An amphetamine addiction is, by definition, the continued use of a mood-altering substance despite the adverse effects to your physical, emotional, and mental health.  Hundreds of thousands of people in America alone struggle with an amphetamine addiction in their daily lives and this problem is continuing to rise with the constant increases of people [...]]]>

An amphetamine addiction is, by definition, the continued use of a mood-altering substance despite the adverse effects to your physical, emotional, and mental health.  Hundreds of thousands of people in America alone struggle with an amphetamine addiction in their daily lives and this problem is continuing to rise with the constant increases of people being prescribed these drugs.

Living with an amphetamine addiction can cause a person to completely lose their sense of self. After several weeks of misuse they will have ruined their entire life, sometimes to the point of no return.

Determining if Your Loved One is Living with an Amphetamine Addiction

Not knowing if someone you care for is addicted to amphetamines is a difficult thing to wonder and in some cases can be a life-altering question.  You are probably living everyday wondering about your loved one, and this can cause serious health problems that are associated with anxiety and stress, so knowing the truth is beneficial to everyone concerned.

When determining if your loved one is living with either a short or long-term amphetamine addiction, look for obvious warning signs that can include, but are not limited to:

- Doctor shopping

This means that your loved one may be using multiple doctors as a way to receive large quantities of amphetamines without having to go to an illegal drug source. Each doctor is not aware of the individual’s recent drug intake or if they have ever received amphetamines; therefore a prescription is obtainable.

- Social withdrawal

Meaning that your loved one seems a bit distant from the people close to them.  Whether they change social standing or choose to completely isolate themselves from others, social withdrawal can trigger numerous problems if left alone.

- Depression

Depression is a difficult amphetamine addiction side effect to spot because if a person has continual medications in their system they will not experience depression, but whenever they do come off of the drugs for any amount of time they will seem despondent and unsociable and that can lead to suicidal thoughts.

- Mood swings

Happiness one minute and sadness another is an obvious sign that an amphetamine addiction is present. Your loved one may want to do something fun and exciting with you for a short time and then suddenly not care about you and almost seems to hate you.  This is due to the mental shifting that is constantly going on while someone is under the influence of amphetamines.

- Unexpected changes

Whether it is sudden weight loss, sudden desire to improve things that used to not even concern your loved one, or a new passion to do dozens of things at a time. A person living with an amphetamine addiction will show these signs early on.  At first, these may be “good” side effects, but over time they will become obsessive and the individual might even suffer from fatal organ damage due to over-use and lack of nutrients.

Getting Help for this Terrible Addiction

There are several options you have when getting help for your loved one’s amphetamine addiction.  You can choose to enter them into long-term or short-term treatment.  Depending on the facility there are treatment options such as:

- Group counseling
- Individual therapy
- Holistic rehab
- Traditional rehab
- Faith-based rehab
- 12 step treatment
- Aftercare services

In many facilities the programs include massage therapy, aroma therapy, nutritional guidance, soothing atmosphere, exercise classes, meditation, and role playing sessions.  The important thing is to find a facility where your loved one will feel safe, secure, respected and can focus on healing mind, body and spirit.

Next, you will have to plan an amphetamine addiction intervention for your loved one.  This consist of helping your loved one better understand the severity of their addiction. Once you have explained the importance of treatment, you give them the option to go into the rehab program you have created for them or suffer an ultimatum you have outlined.

To learn more about amphetamine addiction or to get help with an intervention, contact www.stopyouraddiction.com now.

Sex addiction is the compulsive need to have sexual intercourse as frequently as possible.  There are numerous theories as to why a person becomes a sex addict that include, but are not limited to:

If left untreated, an [...]]]>

Sex addiction is the compulsive need to have sexual intercourse as frequently as possible.  There are numerous theories as to why a person becomes a sex addict that include, but are not limited to:

• Personality disorder
• Psychological disorder
• Emotional issues
• Low self-esteem
• Childhood trauma
• And coping from a troubled past

If left untreated, an addiction to sex can lead to serious physical, mental and emotional issues.  A sex addiction can happen to any person, but there is treatment available. Treatment options include programs such as:

• Group counseling
• Live in rehab
• Individual therapy
• And outpatient rehab

There is not one program right for everywhere, so before choosing a program a person should talk to a professional about how to better serve them during the recovery process.

Am I living with a sex addiction?

• Unlike other addictions, a sex addiction is often overlooked as a serious problem.  Individuals often suffer from this condition and hide it from their families and loved ones.  In determining if you have a sex addiction you should always look for warning signs such as:
• Paying for sex
• Choosing sex over important obligations or promises
• Having financial troubles, because of sexual adventures
• Having sex in public areas without concern for getting caught
• Having multiple partners, but it is something that you cannot control
• Spending many hours of the day thinking about sex or trying to have sex
• Continuing to have sex, despite the physical health problems it has caused
• Ruining relationships because of the inability to remain sexually active only with the significant other

These are only a few of the many warning signs of a sex addiction.  This problem cannot be fixed overnight, in fact some recovering sex addicts have to live the rest of their life fighting the urge to act on their desires. However, getting treatment can help these individuals learn new and healthier ways to overcome temptations to avoid the dangers of an addiction to sex.

What are the risks if I have a sex addiction?

With every addiction, comes long term problems and a sex addiction is no exception.  Whether you are a long time sex addict or you have just began noticing your struggles with the addiction, there are serious side effects that you need to consider.  The most common sex addition side effects include:

• Depression
• Increased anxiety
• Contracting HIV/AIDS
• Loss of close friends
• Obtaining a sexually transmitted disease (STD) such as herpes
• Never being able to stay in a long term relationship
• Having trouble with finances due to excessive spending
• Trouble with the law (sex in public, masturbation in public, or/and paying for sex and getting caught)
• Failure in personal or career/school duties due to the distraction that a sex addiction presents
• And obtaining a substance addiction that coincides with the sex addiction

All of the effects mentioned above can become a sex addict’s life and in some cases can cost them their life.

Treatment for sex addiction

Getting help is something that every person has to do on their own.  He or she will get to a point in their life where they feel shame and embarrassment about their problem, but if they have not reached that point in their life, a loved one should plan a treatment approach and get them the help that they need.  This can be done through an intervention loved ones can discuss the extent of the person's sex addiction and how it has corrupted every aspect of their life.  During this time loved ones will also encourage treatment through a rehab program.

It does not matter how a person decides to get help for their addiction problem, it only matters that they get it. Many believe they will never be able to break free of the bondage of addiction, but this is far from the truth. There is help available to anyone who seeks it and this means no one has to live with addiction.

The alcohol side effects come into a person’s life shortly after they consume alcohol for the first time and they can become a problem for as long as the rest of their life if alcohol consumption is continued.  These alcohol side effects vary from person to person, but if a person fails [...]]]>

The alcohol side effects come into a person’s life shortly after they consume alcohol for the first time and they can become a problem for as long as the rest of their life if alcohol consumption is continued.  These alcohol side effects vary from person to person, but if a person fails to recognize the warning signs of an addiction to alcohol they could possibly face problems in their future that can include death.  The first of the alcohol side effects that people usually do not think of as a problem are what are known as the short-term alcohol side effects.

The short-term alcohol side effects occur within several minutes of the individual’s first drink and they increase drastically with every alcoholic beverage consumed.  The scientific way to determine the extent of short-term alcohol side effects is that for every one drink you have to wait one hour before the effects have completely left your system, therefore if you have had five drinks, it will take you five hours to no longer show signs of short-term alcohol side effects.  Also, the short-term effects of alcohol are as dangerous as the long-term effects and should not be taken lightly.  Several commonly experienced short-term alcohol side effects include:

- Loss of control
You will have a hard time controlling your physical and mental being. You may blurt out things that you did not mean to, stumble, feel heavy like you cannot move your limbs, and even lose control over the things that you do.

- Depression
You will have ups and downs while under the influence due to your body’s way of reacting to the depressive effect of alcohol.  Many people, while under the influence, start fights for no reason, commit suicide, or cry themselves to sleep over nothing at all.

- Mood swings
You may be happy one minute and sad the next because of the chemical imbalances in your system.

- Vomiting
Your body will want to rid itself of any toxins present, therefore you will vomit if you have consumed excessive amounts of alcohol as your body's way of ridding itself of those toxins.

Although the short-term alcohol side effects are somewhat of concern for a person that is using alcohol for the first time, if someone has is suffering from an alcohol addiction they will show side effects that are long-term alcohol side effects.  These effects are damaging to a person mentally, physically and emotionally and can include:

- Negative Physical changes
Weight gain, aged skin, red appearing skin, and unhealthy skin are all problems that an alcoholic will experience in their lifetime.

- Internal problems
Liver, kidney and heart damage due to excessive alcohol consumption as well as other organ issues and problems with rapid heartbeat and high blood pressure.

- Mental issues
Trouble with both short-term and long-term memory as well as trouble with learning in a class setting or a work environment.

- Financial instabilities
With constant alcohol consumption in a person’s life they will no longer have a drive to excel in the work place or in school and they will no longer be able to keep a steady job because of their label as an alcoholic, therefore a continuing spiral to complete poverty.

- Relationship struggles
Alcohol causes a person to lose their sense of self. They will no longer care about others and their only concern will be about consuming more alcohol despite who they hurt.  This poses problems in the relationship between family and friends as well as a wife or husband.

- Ultimately death
Alcohol side effects will continue to cause a person to lose touch with who they are one piece at a time.  No matter what, they will no longer function normally and eventually they will lose complete control over every aspect of their life.  Whether death occurs due to the actual alcohol side effects or because of the individual’s own choices, death is imminent without treatment.

To learn more about the short-term and long-term alcohol side effects, contact an alcohol addiction treatment specialist today.

About the Author

Marilyn Kegley works with several inpatient alcohol rehab centers to write educational articles about alcohol abuse dangers and treatment options. Her goal is to warn individuals on the dangers of alcohol abuse and help guide addicts to getting effective and successful treatment.

As most people know opiate side effects vary from person to person and depend on if that individual is in fact addicted to opiates or using opiates for a medical reason.  The opiate side effects also depend on amount of opiates that are being taken and how often they are being taken.  [...]]]>

As most people know opiate side effects vary from person to person and depend on if that individual is in fact addicted to opiates or using opiates for a medical reason.  The opiate side effects also depend on amount of opiates that are being taken and how often they are being taken.  When determining what stage of opiate side effects that you are dealing with consider your usage.  In any case, living with an opiate addiction is something that needs to be addressed immediately to avoid future problems in your life and possibly suffering from a deadly side effect.

Short-term Opiate Side Effects (prescription and recreational)

The Short-term opiate side effects go hand-in-hand with both usage choices.  A person will experience these effects in as little as three minutes after consumption and they can last for several hours.  Most all of the Short-term opiate side effects completely leave a person’s system within 24 hours, but their also may be long term damaging opiate side effects if an individual chooses to overuse the drug used.  A few of the most common Short-term opiate side effects consist of

- Nausea
- Slowed, shallow breathing
- Vomiting
- Itching sensations all over the body
- Constipation
- Drowsiness
- Mood changes
- Increased heart rate
- Euphoria
- Pain management

Long-term Opiate Side Effects (prescription)

When using an opiate prescription you always need to concern yourself with the possible damaging long-term effects to your health.  These effects, like all other opiate side effects are based on how long you use the drugs and to what severity.  If you follow strict guidelines of opiate usage, but you remain on the drugs for several months to several years you may become a victim to the unfortunate long-term opiate side effects of:

- Opiate addiction
- Tolerance build up
- Weakened immune system
- Heart problems
- Arthritis
- Heart valve infections
- Respiratory infections
- Central nervous system hyperactivity
- Chronic constipation
- Hyperalgesia

Long-term Opiate Side Effects (recreational usage)

Recreational usage of opiates is much different than using a drug for a medical condition.  When someone is struggling with an addiction to an opiate, legal or illegal, the individual will usually use large quantities of the drug at one time and suffer from much more severe long term opiate side effects as opposed to someone that chose to use the drugs long term for their medical needs.  A few of the most common long term opiate side effects from recreational usage include:

- Contraction of HIV/AIDS as well as Hepatitis
- Collapsed veins and poor blood circulation
- Liver and kidney damage, cancer or failure
- Chronic depression
- Chronic constipation
- Heart valve infections
- Respiratory depression
- Memory loss
- Financial struggles
- Relationship difficulties
- Sexual dysfunction
- Trouble feeling pleasure without drugs

Withdrawal opiate side effects (prescription and recreational)

No matter how you choose to take opiates you still have a high chance of experiencing withdrawal opiate side effects once you choose to come clean from the drugs.  These withdrawal opiate side effects occur within about an hour after you have quit taking the drugs cold turkey and can remain constant for up to two weeks.  The most commonly experienced withdrawal opiate side effects include, but are not limited to

- Vomiting
- Fever
- Nausea
- Body aches and pains
- Aggression
- Depression
- Constant intense cravings
- Anxiety
- Insomnia
- Dilated pupils
- Diarrhea
- Sweating
- Night terrors
- Chills
- Cramps
- Possible seizure (in extreme addiction cases)

Committing To A Recovery Solution

Opiates are going to continue to be prescribed to people throughout America for future generations, but going through treatment for an addiction to opiates is the best way to fully recover so that you can get back to your life without drugs present.  If you or someone that you care for is struggling in every aspect of their life whether they are prescribed opiates or recreationally abusing opiates; getting help for the opiate side effects now through a medical professional is the best way to come clean from your problem.

Author Bio:

Myra Lemmons is a freelance writer who is currently creating content for drug rehabilitation websites.  She strives to educate readers about the dangers of drugs and alcohol, and hopes to encourage addicts to seek help from professional addiction rehab facilities. For more information on addiction rehab contact http://www.rehabhelp.com/rehab-addiction.

K2 is a legal synthetic form of marijuana.  This drug can be purchased online and even in local stores and gas stations. It is becoming one of the most popular teen drugs of choice because of it produces a high very similar to marijuana and is easily found. To most drug users, K2 seems to [...]]]>

K2 is a legal synthetic form of marijuana.  This drug can be purchased online and even in local stores and gas stations. It is becoming one of the most popular teen drugs of choice because of it produces a high very similar to marijuana and is easily found. To most drug users, K2 seems to be the perfect drug, right?

• Nausea and vomiting
• Dizziness
• Confusion
• Increased anxiety
• Mood swings
• Increased blood pressure and heart rate

Different Types of K2 and Their Uses

When purchasing K2 at many stores, it comes in a plastic baggy and is marketed as incense or as an herbal smoking blend.  K2 comes in several options for people with all different smoking preferences:

• K2 Thai dream: A “meditative aid” used so that a person can concentrate on their internal being or whatever it is they are doing while high.
• K2 Amazonian Shelter: The package states it is a useful tool to protect your spirit from the evil that lurks within and without.  Enough said.
• K2 Ultra: An “incense” used for people that are seeking adventure or meditation.  This is the most generic of the K2 options offered.
• K2 Orisha: Used for pre-meditation rituals. Can be offered to a buyer in white magic, regular, or black magic variations.
• K2 Blonde: A mix of vanilla and cinnamon, this option is one of the original of  the incense offered.
• K2 Summit: Obtained the name summit because it is said that while high off of this option you will feel as if you are atop a summit.
• K2 Sex solid:“Sex on the mountain” is the nickname given this product offered throughout the globe.  It is said that this option of K2 helps with sexual arousal and causes an individual to have a meditative state while becoming extremely aroused.
• K2 Sky: The generic form of K2 that sellers recommend as a first-time option because of its milder effects and easy smoking.

Legal Does Not Mean Safe

This legal and possibly deadly drug is new to the United States and proper examination of this drug has not been done, therefore there are countless more side effects that can be deadly or health hazardous.

If you are concerned that someone that you care for may be consuming any form of K2 you should learn the warning signs and if your loved one is showing any of these signs, they should seek medical attention immediately:

• Issues with school, failing grades, dropping out, or not continuing any homework after school.
• Showing signs of drug abuse, driving while under the influence, getting into trouble with the law, or acting as if they no longer care about their reputation or future.
• Having relationship trouble or failed relationships
• Pushing close friends away, secretive behavior, mood changes

Having an addiction to K2 means that a person is heightening their risk of troubles with their physical health, mental health, and possibly shortening their life. By seeking help from a treatment center you will be able to plan an addiction treatment program personalized to fit you or your loved one’s preferences and proceed to a healthy, drug free life.

About the Author

Marilyn Kegley works with several inpatient rehabilitation facilities to educate individuals about the dangers of substance abuse. After watching numerous loved ones struggle with addiction, her goal is to help as many people as possible get effective and successful rehabilitation treatment.

In today’s world, many kids start experimenting with drugs and alcohol at a very early age. It is for this reason that parents should take on an active role in educating their kids about addiction and its consequences. Unfortunately it is not always easy to talk to your kids about serious topics such as [...]]]>

In today’s world, many kids start experimenting with drugs and alcohol at a very early age. It is for this reason that parents should take on an active role in educating their kids about addiction and its consequences. Unfortunately it is not always easy to talk to your kids about serious topics such as addiction. If you are a parent wondering how to talk to your kids about addiction, the following tips can make it a bit less stressful.

Start Early

Since children are starting to experiment with drugs and alcohol earlier and earlier these days, it is a very good idea to start talking about addiction at a young age. While there is no set age to begin discussing serious topics like addiction, use your own judgment. You know your kids better than anyone else, so you will be able to tell when the time is right. With that said, always remember to approach your kids with age-appropriate information that they can comprehend. For example, a 7 or 8 year old may not be ready for the same information as a 10 or 11 year old. By providing age-appropriate information your kids will gain knowledge without being bombarded with terms and information they cannot comprehend.

Be a Good Listener

You should always try to be a good listener when it comes to your kids.  If your kids know you listen and respond to their feelings and concerns, they will be more comfortable talking to you about certain things that come up in their lives. Kids with parents that are compassionate listeners are less likely to experiment with drugs and alcohol as well. Let your kids know you are always available to talk to them about anything at all.

Know the Answers

It is also a good idea to educate yourself about addiction before talking to your kids about it. Educating yourself will allow you to honestly answer any questions your kids may have regarding the subject. Encourage your kids to ask as many questions about addiction as they can. The more they ask, the more you can tell them and the more they will know.

Set a Good Example

Kids are much more likely to listen to what you have to say about addiction if you provide them with a good example. Do not talk to them about the subject while sipping a beer, as this will lead to confusion. Kids with parents that set a good example are much less likely to suffer from an addiction.

Be Honest

One of the most important things to remember when talking to your kids about addiction is to be honest. When the time is right, tell them exactly what addiction is and how it is caused. Talk about different drugs and their effects. Let your kids know that addiction is a serious disease that can affect anyone, anywhere. Also tell them that drugs or alcohol may give them a “feel-good” feeling for a short time, but that the feeling quickly fades and leads to serious problems with their health and life.

These tips should make it easier for you to talk to your kids about addiction. As long as you maintain an active role in educating your kids about the topic, the more knowledge they will have. The more they know, the less likely they are to start experimenting with drugs or alcohol.

Guest post from Bailey Harris. Bailey writes for InsuranceQuotes.org.

If you are a parent, you know just how real drug abuse can be when it comes to teens. While many of us would like to think they are simply oblivious to these types of drugs, we should perhaps be more concerned with the fact that they do know what they are…they [...]]]>

If you are a parent, you know just how real drug abuse can be when it comes to teens. While many of us would like to think they are simply oblivious to these types of drugs, we should perhaps be more concerned with the fact that they do know what they are…they just might not understand the risks that come with them. These are 5 of the most commonly used drugs in the teen population and it may be wise to talk to your teen about them.

Marijuana
Kids today are trying marijuana at much younger ages than the generations before. Pot today is more potent than that of the past and is a major cause for alarm. The excuse "everyone else is doing it", is commonly used among teenagers. Or how about, "come on mom, you probably did it when you were our age", who hasn't heard that one. The difference now is that marijuana is not exactly the type of drug to be taken so lightly. One never knows what else in today's day and age that the pot their smoking is not laced with something else that is potentially even more harmful.

Prescription Drugs
Unfortunately many young people today are caught up with addictions to prescription drugs. Some twenty percent of today's teens are using drugs like Vicodin, Oxycontin and other narcotic pain medications. Sadly these drugs are often made accessible to them by the parents. Teens can find these prescribed medications right in their parents bathroom cabinets.

Ecstasy
The use of ecstasy has become very popular among the club scene. Teenagers are sold ecstasy in colorful packages stamped with fictional cartoon characters, but the dangers of using ecstasy are very real. Parents need to be aware of how this dangerous stimulant is marketed to their children. Other "club drugs" that our children are stumbling upon are rohypol, GHB and ketamine. All of these give the illusion of psychedelic effects and can be extremely intensified by music and lights.

Inhalants
Inhalants have also become a dangerous pastime of today's teens. The inhaling of common chemicals found in just about every home has risen. Teenagers inhale these chemicals to get high without realizing such actions can be fatal. It's extremely unfortunate that most teens view the use of these products to get high as a game. Substances classified as inhalants are anything from paint thinners to felt tip markers. White out aerosol sprays, nitrates and gases all also fall under this category. Unfortunately these substances are much too easy for our kids to obtain.

Street Drugs
Highly addictive street drugs such as heroin and cocaine have also reached our youth at too high of a degree. Not only are our children losing themselves in these drugs, they are also more frequently than not, risking their freedom. Law enforcement today has more concerns now than ever before where dangerous street drugs are involved. Way too many lives are ruined and destroyed by the use of these drugs.

It causes many families great sorrow to think about their children out there doing any of these dangerous drugs while they are out of sight. Parents need to have the "drug talks" with their children and make them understand the harm, not the misconceptions of the use of them. As parents, we need to be more involved in our children's lives. Knowing who our children's friends are and their activities can aid us in the prevention of our kids falling under a bad influence. Teen drug abuse is often understated and the kids themselves don't understand the harm in there usage to the full extent. It is up to the parent to provide their children with the knowledge that can make the difference between whether or not their child will experiment with dangerous drugs. We must realize that teen drug use is a very real problem. It is however, a problem that can be somewhat prevented, starting at home. Drug awareness and there harmful effects should be openly discussed with our children if we wish to have any hope of steering them in the right direction. Don't ignore the signs that come from your child.

Liza is a health and nutrition blogger and also a contributing writer for several drug rehab centers.

Addiction is a disease, and like any disease, it requires thorough treatment. Many drug and alcohol addicts have trouble battling addiction on their own, but addiction patients can always find help when dealing with the physical, emotional and psychological aspects of the condition. Here are a few tips for battling addiction and avoiding a [...]]]>

Addiction is a disease, and like any disease, it requires thorough treatment. Many drug and alcohol addicts have trouble battling addiction on their own, but addiction patients can always find help when dealing with the physical, emotional and psychological aspects of the condition. Here are a few tips for battling addiction and avoiding a relapse.

1. Get medical attention

Many addicts try to use the "cold turkey" method, but this can have unintended consequences. Addiction medicine specialists can track dependence with specialized medical equipment and help their patients avoid major withdrawal symptoms like seizures. Insurance carriers typically cover addiction treatment, and as sudden drug and alcohol cessation can have life-threatening consequences, talking to a trained specialist is an essential first step to recovery.

Many addicts also visit psychologists and psychiatrists to develop a comprehensive physical and psychological anti-addiction plan. These professionals often make the battle much easier, and many primary care physicians can refer their addicted patients to qualified local psychiatric offices.

2. Find a recovery program

Recovery programs reduce the chances of a relapse and can provide valuable insight and support for addicts. The most popular addiction recovery programs are Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA).

Many addicts avoid recovery programs because of the religious elements in programs like Alcoholics Anonymous. While AA doesn't insist on adherence to a particular religion, the program does insist on belief in a higher power.

Alternatives like Save Our Selves (SOS) may provide a better environment for some atheists and agnostics. Unfortunately, these less-popular programs are not available everywhere, so some addicts need to make slight alterations to the rules and literature of programs like AA in order to complete the steps to recovery.

Regardless of an addict's beliefs, some involvement with a recovery program will give the patient essential tools to deal with the psychological aspects of addiction.

3. Involve family and friends

By telling family members and friends about an addiction, patients remove much of the burden of a battle with addiction. Family members are often very helpful in avoiding relapses, especially if they get involved with the patient's recovery program.

Programs like AA and NA offer special sessions for family and friends of addicts. These sessions focus on recognizing the signs of drug use and providing a nurturing, positive environment for recovery. Addicts never need to face addiction alone, and family members can provide some much-needed help on the path to recovery.

The differences between marinol and marijuana are not much.  These drugs have the same side effects, the same mental effects, and the same healing properties except that marijuana is illegal and marinol is legal in some areas.

So let us start from the basics:

• Marinol is an FDA approved pill that [...]]]>

The differences between marinol and marijuana are not much.  These drugs have the same side effects, the same mental effects, and the same healing properties except that marijuana is illegal and marinol is legal in some areas.

So let us start from the basics:

• Marinol is an FDA approved pill that is actually synthetic THC which is known to cure vomiting, nausea and help increase a person’s appetite. This drug is prescribed to individuals that are either suffering from cancer and is constantly feeling sick or is no longer hungry.

• Marijuana is an illegal plant that is grown mainly in South America, and in America, where it is dried and distributed through drug trafficking. It has natural THC that can be taken from the drug itself, but most people either smoke or eat parts of the plant itself.     Marijuana increases appetite, and decreases nausea and vomiting.

Both of the drugs mentioned above seem to be very similar except that one is all natural and one is man-made, but there are several differences that play a big factor in why Marinol is legal and marijuana is illegal. 

The differences between Marinal and Marijuana are:

Marijuana

• Risk of lung cancer
• Risk of throat cancer
• Has 400 different chemicals that are hazardous to a person’s health
• Tar buildup in a person’s lungs, airways and tissues

Marinol

• No risk of lung cancer because it is a pill
• No risk of throat cancer because it is a pill
• Does not include any of the 400 hazardous chemicals that marijuana has
• Does not have tar, therefore tar buildup is impossible

Hundreds of hours have gone into making sure that Marinol is safe for anyone to consume and for the most part, this drug is living up to its high expectations, but the one problem that comes with having this drug available with a prescription is that people addicted to marijuana sometimes consider Marinol as a legal way to obtain the high they are after, but due to marijuana’s easy access in the country and its affordability, people tend to remain using this drug and causing themselves physical and mental harm.

Short-term Effects of Marinol and Maijuana

Even though Marinol seems to be the better choice for people living with medical issues that are in need of some relief, there are still some side effects that need to be considered.  Like all prescription drugs, Marinol does cause adverse side effects, and ironically the side effects of this drug are almost identical to the side effects of marijuana.  All short-term side effects of both Marinol and Marijuana include:

•    Paranoia
•    Increased appetite
•    Unusual thoughts
•    Strange behavior
•    Rapid heart rate
•    Mood changes
•    Trouble concentrating
•    Lack of coordination
•    Nausea
•    Vomiting
•    Diarrhea
•    Dizziness

The short-term side effects of Marinol come into effect within several minutes after one has taken the pill and the short-term side effects of Marijuana come into effect almost immediately after a person has inhaled or eaten the marijuana.

Both of the drugs mentioned above have their pros and cons, but when it comes to an addiction to either, there are only cons.  A person that struggles with an addiction to Marinol or Marijuana will constantly struggle with every aspect of their life.  Their only concern will be to obtain their next high and they will do everything in their power to obtain the drugs of their desires.  Addicts have been known to:

•    Prostitute as a way to obtain money for drugs
•    Prostitute their young children as a way to make money
•    Sell their homes so that they can use all their money for Marijuana or Marinol
•    Lose their interest in their education or future
•    Quit pursuing a career due to their concerns for only drugs
•    Starve themselves because they only want to spend their money on the drug

No matter what the drug, whether it is marijuana or marinol, addiction is a high possibly when abused. If you or someone that you care for is addicted to either Marinol or marijuana, or if you are interested in learning more about the differences between marinol and marijuana,take the steps necessary to get into a treatment program as soon as possible.

Author Bio:

Myra Lemmons is a freelance writer who is currently creating content for drug rehabilitation websites. She strives to educate readers about the dangers of drugs and alcohol, and hopes to encourage addicts to seek help from professional treatment centers. For more information on marijuana abuse please visit http://www.stopyouraddiction.com/

Heroin is an illegal drug that has serious and life-threatening consequences for those abusing it. Heroin is extremely addictive and those who develop this addiction will most often require medically supervised  treatment. When an individual has a heroin addiction, he or she will have intense and uncontrollable cravings for heroin and will [...]]]>

Heroin is an illegal drug that has serious and life-threatening consequences for those abusing it. Heroin is extremely addictive and those who develop this addiction will most often require medically supervised  treatment. When an individual has a heroin addiction, he or she will have intense and uncontrollable cravings for heroin and will feel as if they are not able to function without it. This is because the brain becomes dependent on the dopamine produced from heroin, and is no longer producing it naturally.  Since the brain is no longer producing dopamine, the person will be depressed and unable to experience pleasure unless he or she uses heroin again. This creates the addiction cycle, however, it is a cycle that one can choose to break with professional treatment.

The need for medical and professional treatment during heroin detox is important, because the serious withdrawal symptoms that occur during the process. Heroin withdrawal symptoms include, but are not limited to:

• Insomnia

• Irritability

• Diarrhea

• Vomiting

• Cold flashes

• Muscle aches and pains

• Extreme heroin cravings

Heroin detox symptoms will vary from person to person, depending on extent of the addiction and other factors. It is important for anyone going through heroin detox to seek professional detox treatment. Many who decide to begin their journey towards a successful recovery from heroin will find this to be one of the most challenging steps to take.

Effective Heroin Addiction Treatment

Most heroin addicts will find that getting professional treatment will be the best route for them to take. It is important for users to know the dangers and consequences of using heroin such as contracting HIV/AIDS, hepatitis and other diseases through needle sharing, severe damages to vital organs, pregnancy complications, respiratory depression, jail time and legal fines, overdose, and even death.  The longer the addiction or abuse problem persists, the severity of the associated dangers increases.  For a heroin addict, it may seem like there is no way out of the nightmare, but this is not true. There are many heroin treatment centers that can help addicts become drug-free and stay drug-free.

Treatment begins with the detoxification process to rid the body of toxins and all traces of heroinl. After this process, the client is able to choose the recovery options that best suits their needs and preferences.  Depending on the facility, recovery options can include:

• Self-help

• Outpatient programs

• Holistic recovery

• Inpatient treatment

• Faith/spiritual based recovery

• Support groups,

• Group or individual counseling

Having a role in choosing the program, the person will have more lasting results. Effective addiction treatment is important, because clients need a program they can feel comfortable with and will remain in to the end. Each part of the journey to recovery is just as important as the last. From detox to relapse prevention, every step leads to another and leads to a drug-free lifestyle.

Medically Supervised Heroin Detox Treatment

Heroin detox is necessary for anyone with a dependence on heroin, but the process is something that nobody should have to go through alone or without professional help. Choosing to go through the detox process alone has very low success rates and also can endanger the life of the person. Getting heroin detoxification treatment can help clients successfully and safely withdrawal from heroin with minimal pain and health risks. Medically supervised detox should be done in a inpatient facility with professionals on staff to monitor clients 24/7.  There are different detox treatment options available to clients. These options include acupuncture therapy, massage and sauna therapy, nutritional and exercise therapy,or  medical detox. It best to choose the detox treatment option that will work best for the client, in order to ensure successful heroin detox.  . Many dread this stage of treatment, but it is necessary to rid the body of heroin that is plaguing it. Heroin detox treatment should not be thought of as the dreaded step of treatment, but more as one more step towards a drug-free life.

If You are Looking to Break-Free From Addiction, There is a Way Out

Anyone who is battling addiction should make the decision to get professional addiction treatment help as soon as possible. Addictions, such as a heroin addiction, will take everything from a person and leave them with pain, suffering, and sadness. If you or someone you know is wanting to break-free from the addiction cycle, there is a way out.

Author Bio:

Marilyn Kegley works with several addiction treatment centers to educate individuals about the dangers of substance abuse. After watching numerous loved ones struggle with addiction, her goal is to help as many people as possible get effective and successful detox heroin process.

Many people do not realize the large amount of young adults who are using and abusing alcohol. This abuse has become so significant, that before the age of 18, over 70 percent of teens have had at least one drink. NIDA, The National Institute for Drugs and Alcohol, has also discovered that [...]]]>

Many people do not realize the large amount of young adults who are using and abusing alcohol. This abuse has become so significant, that before the age of 18, over 70 percent of teens have had at least one drink. NIDA, The National Institute for Drugs and Alcohol, has also discovered that people are four times more likely to become addicted to alcohol when they start to drink before the legal age limit. Educating our youth on drug and alcohol abuse is very important and helping them to say no is a big part of that.

For some teens, starting high school can involve peer pressure bullying and stressing. This is very hard to deal with emotionally and sometimes physically. This abuse could be the reason that a teen will start to drink alcohol. Many addicts that have abused alcohol for years use alcohol to numb things that could have started in high school or maybe even before. For parents who do not want this to be their child ten years down the road, help them to deal with their problems and let them know that drinking is not going to fix the problem.

Helping Your Teen

Talking to your children and informing them about alcohol and the dangers it entails is a good way to prevent alcohol abuse. Letting them know that alcohol is dangerous and that it is the main cause of over 75,000 deaths per year could definitely help them make the right decision. For some kids, they may start just because everyone else is doing it and they want to fit in; this is not how you want to fit in. Let your child know that these are not the friends they want to hang out with on a day to day basis.

Being a good role model to your child is also very important in keeping your child from doing the wrong thing. If you are constantly drinking, but also telling your child that it is not ok, what kind of parent are you? Showing your children that drinking is not ok also includes you not drinking. Letting them see you do what right will only help them know what is right. Most are led by example, so be the example you want your child to follow.

The best way to keep your children from drinking is to just talk to them and educate them on alcohol and what it can do to you.

Becky Winslow is a freelance writer and consultant for Narconon Drug Rehab where her primary goal is to educate young adults of the effects of drug and alcohol abuse. Winslow has been drug free for 3 years now and writing is her anti-drug.

When your loved one has gone through the difficult process of recovery, it can be devastating when s/he relapses back into a former addiction. Studies suggest that anywhere from 40 to 60% of all recovering addicts relapse at some point, but that doesn’t make it any easier to watch someone return to [...]]]>

When your loved one has gone through the difficult process of recovery, it can be devastating when s/he relapses back into a former addiction. Studies suggest that anywhere from 40 to 60% of all recovering addicts relapse at some point, but that doesn’t make it any easier to watch someone return to their destructive behaviors.

It’s important to remember that when someone is living with an addiction, s/he is living with a chronic condition, no different from diabetes, heart disease or other diseases. When addicts complete a rehabilitation program, they are not cured; they just have a better handle on managing their disease. If they don’t have all the tools they need to manage their condition, relapse is a definite possibility.

Reasons for Relapse

Many recovering addicts slip back into using drugs or alcohol for similar reasons. In some cases, a craving for the drug -- either physical or mental -- can cause a relapse, especially when the addict has not successfully completed withdrawal or does not take prescribed medication to help with the addiction.

In other cases, relapses occur due to the addict’s responses to emotions such as boredom, anxiety, loneliness, anger and even happiness. While most rehabilitation and maintenance programs provide addicts with strategies and tools for handling their emotions, recently recovering addicts may not be fully comfortable with these techniques or not yet strong enough to find other ways of coping with emotional issues.

One of the first rules of recovery is to avoid people and places where addictive behaviors developed or are encouraged, but for some addicts, this is difficult or impossible. Sometimes, just being in a place where they used drugs previously can cause a relapse.

Finally, some addicts relapse because they mistakenly believe that now that they have completed rehabilitation, they are no longer addicted and can “control” how they use drugs or alcohol. They fail to recognize that addiction is a lifelong condition, and even just “a little bit” of a substance can trigger a full-blown relapse.

Signs of Relapse

Regardless of the reasons for the relapse, there are common signs that indicate that a person will return to substance abuse. There are the obvious signs – actually witnessing someone using or being drunk or high – but there are usually also clear indications that a relapse is coming long before it occurs.

Before someone relapses, s/he may exhibit other addictive tendencies, such as excessive eating, shopping, gambling, smoking, sex or other behaviors. Generally, this behavior is in response to stresses or emotional issues. For example, someone who previously dealt with anxiety by using drugs might try to settle those feelings by overeating or having sex with multiple partners.

Since relapse is often triggered when someone struggles with emotions, be alert for depression, defensiveness and withdrawal. Recovering addicts often seek support from others to stay sober, but if they are contemplating using again, they may pull away. They avoid people who will hold them accountable for their behavior or question their substance abuse, and they often become defensive when questioned about their recovery and sobriety.

Because addiction is often associated with an inability to control one’s emotions or the desire to “feel better” when dealing with life’s difficulties, it’s important for recovering addicts to acknowledge their feelings and seek constructive ways to deal with them. When someone who’s gone through rehabilitation is in denial, insisting that everything is fine when it isn’t or refusing to deal with sadness, anxiety, anger or other emotions, a relapse is possible.

What to Do

When someone is in recovery, cognitive behavioral therapy is an important part of the treatment plan. This type of therapy gives addicts the tools and strategies they need to respond to life’s events and stresses without turning to drugs or alcohol. Therapy should be ongoing, whether in an individual or group setting. In some cases, support groups are useful as well, helping to hold recovering addicts accountable and keep them on track.

Friends and family of recovering addicts can provide help and support for their loved ones. First, they need to remove possible triggers for relapse and avoid enabling in any way. If a relapse occurs, it’s important to avoid referring to the relapse as a failure, but understand that relapse is common and often part of the recovery process. Recognizing the causes and signs of relapse can help prevent a return to destructive behaviors.

There is no cure for addiction, and while intense rehabilitation can help someone get back on track to a healthy and productive life, it’s up to the individual to maintain his or her own sobriety. When a relapse occurs, it does not have to mean the end of recovery – it’s just another step in a lifelong journey.

This guest post article was written and provided by Gregg Gustafson who is a freelance writer and consultant for Drug-Rehab.org. Gustafson works with individuals who suffer from drug abuse, in turn referring them to some of the most prestige drug rehab centers active today.

Society today puts a great deal of emphasis on entertainment and blatantly promotes the use of various mood-altering substances that will enhance a person's enjoyment during social gatherings.  Occasional use of these substances, such as alcohol, cocaine, ecstasy and others, does not indicate addiction, but it is not difficult to cross the fine line [...]]]>

Society today puts a great deal of emphasis on entertainment and blatantly promotes the use of various mood-altering substances that will enhance a person's enjoyment during social gatherings.  Occasional use of these substances, such as alcohol, cocaine, ecstasy and others, does not indicate addiction, but it is not difficult to cross the fine line between abuse and addiction.  Once the person crosses that line, they should seek help from alcohol abuse treatment centers. Alcohol abusers do not usually display withdrawal symptoms when not drinking, and they still maintain some level of control over how much they consume.  Alcoholics, on the other hand, cannot control how much they consume and progressively need more and more alcohol to achieve the desired level of intoxication.  They suffer uncomfortable side effects if alcohol is withheld, and will go to any lengths to obtain more.

If You Knew Social Drinking Could Lead to Alcoholism, Would You Stop Drinking?

Many alcoholics will admit that their drinking started as an attempt to fit in with the crowd, or they used alcohol to help them relax after a difficult day.  Over time, they began drinking a little more each time until they found they had lost control of their habit.

No one intends to become an alcoholic, but alcohol combined with an emotional problem such as depression or anxiety puts the person at high risk for becoming an alcoholic.  Anyone who drinks regularly should evaluate their reasons for drinking and consider stopping if any of the following apply:

– Low self-esteem

– Family history of alcoholism

– Depression or high stress

– Financial trouble

– Relationship problems

– Chronic health issues

– Peer pressure

Any emotional, physical or environmental problems combined with alcohol abuse can certainly lead to alcoholism. If you have reached a point where you can't stop on your own,   you should consider seeking treatment.  Professional alcohol abuse treatment centers are equipped with highly trained staff to address all aspects of the alcoholism and get you on a path to an alcohol-free lifestyle.

How Can You Tell if You Have a Drinking Problem?

One of the most defining traits of alcoholism is that alcohol becomes the most important thing in the person's life.  They plan ahead to ensure that they have enough alcohol available and if they run out, will go to any lengths to obtain more.  Some engage in criminal activity such as stealing or prostitution in order to have money to fund their habit.

Other indicators of alcoholism include emotional disturbances, violent outbursts, lack of interest in daily routines, poor hygiene, verbal or physical abuse of loved ones, and secretive behavior.  Studies show that the leading cause of child neglect and abuse is alcoholism, and the number of needless accidents and deaths resulting from alcohol use continues to rise.

If you are noticing any of the above behaviors in yourself following a drinking binge, you probably have a drinking problem and should seek the help of alcohol abuse treatment facilities right away before serious consequences occur.  Alcoholism will eventually destroy every aspect of your life and extend to negatively affect your family, friends, employers and community.

When is it Time to get Help?

In most cases, the sooner you begin treatment, the easier the process will be and the sooner you can get back to living your life the way you did before alcohol took over.  The long-term effects of continued alcohol abuse or alcoholism can take a devastating toll on your physical well-being.  Serious health problems such as high blood pressure, heart attack, stroke, liver and kidney damage, and some cancers can occur as a result of prolonged alcohol use.

The best time to get help is today.  Don't make excuses. If you are afraid of rehab and don't know what to expect, call some of the alcohol abuse treatment centers and speak with the counselors.  They will assess your situation and recommend a program best suited for your needs, and will also be able to answer any questions you have about the rehab process.

Remember how good it felt to look forward to your future with anticipation and goals?  Don't allow alcohol to continue robbing you of that future.  Not only is alcohol affecting your chance for a successful future, it is also robbing you of the past and present, because you probably won't remember much of what has been going on in your life while you were hidden away with the alcohol.

Author Bio:

Myra Lemmons is a freelance writer who is currently creating content for drug rehabilitation websites.  She strives to educate readers about the dangers of drugs and alcohol, and hopes to encourage addicts to seek help from professional alcohol abuse treatment centers.

In today's world, everyone knows about hangovers.  Most of us laugh about someone's misery the day after a drinking episode.  The person suffering with the hangover swears they will never drink again.  Although we know the term “hangover”, do we actually understand what is causing the headache and nausea and tiredness?  Of course, it [...]]]>

In today's world, everyone knows about hangovers.  Most of us laugh about someone's misery the day after a drinking episode.  The person suffering with the hangover swears they will never drink again.  Although we know the term “hangover”, do we actually understand what is causing the headache and nausea and tiredness?  Of course, it is the result of drinking too much, but what has alcohol done inside the body to cause these uncomfortable symptoms? A hangover is the body's way of telling you that something is wrong.  If you continue this type of behavior, alcohol detoxification treatment will be needed to help you stop drinking.  The following are examples of some of the ways alcohol affects the body to produce the hangover.

• Stomach:  Alcohol forces the stomach to produce excess acid and slows digestion and this can cause nausea and vomiting.

• Kidneys:  Excess alcohol causes frequent urination and this can cause dehydration, thirst and dizziness.

• Blood sugar levels: When blood sugar drops after alcohol consumption, the person will feel moody, nervous, weak, tired and some can experience seizures.

• Blood vessels: Alcohol cause blood vessels to dilate and this is why you have a headache after drinking too much.

• Sleep disturbances: Although you think you sleep good when you're drunk, you actually are not resting properly and will wake up tired.

Taken individually, these don't seem terribly difficult to overcome, but when they are all combined, you will suffer a serious hangover.

How do you know if it is Alcohol Poisoning?

In far to many instances, a person is found passed-out or has died from alcohol poisoning.  There are some specific symptoms to watch for that will determine if medical attention is necessary.  Some of those symptoms can include:

• Hypothermia (low body temperature)
• Pale skin or blue tint to the skin
• Persistent vomiting
• Dazed or confused state
• Slowed breathing
• Seizures
• Unconsciousness

If you witness these symptoms in someone who is drinking heavily, seek medical attention right away to avoid serious consequences or death.

Is there a cure for hangovers?

Naturally, the best cure for a hangover is to not drink at all, or at least stay within a reasonable limit. There is no actual cure, but there are many remedies that claim to ease the symptoms.  In most cases, the best thing to do is let the hangover run it's course.  Don't fall for the old “hair of the dog” cure.  This will only make things worse in the end.  Some simple things you can do to help your body eliminate the toxins and begin feeling better include staying hydrated, eat bland foods, take a mild pain reliever and try to get some sleep.

Negative effects on physical health

Prolonged drinking habits will eventually cause serious harm to the body and some of these negative effects can be life-threatening.  Alcoholism will often result in high blood pressure, heart disease, liver and kidney damage, memory loss, and some forms of cancer.  The best way avoid these complications is to seek help from an alcohol rehab program.

Anyone suffering with a hangover should take a moment to re-evaluate their drinking habits.
In time, you will wish you had paid attention to the hangover misery, because that is the least of your problems if you are in the process of alcohol detoxification.   By this time, you have most likely suffered loss of job, family dysfunction, alienation from friends, and declining health.

Remember, a hangover is a warning.  Let this be the day you listen to that warning and take steps to end your alcohol abuse.  If you feel that you can't do this on your own, there are professional alcohol detoxification programs that will get you off of the alcohol physically, and then teach you skills and methods for avoiding alcohol in the future.  After attending these programs you can look forward to the future with renewed self-esteem and a sense of purpose.

It is probably a good thing that there is no cure for a hangover because that would make getting drunk even more enticing.  Maybe after suffering enough serious hangovers, you will come to the realization that this is not what you need to be doing with your life.  Another thing to realize is that it not only affects your life, but your family's life as well.  They have to watch you behaving badly while you're drunk, then they have to put up with your moody hangover the next day.  They deserve better than this from you, so take the first step and call an alcohol detoxification center today.

Author Bio:

Myra Lemmons is a freelance writer who is currently creating content for drug rehabilitation websites.  She strives to educate readers about the dangers of drugs and alcohol, and hopes to encourage addicts to seek help from professional drug and alcohol treatment centers.

According to researcher David Greenfield, the odds are good that you know someone who is addicted to the Internet. A study released in 2009 found that nearly six percent of Internet users are addicted to the Web. Although there is some debate in the psychological community about whether such a thing as Internet addiction [...]]]>

According to researcher David Greenfield, the odds are good that you know someone who is addicted to the Internet. A study released in 2009 found that nearly six percent of Internet users are addicted to the Web. Although there is some debate in the psychological community about whether such a thing as Internet addiction exists, many experts believe that it not only exists, but that it disrupts lives and destroys families and careers on a regular basis.

According to Greenfield, "Marriages are being disrupted. Kids are getting into trouble. People are committing illegal acts. People are spending too much money. As someone who treats patients, I see it."

Alcohol and drug addiction have been accepted as legitimate conditions by the medical establishment for decades, but the tendency to label nearly any compulsive behavior as an addiction has generated a great deal of skepticism. Still, therapists who report that they see patients who spend virtually every waking moment online say that compulsive internet use looks very similar to other, more established addictions. In fact, prior to the 2009 study, industry estimates had set the rate of addiction among Internet users as high as 10 percent.

Greenfield, a Connecticut psychologist, collected data from more than 17,000 people regarding their Internet usage. Aptly, he gathered the information through an Internet poll. Greenfield adapted a widely-accepted questionnaire used to screen for gambling addiction to determine whether his respondents exhibited signs of Internet addiction. Respondents were asked such questions as whether they had ever tried to reduce their Internet usage without success, whether they ever used the Internet as an escape and whether they find themselves thinking about the Internet when they were not online.

Respondents who answered five or more of the questions with an affirmative were deemed to be addicted. If the results of the study hold true for the general public, there are over 11 million Internet addicts across the world. Greenfield believes that the unique combination of lowered inhibition, the timeless nature of the internet and the illusion of intimacy that is common among Internet users makes the medium particularly addictive.

Greenfield expresses concern that the increased availability of cheap Internet and ever-increasing connection speeds will only increase the technology's addictive potential. He expects the Internet addiction treatment field to eventually sub-divide into various categories, including sex, gambling and obsessive surfing.

Greenfield admits that his entire pool of participants was selected from the users of a single Internet site. This narrow focus represents a potential flaw in the data and leaves unanswered concerns that the results may be peculiar to the users of that site.

Child Welfare League Committee recently published a report that shows nearly 40 percent of students from fifth grade to eighth grade show symptoms of cell phone addiction.

4,269 samples were collected from 19 countries and cities in May of this past year. Of those samples, approximately 37 percent revealed that students check their cell [...]]]>

Child Welfare League Committee recently published a report that shows nearly 40 percent of students from fifth grade to eighth grade show symptoms of cell phone addiction.

4,269 samples were collected from 19 countries and cities in May of this past year. Of those samples, approximately 37 percent revealed that students check their cell phones first thing in the morning. Approximately 10 percent of students admitted to using their cell phones during class lessons. 26 percent of students use their cell phones during their commute to school. After school, 21 percent of surveyed students admitted to using their cell phone past 11pm.

Surprisingly, out of the surveyed teens, 45 percent of them admitted that they thought they use their cell phone too much; close to 40 percent showed symptoms of actual cell phone addiction.

In a land dominated by technology, nearly half of all fifth and sixth graders frequently use cellphones. Additionally, 69 percent of all seventh graders have cellphones, and 71 percent of all eighth graders have cell phones. Cellphone use among 12-year-olds stands at 56 percent in the US.

The study also observed Taiwanese children in various urban areas. Cellphone use among Taiwanese children grew 22 percent, compared with six years ago. Cellphone use in Taiwan is higher than China and Japan. In China, only 46 percent of the population from ages 10-18 uses cellphones. In Japan, only 45 percent of all 14-year-olds have cellphones.

However, close to 60 percent of all Taiwanese children only use their cellphone for less than five minutes per day.

The report stated that most teenagers use their cellphones for other activities, such as texting, listening to music, watching videos and surfing the Web.

Alicia Wang, Child Welfare League Committee executive director, advises parents not to spend too much money on cellphones, especially smartphones, for their kids. Wang insists that parents only allow their children phones with basic feature functions, and even then, don't allow small children to own a cellphone.

Perhaps one reason why cell phone addiction is rising is because of how easy it is to obtain a phone. Most companies offer free cell phones with a new 2-year contract.

It is a well-known fact that people like food. In fact, most people not only like food, they love food. They go living day by day just for that particular sweet taste of a certain food they like. Foods contain certain nutrients and hormones that assist the body with growth and development. Some foods [...]]]>

It is a well-known fact that people like food. In fact, most people not only like food, they love food. They go living day by day just for that particular sweet taste of a certain food they like. Foods contain certain nutrients and hormones that assist the body with growth and development. Some foods assist in creating chemicals that help keep you healthy. Foods that are high in sugar and fat tend to turn that chemical around; making foods that are not good for you, the food you feel you need the most. It can get to the point where these people become addicted to food. Food contains chemicals that can transmit certain reactions to the brain. Such reactions can be the urge to eat more foods with a higher fat and sugar content. Because of this, it turns eating into an addiction. Some individuals carry a certain gene that makes them more susceptible to being an over eater. Some people carry a similar gene that makes them less susceptible to being an over eater. People who carry the gene that makes them want to overeat, crave the foods they want and in turn eat those foods creating a downward spiral. This in turn creates the addiction to eating certain foods.

Dr. Pawel Olszewski from Waikato University in New Zealand has discovered a pattern that describes the addictive behavior. He has found that foods that are higher in sugar and fat content contain a chemical that produces changes in the brain that resembles addictive behavior. Dr. Olszewski has conducted several tests and experiments to prove this theory on rodents. His findings were astronomical.

Dr. Olszewski claims that foods that are more delicious to individuals with a high sugar and fat content, have the same chemical compound for addiction as morphine or nicotine. Because of this, it makes those types of foods more addictive. It has been discovered that when eating foods that are higher in sugar and fat content, individuals tend to eat more until they are too full. This is because these types of foods have empty calories that cause the body not to feel as full. The chemicals that control the full feeling are stomped down with the sugar and fat content of the foods the individual is eating. Because of this, individuals eat more and more every day, creating an obesity crisis in the world. Foods that are high in sugar and fat content cause overeating and eventually can cause individuals to become overweight or obese.

Individuals are more susceptible to becoming overweight or obese because there are so many different sugary or fatty foods available on the market. When subjected to these foods, individuals tend to eat more of them than the healthier foods. It becomes very difficult to break the habit of eating the foods higher in sugar or fat content. This in turn causes many problems in humans today.
Problems that could arise:

• They could become overweight or obese
• They could have high cholesterol
• They could contract diabetes
• They could die

Individuals carry certain addictive tendencies. Individuals naturally have genes that can cause them to be addicted to many different things. When certain individuals eat a high sugar and fatty diet, the brain gets a signal from the chemicals that this is something the body needs.

Dr. Olszewski discovered that if you inject a patient with a drug that suppresses the addiction gene into rodents that have been on a sugar and fat diet, they begin to go through withdrawals from eating those types of foods. The drugs release a hormone to the brain that helps it to respond to the food addiction. This in turn helps the individual to stop wanting to eat the sugary or fatty foods available to them.

This in turn helps the individual to take better steps to eating healthier foods that keep their bodies in check. Baking foods in the oven or grilling foods on BBQ grills are just a few choices to help make better decisions about eating healthier. By making, the decision to eat foods that have a lower sugar and fatty amount in them, individuals will not be as overweight as those who are addicted to those fatty and sugary foods.

Because of his research, Dr. Olszewski is confident that someday it could help other physicians to diagnose these addictive behaviors in patients. This in turn can help patients, who are more susceptible to obesity, control it with a personalized therapy. By creating this type of therapy, it will assist the patients to become more in control over their body and addictions.

Dr. Olszewski has not achieved this goal yet. However, he is working on a way to fight the addiction to the higher sugar and fatty foods. By achieving this, he will be helping many individuals around the world to become healthier, thinner individuals.

Behavioral studies and consumer behavior articles claim that wine drinkers are generally have higher levels of education and live more sophisticated lifestyles, compared to people who drink other types of alcohol. Additionally, many wine drinkers are thought of to have higher incomes and better health, due to their consumption of healthy foods.

However, epidemiologic [...]]]>

Behavioral studies and consumer behavior articles claim that wine drinkers are generally have higher levels of education and live more sophisticated lifestyles, compared to people who drink other types of alcohol. Additionally, many wine drinkers are thought of to have higher incomes and better health, due to their consumption of healthy foods.

However, epidemiologic studies can not prove that wine consumers suffer less from cardiovascular diseases and mortality than people who consume other types of alcohol, after all adjustments for lifestyles have been accounted for.

Previous long-term studies on older Americans concluded that it was the associated lifestyle, habits and environmental factors that exponentially explained their better health. However, some people were concerned that the study's approach was flawed, claiming that the data presented on paper were inadequate to support the study's conclusion.

While the study may have been flawed due to its research on only a single estimate of alcohol intake and large adjustments for what the authors deemed as low-wine and high-wine consumers. Regardless, the study did confirm lower mortality rates for wine consumers than non-alcohol consumers.

To support this find, experimental studies show that some polyphenols and other constituents present within wine and other alcoholic beverages have independent properties that can protect against most cardiovascular risk factors.

Regardless, whether such advantages are found among moderate wine or beer drinkers is hard to determine. Epidemiologic studies have a hard time proving one or the other because comparisons among wine, beer and spirit drinks are not being made. Instead, what is being compared are humans who consume these beverages, and of course, it is hard to make conclusions based off human research, due to complex differences between each individual.

One of the most commonly asked questions regarding addiction recovery is whether or not natural remedies can be helpful or not.  There are a wide range of opinions on this.  The truth is that whatever information you get on the Internet is not a substitute for professional medical prevention, diagnosis, or treatment.  While it [...]]]>

One of the most commonly asked questions regarding addiction recovery is whether or not natural remedies can be helpful or not.  There are a wide range of opinions on this.  The truth is that whatever information you get on the Internet is not a substitute for professional medical prevention, diagnosis, or treatment.  While it is always good to get tips and advice from wherever you can, it is important to consult your physician, pharmacist, or health care provider before you take any natural remedies or supplements.

So what kind of natural remedies are people on the Internet suggesting?  Well, some examples are L-Glutamine for alcohol addiction and licorice root as a replacement for the habit of smoking.

But by themselves these natural remedies are NOT going to magically "cure" you of addiction?

Why?

Because addiction is more of a mental and spiritual thing than it is a physical thing.

Of course it is always a good thing to take your vitamins and stay in peak physical condition - treating your body right will give you the best chance to beat any addiction.

But you are not truly going to beat any addiction until you address what is going on mentally and spiritually.

So if you really desire to beat an addiction, what should you do?

Number one, you need to admit that you have an addiction.  That can be very hard for many people to do.

Number two, you need to make a decision to change.  For many people, until the perceived pain of staying the same becomes greater than the perceived pain of making a change nothing is going to happen.  Perhaps today is the day to really evaluate where you are at.

Number three, once you have decided to make a change, you need to reach out for help.  This step involves swallowing your pride. Often a good first step is to reach out to a trusted family member. After that, reaching out to a professional who works in the field of your addiction or reaching out to a spiritual advisor can be extremely helpful. You are likely to need a lot of assistance in overcoming your addiction, and family, friends and licensed professionals are there to be that help.

Number four, which is the most important step, is to reach out to God.  Many have found that they did not have the strength within themselves to defeat an addiction, but that when they turned to the God of the universe they found all the power that they ever needed. The truth is that we all need God whether we are addicted to something or not.  We are all messed up in some way and we have all broken God's laws.  But the good news is that Jesus Christ (Yahshua) came to this earth to die for our sins on the cross. We urge you to invite Jesus Christ into your life today, because He will not only help you overcome your addiction - He will forgive your sins and will give you eternal life, and nothing is more important than that.

To find our more about how you can become a Christian, we encourage you to read another article that we published on this site: "Yahshua: The Ultimate Key To Addiction Recovery".

As more details of the Tiger Woods scandal come out, tabloids have been running such splashy headlines as "TIGER GIRL RACHEL CANCELS PRESS CONFERENCE - - $1 MILLION PAYOFF ALLEGED!!!"  It seems like the American media and even large portions of the American people are all too eager to absolutely trash someone who [...]]]>

As more details of the Tiger Woods scandal come out, tabloids have been running such splashy headlines as "TIGER GIRL RACHEL CANCELS PRESS CONFERENCE - - $1 MILLION PAYOFF ALLEGED!!!"  It seems like the American media and even large portions of the American people are all too eager to absolutely trash someone who was once one of the nation's greatest heroes.  Without clearly admitting guilt, Tiger Woods has at least taken partial responsibility for whatever it is that he did.  In a statement posted on Tiger's website on Wednesday, Tiger acknowledged his "transgressions" that "let my family down" while at the same time pleading with the press for some privacy.   But this scandal just seems to get bigger by the hour. 

Yes, if Tiger Woods did commit adultery that is a very bad and very ugly thing and he was very, very wrong.  But why should this be sensationalized and celebrated endlessly in the media?  Perhaps the men of America should examine their own lives before being so quick to pass judgment on someone else.  You see, the truth is that America is a nation full of men who are sex addicts, adulterers and perverts.  It is really easy to jump on Tiger Woods, but how would most men in America stack up if the full weight of the tabloid media was weighing on them? 

The following are 10 reasons why American men should think twice before they judge Tiger Woods.....

#1) According to one major study, one out of every four married men in the United States admit to having at least one extramarital affair.  That is stunning, but imagine how much higher the numbers would be if it included all the ones who are lying about it?

#2) Scientists conducting a major scientific study at the University of Montreal recently launched a search for men who had never looked at pornography - but could not find a single one.

#3) Young men in America are so addicted to sex and are so incredibly irresponsible that they are getting record numbers of young teen girls pregnant.  In fact, 115 girls at one high school in Chicago alone either already have a baby or are pregnant right now.

#4) Thanks to the horniness of American men, 1 out of every four teen girls in the United States now has an STD and more than 25 percent of the residents of New York City now have herpes.

#5) Authorities estimate that there are over 60 million survivors of childhood sexual abuse in the United States today.  The vast majority of that abuse is committed by American men.

#6) Authorities also estimate that approximately 95% of all teenage prostitutes were sexually abused as children.  Once again, the men of America are overwhelmingly to blame for that.

#7) More than 70% of men in the United States between the ages of 18 and 34 visit at least one pornographic website in a typical month.

#8) In fact, a recent survey revealed that American men are so addicted to pornography that a large number of them can't even wait to get home to view it.  The survey found that 25 percent of American employees who have Internet access visit porn websites while they are at work.

#9) 89 dollars is spent on porn every single second of every single day in the United States.  The vast majority of that money is spent by American men.

#10) Porn industry revenue in the United States is larger than all of the revenues for all professional football, baseball and basketball franchises combined.

Are you starting to get the picture?

The truth is that before the men of America judge Tiger Woods, perhaps they should judge themselves.  There are tens of millions of American men out there who have done things just as bad as Tiger Woods has done - or worse.