Tag Archives: drug rehab

Education Of Dangers Of Gateway Drug Use Leads To Decreased Need For Drug Rehab

When it comes to educating parents on the dangers of gateway drug use, it’s true that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Teenagers often times develop the attitude of “it’s only a cigarette. It’s only one drink. It’s only one puff.” Unfortunately, many of those same teenagers fall into a cycle of abuse, with the next hit being greater in quantity and greater in effect than the last one. That’s why it’s so important to educate parents on the dangers of the use of the four major gateway drugs: tobacco, alcohol, inhalants and marijuana.

“There are very few addicts who began abusing hard drugs initially,” begins a spokesperson for Mountainside Drug Rehab and Alcohol Treatment Center . “And, that goes for alcoholics as well. An individual doesn’t suddenly wake up one day and think ‘I think I’ll go shoot up some heroine today’ or ‘I think I’ll drink a gallon of vodka today’. It starts with experimentation and generally speaking, experimentation with one of four major gateway drugs. Once those substances begin to lose their psychological, physical and emotional effects the desire for more, swells. The individual then looks at what else is out there to satisfy that hunger for more and, what started off as a seemingly innocent one-time puff of marijuana or a couple of occasional drinks, becomes a downward spiral towards full-fledged drug abuse. The important thing for parents to remember is that it’s never just one innocent puff or drink. Teenagers who begin experimenting, evolve into young adults with a potentially serious problem. It’s important for parents to learn how to talk with their children about the dangers of gateway drug use so that they can prevent the need for future drug addiction treatment.”

One of the most important things a parent can do to prevent their teenager from experimenting with gateway drugs is to model the behavior they are wanting their teenager to exhibit. For example, if a parent who smokes wants their child to abstain from smoking, they’ll either need to kick the habit themselves. They could also get their teenager actively involved in the cessation process: explain the dangers of smoking, why it’s important to quit and also share their struggles as they are trying to quit themselves. As uncomfortable as it may seem and as much as teenagers protest, they really do prefer honesty and nothing is more honest than transparency during the process.

Via EPR Network
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Varied Drug Addiction Experts Form Cohesive Innovative Recovery Team

Drug rehabs in America may be plentiful, but rarely are any as unique and innovative as what you’ll find at Mountainside Drug Rehab and Alcohol Treatment Center . Just by walking onto the grounds of this expansive, idyllic facility, you’ll begin to see that it’s far from ordinary.

From the moment you enter the colonial style architecture, you’ll sense a difference. The facility is tastefully furnished, blending right into the peaceful, private 39 acres it’s situated on. The staff is multi-disciplined and highly skilled in their area of expertise, always exuding the compassion and care that Mountainside Drug Rehab and Alcohol Treatment Center is known for.

“Our vision began with focusing on a way to build an evidenced based drug addiction treatment program that was unlike anything currently available,” begins a spokesperson for Mountainside. “We decided that the best way for us to do that was to put together a multi-disciplinary team consisting of licensed and certified counselors and social workers, an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse, Registered Nurse and a Psychiatrist. Some of our counselors are dedicated to diagnosing an individual’s addiction history; others are focused on relapse prevention, education and issues that are gender-specific. We have a group of counselors that also work within our Mind-Body-Spirit and Yoga program, helping a person deal with the stresses that, often times, can trigger relapse. There’s also a team that is dedicated to focusing on group and individual responsibilities through our Adventure Based Initiatives program. And finally, we have another team that focuses solely on developing a plan for aftercare and continued support. Although each specific group of professionals fulfills a specific role within the recovery process, all work together to form a cohesive team of drug rehab professionals whose cumulative experience is unsurpassed by any other drug addiction treatment center. This team works together with the client to insure that he/she receives an individualized treatment plan that is created specifically to meet his/her needs.”

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Drug Rehab Center Offers Affordable Drug Rehabilitation

Long before health care reform battles between lawmakers ensued, a highly regarded facility in Connecticut addressed one of the very problems that lies at the core of individuals getting the help they need to recover from drug addiction: treatment costs.

Mountainside Drug Rehab and Alcohol Treatment Center began its quest to provide innovative, affordable addiction treatment over 12 years ago- and they have succeeded. Affordable costs and innovative treatment plans are why individuals from all over the world continue to seek treatment at this intimate facility. Situated on 39 sprawling acres at the base of a private mountain in the foothills of the Berkshires, Mountainside Drug Rehab and Alcohol Treatment Center provides an ideal location for the recovery process to begin.

“The per diem costs at our facility are about one-third of the costs of other drug rehab facilities,” states a spokesperson for Mountainside. “Recognizing one of the biggest barriers to treatment is cost, we designed a program that is affordable for most people and their families. At just $360 daily, we offer comprehensive, innovative approaches to recovery, in a setting that is second-to-none.”

A drug addiction treatment program consists of an individual, comprehensive evaluation of the person entering rehab. By evaluating past behaviors and current attitudes towards treatment, the professional team at Mountainside creates a plan that addresses the needs of each particular person, increasing the chance of successful recovery. Drug addiction treatment at Mountainside begins with one-on-one counseling, coupled with evidence based, innovative and traditional 12-step therapies. Treatment plans are monitored for their effectiveness and are flexible, based on an individual’s needs.

For nearly two decades, Mountainside Drug Rehab and Alcohol Treatment Center has led the way in offering individualized alcohol and drug addiction treatment programs. Mountainside’s licensed and certified counselors, social workers and treatment team strive to provide quality, compassionate care to each individual in a tranquil, peaceful environment conducive to optimal recovery.

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Innovative Drug Rehab Facility Offers Cocaine Addiction Treatment

Cocaine addiction is growing at an alarming rate worldwide and is, perhaps, one of the most difficult drug addictions for an individual to overcome. Treatment requires a unique perspective along with a true understanding of the addiction in order to be able to help an individual get into recovery.

“All interventions for drug addiction are always tough, but with cocaine addiction, it seems particularly so,” states a spokesperson for Mountainside Drug Rehab and Alcohol Treatment Center . “The high experienced from cocaine is really like no other. It often gives the user a superhero complex where they believe that they can conquer and/or do things a rational individual wouldn’t. It’s difficult to intervene in that situation because you’re asking a person to give up those “super powers”, even if those powers are only imagined. Many times, the cocaine addict’s self-esteem is tightly connected to that superhero feeling and when they enter into drug rehab, their ego takes a huge a hit, taking their self-worth with it. That’s why it’s important to have the proper support in place to help them understand that their value of self has nothing to do with the feeling they get from using cocaine.”

Recognizing the symptoms of cocaine addiction is paramount to saving the cocaine addict from a certain death. If you notice spurts of euphoria, nosebleeds or an excessive runny nose, dilated pupils, restlessness, inability to sit still, paranoia, hallucinations, periods of unexplained mania or tremors, you friend or loved one may be addicted to cocaine. Enlisting the help of caring professionals is your best course of action.

For nearly two decades, Mountainside Drug Rehab and Alcohol Treatment Center has led the way in offering individualized alcohol and drug addiction treatment programs. As Mountainside’s licensed and certified counselors, social workers and treatment team serve, they strive to provide quality, compassionate care to each individual in a tranquil, peaceful environment conducive to optimal recovery.

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The Effects Of OTC Drug Abuse

Mountainside Drug Rehab and Alcohol Treatment Center has mounted a campaign to educate parents on the dangerous effects of OTC drug abuse that is growing at an alarming rate among teens.

Many parents don’t realize the dangers of OTC drug abuse and some actually think that since the medication is legal and accessible at the local corner pharmacy, there really is no danger. A medicine of particular concern is cough syrup containing dextromethorphan (also called DXM). When large quantities of this particular drug are ingested, your teen may feel the type of euphoria that is generally associated with illicit drugs.

While the complications may seem minor on the surface, they can range from vomiting, confusion, nausea, slurred speech all the way up to heart and breathing difficulties. Parents may brush aside these incidents and chalk them up to “teen experimentation”; however, it’s this very attitude that causes teens to fall into the trap of drug addiction as the cough syrup merely serves as a gateway drug—a doorway that leads to other serious drug abuse that will require drug addiction treatment for your teen.

“This problem doesn’t seem to be slowing down”, says a spokesperson from Mountainside Drug Rehab and Alcohol Treatment Center. “The more talk there is about the simplicity of acquisition, the more teenagers are seeking to obtain this OTC drug. Many states have enacted laws that require you to obtain this type of cough syrup by inquiring at the pharmacy. It’s not that it’s a prescription or a controlled substance, but by keeping it behind the counter, they are able to regulate how many bottles can be purchased at a time, which is a very good thing.”

The most important thing a parent can do to guard against OTC drug abuse or any drug abuse is to be on constant guard, watching for any abnormal behavior or any new routines that just don’t make sense. Being arrmed with preventative information decreases the likelihood of a parent unknowingly waking up one day to a teen addicted to drugs.

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Holistic Approach Lends Itself To Drug Rehab

Over a decade ago, Mountainside Treatment Center set a standard for drug rehabs all over the world by offering personalized treatment plans for each individual who seeks drug addiction treatment at their facility.

Each treatment plan is approached holistically, addressing the full needs of the individual including Mind, Body and Spirit. This type of approach was unheard of prior to Mountainside’s ground-breaking efforts however, it’s proved to not only be a viable treatment model but a highly successful one as well.

Incorporating facets of traditional drug rehabs such as 12-step programs, individual counseling sessions and group sessions, Mountainside goes one step further and offers programs that reconnect the Mind, Body and Spirit. This innovative addiction treatment approach has found universal appeal in many drug rehabs.

Typically, an addicted person arrives at the point of drug addiction treatment completely disconnected and out of touch with reality as well as themselves. Their addiction has become an all-consuming monster and has not only psychologically but also physiologically created a disconnect between the mind and body function. Utilizing methods such as Yoga, Tai Chi and meditation helps the addicted individual begin integrating their total selves back into the life they had prior to becoming addicted.

Environment plays a part in the Mind, Body, Spirit connection. In order to be successful within this realm, the individual must exist in a stress-free, tranquil environment for the reconnections to begin. Chaos is the one true enemy of recovery. Mountainside’s colonial setting at the base of the mountains lends itself as a perfect location for recovery to begin and for the Mind, Body, Spirit program to work.

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Courtney Love Isn’t Alone When It Comes To Rumors Of Drug Addiction

Courtney Love is facing a problem that many stars and public figures experience when they encounter problems – complete loss of privacy. Issues such as drug addiction and alcoholism recovery often rest on a principle of anonymity, for Love and many like her – their solution is different. Love’s public history with drug abuse has spanned over a decade and has affected many areas of her life, most recently rumored to be the cause for the loss of custody of her daughter. Courtney is under constant public scrutiny. The loss of anonymity that stars experience often complicates an individual’s recovery, however many do recover.

Love’s most recent online rants regarding her daughter have caused her fans to believe she has fallen back into the drug scene. Courtney maintains that she is sober and her life has changed since her 2006 house arrest for violating an order for a previous court-mandated drug addiction treatment program.

“We certainly hope that Ms. Love has gotten the appropriate drug addiction treatment and that she continues to maintain her sobriety”, a spokesperson for Mountainside Center states. “When you’re a star who is trying to stay in recovery and you are continually scrutinized for every move you make, the path to sobriety is often a challenging one. We understand those pressures and the pitfalls one can easily fall into, especially when they do not have the luxury of anonymity. No matter how much despair one feels, there really is hope—there really is a remedy. We all hope the best for Courtney and her daughter”.

For nearly two decades, Mountainside Drug Rehab and Alcohol Treatment Center has led the way in offering individualized alcohol and drug addiction treatment programs. Pioneers in affordable drug addiction treatment, Mountainside combines cutting edge therapies with holistic treatment methods including inclusion of traditional 12-step therapies. As Mountainside’s licensed and certified counselors, social workers and treatment team serve, they strive to provide quality, compassionate care to each individual in a tranquil, peaceful environment conducive to optimal recovery.

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Hollywood Drug Addiction Increases Number of Drug Rehabs

The bright lights and big city of Hollywood attracts young people in throngs with promises of fulfilled dreams and a charmed life. While the draw and the excitement initially seems like everything they could have hoped for, nowadays there’s a darker side—a side that is becoming synonymous with something other than fame.

“Hollywood is a hot bed of drug addiction”, a spokesperson for Mountainside Drug Rehab and Alcohol Treatment Center states. “With money and power, comes responsibility—responsibility that many find themselves unable to deal with. When arriving in Hollywood, they just can’t imagine a life other than what they had dreamed—a life of glamour, of fame, of fortune. They don’t realize the pressure that surrounds all of those things. When they finally realize their dreams, that unexpected pressure can cause an implosion and, instead of dealing with it in a healthy, productive way, many choose the easy way out—a way to numb themselves, a way to temporarily escape. And, often times that temporary escape becomes a permanent way of life until either they get into serious legal trouble or until someone who is genuinely concerned intervenes and gives them a wake-up call. They soon discover that their money can buy just about anything—except the one thing that truly eludes them: happiness.”

“California’s drug rehab centers are growing at an unprecedented rate and the catalyst for this growth is unrelenting.” Until there is a fundamental change in the Hollywood | Los Angeles party mentality, the only answer to its ever-increasing problem is effective drug rehab centers.

For nearly two decades, Mountainside Drug Rehab and Alcohol Treatment Center has led the way in offering individualized alcohol and drug addiction treatment programs. Pioneers in affordable drug rehab, Mountainside combines cutting edge therapies with holistic treatment methods including inclusion of traditional 12-step therapies. As Mountainside’s licensed and certified counselors, social workers and treatment team serve, they strive to provide quality, compassionate care to each individual in a tranquil, peaceful environment conducive to optimal recovery.

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The Dopamine Factor In Addiction

A recent study out of London suggests that individuals with high levels of dopamine may be more susceptible to drug addiction and may be prone to engaging in high risk behaviors and activities.

Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that is responsible for the natural reward system and provides pleasure and motivation within the brain. The recent study finds that the more dopamine within the brain, the less sensitive an individual is to it. This finding could result in better drug addiction treatment, better ADHD treatment as well as treatment for a host of dopamine-related afflictions. The study suggests that regulating the dopamine within an individuals’ system may be more effective than blocking the dopamine receptors altogether.

“This is a very promising finding”, remarks an expert at Mountainside Addiction Treatment Center who have long been advocates of physiological and neural research. “A brain scan could be performed on a person in a higher risk group, such as those who have histories of family pre-dispositions to various addictions. There has been ongoing debate relating to neurobiological theories centered around the mesolimbic pathway, which these findings seems to support. The brightest part of this study is the potential for early intervention—that is crucial in any step of the addiction cycle. The earlier the intervention, the greater the chance for success. Obviously, truly anyone can recover with an effective rehabilitation program and the desire to change, however, statistics show the longer the addiction, the longer the recovery process.”

Mountainside Drug Rehab and Alcohol Treatment Center is a comprehensive and innovative provider of treatment for individuals suffering from drug addiction and alcoholism. In addition to its inpatient services the organization also takes part in advocacy, outcome studies and outreach efforts.

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Health Care Reform Hangs In The Balance

Health care reform hangs in the balance. 1 in 6 Americans are uninsured. Health care costs are skyrocketing. With all of these factors, it’s no wonder that individuals who desperately need drug rehab believe they are unable to afford it.

It is estimated that the average daily stay in a drug addiction treatment program is $1,250, a cost that’s prohibitive to most addicts. Factor in the lack of credible information available to drug users and those two things just add to the growing list of reasons why individuals don’t seek the treatment that could definitively change their lives.

For the past 12 years, Mountainside Drug Rehab and Alcohol Treatment Center has been providing affordable drug addiction treatment to those who may not be able to otherwise afford it. Their programs are cutting-edge, intuitive, flexible and empathetic- all the qualities of a top-rate residential program.

“Over a decade ago, we established ourselves as providers of quality drug addiction treatment. In addition, we were pioneers in providing affordable drug rehab in a comfortable, beautiful and relaxing environment. Those ideals have remained constant and today we are still determined to provide the best, most affordable drug treatment program available. At a per diem cost of $360, other programs pale in comparison. We’ve set out to help people recover from the addictions that prevent them from becoming productive assets to society. By providing quality, personalized care at a rate that is affordable for most, we believe we’ve put individuals in the position to become the best they can be. The next step is up to them.”

Mountainside Drug Rehab and Alcohol Treatment Center is a comprehensive and innovative provider of treatment for individuals suffering from drug addiction and alcoholism.  Mountainside’s licensed and certified counselors, social workers and clinical treatment team and staff are dedicated to providing an unsurpassed treatment experience to its clients. With diverse areas of expertise, the treatment team works collaboratively with each client and their family to ensure that an individualized treatment plan is designed that will treat not just the symptoms, but the whole individual. With professionalism and compassion, each client is guided through every stage of recovery and encouraged to participate in a wide variety of evidence-based and cutting edge innovative treatment options.

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Drug Rehab Discusses Synthetic Alcohol And Implications For Alcoholics

In London, England, ex-drug tsar David Nutt and other drug experts have created a synthetic alcohol that gives drinkers a buzz without the hangover. And perhaps an even better bonus, no matter how many drinks a person consumes, they only become mildly drunk.

The team has developed the colorless, tasteless drink using chemicals related to the sedative Valium. It works on the nerves in a similar way to alcohol, causing the user to be relaxed with feelings of well-being. Their hopes are that it will eventually replace the alcohol content in beer, wine and liquor and that it will significantly reduce binge drinking as well as reduce the number of deaths f r o m alcohol poisoning.

While some may herald this as a true scientific breakthrough, professionals at Mountainside Drug Rehab and Alcohol Treatment Center aren’t as optimistic. “For a person struggling with an alcohol or other drug addiction, this could actually be the catalyst that starts a long cycle of binge drinking. For the alcoholic, there is no middle ground. A common expression among recovering alcoholics is ‘one drink is too many and a hundred’s not enough’- and that really is true for an alcoholic. The feeling of ‘the buzz’ only prompts the alcoholic into drinking more in an attempt to increase the effects of the alcohol. They are continually chasing that elusive temporary feeling of escape that alcohol brings. When an alcoholic can’t achieve the results that he/she seeks, often times they move on to something more potent that will give him or her the desired feeling they are chasing. We strongly believe that’s a dangerous road for an alcoholic or any drug dependent person to start down.”

The drink created by a group at Imperial College in London is still required to go through British government approval as it’s technically classified as a drug. That process could take years and as such, the unnamed drink may never be brought to market.

In addition to its licensed and credentialed counselors, social workers and clinical staff, Mountainside’s medical services include our Advanced Nurse Practitioner and Registered Nurse with specialization in alcoholism and drug addiction treatment. Psychiatric services are available when needed.

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Affordable Drug Rehab Center Pioneered Individualized Drug Addiction Treatment

In an unprecedented turn of events, a Utah man has voluntarily asked for more jail time in hopes that it will help him kick his heroin addiction.

The 25-year old man’s original charge was a second-degree felony. Instead of pleading down his sentence, he decided to “plead up” to a first degree felony of possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance. His original sentence carried a term of 1-15 years; his new conviction, a sentence of 5-years to life. He says he’ll soon be happier than he is now because he’ll get off of heroin and within about eight weeks of going to jail, he says that he expects his withdrawal symptoms to subside to the point that his sleep will return to normal.

Mountainside Drug Rehab and Alcohol Treatment Center issued this statement, “It’s definitely unusual for an individual to want more jail time for their actions, particularly an individual involved in a drug related crime. Normally, they want to complete their sentence so that they can quickly return to their cycle of addiction. Rarely do we see someone take such extraordinary steps to not only begin their journey to recovery but also to stay in recovery.”

Prior to final sentencing, the judge gave the young man one last chance to change his mind and withdraw his guilty plea. He declined.

Mountainside continues, “While this particular course will help this young man in his drug addiction treatment, it’s a rather extreme step. Equally effective treatment options that would have allowed this young man to maintain his future freedom were available. The problem is that sometimes, when faced with a dead-end situation, an individual doesn’t know his/her options. A big barrier to beginning treatment is not only availability of information at the time, but also finding a reliable, safe and cost-effective program that understands not only the addiction, but all of the issues surrounding the addiction.”

Mountainside Drug Rehab and Alcohol Treatment Center is a comprehensive and innovative provider of treatment for individuals suffering from drug addiction and alcoholism. Mountainside’s licensed and certified counselors, social workers and clinical treatment team and staff are dedicated to providing an unsurpassed treatment experience to its clients. With diverse areas of expertise, the treatment team works collaboratively with each client and their family to ensure that an individualized treatment plan is designed that will treat not just the symptoms, but the whole individual. With professionalism and compassion, each client is guided through every stage of recovery and encouraged to participate in a wide variety of evidence-based and cutting edge innovative treatment options.

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Cocaine Addiction Provides Glimpse Into Human Genetic Code

A recent study published in the Journal Science by Mount Sinai School of Medicine shows that chronic cocaine addiction can lead to a repression of a specific gene within the brain. The gene, 9A, is responsible for producing an enzyme that plays a crucial part in switching our genes off and on. Studies show that decreased enzyme production in those who are addicted to cocaine, actually leads to further craving of cocaine, creating the seemingly endless cycle of addiction.

Professionals at Mountainside Drug Rehab and Alcohol Treatment Center in Connecticut and New York find this study quite promising in the battle against addiction. “If the functioning mechanism of this particular cycle can be broken and this particular gene’s activity stimulated, it could certainly go a long way in helping a person overcome an addiction to cocaine as well as other drugs.”

Mountainside further states, “the problem is that once an addiction takes hold, it’s no longer solely organic in nature. A person must overcome social and situational addictions as well, which is no easy task. While we remain hopeful for a future scientific breakthrough targeting physical dependence, we understand that this is just one piece of the puzzle. That is why it is so important for an addicted individual to be involved in a multi-disciplinary drug addiction treatment program, where other aspects of the addiction, like emotional, psychological and social triggers are addressed and treated.”

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Public Health Alert: Cocaine Laced With Levamisole

Alcohol and other drug programs across California should be on the look out for a dangerous substance-levamisole-that is showing up with increasing frequency in illicit cocaine powder and crack cocaine, most recently in San Francisco and Los Angeles.

Levamisole-a veterinary anti-parasitic drug-severely reduces the number of white blood cells in humans leading to an acute condition called agranulocytosis that should be treated at a hospital. Ingesting cocaine mixed with levamisole suppresses immune function and the body’s ability to fight off even minor infections. People who snort, smoke, or inject crack or powder cocaine contaminated by levamisole can experience overwhelming, rapidly-developing, life threatening infections. Agranulocytosis manifests the following symptoms:

– high fever, chills, or weakness
– swollen glands
– painful sores (mouth and anal)
– infections that won’t go away or get worse very fast, including sore throat or mouth sores; skin infections; abscesses; thrush (white coating of the mouth, tongue or throat); pneumonia (fever, cough, shortness of breath)

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) began alerting medical professionals, substance abuse treatment centers, and other public health authorities in September about the risks.

Used in veterinary medicine, levamisole is currently approved for use in cattle, sheep and swine as an anti-parasitic agent. Formerly used in human medicine for treating autoimmune diseases and cancer, it is no longer approved for human use.

SAMHSA is working with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Food and Drug Administration, the Office of National Drug Control Policy, and other federal and international organizations, as well as state agencies to monitor the levamisole issue. CDC will publish a case report analysis in the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report and will work with state health departments to systematically collect information on cocaine-associated agranulocytosis cases. Information from this effort will be used to guide treatment and prevention initiatives to address the public health concern.

According to the DEA and state testing laboratories, the percentage of cocaine specimens containing levamisole has increased steadily since 2002, with levamisole now found in more than 70 percent of the illicit cocaine analyzed last July. In addition, a recent analysis in Seattle, Washington, found that almost 80 percent of individuals who test positive for cocaine also test positive for levamisole.

ADP is asking all providers to report suspected and confirmed cases of agranulocytosis associated with cocaine abuse to their local health departments. Cases can also be reported to local Poison Control Centers (1-800-222-1222), which may assist in clinical management and additional reporting. For further medical/technical information, contact Nicholas Reuter, SAMHSA Nicholas.reuter@samhsa.hhs.gov.

**We at Cliffside Malibu, a drug rehab facility in Malibu, California, just received this notice from the ADP director and we felt that it posed such an extraordinary risk that we wanted to disseminate it immediately to the general public. We have published this notice in its entirety.

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Drug Addiction And Alcoholism Treatment During The Holidays

Drug Rehab Center Offers Holiday Season Insights to family members with loved ones in recovery and a survival list for those in recovery. The holiday season has historically acted like a trigger for many people’s addiction and alcoholism and can be a source of a lot of stress and fear for families and loved ones. Learn what you can do to make this holiday season a successful, calm and sober one.

Apart from the warm and merry imagery of the holiday season perfectly captured in paintings by Currier Ives and Norman Rockwell, there is also a sad and less publicized side that makes the holidays very difficult for many Americans. With over 20 million Americans in need of treatment for drug addiction or alcohol abuse, the holiday season is often marked by isolation, fear, tension, and increased drug use and or alcohol abuse.

There are millions of people in this country that suffer from substance abuse issues and millions more that are in active recovery and or in rehabilitation centers across America. These individuals serve as support systems to one another and encourage each other to stay clean and sober. As we enter the upcoming holidays, many families and individuals are fearful and nervous about what to expect. Mountainside Drug Addiction Treatment Center has weighed in and listed the following common pitfalls to avoid and suggestions to follow to make the holiday season a happy and sober one for those in early recovery.

For People In Recovery:
You should not let the holiday season become an excuse for you to drink or use drugs. It is important to honestly recognize that not all holiday events / social situations are created equal; some come with invariably higher risk to your sobriety than others. It is imperative that before you commit to attending any social situation / get-together or even family event, that you make a thorough and honest assessment of all possible risks and other issues that may be present and discuss these with someone in recovery and devise a plan to ensure your sobriety. You will need to develop a healthy fear of picking up a drink or a drug and channel it into a solid plan that will allow you to enjoy the holidays clean and sober and have resolute understanding about what situations to avoid. Many people that have issues with addiction have successfully learned to adjust to all social situations, and many cite their success on a few simple rules and guidelines:

What to divulge: You don’t ever have to tell someone why you don’t want a drink. You can simply say, “No thanks.” You can discuss why you aren’t drinking if you choose. If someone starts pressuring you to drink, it’s time to walk away.

Bring a Friend and ensure support: Find a friend to accompany you to a party who understands your situation or take along a friend who is also in recovery. Remember that a lot of people do not drink and that no one knows that you are in recovery unless you tell them. Think of the list of people that will be attending and identify someone that you feel safe with. These tactics allows you to feel less alone in your situation which can curb anxiety.

Plan to have a way out: There are many twelve step meetings throughout the holiday season – identify a meeting for each day and at various times in the day. When it comes to the time of a party or social situation where there will be alcohol present or other pressures, prepare to have plans that will allow you to leave for something else. It is better to have safety-plans and not need them, then to need them and not have them.

Your house, your rules: If you are hosting a holiday event or attending a family function you have every right to make it an alcohol-free event or to simply not attend. If you are attending a party and the host has vetoed alcohol than don’t bring any. They have their reasons for having an alcohol-free party and you need to respect their wishes.

Call your Sponsor: Most twelve step based networks and addiction treatment programs offer Sponsors to help you through new situations. A Sponsor may have been in this situation at some point in their recovery and will share their experience. If you have a Sponsor, call her/him before you attend the party to help you. If you don’t have a sponsor – get a temporary one and have the number ready. Check –in: One very helpful tool is to step away from the party or family situation at regular interval and call someone in recovery. You should not wait for a hot situation to develop for you to call – call if things are going good, bad or indifferent. Commit to staying in contact with a recovering person.

Alka-thon: Any person in recovery has the option to participate in an alka-thon which is an all day 12-step based meeting event. It allows the individual to have support through-out the entire holiday. These meetings are twenty-four hours and open to anyone dealing with issues of addiction.

Sober Holiday Parties: People in the program often throw sober parties. If you are a newcomer, ask what others are doing for the holiday season and see if you can join them. Avoid being alone. Be vocal and speak up – you are not alone.

Bring your own drinks: Bring your own bottle of sparkling water, soda or other non-alcoholic beverage that you will be drinking. Don’t feel pressured to have to bring an alcoholic beverage – it is not your place to bring alcohol.

Stay Away: Stay away from situations that are alcohol related. “Come late. Leave early” is a common slogan for people in recovery. It is important to remember that you are heading for danger if you are placing yourself in situations that surround alcohol. As the saying goes: “If you keep going to the barber shop, you are bound to get your hair cut!”

For Families or Loved Ones:
If you have a loved one that you’re concerned about this holiday season there are many ways for a family member to support their loved ones during this time. There are some needed steps for tackling issues that present themselves when a newly sober person is dealing with a holiday.

Alcoholic Beverages – Do not make an issue of whether you decide not to serve or serve alcoholic beverages. If you can refrain from serving alcoholic beverages around someone in early recovery, then this is the best situation. If you do plan on serving alcohol, ensure that you have plenty of non-alcoholic beverages (juice, sparkling water, soda, etc) for the person in recovery [ AVOID non-alcoholic beverages – these are not for people in recovery ]. Try to make sure that the person in recovery is not singled out for not drinking alcohol– or being the only person not drinking – offer your quiet support by not drinking alcohol.

Alanon: Attend a family based program. Information is the key and can inform the family of the nature of addiction and how they can take care of themselves and their loved ones. Family members need support just like the person suffering with the disease of addiction. It is important for the family to understand the three C’S: Cannot cure, Cause, or Control. Acceptance that addiction is a disease is imperative to supporting the person dealing with addiction.

Stay Sober: Family members can stay sober with their loved ones as a form of support during the holiday season. Attend a meeting with the family member only if the person is open to it.

Have support / crisis plan: Have a pre-meditated plan in place so that if an issue does arise you can deal with it quickly. It is important to communicate with other loved ones that are aware of the situation so that everyone is on message.

Ask what you can do as a means of support: Ask how you can better support you loved one by having a private and candid discussion prior to the holiday.

Mountainside Addiction Treatment Center has been helping people recover from alcoholism for over 12 years and has treated more than 6,000 people from around the world. Located in Connecticut, just north of New York City, its national program continues to help people from all over the country.

It’s licensed and credentialed counselors and clinical staff includes a Nursing Team that specialize in drug addiction and alcoholism treatment. The highly capable drug addiction treatment team is dedicated to providing compassionate and quality alcohol and drug treatment. In these hard economic times – Mountainside Drug Rehab is there to help. Please contact us at the number below or visit its website at (www.mountainside.com). If you or someone you love is in need of treatment please contact us at: 800-762-5433.

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Mountainside Cites That Heroin And Opiate Use Is On The Rise

The numbers of individuals entering inpatient drug rehab for heroin and opiate addiction continues to increase. In Afghanistan and Pakistan the opium (heroin) trade is tightly controlled by al Qaeda and the Taliban, and despite the war the efforts, the production of heroin and opium has dramatically increased – heroin is still dirt-cheap and readily purchased on the streets of Kabul and sold in short distance of military barracks. This phenomena has caused many analysts to be alarmed that our troops, reacting to the stress of war and ease of access of drugs, may develop drug habits like many of the soldiers in the Vietnam era.

The prevalence of cheap heroin has become a major issue in this country for teenagers who have begun experimenting with the drug as it is often cheaper and easier to buy than alcohol. Last year more than 46 people died from heroin overdoses in Nassau County, NY – this represents a 75 percent year over year increase. One of these individuals was Natalie Ciappa, a National Honor Society member at her high school on Long Island.

Recently, this past Wed, more than 1,000 parents gathered at a hosted forum in Smithtown, NY to voice their support and concern for the drug problem.

Directly correlated to the increase in heroin addiction has been the number of deaths by people using methadone. Many individuals who enter heroin rehab, also have tried methadone. A recent study published by the National Drug Intelligence Center (DIC indicates a 390% increase in deaths due to methadone since 1999. Increase in methadone deaths attributed to the drugs emerging popularity for use with chronic pain sufferers as well as increased diversion (stealing from legitimate sources and diverting to the street for illegal consumption).

The highest overdose rate was experienced among those between the ages of 15 – 24.

Opiate addiction or dependence which is recognized as a central nervous system disorder, can affect anyone from any walk of life. Opiate addiction is essentially what happens after someone intakes opiods such as Heroin, Oxycontin, Percocet and others for extended periods of time causing the brain to stop producing the vital chemical dopamine (the body’s natural response to pain as well as other physical activities) which in turn causes an uncontrollable urge for that person to have to ingest more of the drug they had been taking just to feel “normal”.

Opiate dependence while chemically the same as addiction more often occurs in people who have suffered from chronic or severe pain and have to be on this type of medication for an extended period of time. Normally to avoid any unpleasant effects the person’s physician will taper them off of the medication so the patient’s brain function has a chance to return to normal. Once the brain is actively producing dopamine and as long as the patient is no longer in pain, the medication is no longer medically needed.

Mountainside Drug Rehab and Alcohol Treatment Center has been helping people recover from alcoholism for over 12 years. Located in Connecticut, just north of New York City, its national program continues to help people from all over the country.

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Take Rehab Seriously Or Run The Risk Of Never Beating Addiction

Addiction is both a physical and psychological disease. Addiction treatment, then, must promote both physical and psychological healing. The only successful rehab facilities are those which help their clients get better in mind as well as in body. In the end, there’s no other route to meaningful and lasting wellness.


Those considerations, in turn, are at the heart of Sunset Malibu’s treatment philosophy.

With its world-class caregivers and elegant accommodations, Sunset Malibu is an unparalleled recovery destination. The center has always catered to upscale clients from every corner of the globe. Now Sunset is renewing its commitment to its core values, with the goal of delivering life-changing comprehensive care to individuals who seek it. At Sunset Malibu, the client always comes first.

“Every one of our clients comes to us with some sort of emotional problem,” said Sunset Malibu Program Director Dr. Georgina Smith. “It’s our job to ensure that that problem gets solved, in order to lay a solid foundation for the long-term recovery process. With everything from advanced dual-diagnosis techniques to intensive depression treatment, we make it our mission to help patients heal from the inside-out.”

Unfortunately, that passion for holistic healing is precisely what sets Sunset apart from its competitors.

Most treatment facilities pay lip service to the importance of holistic recovery. But very few of them live up to their own promises. The truth is that many of the most “exclusive” clinics in California only target the physical symptoms of addiction. More often than not, those facilities fail to help clients get better for good.

Under the circumstances, argues Dr. Smith, those shortcomings are inexcusable.

“Addiction ruins lives,” Dr. Smith said. “Addiction treatment can save them-but only if it’s administered with empathy and expertise. We stop at nothing to ensure that our clients receive the best possible support along the road to wellness. To do anything less would be to forsake our personal and professional obligations.”

Substance abuse is an increasingly prevalent problem in the United States and around the world. The good news here is that it doesn’t have to be a fatal one. Sunset Malibu has proven itself capable of helping clients rediscover the world as they used to know it, before addiction stripped them of their hope and joy and dignity. It’s hard to imagine that any service could ever possibly be more valuable than that one.

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Drug Rehab Where You Are Surrounded By Luxury

Affluent addiction victims typically seek the services of elegant private treatment facilities. Unfortunately, that search is often impeded by a lack of information from and about the luxury rehab industry.

That’s about to change.

LuxuryDrugRehab.com is pleased to announce a new referral service linking affluent addiction victims to the best treatment and recovery facilities on earth. The goal of LuxuryDrugRehab.com is to help those victims find the facility that’s exactly right for them. To do that, the service provides clients with expert personal advice and a thorough understanding of the treatment options available to them.

For drug rehab patients and their families, that sort of enlightenment can often make all the difference in the world.

Rehab is always an arduous process. To be successful, patients need intimate and comprehensive support at every step on the road to wellness. The best treatment clinics, then, are invariably those which most effectively meet the needs of their individual clients. In the end, anything less than the most personalized care is and can only be a recipe for failure.

But those principles aren’t always put into practice.

It’s one thing for a rehab center to pay lip service to the importance of luxurious accommodations. It’s quite another for that facility to make a deep and abiding commitment to the physical comfort of its clients. The unfortunate truth is that many of the most well-known clinics in Los Angeles fall short of the promises they make in their advertising brochures. Unsurprisingly, those institutions rarely produce meaningful or lasting recovery.

Given the stakes in the fight against addiction, those sorts of failures can lead to disaster.

LuxuryDrugRehab.com is a referral service dedicated to connecting callers with the right drug rehab programs or alcohol rehab center. To learn more about the service, please call 1-888-488-0088, or visit the LuxuryDrugRehab.com Web site at www.luxurydrugrehab.com. Online visitors will find testimonials, staff profiles, and other valuable information about private drug rehabs the rehabilitation experience.

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Sunset Malibu Is Announcing Its Redoubled Efforts To Provide Cutting-Edge Care In An Elegant Environment

Sunset Malibu, a luxurious treatment center on the California coast, has long been a transformational force in the field of rehabilitation and recovery. Now, Sunset is announcing its redoubled efforts to provide cutting-edge care in an elegant environment.

Sunset Malibu Is Announcing Its Redoubled Efforts To Provide Cutting-Edge Care In An Elegant Environment

Luxury rehab facilities can only be successful if they provide compassionate, competent treatment to their clients. Elegant amenities are important to the healing process, but they’re meaningless if they aren’t accompanied by advanced therapy. In the end, the only effective drug rehab centers are those which deliver the best possible care to their clients.

Those considerations, in turn, are at the heart of Sunset Malibu’s rehabilitation philosophy.

With its world-class caregivers and elegant accommodations, Sunset Malibu is an unparalleled recovery destination. The center has always catered to upscale clients from every corner of the globe. Now Sunset is renewing its commitment to its core values, with the goal of delivering life-changing treatment to individuals who seek it. At Sunset Malibu, the client’s medical needs always comes first.

“There are no guarantees in the luxury rehab process,” said Sunset Malibu owner Richard Taite. “To be successful, patients need a high level of support at every step along the road to wellness. We aim to provide exactly that, beginning with our special dual-diagnosis techniques and extending all the way through our intensive aftercare programs.”

That comprehensive methodology is precisely what sets Sunset apart from its competitors.

There are plenty of luxury treatment facilities in Los Angeles. Most of them provide high-quality living conditions for their residents. But only a handful complement those conditions with high-level addiction treatment. As should go without saying, those institutions which fail to match elegance with expertise routinely fail to help their clients achieve meaningful and lasting wellness.

Under the circumstances, argues Taite, those shortcomings are inexcusable.

“Successful rehab changes lives,” Taite said. “Our clients trust us to save them from the depths of dependency, and we take the responsibility with the utmost seriousness. We believe that our commitment to excellence is reflected in the positive outcomes enjoyed by our graduates.”

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Sunset Is Announcing Its Redoubled Commitment To Clinical And Therapeutic Excellence

Sunset Malibu, an exclusive treatment center on the California coast, has long been a transformational force in the field of rehabilitation and recovery. Now, Sunset is announcing its redoubled commitment to clinical and therapeutic excellence.

Clinical And Therapeutic Excellence

Addiction treatment is a delicate undertaking. To be successful, it has to be administered the right way, by people who understand precisely what they’re doing. The most effective rehab facilities are invariably those which employ the most qualified caregivers. In the end, there’s simply no substitute for expertise in the rehabilitation process.

Those considerations, in turn, are at the heart of Sunset Malibu’s treatment philosophy.

With its world-class caregivers and elegant accommodations, Sunset Malibu is an unparalleled recovery destination. The center has always catered to upscale individuals from every corner of the globe. Now Sunset is renewing its commitment to its core values, with the goal of delivering cutting-edge care to individuals who seek it. At Sunset Malibu, the client always comes first.

“Our residents come to us expecting the best service money can buy,” said Sunset Malibu owner Richard Taite. “We believe that it’s our responsibility to deliver exactly that, with everything from advanced dual-diagnosis techniques to specialized nutritional analysis and gourmet meals. Anything less than excellence is simply unacceptable. “

Unfortunately, those high standards set Sunset apart from its competitors.

All Drug Rehab Centers pay lip service to the importance of caregiver expertise. But only a few of them actually put principle into practice. In fact, many of the most high-priced rehab centers in California employ inexperienced or unqualified counselors and therapists. It should come as no surprise that those institutions rarely help their clients achieve any sort of meaningful recovery.

Taite, for his part, suggests that such shortcomings are inexcusable.

“Successful rehab saves lives,” Taite said. “But failed rehab can jeopardize them. Our clients trust us to do everything in our power to safeguard their long-term health. We take that responsibility with the utmost seriousness, and we like to believe that our track record reflects our commitment to doing things the right way.”

It’s no secret that addiction is an awful disease. The good news is that addiction treatment really can help to solve the problem—but only if it’s administered the right way. Sunset Malibu has a long history of helping its clients rebuild their lives from the ground up. Under the circumstances, no outcome could ever be more important than that.

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