Cheese Heroin Is On The Shelf

A highly addictive drug known as “cheese heroin” is a blend of black tar Mexican heroin (called “black tar” because of its color) and over-the-counter cold medication, such as Tylenol PM.

The drug costs only a couple of dollars a hit and children as young as 9, hooked on cheese heroin, have been rushed to hospital emergency rooms for heroin withdrawal.

The combination of the two drugs can cause vital body functions such as breathing and heartbeat to slow down and result in death. Since 2004, cheese heroin is responsible for at least forty deaths in the North California region, according to local authorities.

When teens were surveyed to find out why they started using drugs in the first place, 55% replied that it was due to pressure from their friends. They wanted to be cool and popular. Dealers know this. They will approach you as a friend and offer to “help you out” with “something to bring you up.” The drug will “help you fit in” or “make you cool.”Drug dealers, motivated by the profits they make, will say anything to get you to buy their drugs. They will tell you that “heroin is a warm blanket” or “heroin will be your best high.” They don’t care if the drugs ruin your life as long as they are getting paid. All they care about is money. Former dealers have admitted they saw their buyers as “pawns in a chess game.”

Get the facts about drugs. Make your own decisions.Heroin is a highly addictive, illegal drug. It is used by millions of addicts around the world who are unable to overcome the urge to continue taking this drug every day of their lives—knowing that if they stop, they will face the horror of withdrawal.

Heroin (like opium and morphine) is made from the resin of poppy plants. Milky, sap-like opium is first removed from the pod of the poppy flower. This opium is refined to make morphine, then further refined into different forms of heroin.Most heroin is injected, creating additional risks for the user, who faces the danger of AIDS or other infection on top of the pain of addiction.

Heroin was first manufactured in 1898 by the Bayer pharmaceutical company of Germany and marketed as a treatment for tuberculosis as well as a remedy for morphine addiction.

During the 1850s, opium addiction was a major problem in the United States. The “solution” was to provide opium addicts with a less potent and supposedly “non-addictive” substitute—morphine. Morphine addiction soon became a bigger problem than opium addiction. As with opium, the morphine problem was solved by another “non-addictive” substitute—heroin, which proved to be even more addictive than morphine. With the heroin problem came yet another “non-addictive” substitute—the drug now known as methadone. First developed in 1937 by German scientists searching for a surgical painkiller, it was exported to the US and given the trade name “Dolophine” in 1947. Renamed methadone, the drug was soon being widely used as a treatment for heroin addiction. Unfortunately, it proved to be even more addictive than heroin.

By the late 1990s, the mortality rate of heroin addicts was estimated to be as high as twenty times greater than the rest of the population. If you have someone in your family that is using or addicted to heroin or any other drug, contact us today at 1-866-918-6089 and we will assist you in getting your family member into a detox program followed by a treatment plan designed to fit their needs.  At Above It All Treatment Center we are here to assist you and your family every step of the way.

Oxycontin Treatment Rising

One of the most addictive drugs prescribed by doctors today is Oxycontin. It is the number one painkiller and should be given with a great deal of caution to patients who are in severe pain. Physicians should always take time to instruct the patient to discard any left over drugs when pain is gone. The doctor who prescribes oxycontin should be aware of any predisposition to addiction involving his patient, and prescribe something else less addictive if that's the case. Any use of the drug other than that prescribed by the physician is strictly illegal. Addicts will go to great lengths to obtain the drug and Oxycontin is as addictive and dangerous as heroin. Parents should make their children aware that they should not take any drug unless the doctor prescribes it specifically for them. It should always be kept away from children and certainly not passed to anyone else for their use for pain, not even a family member. It must only be used by the prescription holder under the strictest of orders form their doctor. In spite of the fact that it is prescribed by the doctor, it should not be assumed that it is safer than the drugs out on the street because it is acquired with a prescription. It must be used according to the strictest instructions by the physician.

One of the tell-tale signs of abuse of oxycontin or any controlled substance is what some addicts will resort to, one of which is known as doctor shopping. Their need becomes so great that addicts will make appointments to see multiple doctors, knowing the symptoms and showing signs of pain to get the drug prescribed. Also, improper prescribing practices by the physician will permit the addict to acquire larger doses while faking their pain. Addicts will also use the internet to get the rug. Proper pain management seldom results in addiction.

According to the DEA the need for Oxycontin addiction treatment and rehabilitation has doubled in the last 6 years. Nearly 7 million Americans are abusing prescription drugs, which is more than cocaine, heroin, hallucinogens, ecstasy and inhalants combined.  If you are one of those in need of addiction treatment for Oxycontin or any other drug, give us a call at Above It All Treatment Center and we will start you on the road to recovery.

Why Heroin?

Substance abuse specialists are seeing a sharp increase in heroin addiction, even as progress is being made against the misuse of oxycodone and other prescription opiate painkillers.

The trend, which mirrors national figures, worries treatment experts because it coincides with the imposition of state-mandated limits on the use of the most effective treatment drugs.  The American Society of Addiction Medicine reports that misuse of prescription drugs has dropped about 15 percent nationally since 2010, while heroin use has doubled since 2007.

Authorities said progress has been made against the misuse of prescription drugs through public education efforts that highlighted the drugs' highly addictive nature, together with an effort to get doctors to limit painkiller prescriptions and more closely monitor the patients using them.

While that curbed the availability of those drugs to abusers, heroin became a cheaper, more readily available alternative. The is so pure that some users start out snorting the heroin, avoiding the deterrent of self-injecting.

Heroin is a highly addictive illegal drug that has become a serious problem in the U.S., particularly over the last 30 years. Opium, from which heroin is derived, first became widespread in America during the early 1800s as the common pain killer morphine. In the late 1800s, heroin was invented and originally marketed as a safe substitute for morphine, which had been discovered to be addictive. Heroin was sold legally by pharmacies nationwide for decades until it became clear that it was even more addictive and destructive than morphine and the U.S. congress banned it with the Dangerous Drug Act of 1920.

The American market for heroin, however, has only grown since then. One of the factors that is causing the recent growth in U.S. heroin addiction is that the drug is more pure and less expensive than ever before. In the 1970s, a bag of heroin cost $30 and the average heroin user was a 28 to 30 year old urban resident. Today, the same amount of heroin costs just $4 and the average addict is a white, middle-class teenager.

The heroin that is available in the U.S. today is supplied completely from foreign sources of opium. The heroin that is on the U.S. market originates in four distinct parts of the world: Mexico, South America (mostly Colombia), Southeast Asia (mostly Burma), and Southwest Asia (mostly Afghanistan). A majority of the heroin that is used in the United States started out as poppies grown in Colombia and Mexico. Most of the heroin sold in the western United States comes from Mexico and most of the heroin found in the eastern U.S. is Colombian.

If you or someone you love is suffering from heroin addiction and needs heroin detox rehabilitation, we at Above It All Treatment Center are here to help. You can call our toll free number at (888) 971-2816 and have all your questions about heroin rehab and treatment answered. We are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to help you break free from addiction.

Opiate Receptor Restoration

Opiate addiction is one of the most difficult to overcome. Opiate receptors, activated by opiate compounds and consisting of cellular membrane proteins will eventually become clogged over an extended opiate use period. In some cases, extensive therapy is required to restore these receptors to their natural state by utilizing specific medications in a 12 step addiction recovery program. Restoring and cleaning these receptors may be a challenge, but with a basic understanding patients can begin the process independently.

1 – Purchase herbal supplement blends proven to aid addiction recovery. Polygala – from China – has often been touted as a willpower her due to the positive effects experienced in addicts recovering from addiction. In essence, this herb works to detox the body while cleansing opiate receptors.

2 – Consider incorporating a Dragonbone and Bupleurum supplement mix. Throughout the detox and withdrawal process, this mixture has been seen to aid in stabilizing compulsiveness or addictive behaviors while dulling opiate cravings.

3 – Locate a specialized California drug rehab center that deals specifically with opiate addiction. Here, a team of addiction specialists will be able to assess and address your individual needs while concocting a plan of action to ensure a healthy and long-lasting recovery.

4 – Perhaps the best and most effective form of receptor restoration lies in opiate abstinence. With enough time, the protein receptors will begin to regenerate and regain normal functionality. Though the time needed to achieve a full recovery varies according to patient history and usage, this tactic will ultimately provide the individual with the results they’ve been striving for.

The Alcoholic Defined

In simple terms, an alcoholic is someone who suffers from a dependency to alcohol - otherwise known as alcoholism. This condition is defined by repeated alcohol consumption to and beyond the point of intoxication, despite negative consequences. An alcoholic is physically addicted to alcoholic beverages, and as such, will suffer severe withdrawal symptoms when consumption is inhibited.

Types

When it comes to alcoholics, there are two types to be aware of: Abusers and dependents. Abuse refers to the routine consumption of alcohol that causes significant distress or impairment in one or more areas of an individual’s life. Common occurrences include calling in sick for work, or a DUI charge. Dependency is defined as a alcohol compulsion. With enough time, a dependent will develop a tolerance for a certain alcohol amount in addition to severe withdrawal symptoms.

Identification

“Alcoholic” is the most common word used to define people dealing with alcohol dependency or abuse issues. Consumption of alcohol does not need to occur every day or week in order for a person to fall under this classification. College students have long been known to drink heavily, or “binge” on the weekends. And though this behavior is considered abuse, it will often set the stage for dependency issues down the road.

Features

Occupational and/or social functioning is often impaired by both types of alcoholism. Common features include poor work performance, strained relationships and a preoccupation with obtaining alcohol, often leading to rampant financial issues.

Effects

Simply put: Alcoholism is a wretched condition. In the initial stages, alcoholics will experience bouts of intoxication resulting in memory and attention loss, slurred speech, and coordination issues. Once a drinker’s judgment has become impaired, reckless behavior often follows.

Prevention / Solutions

Fortunately, alcoholics are not at a loss when it comes to recovery assistance. At our Los Angeles drug rehab facility, recovery specialists are available to assess and address each patients individual goals and needs to help ensure a healthy and effective plan of action. Give Above it All a call today and let us help you back on track towards the happy and productive lifestyle you deserve.

Protocol For Opiate Detox During Pregnancy

Those addicted to opiates while pregnant must make a point to detox to avoid serious health risks to their unborn children. Physicians recommend mothers seek professional help to curb their addictions as quickly as possible, so the child is not born with an opiate addiction. Prior to beginning detoxification, it is important to discuss treatment options with your doctor to ensure a healthy and happy pregnancy moving forward.

Standard Protocol

When an expecting mother expresses interest in opiate detox, the standard protocol is typically a physician supervised methadone treatment plan. Because methadone use is not directly attributable to any known birth defects, it is widely considered the healthiest alternative. Other common medications include Subutex or Suboxone, but due to a heightened risk of harm to the fetus, these drugs are not recommended when treating pregnant women.

Methadone Maintenance

Maintenance and weaning are the two methods used most commonly in opiate detoxification. A patient who is “weaned” is administered doses of the drug in slowly tapering dosages until a point where use is hindered completely. These patients will still experience withdrawal symptoms, but to a much lesser extent. While this method is certainly effective, many physicians avoid it due to the risk of killing the fetus. As such, methadone maintenance is often employed to ensure a healthy and comfortable birth for both mother and child. In this method, mothers are provided a small dose of methadone daily for the pregnancy’s duration.

Considerations

Though many physicians consider methadone maintenance the safest pregnancy detox method, the choice is ultimately up to the mother. Drug detox of any kind, especially while pregnant, can be extremely risky.

Need Help?

If you or a loved one is struggling with an opiate dependency, our Above It All treatment specialists are available to help! Give us a call today, and let our team help you back on track towards the healthy and happy life you deserve.

How To Address Heroin Withdrawal

Heroin is an extremely dangerous and addictive substance. Withdrawal following heroin addiction occurs once an addict inhibits use after an extended use period. The withdrawal process is commonly defined through an assortment of uncomfortable emotional and physical symptoms, including insomnia, vomiting, yawning, diarrhea, sweating and chills. In this entry, we will discuss some common methods for combating the withdrawal process on the road to recovery.

1 – Touch base with a physician once you have decided to stop using heroin. They may be able to address your symptoms or point you in the direction of someone who can. If you do not have a general physician, consider the possibility of an emergency room or medical clinic visit.

2 – Legally prescribed medications have been found to help address withdrawal symptoms, while offering the potential for a reduced withdrawal period. Common medications include methadone, buprenorphine and clonidine. Individuals experiencing severe diarrhea or vomiting may be treated with additional substances.

3 – Locate a reputable 12 step addiction recovery program. Here, a team of seasoned addiction specialists will be able to monitor and support your transition into sobriety while providing education and tools with which to counter your addiction moving forward.

4 – Begin attending support groups in your area. These organizations serve in helping former addicts maintain sobriety while reducing the risk of relapse in a community setting.

5 – Be sure to seek out professional counseling following withdrawal.

6 – Though you may not need it, it’s important to complete a full psychological evaluation following withdrawal to help avoid potential relapse risks. We all go a little crazy from time to time… Either way, you’ll be on the road to enjoying the confidence and peace of mind you deserve.