When Addiction Begins at the Doctor’s Office

So often we think of addiction as being born of some malignant or unsavory circumstance. We think of the rebellious adolescent who steals their parents’ oxy or use their Adderall prescription to escape reality. We think of the friend that chose drugs over their loved ones and are lost to us forever, or of the dishonest junkie who will lie and abuse to get what they need. These narratives have, in their own way, prevented the proliferation of more enlightened treatment culture, and ignore a fundamental reality of modern substance abuse: sometimes addiction begins right in our physicians’ offices.

The medical profession has been linked to the rise of prescription addiction. For starters, data indicates that as much as 14 percent of American doctors and nurses struggle with addiction. Increased access to benzos and opioids, and professional intense professional pressure, has created something of a perfect storm for abuse among this specialized professional group. Additionally, doctors routinely prescribe more than the CDC’s recommendations for first-time users. In 2013, generic hydrocodone was the most commonly prescribed drug under Medicare. The reality is that the link between addiction and the medial profession is evident on both sides of the receptionist’s desk.

We rely on our physicians and medical practitioners to guide us toward positive health. It’s helpful to remember, however, that our doctors and nurses are human and are, thus, subject to the same weaknesses and temptations as their patients. We can continue to rely on their counsel, while educating ourselves and talking to them clearly and coherently about our concerns. We can even push back if we feel our current course of treatment isn’t working for us; after all, these are our bodies and it is our health at stake. Taking a more active role in our overall health can provide an additional layer of insulation from physician error.

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The Impact of Addiction on Community Life

Long Island has a drug problem; this is no longer in dispute. On July 14, Nassau County District Attorney Madeline Singas charged 31 people in what she described as one of the largest drug busts in Nassau’s history. The bust was the result of a year-long investigation from by the Long Island law enforcement and the FBI’s Gang Task Force. Among the items seized in the bust were a kilo of cocaine, hundreds of grams of heroin, and a cache of assault weapons. While authorities suspect that the leader of being a resident of Uniondale, it’s hard to accept that this was ring formed in a local vacuum. Some of those arrested are reportedly from Upstate New York.

Perhaps one of the most jarring revelations of the bust was that many arrested sold these drugs right out of their house in Hempstead. Authorities estimate that more than 50 dealers and several larger operations have consolidated into one entity, which saw sales of about $3 million in the last four months alone. The community impact can be felt not just in Long Island, but throughout the state. Many of these transactions of drugs for money are taking place in plain view of children, according to authorities. They also said that at least one batch of heroin sold by the ring caused five people to overdose.

Substance abuse and addiction takes root via many circumstances, one of the more common of which include environment and community exposure. While it’s naïve to think that these problems can be solved overnight, and these conditions are hardly a new discovery for those living in Long Island, these busts further underscore the need for grassroots community prevention efforts. Enforcement of current drug laws must be supplemented by contextual education and alternatives, and this begins in the very communities that addiction impacts. With hundreds in Long Island, and many more throughout the state dying from overdoses each year, the need for an all-hands-on-deck approach has never been more urgent.

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Addressing the Root Causes of Addiction

Context and understanding is everything—in addiction and life in general. The only way to truly solve a manage a problem is to figure out the systemic failures that led to it and address them so they can be confronted and kept under control. Those of us who have struggled with drug or alcohol dependency learn this first-hand while we are in treatment. A fundamental part of the rehab process is helping us to understand the behavioral factors that have led to and sustained our substance abuse. Without this knowledge, we have no frame of reference for behavior modification and the factors that we need to avoid if we’re to achieve long-term sobriety.

Confronting our pasts and traumas can be a difficult process. There is a reason why many of us have buried these incidents deep down and used drugs and alcohol to cope with them. For some, facing reality is scary. However, it’s a necessary part of the recovery process. The unfortunate truth is that many of us experience ugly and unthinkable traumas throughout our lives that we’d very much like to forget. These incidents occur through no fault of our own and we’re left to deal with the aftermath, and that can be too much. When we finally face these traumas, with the help of our therapists and treatment providers, we take the first step toward independence from our pasts.

One of the important things to remember is that addressing the root causes of our addictions is an ongoing process. Each one of our circumstances is unique and will require varying levels of time to manage and come to terms with. As helpful as treatment is in getting the process started, there is no magical “readiness” light that goes on when we leave our programs. This is why it is important to continue our therapy or 12 step program even rehab. It was a complex and multifaceted series of circumstances that brought us to addiction, and ultimately, it will be our own ability to untangle this web that will allow us to take our lives back and sustain our long-term sobriety.

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Why Effective Treatment Must Include Detox

The rigors of drug and alcohol addiction inflict severe and often permanent damage to our brain, body and central nervous system. The very nature of chemical dependency is that it renders us unable to make our own decisions because our brain chemistry has been essentially hijacked by these drugs. Without proper help, the withdrawal process can be extremely difficult, if not impossible to manage. This is why each drug or alcohol addiction treatment program must begin with a thorough and medically supervised course of detoxification or “detox”. Detox helps patients become medically stable prior to rehab and can address long-term health issues that have emerged as a result of substance abuse.

Many treatment centers refer patients to nearby facilities because they are not able to offer detox on premises; others are able to offer the complete treatment experience all at one location. Either way it’s important that treatment begin with this critical first phase. Medically supervised detox offers experienced physicians and nurses who are trained in the withdrawal process, and can mitigate the severity of their withdrawal symptoms. They can also intervene in the event of a medical emergency, which as many of us know, is not out of the realm of possibility during the first few days of the recovery process.

Treatment, at its core, is a multilateral effort that must address the many different aspects of our addiction. It does us no good to receive care for the physical problems we experience without any behavioral context for how we can achieve long-term sobriety. On the opposite side of the coin, we must first make sure we are healthy enough to embark on rehab before we can think clearly and establish coping mechanisms. We must be willing and able to accept the complete treatment package if we’re to successfully overcome our substance abuse. The first step is making sure we’ve arrested the physical aspects of our addiction.

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Senator Schumer Looks to Ban Synthetic Drugs

Synthetic drugs like K2 and spice are once again rearing their heads in New York, as one lawmaker sets his sites on a permanent ban. The resurgence has prompted democratic Senator Charles Schumer to push for a permanent barring of 22 substances that activate these drugs so they can no longer flood the market. Last week, there were approximately 130 synthetic drug overdoses in New York, a trend that is troubling local and federal lawmakers and compelling them to action. Last year, there were over 6,000 incidents of hospitalization for K2 overdose. As the region continues to battle longstanding heroin and opioid abuse, threats like synthetic drug abuse persist in many communities.

Schumer is calling for a “federal hammer” to strike down the proliferation of synthetic drugs before the problem escalates any further. He claims that banning these substances will help federal regulators curb the flow these substances. The legislation he’s proposing will significantly regulate synthetic cannabinoids, which, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, can be 100 times more potent than THC, the active ingredient in marijuana. The measure also calls for the regulation of certain kinds of the opioid fentanyl, a powerful painkiller that has led to more and more overdoses and fatalities over the past few years.

The bi-partisan bill would designate more chemicals as Schedule 1 controlled substances, but may not take into account the larger problem. The evolution of synthetic drug development has seen cycle after cycle of regulation and subsequent infiltration of new and legal drugs. Chemists change a few compounds so the drug is virtually the same, but different enough not to be classified as a controlled substance. While this legislation may be a proactive measure, it may need to be accompanied by more prevention and treatment efforts. Schumer also plans to introduce legislation that would give the DEA more latitude to ban unlisted chemicals.

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When Distraction Becomes Destruction

The concept of focus seems simple enough to most of us, right? Just dial in and concentrate and you will reap the rewards. So much of our recovery journeys, however, are spent fighting distractions and make sure we’re on track with our post-treatment plans. As easy as it seems on paper, our past-and even our present and future-have a way of compelling us to take our eye off the prize. How many of us are quick to enter a relationship when we clearly aren’t ready? How many of us take on more responsibility at work because we feel like we have to prove something to ourselves or others? How many of us feel compelled to reestablish some of the old behavioral patterns and relationships that led to our substance abuse in the first place because we’ve convinced ourselves that we can handle it.

The truth is that distraction lurks around every corner, and if we’re not careful, it can lead to relapse. This is not to say that we can’t have a full life in recovery; it just means that we have to be careful and ever mindful of our emotional growth and readiness. We can evaluate our level of readiness to take on more in life by consistently performing self-diagnostics and asking ourselves a series of fundamental questions: How have we been doing in our recovery? Are we working on the issues in our lives that we need to? What are some of the areas of our lives that could use attention? Are we ready to take on more? By asking ourselves these fundamental questions, and answering them honestly, we can give ourselves a better of idea the next life-steps for which we may or may not be ready.

If we allow distractions to become overwhelming, we leave ourselves considerably more vulnerable to setbacks. It may start off small like missing a meeting or two because of something that we feel is more important. From there, it may only be a few small steps before we’re putting the needs of others before our own in an effort to gain some level of short-term satisfaction. Before we know it, things can very quickly become unmanageable and leave us looking for new and “familiar” ways to cope. This can all be avoided by just regularly analyzing our progress and recovery and being honest regarding our capacity to focus and our ongoing needs.

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The Definition and Benefits of Self-Care

When endeavoring to define the term “self-care”, it may seem like a no-brainer; however, once we apply this concept to addiction recovery, it becomes a bit more complicated. Each person’s substance abuse history is unique and thus, their immediate and ongoing therapy will be unique as well. It’s important to define what self-care techniques work for us early on so we can immediately begin to integrate them into our post-treatment lives. Once we identify which self-care techniques work best for us, we acquire more tools in our recovery arsenal to sustain sobriety and avoid relapse. It’s just one more way to insulate us from a setback.

All things being equal, self care is defined as any intentional action we take to promote and improve our own physical, mental, emotional and spiritual health. When we apply this concept to addiction care, it gets tied to the development of our emotional strength and confidence. It’s important to approach our self-care regimens with the knowledge that our physical and mental health is largely connected. What we eat, how treat our bodies and our levels of fitness are all cornerstones of self-care. There are, however, some other more targeted methods from which we may benefit.

Meditation – Ten minutes of silent meditation in the morning can drastically alter the trajectory of our day. It can help us align our priorities so we don’t get overwhelmed. It can help lower our blood pressure and better equip us to handle the pressures of day-to-day life.

Alternative Pain Management Techniques – Pain is a common part of the withdrawal process and it can often last for months or even years after detox. Therapies like massage, acupuncture and other holistic techniques can help us alleviate the intensity of chronic pain without the use of addictive opioids.

Ongoing Psychotherapy – Not only is continued therapy a critical element of self-care; it’s also a cornerstone of most of our post-treatment recovery plans. As helpful as treatment is, we often only begin to scratch the psychological surface during our time in rehab. The reality is that we are always on a journey of personal growth, and we should take every opportunity to gain heightened self-awareness.

Self-care is a powerful weapon against the onset of relapse. How we choose to practice this concept in our everyday lives is different for all of us; but it’s important that we figure it out sooner rather than later.

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The Benefits of Destination Treatment

When we’re suffering from addiction, it’s natural to want to hold on to any last shred of comfort and familiarity. We find solace in our friends, family, homes and even our material possessions. Whether we realize it or not, however, there are times in which these “comforts” can perpetuate the cycle of substance abuse and make it impossible for us to get a fresh start and the treatment we need. When we keep hanging out with the same people, doing the same things and experiencing the same setbacks, it an be hard to make a clean break. Many of us, addicted or not, never truly experience what it’s like to focus entirely on ourselves for an extended period of time.

There are certain situations in which it becomes necessary to remove ourselves from our environments and focus solely on our recoveries. Whether this means going to a nearby state or traveling across the country, distance can be a critical resource in our sobriety and mean the difference between lasting sobriety and relapse. For so many of us, our continued substance relies on behavioral patterns. When we remove ourselves from our dangerous, and often toxic circumstances, we can allow ourselves to heal in a distraction-free environment without the daily trauma and temptation that can often hold so many of us back.

Not all of us can take the necessary time to embark on destination treatment; however, we shouldn’t discount the notion out of hand. Distance doesn’t have to be a source of anxiety. It can be a the impetus we need to give ourselves a fresh start and bolster our independence. It may seem scary at first, but it can prove to be a liberating and future-defining decision. The most important thing is that we do what is necessary to get the help that we need before our addiction gets any worse and further impacts our lives. Whether this means sticking close to home or traveling to far-off places for a fresh start is contingent upon each one of our personal situations.

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What to Look for In A Quality Treatment Facility

There are more treatment centers than ever popping in response to the nation’s unprecedented drug addiction problem. While this may mean increased access for patients who truly need help, it also means the heightened potential of landing in a facility that’s ill equipped to deal with your care needs or those of your loved one. The reality is that not all addiction treatment facilities are created equal and it’s important to distinguish those that offer quality care from those that lack the resources, understanding and expertise to truly help you and your family.

When we’re looking for help with drug and alcohol addiction, we want it immediately. The last thing we want to have to deal with is exhaustive research on our care options. This is why we should have a sober and lucid loved one help us with our research. This is one of the most important decisions that we will ever make, and we want to make sure that our time, money and efforts aren’t wasted on the wrong program.

With that in mind, here are a few things to look for when making our selection.

Medically Supervised Detox – Detoxification and withdrawal management are fundamental parts of the treatment process. It’s important that the program you choose either offers referral to a quality detox center or, better yet, onsite medically supervised detox by themselves. Detox is a medical procedure that should be overseen by a trained group of experienced and qualified professionals. Any program that doesn’t offer assistance with this stage of treatment is, frankly, one to be avoided.

Aftercare Planning – No matter how much work we do in treatment, the transition back into everyday life can be truly jarring. It’s important that the treatment facility we choose can offer a comprehensive plan to help us cope with temptation and arrange logistical support so we can better avoid relapse. This can simply mean applying the work that we did with our therapists and leveraging our heightened self-awareness to thrive in recovery. The period immediately following treatment can leave us especially vulnerable; it’s important that we have the support we need to build our strength and confidence.

Wide Variety of Therapies – We never really know what techniques we’re going to respond to in a therapeutic context. It’s helpful to have a wide variety of options, whether it’s yoga, music therapy, meditation or anything else. Generally speaking, the more therapies a facility offers, the more resources they have. Even if we don’t think we’ll benefit from alternative or holistic therapies, we may be pleasantly surprised by the end of our program.

It’s also important to determine whether or not we need inpatient or outpatient treatment. This determination will either add or eliminate the residence variable (whether or not we need to be concerned with housing) of our treatment search. At the end of the day, looking for treatment is never a pleasant process, but some due diligence can make it much easier.

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Paying for a Second Chance

The ability to pay is one of the most common roadblocks to quality substance abuse treatment. Despite the fact that there are approximately 23 million Americans that meet the established criteria for addiction and chemical dependency, only about three million actually get the care they need. Even when they overcome their fear and denial, and endeavor to get help, many users find themselves having to contend with long waiting lists, substandard levels of care and other miscellaneous regulatory obstacles. While there are more and more treatment resources emerging on a regular basis, the reality is that the demand for care continues to outpace supply, and this scarcity is one of the main drivers hefty prices.

Help Is Incrementally on the Way

It’s not a secret that quality addiction care can be expensive, and that many users and families don’t have cash readily on hand to finance their recoveries themselves. The good news is that there are more resources than ever for patients who are concerned about paying for drug and alcohol addiction treatment. Recent healthcare legislation has significantly increased access by mandating that insurance providers cover substance abuse and mental health treatment in most situations. Drug and alcohol addiction is a bona fide medical disease; and the insurance landscape is now recognizing it as such. Even if your carrier only covers half or part of your treatment, it’s still a significant decrease from the price tags of yesteryear.

Many addiction care organizations also offer what are called “scholarships” to those who desperately need treatment but can’t afford it. Additionally doctors are being given more latitude in prescribing long-term maintenance drugs, eliminating the need for costly and time-consuming stays at specialized clinics.

It May Be Hard, But It’s Not Impossible

At the end of the day, the most important investment we can make is an investment in our health and future. For many of us, our substance abuse will eventually get to a point at which treatment will supersede all other obligations. We have to do the necessary work to get ourselves back on track and thrive in recovery. If you or a loved one needs immediate treatment for drug or alcohol addiction, it’s important to remember that you do have options. You can reach out to your state substance abuse and mental health agency or talk to a referral organization to guide you toward quality treatment in your community.

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Think You’ve Got Addiction “Beat”? Think Again

There is always danger in complacency, whether it’s with our personal health, our careers, our quality of life or anything else. The minute we start taking things for granted and stop trying to improve ourselves, we take our eye off the prize. All things being equal, we may not get too hurt by our complacency, but rather just miss out on some of life’s rewards (that promotion, that new home, that weight loss goal, etc.). For those of us in recovery, however, complacency and be toxic and very quickly lead to relapse. It’s also a very real threat to those of us who have years of sobriety under our belts.

As we move further along on our recovery journeys, many of us have the inclination to become a bit more lax in our regular routines. We may skip meetings, cancel appointments with our therapists and even get bolder regarding our level of involvement in dangerous situations. We “feel” strong enough to take on more obligations, and often wind up biting off more than we can chew. After a while, we may start to experience the same old pressure and stress that caused us to start using in the first place, and we may even think about using more and more as a way to cope.

The addiction recovery landscape is full of stories of people who let complacency derail years of consistent sobriety. While we should be exceedingly proud of our time in recovery, we should also remember to nurture it rather than use it as an excuse to not be diligent. We can pull back the reins a little bit as we get more comfortable in our routines, but we should always be mindful of the lifelong path in front of us. As painful as it is to admit, addiction is never “over”. It can, however, remain a part of our past; a past that grows more distant as we continue to work hard in our recovery.

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Obama Administration Increases Cap on Patients for Buprenorphine Docs

The White House has announced plans to more than double the number of patients to whom one doctor can simultaneously prescribe the anti-overdose drug buprenorphine. Better known by its trade names, Suboxone® and Subutex®, buprenorphine treats withdrawal symptoms from opioids and alcohol and has been a remarkably effective treatment resource for eligible patients. The move is the latest in a series of measures by the administration to compel Congress to fully fund its opioid addiction prevention initiative. There are a series of bi-partisan bills aimed at curtailing opioid abuse in the United States; however, they are, as of right now, unfunded.

Under current law, doctors can prescribe buprenorphine to 100 patients at once. The new measure would increase that number to 275. Doctors would have to apply to raise the patient-cap within their practices. Proponents say that the current figure of 100 limits access in a time when so many Americans need every opioid addiction treatment resource that is available. Opponents are worried about that diversion potential that, however small, has been a reality among Suboxone patients. While it hasn’t been as big of a problem as with its predecessor methadone, buprenorphine has caused some patients to wind up replacing one addiction with another.

While it’s a step in the right direction, and democrats and republicans say they’re committed to this issue in equal measure, funding continues to be a sticking point in the addiction care conversation. Members from both parties in both houses are scheduled to meet to solidify a comprehensive legislative package dealing with American drug abuse; however, democrats want an immediate commitment from Congress of $920 million to fund some of the programs. Raising the buprenorphine patient-cap can be a significant step forward in helping millions of opioid addicts who have been relegated to waiting lists receive this vital care resource.

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Synthetic Drugs Prompt New Look at Long Island DUI Laws

New York lawmakers are taking a closer look at the state’s drugged-driving laws. The heightened scrutiny is in response to a loophole in state law that prohibits the prosecution of those who are found to be driving while high, but not on a substance specified on the state’s prohibition list. One of the most egregious examples of this loop is a nine-year-old tragedy in Long Island in which an eighteen-year-old woman was hit and killed by a driver who, moments before getting behind the wheel, inhaled aerosol dust to get high. The driver was never held accountable in court because the substance that rendered him intoxicated was not on the list of the state’s banned substances.

Designed to give scientific legitimacy to DUI charges, the language of the law states that summonses for drugged-driving can be issued only if the driver is found to be abusing specific substances on the state-sanctioned list. It does not allow for the discretion of the observing officer. New York is one of ten states that still has this loophole.

Keeping Up with the Times

Critics of the law say that it allows offenders to evade prosecution in an era when substance abuse threats are more diverse and sophisticated than ever before. The advent of synthetic drugs has made justice under this statute practically impossible for victims and their families. Newer and lesser-discussed substances like K2 and other forms of synthetic marijuana are just some of the drugs that do not appear on the state’s list, and thus, are deemed prosecutable under current law. A more recent example includes a driver who was stopped in Nassau County for erratic driving, whereupon the officer discovered she was high on a certain type of bath salt not on the prohibition list. She avoided prosecution because the bath salt she was high on is chemically altered just enough to escape being placed on the list.

What is particularly unusual is that even though laws currently exist to possess and distribute these new drugs, traffic law has not yet caught up with criminal law, and there continues to be a disconnect.

Is There an Alternative?

Only a select few states rely exclusively on controlled-substance lists to dictate drugged-driving law. The 37 other states offer broader definitions of the term “drug” and rely heavily on officer observation and discretion. California allows any driver to be charged with an intoxication offense if the they use any substance that compromises their ability to operate a vehicle. Similar legislation is pending in New York. Critics of the broadened language say that it targets those whose physiology renders them impaired by everyday drugs like over-the-counter acetaminophen or ibuprophen.

It is not clear how the official language of the law will read or if there will even be a change; however, it is clear that something needs to be done to protect driver from any motorist who knowingly engage in drug-related impaired driving, no matter what substance in question.

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The Most Serious Substance Abuse Threats Facing Long Island

By now the myriad of substance abuse issues plaguing the Long Island area have been well documented. As more and more residents succumb to overdose and external substance abuse-related factors, the entirety of the Long Island community has become vulnerable to this complex and multilayered public health issue. In an effort to fully understand the weight and urgency of the problem, it helps to understand which substance abuse issues are most prevalent in the area. As chemical dependency in America continues to transcend age, economic status and ethnic background, a thorough understanding of the contexts and causes surrounding addiction might be the most effective weapon in developing sound treatment and prevention practices. The two most urgent addiction issues facing Long Island include.

Alcohol Addiction – The alcohol addiction statistics in Long Island are grim. Suffolk County has had more DUI-related crashes than any other area of New York every year since 2001. Nassau County is in close second. In 2013, Suffolk recorded 853 alcohol-related crashes, accounting for 10 percent of the state’s total. To the credit of law enforcement and prevention advocates, however, they’re recognizing the urgent need for reform and enacting new measures to try and curb the problem. For example, Suffolk County now deploys a team of police officers five nights a week in what they have termed “saturation patrol” in areas with a high concentration of drunk-driving incidents. Other elements of progress include better access to alcohol abuse treatment centers and more advanced care for alcohol withdrawal symptoms.

Opiate and Opioid Addiction – The need for proper opiate addiction treatment in Long Island has never been more urgent. Once again Suffolk County finds itself at the center of the problem, tallying more than 100 opiate deaths in 2015 for the third straight year, and, as is the case with alcohol, accounting for more than 10 percent of all statewide figures. Narcan deployments are at an all-time high in the area. The demand for the lifesaving drug has been so large that in March, Governor Cuomo announced plans to make it available without a prescription. Opioid-related emergency room visits increased 73 percent throughout New York from 2010-2014. In 2013 the state saw 952 deaths from prescription painkillers. In an effort to further prevent dependency, and address physician culpability, the legislature has recently instituted a seven-day limit on initial prescription painkiller dispensation. The changes also require insurers to cover initial inpatient drug treatment without prior approval; extend from 48 to 72 hours the time someone can be held for emergency treatment; and add 2,500 addiction-treatment slots statewide.

One of the glaring obstacles that users encounter when seeking substance abuse treatment is the simple issue of supply and demand. As the area continues to develop more comprehensive substance abuse recovery strategies, Long Island must address the fundamental issue of access to quality addiction care. The aforementioned measure signed by Governor Cuomo on Wednesday will allow for 270 more treatment beds and 2,335 additional program slots, increasing access however incrementally. One question remains in the midst of all of these reforms: Will they be enough to stop the spread of drug and alcohol abuse, and save lives in the Long Island community?

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Confronting A Parent about Their Substance Abuse

No matter how old we get, we can still feel like our parents’ children and fall safely into that role during our interactions with them in adulthood. Even after we’re all grown up with lives and families of our own, it’s easy to find ourselves adhering to our parents’ wishes and deferring to their instructions as our default position. All things being equal, this can be harmless gesture of respect for the people who raised us; however when this lingering dynamic starts to get in the way of our health or theirs, it becomes a problem. Many of us have been experiencing this more and more with the latent onset of our parents’ addiction.

As abuse of “regulated” drugs like prescription painkillers and benzodiazepines continue to rise, many of us are faced with having to confront an addicted parent. The traditional paradigms of substance abuse and addiction within the family (where the parent has to monitor the child) have been changing, and we are now in a climate in which addiction knows no age stereotype. In 2013, generic hydrocodone was the most prescribed drug under Medicare and approximately 170,000 seniors engage in doctor-shopping each year. This means that in thousands of families across America, adult sons and daughters are left with a choice: do nothing or intervene in their parents’ burgeoning substance abuse.

It can be jarring to think that the person who represented the embodiment of strength and stability when were growing up has fallen victim to any sort of addiction but we have look beyond the past so we can be more effective in getting help for our parents. The longer this goes on, the harder it will be to deny and we may find ourselves forced to take a more active role in our parents’ medical issues. This may mean accompanying them to the doctor, watching their pill intake closer and speaking frankly without about the onset of their substance abuse. This can be hard, particularly for those of us who now have our obligations, but it is necessary.

Many of us grew up with addicted parents and now know what to expect from their behavior. However, when we find ourselves having to suddenly deal with an aging parent’s drug or alcohol abuse, we may have to be prepared to be the parent ourselves and step in on their behalf.

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Pay Attention: Understanding the Politics of Substance Abuse Treatment

There is an evident and noticeable change in the air regarding the perception of drug and alcohol addiction and how it should be combatted in the United States. As more and more Americans succumb to heroin and prescription opioid overdose every day, and more remain vulnerable to alcoholism, cocaine abuse and myriad other substance abuse threats, it seems as though the proper amount of attention is finally being paid to this complex and multifaceted problem. The United States Legislature is gaining a deeper understanding of the drivers of substance abuse and the best approaches to dealing with it on a micro and macro level. An added benefit of this heightened understanding is that it keeps the issue of addiction fresh in the national conversation.

The reality of addiction treatment is that there is a variety of competing cultural and political forces that currently dictate its accessibility. Understanding these factors can render us better engaged in our own recovery and better able to stay on track. It can also help us to better understand the plight of our addicted loved ones and what they go through in order to seek treatment. There are ever-changing laws and insurance regulations that directly impact the substance abuse treatment landscape, and it helps to keep abreast of any new developments. When a new law passes expanding or limiting access to medications, we should know about it. When a new drug is approved to treat withdrawal symptoms, it helps to know its benefits and risks.

Whether we’re in recovery ourselves or dealing with an addicted friend or family member, we can benefit greatly by staying informed of new developments in addiction care while understanding the competing ideologies that dictate the accessibility of treatment. These ideologies directly impact the money, institutional attention and compassion with which we or our loved ones are treated, and can make the difference between relapse and continued recovery. As we move further along in our recovery, part of our routine should be continuing our education regarding the issues that impact our community and the social factors that facilitate and inhibit our personal success. Knowledge is power…arm yourself.

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Staying Active in Recovery

Treatment teaches us many things (how to avoid temptation, the importance of forgiving ourselves and others, living one day at a time, etc.). If we’re fortunate enough to get help from a facility that is truly in tune with what we need to sustain long-term recovery, we will also learn the importance of achieving balance between our physical and psychological health. A massive part of this is means nutritional counseling, fitness therapy, and guidance toward a more active lifestyle. If we feel better overall and have the right information to stay active, we’ll be much less likely to fixate on lingering withdrawal symptoms and less vulnerable to long-term substance abuse-related symptoms.

The reality of addiction is that it forces us to abandon many areas of our lives, including our physical fitness. What we often fail to realize, however, is that our level of fitness can directly inform the speed and depth with which we recover. If we adopt a lifestyle of daily exercise and physical mindfulness, we can better arm ourselves against the rigors of withdrawal and add years to our lives. Whether it’s going for daily walks or jogs, joining a gym or playing basketball on the weekends, an active lifestyle is just one more tool in our arsenal against continued addiction-related pain.

Regardless of whether or not we were physically active prior to the development of our substance abuse, we can learn to integrate physical fitness incrementally into our lives until we have a solid routine and are in better control of our lives on a daily basis. This is not something that we should fear or avoid, rather something that we should be emboldened to embrace and celebrate. We can recognize physical fitness not only as a way to look and feel better; but also as a way to sustain our recovery and gain better control over our drug and alcohol abuse.

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Separating the Person from the Addiction

Drug and alcohol dependency can quickly turn the people we know and love into something that is unrecognizable. The vibrant, responsible, and loving people that were once our friends and family are transformed into something tragic by the single-minded pursuit of alcohol and other drugs. There was a time in which we could never imagine the people that we married, grew up with, went to school or trusted stealing from us, yelling at us, or even physical assaulting us. This does, however, become a reality for thousands of families all over the country, and it can very quickly tear relationships apart if we don’t remain present and perceptive of these changes in behavior.

One of the first things we learn about our loved ones’ addictions is that it hijacks their ability to make decision for themselves. Chemical dependency transforms the brain’s chemistry and causes otherwise good people to seek their next high at all costs. Nevertheless, even when we know this, it can be hard to separate the person from the addiction and deal with the disease in an objective fashion. But if we’re truly interested in helping our loved one get recovery, it may be necessary to develop thicker skin and recognize that the person who is saying and doing all these horrible things is not actually our loved one.

As addicts, we also have to recognize our part in this struggle and to accept an outstretched hand when we see it. The reality of addiction is that it often causes sufferers to do horrible and unspeakable things to their families and there is only so much abuse a relationship can sustain. Sooner or later, even those of us with the most loving and committed of families to feel as though they have no choice but to turn their backs on us. Before it ever gets to that point, we can recognize the opportunity we have, and the virtues in our lives, and accept the help in front of us.

Each relationship that is plagued by addiction is unique and has its owns set of obstacles to overcome. One thing universal to all of these relationships, however, is that the addicts behavior is not indicative of who they are. As loved ones of sound mind, we need to recognize this, and approach our relationship from this standpoint going forward. Our relationship with our families is the most personal thing in our lives; but we need to make it less personal if we’re going to effectively save our loved ones.

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Staying Sober In the Heat of Party Season

We are hurdling steadily toward the first day of summer, a season synonymous with partying and celebration. For many, June 20th represents the start of a season that will bring weekend after weekend of parties, barbecues, holidays and other special occasions, many of which will include alcohol and perhaps even other drugs. As is the case with many other cultural traditions, summer represents something different to the recovery community; a time to exercise increased mindfulness and diligence in preparation for the inevitable temptation we will encounter. This by no means precludes us from enjoying all that summer has to offer; we just have to be realistic regarding our level of readiness. Some of the ways we can do this include:

Keeping Our Support System Close at Hand – Whether it’s our designated sponsor or a close loved one, it’s helpful to have someone to call when we’re feeling vulnerable to relapse. In the heat of temptation, it can be difficult to recall the tools we gained in treatment. One phone call can bring us back to reality and keep us on track.

Maintaining or Increasing Our Attendance at Meetings – Our social calendars can very easily distract us from keeping up with our recovery plans. Ironically, if we falter in our routine, we may find ourselves at a heightened risk of relapse. Making sure we continue to attend meetings and keep appointments with our therapists can give us an extra layer of protection from temptation

Knowing Our Limits – If we don’t think we’re up to partying this weekend, we can simply stay home, recharge and gather our strength for the next one. Those who understand what we’re going through will understand why we may not be able to be around alcohol every single weekend. This is not weakness; it’s diligence, proactive thinking and common sense.

We don’t have to lock ourselves in our homes and wait for the fall season. If we practice basic mindfulness and basic preparation, we can enjoy all the benefits of this wonderful time of year without having to worry about relapse and losing our way in recovery. Long Island Addiction Resources would like to wish everyone a safe and fulfilling summer.

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7 Factors That Contribute to the Risk of Addiction

It's no surprise to anyone that we might be at risk of developing cancer, diabetes or heart disease at some point in our lifetime. And most of us are well aware of the risk factors that can tip the scales in getting any of these diseases, such as an unhealthy lifestyle, lack of exercise, smoking, and eating too much of the wrong kinds of food. But most of us often overlook our vulnerability to drug or alcohol addiction, and many don't even know what factors might contribute to addiction.

Certainly there are many factors that can increase the likelihood of developing an addiction, but the following seven factors are at the top of the list for increasing the chances of becoming addicted to drugs or alcohol.

Genetic Makeup

Genes can play a part in whether or not a person is susceptible to addiction. Researchers from the Universidad de Granada, Spain noted that alcoholics are 6 times as likely to have a relative that's an alcoholic than people without the same lineage. Because of this, it's important to be mindful of how genetics can increase the predisposition to developing an addiction.

Psychiatric and Psychological

Adolescents and adults with mental disorders also have a greater probability for addiction. Some of the mental health issues that can put a person at risk include obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorders (ADHD), depression, anxiety and bipolar conditions. It’s important to note, that impulsivity and thrill seeking are two psychological factors that have been reported to have a much higher risk for drug use.

Gender

We know that female adolescents struggle with addictions more than males of the same age, but as they get older, men have more problems with addiction than women. Also, according to the CDC, 17% of men and 8% of women struggle with alcoholism, although the percentages for women have been increasing slightly in the past 30 years.

Home and Family Dysfunction

The likelihood of children using drugs and developing addictions increases significantly when they have family members abusing drugs and alcohol or engaging in criminal activity. These kinds of environments usually have a lack of close family attachments, as well poor parental supervision that contributes to addictive tendencies.

Strong Peer Pressure

It's most often friends and acquaintances that pressure and encourage a young person to experiment with drugs or alcohol for the first time. Depending on additional risk factors that the teen may have working against them, this experimentation can often quickly develop into addiction. No matter the upbringing, human nature dictates the stages of need that we all cycle through. Young children go through three stages of closeness with their parents: hold me tight, put me down, and leave me alone. During the teen years, these stages begin again with peer groups and depending on the group values, may include drug and alcohol use as a means of acceptance.

Early Use

Because a teen’s brain is still in the developmental stages, drugs and alcohol quickly affect the chemical balance causing the brain to become hard-wired for addiction much quicker than would happen with an adult. Because early use can be an indicator of continued use, the teenage years are often problematic if other risk factors are at play.

Type of Use

It's easier to become addicted to a drug much quicker if it is smoked or injected into the veins because it reaches the brain so quickly and with such powerful intensity. Scientists feel that since the "rush" fades quickly and takes the drug user to low or normal levels sooner, they are driven to continue using the drug repeatedly in an attempt to achieve the same high. This is why people can become addicted to heroin or crack cocaine in a very short amount of time.

Importance of Personal Assessment

Addiction is almost always preventable but determining the cause of addiction is complicated at best. The seven risk factors for addiction listed here are by no means the only ones, yet they are certainly the most predominant. By understanding and identifying the risks, many people can reduce their vulnerability and prevent addiction from happening before it ever has a chance to do it’s destruction.

Source: Drug Addiction and Alcoholism