Butterbur For Migraine Reduction?
In 2005, scientists at the New York, Albert Einstein College of Medicine carried out a trial on 24,000 headache and migraine sufferers. They studied the headache medications used by these sufferers, to determine whether participants suffering on less than 15 days a month were more likely to develop chronic attacks
The survey showed that those who used barbiturates and caffeine-containing drugs as pain relief were at risk of developing rebound headaches, also known as medication-overuse headaches. If taken to excess, or too often, these medications can worsen the migraine severity and frequency, making the problem harder to treat. By 2006, 209 of the people who had taken part in the study had developed chronic migraine.
Pregnant or breast-feeding women, and anyone with heart disease or peptic ulcers, should not use these drugs for fear of complications. (Adapted from: American Academy of Neurology (2008, April 27). Overuse of Codeine, Oxycodone and Barbiturates Increases Risk Of Chronic Migraine. ScienceDaily.)
Other medications are widely available for preventing migraines but they are rarely wholly successful and they also have numerous side-effects. One of the most common forms of migraine treatments used by doctors is an anti depressant such as Amitriptyline. These are extremely addictive and when a patient stops taking them they may suffer debilitating withdrawal symptoms for many months. This should not be attempted without the supervision of a qualified medical practitioner.
Migraine sufferers are beginning to realise that prescription drugs simply aren't effective unless they continually increase their doses. Finding that the side effects are far too numerous and too uncomfortable to continue treatments, many are now turning to natural remedies which focus on the entire body, not merely the source of pain as is the case with prescription drugs. The side effects from natural remedies are usually less profound and there are no known addictions.
One such remedy is butterbur. "Bartram's Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine" notes that butterbur is used for migraine of "liver origins". In Asia, Europe and regions of North America, where Butterbur grows naturally, extracts from the leaves and flowers have been used for centuries as a 'folk remedy'. Conditions other than migraine that are believed to respond to Butterbur are allergies, asthma and stomach cramps. Butterbur is a member of the ragweed family of plants and anyone who is allergic to daisy, marigold, chrysanthemum or ragweed should not use it, neither should people who have kidney or liver disease, or pregnant women. It should never be used for treating children.
Modern studies suggest that Butterbur works by calming spasms in some muscle tissues and reducing inflammation of the walls of blood vessels.
A study, published in Neurology, suggests that use of an extract from Butterbur can reduce the frequency of migraines. The study, conducted by the Yeshiva University in New York, involved the use of a butterbur extract, Petodolex. The 245 people who took part in the study had experienced between two and six migraine attacks per month during the three months before the trial began. Three months before starting they stop taking their usual migraine preventative treatment, so that the chemical residues could be eliminated from their system.
The trial compared the effect of taking Butterbur extract over a four month period, using 50mg, 75mg doses twice a day and a placebo.
After four months of treatment, migraine frequency was reduced by 48% in those who used the 75mg dose, with a 26% reduction in the placebo group. Those who took the 50mg dose were found to have a 36% reduction in the frequency of migraines, and researchers felt this was not significantly different from the effects of the placebo. Significantly more people in the 75mg dose group had a 50% reduction in monthly migraine attacks than those in the placebo group. (Adapted from Neurology Dec 2004; 63:2240-4; Press releases from Yeshiva University).
Butterbur is known to have side effects which include indigestion, vomiting, diarrhea and constipation however, reports from the studies suggested that those using Butterbur only reported mild side effects, the most common being burping.
When using natural alternatives for migraine treatment, you will usually benefit most from consulting a qualified practitioner.
Are Our Children Safe From Prescription Drugs?
Did you know, when surveyed, 56% of American Teens said they preferred to get high using legal prescription drugs instead of illegal (or Street) drugs. We all know the growing problem of Teen Drug Abuse has been a challenge for parents for decades. But I particularly find this fact extremely startling. How have we gotten to the point of our children getting high and endangering their lives by our own legal drugs?
When we think of Substance Abuse, illegal drugs are the first thing on our minds. What we hear from the media about drug abuse is normally in reference to illegal drugs. Our community has been very slow to identify the growing problem of legal drug abuse.
Personally, I was not aware of the problem until it presented itself first hand in my family. When I learned my grandson was in trouble for using Oxycodone at school, the first question I asked was:
Where Would a Teen get a Prescription Drug such as Oxycodone?
I was shocked to learn our children have such easy access to these drugs. The overwhelming majority of teens obtain these legal drugs through people they know, and more importantly, through the people we know. They have learned to get them from friends, family and even steal them if necessary. The point is, they are so easily available. They can even buy them on the internet. More shocking was the realization that virtually anyone can get prescription drugs if they want them.
What Can We Do?
1) We must be aware of what is going on with our children and grandchildren.
2) Store medications in a safe place.
3) Make sure family members are aware of the problem and help them to understand how important it is to store medications safely.
4) Know who our children are associating with and talk to their parents.
5) Monitor our children's Internet use.
6) And, most importantly, we must talk to our children
The lesson, we as parents and grandparents must learn is how to protect our children. Our world is changing so very fast and we must step out of our comfort zones to be prepared.
We should never assume because everything appears to be fine with the children, that it is all okay. We must be proactive in areas we are not familiar with in order to keep the kids safe.
Bad Things Often Start From Good Ones
It's human nature to test the limits of just about anything. Look at the inquisitive mind of a two year-old, or the daring bicycle leap of a ten year-old. We explore the limits of everything. John F. Kennedy talked about putting a man on the moon in his inaugural address, which was given just a few years after the discovery of a vaccine for polio.
Americans marveled at the speed and efficiency of the steam locomotive in the 1800's, and some even complained that the noise and break-neck speed of 25 miles per hour was a disturbance to cattle and horses. But that soon gave way to faster trains, then flight. We always test the limits.
Human nature also seeks pleasure. We want to feel good and have a good time. We stretch the limits. The pleasurable sip of a good Scotch whiskey turns into alcohol dependence. The relief from pain we receive from a prescription drugs can turn into a health-destroying lifestyle.
We push the limits.
We make decisions based on what we want or what we think we need.
For example, OxyContin, is an effective pain management medication when taken as directed under the care of a physician. The active ingredient in this drug is oxycodone, which is a synthetic opiate. It is derived from morphine. But the drug is popular on the street for recreation.
When I was working at a large urban medical center, emergency room doctors and nurses would often tell me about patients who not only were asking for these drugs, but demanding them. The abuse of the emergency rooms around the country is rampant. They want the drug so they can grid it up and snort it.
People who abuse this drug say that the effect, the "rush" is better than heroin.
Sadly, even people who take the medicine according to prescribed direction can fall victim to its addictive nature. Without intentionally abusing it, OxyContin users can get into trouble, but Hanson wrote that patients who use the drug properly and follow their doctor's directions rarely become addicted.
It's the pleasure seeker that gets into trouble. In my work with drug rehab patients, the numbers of people abusing and/or addicted to "oxycotton" is similar to those addicted to crack or heroin. It's easy to get. Online pharmacies will sometimes offer the drug, even if the seeker doesn't have a prescription.
Who is to blame? Purdue Pharma, the drug's manufacturer? Doctors? Pharmacies? Abusers? Or do we blame our own human nature and our own inclination to test the limits? Information on drugs is readily available. The possibility for addiction to OxyContin because of abuse is well documented. What is intended for good can easily be twisted for evil. Human nature has been doing that since the beginning.
Oxycodone Addiction – It’s Just Medicine Right?
Oxycodone is an narcotic analgesic used to control pain and an anti-cough medication. A common brand name is Oxycontin. Oxycodone addiction and use has been increasingly dramatically in the past ten years. In fact, the average use of oxycodone in the United States has increased by 300% of the past decade. Likewise, the number of emergency room visits related to oxycodone addiction and use has increased by 500%.
Since oxycodone is meant to be taken orally, it has become an attractive drug of choice for people suffering from addiction to opiates that normally are taken via needle. The saftey factor of the fact that it is a timed release drug, is gotten around by crushing it up and snorting it or disoloving it and shooting it up.To satisfy their need for oxycodone, people suffering from oxycodone addiction call in phony prescriptions and steal hydrocodone from pharmacies.
Oxycodone addiction affects people of all ages. Pill addiction is often looked at as a white collar problem that is used only by professionals. In reality, oxyocodone addiction is steadily increasing among all groups of people. Yet, the most likely group of people to suffer from oxyocodone addiction is 10-40 year old white women.
Recovering from hydrocodone addiction can be difficult because hydrocodone creates both a mental and a physical addiction. In the person suffering from hydrocodone addiction, the hydrocodone stimulates opiate receptors in the brain. For the person with a hydrocodone addiction, this results in feeling extreme pleasure.
A feeling of relaxation and satisfaction that can last for many hours then follows the initial high created by oxyocodone in the person with a oxyocodone addiction. Along with the feeling of relaxation, the respiratory system is affected causing a decrease in the rate of breathing. This slow down in the person with the addiction can be fatal.
Traditionally, oxyocodone addiction treatment dealt with both the psychological side of addiction and the symptoms of hydrocodone addiction withdrawal. This method, however, has not proven to be a highly effective method for treating this addiction.
A newer method for dealing with oxyocodone addiction withdrawal is called Accelerated Neuro-Regulation (ANR). ANR looks at hydrocodone addiction as disease that needs to be treated with medical techniques. This method has shown a greater effectiveness in the treatment of oxyocodone addiction.
No matter the method used to treat oxy addiction, it is imperative for the person suffering from hydrocodone addiction to get help with his problem it can be a matter of life or death.
Drug Detox Q & A – Can Opioid Pain Therapy Create Drug Addicts?
We frequently hear or read about people who have become addicted to painkillers after being prescribed them by their doctor for chronic pain. The problem is that once the pain is gone or manageable, the person can find themselves trapped by the drug and has to keep taking it. Next thing you know, they're "doctor shopping", stealing drugs from medicine cabinets, buying them off the Internet, or from drug dealers. Really, their only hope at that point is a drug detox program that will help them get off the drug.
These stories are always sad and somewhat frightening. For me, they also raise a number of questions: How many people actually suffer from the severe chronic pain that requires these prescriptions? And how do they become addicted? Some of the answers I found were shocking.
A study conducted by Stanford University Medical Center found that one in five adult Americans suffer from chronic pain - pain lasting for several months or longer. And, according to a study published in The Journal of the American Medical Association, common and chronic pain costs American workers more than $61 billion a year in lost productivity. These facts alone provide significant incentive to ask for, and write prescriptions for painkillers. People don't want to be in pain, and they do want to go to work. So, they are likely to be on these drugs for an extended period of time.
But will they become drug addicts? That depends on a number of factors. First, the type of drug they're taking; If they're taking opium-based painkillers like OxyContin, Dilaudid, Vicodin, Percocet, oxycodone, or morphine, it is almost certain the person will become physically dependant and, if taken for a long period of time, they'll probably require drug detox to safely get off the drug with a minimum of debilitating withdrawal symptoms.
However, even though the risk of drug addiction with opioid painkillers is higher than with other drugs, addiction goes beyond mere physical dependency. It is more a mindset - it's a solution that enables a person to cope with the stresses of living life. And it takes more than drug detox to handle it. Drug detox helps the person handle their physical dependency, but they'll need drug rehab to conquer the addiction.
Whether or not someone is addicted to a drug is a complex question. But the bottom line is this: given the right set of conditions, there is a great risk of addiction.
The best way to find out if someone is addicted is to get them treatment in a medically-supervised drug detox program that helps them withdraw safely from the drug and then provides counseling to determine if further treatment is needed.
drug detox center
Signs and Symptoms of Substance Abuse-Overdose Assistance
Please keep in mind your purpose for trying to find out if someone is doing alcohol and/or drugs- To Identify and Help rather than Catch and Punish.
General: General and specific guides to detection of alcohol and drug use, and definition of addiction.
Contents:I. General Guide to Detection
II. Definition of Addiction
III. Pupil Dilation
IV. Signs and Symptoms
V. Paraphernalia a) S/S Chart Version
VI. Drug Facts
VII. Articles and Other Resources
VIII. Drug Pictures/Resources
IX. Topics
X. Additional Articles (Alcoholism, Drugs, Teenage Addiction, Interventions)
XI. Overdose and Emergency Intervention Techniques
I. Specific: General Guide to Detection
Abrupt changes in work or school attendance, quality of work, work output, grades, discipline.
Unusual flare-ups or outbreaks of temper. Withdrawal from responsibility. General changes in overall attitude. Deterioration of physical appearance and grooming.
Wearing of sunglasses at inappropriate times. Continual wearing of long-sleeved garments particularly in hot weather or reluctance to wear short sleeved attire when appropriate. Association with known substance abusers. Unusual borrowing of money from friends, co-workers or parents. Stealing small items from employer, home or school. Secretive behavior regarding actions and possessions; poorly concealed attempts to avoid attention and suspicion such as frequent trips to storage rooms, restroom, basement, etc.
II. Specific: DSM-IV Definition of Addiction
A maladaptive pattern of substance use, leading to clinically significant impairment or distress, as manifested by three (or more) of the following, occurring at any time in the same 12-month period:
(1) Tolerance, as defined by either of the following:
a. A need for markedly increased amounts of the substance to achieve intoxication or desired effect.
b. Markedly diminished effect with continued use of the same amount of the substance.
(2) Withdrawal, as manifested by either of the following:
a. The characteristic withdrawal syndrome for the substance
b. The same (or a closely related) substance is taken to relieve or avoid withdrawal symptoms. (
3) The substance is often taken in larger amounts or over a longer period than was intended (loss of control).
(4) There is a persistent desire or unsuccessful efforts to cut down or control substance use (loss of control). (
5) A great deal of time is spent on activities necessary to obtain the substance, use the substance, or recover from its effects (preoccupation).
(6) Important social, occupational, or recreational activities are given up or reduced because of substance use (continuation despite adverse consequences).
(7) The substance use is continued despite knowledge of having a persistent or recurrent physical or psychological problem that is likely to have been caused or exacerbated by the substance (adverse consequences).
III. Specific: Pupil Dilation
Before you do anything, consider this. There are two trains of thought prior to detection and intervention. One thought is to catch and punish, and the other is to identify and help- remember why you are doing this, and the intervention will turn out much better.
Note: A 6mm, 7mm, or 8mm pupil size could indicate that a person is under the influence of cocaine, crack, and meth, hallucinogens, crystal, ecstasy, or other stimulant. A 1mm or 2mm pupil size could indicate a person under the influence of heroin, opiates, or other depressant. A pupil close to pinpoint could indicate use. A pupil completely dilated could indicate use. Blown out wide pupils are indicative of crack, methamphetamine, cocaine, and stimulant use. Pinpoint pupils are indicative of heroin, opiate, depressant use.
Other causes of pupil dilation
IV. Specific: Signs and Symptoms
Alcohol: Odor on the breath. Intoxication. Difficulty focusing: glazed appearance of the eyes. Uncharacteristically passive behavior; or combative and argumentative behavior. Gradual (or sudden in adolescents) deterioration in personal appearance and hygiene. Gradual development of dysfunction, especially in job performance or schoolwork. Absenteeism (particularly on Monday). Unexplained bruises and accidents. Irritability. Flushed skin. Loss of memory (blackouts). Availability and consumption of alcohol becomes the focus of social or professional activities. Changes in peer-group associations and friendships. Impaired interpersonal relationships (troubled marriage, unexplainable termination of deep relationships, alienation from close family members).
Marijuana/Pot: Rapid, loud talking and bursts of laughter linearly stages of intoxication. Sleepy or stupor in the later stages. Forgetfulness in conversation. Inflammation in whites of eyes; pupils unlikely to be dilated. Odor similar to burnt rope on clothing or breath. Tendency to drive slowly - below speed limit. Distorted sense of time passage - tendency to overestimate time intervals. Use or possession of paraphernalia including roach clip, packs of rolling papers, pipes or bongs. Marijuana users are difficult to recognize unless they are under the influence of the drug at the time of observation. Casual users may show none of the general symptoms. Marijuana does have a distinct odor and may be the same color or a bit greener than tobacco.
Cocaine/Crack/Methamphetamines/Stimulants: Extremely dilated pupils. Dry mouth and nose, bad breath, frequent lip licking. Excessive activity, difficulty sitting still, lack of interest in food or sleep. Irritable, argumentative, nervous. Talkative, but conversation often lacks continuity; changes subjects rapidly. Runny nose, cold or chronic sinus/nasal problems, nose bleeds. Use or possession of paraphernalia including small spoons, razor blades, mirror, little bottles of white powder and plastic, glass or metal straws.
Depressants: Symptoms of alcohol intoxication with no alcohol odor on breath (remember that depressants are frequently used with alcohol). Lack of facial expression or animation. Flat affect. Flaccid appearance. Slurred speech. Note: There are few readily apparent symptoms. Abuse may be indicated by activities such as frequent visits to different physicians for prescriptions to treat" nervousness", "anxiety"," stress", etc.
Narcotics/Prescription Drugs/Opium/Heroin/Codeine/Oxycontin: Lethargy, drowsiness. Constricted pupils fail to respond to light. Redness and raw nostrils from inhaling heroin in power form. Scars (tracks) on inner arms or other parts of body, from needle injections. Use or possession of paraphernalia, including syringes, bent spoons, bottle caps, eyedroppers, rubber tubing, cotton and needles. Slurred speech. While there may be no readily apparent symptoms of analgesic abuse, it may be indicated by frequent visits to different physicians or dentists for prescriptions to treat pain of non-specific origin. In cases where patient has chronic pain and abuse of medication is suspected, it may be indicated by amounts and frequency taken.
Inhalants: Substance odor on breath and clothes. Runny nose. Watering eyes. Drowsiness or unconsciousness. Poor muscle control. Prefers group activity to being alone. Presence of bags or rags containing dry plastic cement or other solvent at home, in locker at school or at work. Discarded whipped cream, spray paint or similar chargers (users of nitrous oxide). Small bottles labeled" incense" (users of butyl nitrite).
Solvents, Aerosols, Glue, Petrol: Nitrous Oxide - laughing gas, whippits, nitrous. Amyl Nitrate - snappers, poppers, pearlers, rushamie, .Butyl Nitrate - locker room, bolt, bullet, rush, climax, red gold. Slurred speech, impaired coordination, nausea, vomiting, slowed breathing. Brain damage, pains in the chest, muscles, joints, heart trouble, severe depression, fatigue, loss of appetite, bronchial spasm, sores on nose or mouth, nosebleeds, diarrhea, bizarre or reckless behavior, sudden death, suffocation.
LSD/Hallucinogens: Extremely dilated pupils, (see note below). Warm skin, excessive perspiration and body odor. Distorted sense of sight, hearing, touches; distorted image of self and time perception. Mood and behavior changes, the extent depending on emotional state of the user and environmental conditions Unpredictable flashback episodes even long after withdrawal (although these are rare). Hallucinogenic drugs, which occur both naturally and in synthetic form, distort or disturb sensory input, sometimes to a great degree. Hallucinogens occur naturally in primarily two forms, (peyote) cactus and psilocybin mushrooms.
Several chemical varieties have been synthesized, most notably, MDA , STP, and PCP. Hallucinogen usage reached a peaking the United States in the late 1960's, but declined shortly thereafter due to a broader awareness of the detrimental effects of usage. However, a disturbing trend indicating resurgence in hallucinogen usage by high school and college age persons nationwide has been acknowledged by law enforcement. With the exception of PCP, all hallucinogens seem to share common effects of use. Any portion of sensory perceptions may be altered to varying degrees. Synesthesia, or the "seeing" of sounds, and the "hearing" of colors, is a common side effect of hallucinogen use. Depersonalization, acute anxiety, and acute depression resulting in suicide have also been noted as a result of hallucinogen use. Note: there are some forms of hallucinogens that are considered downers and constrict pupil diameters.
PCP: Unpredictable behavior; mood may swing from passiveness to violence for no apparent reason. Symptoms of intoxication. Disorientation; agitation and violence if exposed to excessive sensory stimulation. Fear, terror. Rigid muscles. Strange gait. Deadened sensory perception (may experience severe injuries while appearing not to notice). Pupils may appear dilated. Mask like facial appearance. Floating pupils, appear to follow a moving object. Comatose (unresponsive) if large amount consumed. Eyes may be open or closed.
Ecstasy: Confusion, depression, headaches, dizziness (from hangover/after effects), muscle tension, panic attacks, paranoia, possession of pacifiers (used to stop jaw clenching), lollipops, candy necklaces, mentholated vapor rub, severe anxiety, sore jaw (from clenching teeth after effects), vomiting or nausea (from hangover/after effects)
Signs that your teen could be high on Ecstasy: Blurred vision, rapid eye movement, pupil dilation, chills or sweating, high body temperature, sweating profusely, dehydrated, confusion, faintness, paranoia or severe anxiety, trance-like state, transfixed on sites and sounds, unconscious clenching of the jaw, grinding teeth, very affectionate.
V. DRUG SIGNS & SYMPTOMS
Stimulants (Cocaine, Ecstasy, Meth., Crystal)
Depressants (Heroin, Marijuana, Downers)
Hallucinogens (LSD)
Narcotics (Rx. Medications)
Inhalants (Paint, Gasoline, White Out)
PCP
Alcohol
Note: Paraphernalia- Keep in mind, that you may not find drugs, if you are searching for them, but you can usually find the paraphernalia associated with use.
VI. Specific: Drug Facts
Includes identifiers, definitions, language of users and dealers. Drug Terms Slang and Street Terms
VII. Specific: Articles and Other Resources
This the additional information for brain chemistry and the drug user)
VIII. Specific: Drug Pictures/Resources from the DEA
CHEMICAL CONTROL
INTRODUCTION TO DRUG CLASSES
NARCOTICS Narcotics of Natural Origin
Opium, Morphine, Codeine, Thebaine
Semi-Synthetic Narcotics
Heroin Hydromorphone Oxycodone Hydrododone
Synthetic Narcotics
Meperidine
Narcotics Treatment Drugs
Methadone Dextroproxyphene Fentanyl Pentazocine Butorphanol
DEPRESSANTS Barbiturates
Controlled Substances Uses and Effects (Chart) Benzodiazepines Gamma
Hydroxybutric AcidParaldehyde, Chloral HydrateGlutethimide 7
MethaqualoneMeprobamate
Newly Marketed Drugs
STIMULANTS Cocaine Amphetamines
Methcathinone, Methylphenidate
ANORECTIC DRUGS hat
CANNABIS Marijuana Hashish Hashish Oil
HALLUCINOGENS LSD Psilocybin & Psiocyn and Other Tryptamines Peyote & Mescaline MDMA (Ecstasy) & Other Phenethylamines Phencyclidine (PCP) & Related Drugs Ketamine
STEROIDS
INHALANTS
IX. Specific: NICD Topics
Do you have questions relating to addiction /addictions / substance abuse? Contact us...Health Info and Videos Medical issues updated weekly. Family Resources for the family, intervention information, support, and counseling. Medical information, doctor and specialists directory, terminology and dictionary of terms. Treatment.
The Villa at Scottsdale- Providing a full continuum of care for the treatment of alcoholism and drug addiction.
Alcohol and Drug Addiction Survival Kit
General: A series, for the individual, family, friends, employers, educators, professionals, etc. on prevention, intervention, treatment, recovery, relapse prevention, support, and other issues relating to alcoholism and drug addiction.
1. Prevention- Includes tips on how to talk to your kids about alcohol, tobacco, and drugs.
2. Detection of Signs and Symptoms- A guide to detection of alcohol and various drug usage.
3. Definition of Addiction- A DSM-IV definition of exactly what constitutes alcoholism and drug addiction.
4. Intervention- Interventions can and do work. We will show you how to do it effectively.
5. Treatment & Housing- A treatment center and halfway house locator.
6. Support- Some guides to how to support someone while they are in treatment.
7. After Care- What to do prior to and after release from treatment.
8. Recovery / Relapse Prevention- Addiction can surface again, in the form of relapse.
9. Other Issues- Issues to think about regarding those affected by substance abuse, as well as those around them.
10. References- A list of those who contributed to this series of articles.
Articles Medical Today Dr. William Gallagher takes us through his use of DNFT with his patients. Psychotherapy Today Psychologist Jim Maclaine keeps us up to date with his articles of insight, therapy, and healing. Counseling Today Therapist Thom Rutledge gives a creative approach to dealing with life on life's terms via his unique counseling sessions. Big Book Bytes Author Shelly Marshall shares via the Big Book on issues of concern to those in recovery. All pages are set-up to copy, for use by counselors, professionals, sponsors, and others.
Recovery Today Interviews of people in recovery, about alcoholism, drug abuse, addictions, recovery, sobriety, spirituality, wisdom, experience, strength, and hope. Tune in monthly for new articles!
A.A. History Author Dick B. will take you back to a time when the recovery rates were as high as 93%.
Journaling Today A series of informative articles by Author Doreene Clementon how, why, and what to write about.
Spirituality Today Author Carol Tuttle takes us to new heights on our spiritual journey.
Articles of God and Faith Features 100's of topics relating to God, faith, spirituality, and more.
Life Today Everyday life experiences from people all over the world. Life, Addictions, Recovery, Hope, Inspiration, Wisdom, Advice, and so much more. Tune in on a regular basis to see what others have and are going through. Find hope from the experiences of others.
Steps Today Recovery Peer and Advisory Board Member Dean G. gives creative approach to dealing with life on life's terms via his unique recovery sessions.
Step Work / Relapse Prevention This service is designed to assist with step work, with quotes and pages from the Big Book, with forms ready to copy and utilize. There is a section devoted to relapse prevention as well.
X. Specific: Additional Articles
Health and Medical News, videos, text from the world of medicine, health, and medical.
Ecstasy information.
How Do I Talk With My Kids About Alcohol?
How Do I talk to my kids about drugs?
How Do I talk with my teenager about drugs and alcohol?
What does a crack pipe look like?
Family assistance for substance abuse.
Addiction treatment for my teenager.
Overdose or OD Information
XI. Specific: Overdose & Emergency Intervention Techniques
Drug Overdose- Drug overdoses can be accidental or on purpose. The amount of a drug needed to cause an overdose varies with the type of drug and the person taking it. Overdoses from prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, "street" drugs, and/or alcohol can be life threatening. Know, too, that mixing certain medications or "street" drugs with alcohol can also kill.
Physical symptoms of a drug overdose vary with the type of drug(s) taken. They include: Abnormal breathing Slurred speech Lack of coordination Slow or rapid pulse Low or elevated body temperature Enlarged or small eye pupils Reddish face Heavy sweating Drowsiness Violent outbursts Delusions and/or hallucinations Unconsciousness which may lead to coma (Note: A diabetic who takes insulin may show some of the above symptoms if he or she is having an insulin reaction.)
Parents need to watch for signs of illegal drug and alcohol use in their children. Morning hangovers, the odor of alcohol, and red streaks in the whites of the eyes are obvious signs of alcohol use. Items such as pipes, rolling papers, eye droppers and butane lighters may be the first telling clues that someone is abusing drugs. Another clue is behavior changes such as: Lack of appetite Insomnia Hostility Mental confusion Depression Mood swings Secretive behavior Social isolation Deep sleep Hallucinations.
Prevention- Accidental prescription and over-the-counter medication overdoses may be prevented by asking your doctor or pharmacist: What is the medication and why is it being prescribed? How and when should the medication be taken and for how long? (Follow the instructions exactly as given.) Can the medication be taken with other medicines or alcohol or not? Are there any foods to avoid while taking this medication? What are the possible side effects? What are the symptoms of an overdose and what should be done if it occurs? Should any activities be avoided such as sitting in the sun, operating heavy machinery, driving? Should the medicine still be taken if there is a pre-existing medical condition?
To avoid medication overdoses: Never take a medicine prescribed for someone else. Never give or take medication in the dark. Before each dose, always read the label on the bottle to be certain it is the correct medication. Always tell the doctor of any previous side effects or adverse reactions to medication as well as new and unusual symptoms that occur after taking the medicine. Always store medications in bottles with childproof lids and place those bottles on high shelves, out of a child's reach, or in locked cabinets. Take the prescribed dose, not more. Keep medications in their original containers to discourage illicit drug use among children: Set a good example for your children by not using drugs yourself. Teach your child to say "NO" to drugs and alcohol. Explain the dangers of drug use, including the risk of AIDS. Get to know your children's friends and their parents. Know where your children are and whom they are with. Listen to your children and help them to express their feelings and fears. Encourage your children to engage in healthy activities such as sports, scouting, community-based youth programs and volunteer work. Learn to recognize the signs of drug and alcohol abuse.
Questions to Ask:
Is the person not breathing and has no pulse? FIRST AID Perform Cyprinids the person not breathing, but has a pulse? FIRST AID Perform Rescue Breathing AND is the person unconscious? FIRST AID lay the victim down on his or her left side and check airway, breathing and pulse often before emergency care. Do CPR or Rescue Breathing as needed. ANDdoes the person have any of these signs? Hallucinations Confusion Convulsions Breathing slow and shallow and/or slurring their words
Do you suspect the person has taken an overdose of drugs? FIRST AID Call Poison Control Center. Follow the Poison Control Center's instructions. Approach the victim calmly and carefully. Walk the person around to keep him or her awake and to help the syrup of ipecac work faster, if you were told to give this to the victim. Also, see "Poisoning". AND is the person's personality suddenly hostile, violent and aggressive? FIRST AID Use caution. Protect yourself. Do not turn your back to the victim or move suddenly in front of him or her. If you can, see that the victim does not harm you, himself or herself. Remember, the victim is under the influence of a drug. Call the police to assist you if you cannot handle the situation. Leave and find a safe place to stay until the police arrive. AND Have you or someone else accidentally taken more than the prescribed dose of a prescription or over-the-counter medication? DO NOT perform any technique unless it is a matter of life and death! If you are unsure of what you are doing, please follow the instructions given by a 911 operator.
Note: If doctor is not available, call Poison Control Center. Follow instructions given.
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