alcohol. Of course, not everyone who smokes marijuana and hashish goes on to use harder drugs. Some never do. Others quit using marijuana altogether. But some do turn to harder drugs. One study found that youth (12 to 17 years old) who use marijuana are 85 times more likely to use cocaine than kids who do not use pot, and that 60% of the kids who smoke pot before the age of 15 move on to cocaine.

So what is the motivation of States to move from illegal to legal drug use?  One of the stated reasons is to reduce the prison population and not throwing people in jail for minor drug offense, but is this going to have the desired affect?  I have to wonder if this will reduce the number of arrest but increase the number of people using and ultimately addicted to drugs?  Once they are addicted they need to pay for their drugs and this usually leads to crime to pay for their addiction.  Those crimes will land them in jail with much high sentence that a minor drug offence. Many people think legalizing marijuana is in the public interest.  However, when you look at the facts it is the opposite.  Maybe it is just another source of tax revenue, but even that has backfired… The black-market moved in and pounced on the opportunity.

Here is an excerpt from the newspapers in Colorado.“Voters legalized retail marijuana (pot for everyone, not just medical patients) in 2012. And they were told the state would pull in $33.5 million from two new taxes in the first six months of 2014. It turns out, the projections were way off. Here’s why.  Pot smokers are still buying on the black market: The state thought more people would migrate out of the black market. But only 60% of people who want pot in Colorado this year will buy it through legal channels, according to an estimate from the Marijuana Policy Group.”

“One big reason: Legal pot costs a lot more than illegal pot — mostly because of taxes and fees.  Legal retail marijuana is taxed more than 27%, so it’s easily cheaper on the black market”.  Then how do you explain this statement from the Governor of Colorado? “Gov. John Hickenlooper announced his proposed spending plan Wednesday, 50 days after the first bud of non-medical marijuana was sold on Jan. 1. The plan calls for more than $100 million to be spent over the next year and a half on youth marijuana use prevention, substance abuse treatment, public health, regulatory oversight and law enforcement”. 

I will leave you with this video clip so you can hear and see the effects of drugs use on our youths.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P08mdUsjjRk&feature=youtu.be

Homeless or Hopeless.

Many in the US today are homeless and many in society have given up on them.  Calling them Hopeless. 

According to the National Alliance to End Homeless they estimate there are 1.7 million homeless in the US today.  The government numbers come in far less at about 700,000.   

The cause of homeless is not what most people

believe and it could happen to anyone at any time.  The major cause of homelessness is job lose and once that happens and you can lose your home and your life can spin out of control very quickly.  Once you are homeless you can be trapped, in order to get benefits or a job you must have an address and how do you get an address without money… you see the problem.  Then there is the battle to survive on the streets, the cold, thugs, drugs and more.  Once you are at the bottom rung of your ladder what do you do? Give up? Keep fighting?  Turn to drugs and alcohol to cope?  The influence on the street is no different than anywhere else, you try to fit in and get along and that sometimes means falling into the drug crowd.

Most of the shelters are over flowing every night and some are not safe.  Many homeless stay away from the shelters because of the crowds, the bad influences and fear of losing the few things they have.  Those few things may be just a coat, a sleeping bag and a mat to sleep on.  Let your stuff out of your sight for a moment and it may be gone.

I want to put a face on the homeless, you see most homeless are not the guy depicted in the movies, the drunk guys passed out on the bench with bottle wrapped in a paper bag clenched in his hand.  That is what the movies want you to see, but that is not the reality.  It is a mix of those who are struggling with events in their life.  Between 9% and 12% are Veterans, and 31% of the homeless and are not in a shelter.  This means they are on the streets every night.

I met Jacob the other day and technically he had only been homeless for 4 days. I am not sure he has ever had a real home, maybe a roof but not a home.   He was lost and has had his own struggles with drugs, but the day I met him he was clean off Meth for 4 months.  He is 20 and has had it rough, his mother over dosed when he was young, his dad has been in and out of jail and his grandparents were just arrested for manufacturing of Meth.  His brother, who seemed to be the one who had it all together, died of a brain aneurysm two years ago which push Jacob of the edge. 

Jesse and his brother I met at the Second Street Commons and they are homeless because they can’t afford the first and last for rent.  Both have jobs but are caught in the system and are trying to claw their way back up.  Neither of these guys drink or do drugs and tell me they will have enough money to get off the streets in two weeks.   

Well he was smiling

Donald moved up here from the Boise area to get away from a bad crowd and get a fresh start but has had a run of bad luck.  The last was crashing the truck he was living in his truck while doing odd jobs and  on this day we was walking back from shoveling sidewalks.  He is no spring chicken and has been sleeping at the shelter when it’s open, but those floors are hard and they are taking a toll on his hips.  Try sleeping on a blanket on a hard floor.  When he got this sleeping mat you would have thought he just got a new car.  He said “I Love you brother”

Do any of these guys look like the guy in the movie with the bottle wrapped in a paper bag clenched in his hand, passed out on the park bench?

I wanted to show you these faces to show where all the donations of sleeping bags and money for sleeping bags is going.  No they are not Hopeless! Just Homeless…..

Addiction is a silent killer because we don't speak up

Addiction has no rules and does not discriminate. It does not care what your status in society is. Addiction does not care if you are wealthy or poor or what you drug of choice is. Most people do not become addicts, most stop before they go too far. There are others who go too far and don't stop when they have had enough. 

Is addiction hereditary or is it something that just happens. Is it a disease or an affliction? It can be all of the above, but one thing is for sure, when it happens it can be deadly.

In 2010 there were 40,393 Drug-Induced Deaths where is the focus on this statistic?   

No one starts out as an addict or alcoholic, some are addicted right away and for some it takes years. It may start with casual use or one beer and before you know it you are hooked. The question; is it the drug or the booze that is the problem or is it something more.  I call it cause, affect and consequence. Why I say this is because when you look at the person, underneath the addiction, you find it is usually a symptom of a bigger issue. The cause, something that happened at some point in your life, it may be one big cause or it may be a bunch of little causes, The cause maybe how you were treated as a child, or demeaned as an adult. It could be you are dealing with overwhelming success, too much too soon. These are all things that happened in your life which caused you stress, pain or even memories you want to forget or cover up. Then you find if you medicate with drugs or alcohol you forget for a short time. The problem is it comes back with a rush and then you try to escape again.

The thing about addiction is in most cases you cannot overcome it by yourself and  you must deal with the underlying issues. Most people don't seek help until it is forced upon them by significant consequences, such as imprisonment, loss of a loved one or career. They believe they can continue doing what they are doing without consequences, but it doesn't work that way. 

I often tell people to draw a line down the middle of a sheet of paper and on the left list all the things they want in their life. Then on the right side list all the things from the left side they are willing to give up in order to keep their addiction. Usually they don't write anything on the right, but it makes them think of what is possible and what could be lost.

Now for those of you living with and addict or alcoholic I know you put up with a lot and cover up a lot. But here is the problem, on the back of the paper draw a line down the middle and on the left list all the things you want in your life. On the right side list all the things you are willing to give up because of someone else's addictions. Are you willing to let this person ruin their life and yours because of their addiction? Or worse are you willing to let them die? Because they are dying a little every day.

Think about what you are doing for that person in your life who's addiction you are supporting. Yes you are supporting it. By allowing it in your life you are supporting it.

Do you wonder why I am passionate about this topic?  I had a nephew and a brother die from drugs and alcohol, my brother was 37 and he left two teenage boys behind, my nephew was 39 and he left two sons and a daughter behind.  What they really left was a lot of pain and heart ache.

For those of you struggling, think about it, what are you leaving behind? There is help and there is a life after recovery

and you don't have to do it alone. Trust me, your friends and family would love to see you happy and healthy.

For those enabling or surviving with an addict or alcoholic think about how life could be. Speak out and stand up for them, they may hate you for a moment but live to love you.   It starts with you and I and we must say something.  

  

If you know someone struggling. .. Do not be silent!!  They may hate you at the moment but live to love you later.