Halcion Addiction: Get The Facts

Halcion, a prescription drug also known by its generic name, Triazolam, is used to treat insomnia. It is meant to be used on a short-term basis only. This medication belongs to the benzodiazepine (“benzo”) classification of drugs, which means that it is a tranquilizer.

Effects of Halcion

Over time, a person who is taking this drug to help fall asleep or stay asleep may need to take a higher Halcion dose to achieve the result he or she is looking for and this can lead to addiction.

The effects of Halcion vary, depending on the individual and the amount of the drug that has been taken, and include the following:

•     Dizziness
•     Drowsiness
•     Lightheadedness
•     Clumsiness/difficulty with coordination

Signs of Halcion Addiction and Dependence

Halcion addiction can occur when a person takes a higher dose than the one directed by a doctor or uses the drug recreationally. A physical or psychological dependence may occur if the drug is taken longer than the recommended time. People with a history of drug or alcohol abuse or who have personality disorders are at higher risk for becoming dependent on the drug.

If the user is being prescribed the drug by more than one doctor, this can be a sign of Halcion addiction as well. Checking the patient and prescribing doctor’s name on prescription bottles can also reveal whether the right person is taking the medication and that only one physician is writing prescriptions.

Get Help for Halcion Addiction

Halcion is only meant to be used as a temporary measure to treat insomnia. If the drug is being used for more than a couple of weeks, the person taking it may develop a dependence on it. If someone who has not been prescribed the medication is using it, this is a sign that of possible Halcion addiction as well.

Someone who has been using Halcion and has been able to sleep while taking it may be reluctant to stop, even if it has become apparent that a dependency has occurred.

Halcion addiction can be treated, but it requires the expertise of trained professionals. If you are concerned about a loved one’s Halcion use, contact an addiction treatment center to get appropriate help.

Ativan and Addiction

Ativan is the generic name for Lorazepam and is prescribed as an anti-anxiety drug. As a benzodiazepine drug (“benzo”), it works as a tranquilizer and suppresses the central nervous system. It’s often prescribed for general anxiety disorder and insomnia.

Ativan has a high potential for addiction – both psychological and physical. Since the drug affects the central nervous system and produces relaxed feelings, it’s very easy for patients to become used to this feeling and seek it out more and more. Over time, patients can become resistant to Ativan’s affects and need more and more to produce the same feeling.

Signs of Ativan Addiction

Ativan addiction may not be easily apparent at first.

The symptoms of regular use and the symptoms of addiction are often the same thing. Not everyone who takes Ativan becomes addicted. Patients may have some of the symptoms listed above without being physically or psychologically addicted.

Ativan Side Effects

The severity of the side effects depends on how much of the drug has been taken over time. Ativan users can experience:

• Sleepiness
• Weakness
• Clumsiness
• Amnesia
• Agitation
• Insomnia
• Inappropriate behavior
• Out of control behavior
• Impaired liver function
• Headaches
• Vision problems

These side effects can become more pronounced when someone becomes addicted to the drug and uses it in higher doses. With long-term use, addicts can suffer from abdominal discomfort, tachycardia (irregular heartbeat), depression, agitation and even forms of amnesia.

Ativan is available in a pill or an injectable form, and the injectible Ativan has increased incidences of sedation, hallucination and irrational behavior. Some Ativan patients have experienced rapid increases or decreases in blood sugar levels as well.

Getting Help For Ativan Addiction

If you suspect your loved one is addicted to Ativan, look for increased use of the drug. Your friend or family member will frequently request refills. They may shop around for different doctors and get multiple prescriptions for drugs. Look for prescription bottles and compare the doctor’s names. If there are two or more doctors prescribing medication, your loved one may be addicted.  Challenges Addiction Treatment can help.

Some of the most severe addiction symptoms, like tachycardia or blood sugar fluctuation, aren’t always obvious. However, you should look for some of the more readily apparent symptoms – like depression, memory loss or unprovoked anger.

Intervention For Alcoholics, Addicts

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Watching someone you know struggle with the negative and destructive forces of drug abuse and addiction can be excruciating, to say the least.

An intervention is a structured way in which people who love and care about an addict can gather to confront that person about his or her addiction. Sometimes it is this very intervention that can mean the difference between recovery and addiction, and perhaps even life and death.

Alcoholic or Drug Addict Intervention

The desired outcome of an intervention is for the alcoholic or drug addict to agree to immediate treatment. Treatment can take several forms, such as outpatient, inpatient, AA and/or a drug and alcohol detox facility.

Good planning is a key to the potential success of the intervention for the drug addict or the alcoholic. Poorly-planned interventions can, in fact, make matters worse.

Intervention professionals (known as interventionists) or addiction specialists can be brought in to help before, during and after — especially if the addict has a history of violence, suicidal behavior, is addicted to multiple mood-altering substances and/or has a history or current signs of mental illness.

That same third-party intervention professional can help follow-up with the treatment plan and with the addict’s recovery. Intervention specialists can help toward avoiding relapse for the addict.

How To Help An Addict

Those who are addicted, in this case to drugs and alcohol, often do not see or even care about the potentially devastating effects their actions and addictions have on those around them. An intervention is a chance for loved ones to help the addict get back on the right path before it is too late.

Interventions are generally staged for those who are addicted, often dangerously so, to alcohol and drugs (including prescription medications as well as “street” drugs). Consulting an intervention specialist prior to the intervention will go a long way toward ensuring the positive results for the addict and for the loved ones looking for hope and help.

How To Do A Intervention

When it comes to planning and staging an intervention, there is much to keep in mind:

Pre-Planning: Having a pre-planned/arranged plan for treatment ready to present is a must.

Evidence: Preparing/presenting specific examples of the addict’s destructive behaviors along with their impact on those gathered as well as on the addict him or herself is important.

Boundaries Going Forward: It is important to be ready, emotionally and verbally, to be specific about a loved one will and will not longer do or accept should the drug or alcohol addict refuse treatment following the intervention.

Being Proactive: Not waiting until the addicted individual indicated that he or she wants or is ready for help. They may never offer such a possibility, and many a loved one has waited until it was tragically too late for the addict in their lives to indicate his or her readiness.

Attitude: Maintaining an attitude and approach of respect, kindness and no judgment no matter how the intervention is going.

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The Truth About Vicodin Addiction

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Vicodin, an opiate-based drug, is the go-to drug of choice for men and women of all ages and walks of life.  Vicodin addiction and addicts can be found in the suburbs, in the boardroom, in the classroom and elsewhere.

Vicodin is a brand name for the combination of acetaminophen (the active ingredient in Tylenol, for instance) and hydrocodone, an opiate and painkiller. Working together, the two work to slow the production of pain causers in the body and lessen the sensations of pain overall. Vicodin, which as an opiate acts in the same way as heroin, is generally prescribed for pain over a set period of time; Vicodin dependency or addiction occurs when use goes beyond recommended dosages and treatment times.

Side Effects Of Vicodin

A person who is addicted to Vicodin or a similar opiate such as Norco or Lorcet, Because it is often easy to get and effective once used, Vicodin is often the addicted person’s go-to choice.

When someone who is addicted to opiates like Vicodin attempts to withdraw, symptoms such as these can be expected:

• Cold sweats
• Stomach issues, such as diarrhea or vomiting
• Significant and often unbearable pain
• Aching limbs
• Panic that seems to grow

Once someone is addicted to Vicodin, the effects can be immediate and continuous, eventually leading to serious health problems, such as liver damage/failure and even death. Those who are prescribed Vicodin should immediately let their doctors know if they have any of the following conditions:
To make sure you can safely take Vicodin, tell your doctor if you have any of these other conditions: asthma; sleep apnea; low blood pressure; underactive thyroid; history of brain or heady injury or brain tumor; mental illness; adrenal gland disorders and/or a history of addiction to drugs and/or alcohol.

Vicodin Addiction Symptoms

As the addiction to a prescription substance like Vicodin grows, people find they need to take more and more in order to achieve the same effect. As the body builds a higher tolerance to the drug, some Vicodin abusers find themselves taking a hundred or more pills every day.

When taken with other substances such as alcohol or certain kinds of anti-depressants, symptoms related to Vicodin addiction such as these could occur:

• Constipation
• Dizziness
• Heart palpitations
• Hives, skin rashes
• Nausea
• Vision problems
• Confusion
• Hallucinations
• Loss of control over bodily functions

These and other Vicodin addiction symptoms occur as a result of the body trying its best to expel and rid itself of the toxins being put into it almost constantly. In many cases, instead of fighting the addiction and the onslaught of the substance, the body may simply give in and stop, significantly negatively affecting the immune system and the body’s natural ability to heal.

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The Basics of Xanax Addiction

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Xanax, the brand name for alprazolam, is one of a group of medications in the benzodiazepine (“benzo”) drug class. It is a habit-forming drug, and addiction is possible after 2 weeks and especially for those who take it for non-medical reasons.

As a short-acting benzodiazepine, Xanax is often taken at frequent intervals to compensate for this short half-life. Some common street names for Xanax include: Footballs, Bars, School, sticks, skateboards and Peaches.

Xanax Addiction

Xanax is prescribed to those who need treatment for panic attacks and possibly agoraphobia, a fear of leaving home or being around other people in open places. It produces a calm and relaxed feeling, as if the brain has slowed down. Despite the ease of addiction, many who take Xanax do so for long periods of time, despite warnings and usually increasing the dosage over time.  This is when xanax addiction sets in.

Once the body adjusts to a certain dosage, the relaxation and other feelings are lessened, causing many abusers to take more and more over time in order to keep up with the effects. Put simpy, benzos such as Xanax are no longer effective after a few weeks or months of regular and increasing use.

Over time, the body builds a tolerance to a medication like Xanax and when taken beyond two weeks, Xanax withdrawal symptoms are usually reported when use is done. Eventually, in what can only be described as a vicious cycle, Xanax causes little or no effect as far as the “calm high” of early use, and continued abuse is carried out more to avoid withdrawal symptoms than anything else.

Xanax Withdrawal Symptoms

As mentioned above, Xanax is a powerful drug that, when abruptly quit, can cause serious and potentially life-threatening health issues, from risk of seizures to respiratory depression (especially when taken in combination with alcohol).

Long-term use of benzodiazepines such as Xanax can lead to a variety of physical and mental issues, from memory loss to depression to anxiety. Withdrawal is not something to be undertaken without proper medical supervision; withdrawal effects of Xanax can include: hallucinations, seizures and bizarre delusions and visions. Those who do manage to successfully withdraw from drugs such as Xanax report  brighter colors, better mood and a clearer mind.

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Treatment For Drug Abuse

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Drug abuse is rampant, affecting millions of  families, communities, workplaces and individuals throughout the U.S.

It is important to note that drug abuse is not limited to any one age group, gender or socio-economic level. Drug addiction can happen to anyone, to any family. Those seeking help with drug abuse, whether for themselves or a friend, colleague or family member, may be abusing one of these drugs:

• Heroin
• Amphetamines
• Cocaine
• Marijuana (“pot”)
• Prescription drugs, including painkillers
• Alcohol abuse may or may not accompany the drug abuse and addiction

Signs of Drug Abuse. The many signs and symptoms of drug abuse depend on several factors, including type and amount of drug abused, method of delivery (e.g, pills vs intravenously) and length of use/abuse. Some of these signs include:

• Mood swings
• Inattentiveness to personal grooming, such as bathing or brushing hair/teeth
• Withdrawal from friends, family, work life
• Lack or loss of interest in favorite activities
• Disturbed sleep pattern
• Depressed and/or manic
• Significant changes in appetite or weight
• Hallucinations
• Paranoia
• Disorientation
• Slurred speed

Causes of Drug Abuse. Substance abuse may begin in childhood or the teenage years. Often, risk factors including these are present:

• A chaotic home situation
• The absence of a nurturing home environment
• Family history of addiction
• Poor social/coping skills
• Peer pressure

People start using drugs for many different reasons, and not every user becomes an abuser. When it comes to evaluating the signs of drug abuse, no mater what the amount of frequency of use, if drug use is causing problems in the life of the user (emotional, physical and/or mental, for starters), then he or she likely has a drug addiction problem.

Getting Help For Drug Abuse. There is no question about it: It takes strength, commitment and courage to admit a drug abuse problem and then take the action necessary to get appropriate and effective help. Help is available in many forms, from rehab centers to drug abuse clinics and even to online addiction treatment.

Often, when it comes to treatments for drug abuse, the first step – deciding to make the change – is the most difficult one. But no matter how long the road to recovery seems, it is a road that can be traveled by anyone. These stories of those who turned their life around and left a life of drug abuse and addiction behind are inspiring and empowering.

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Relapse Prevention Activities, Techniques That Work

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No matter what the addiction – drugs, alcohol or anything else – relapse is a very real threat and relapse prevention is something that should be planned for and worked toward for all addicts.

Once an initial treatment period has ended, some of the hardest work of the recovery process begins. The changes required to stick to a recovery-centered life will often be based on a relapse prevention plan.

Some of these relapse prevention activities include:

Distraction: Think about something else. Call someone. Go for a walk. Go to a meeting. Acknowledge the urge without giving in to it.

Waiting. Sometimes, waiting 20 or 30 minutes before taking any potentially negative actions can make all of the difference in the world. Stay busy, distract yourself and allow cravings to pass – they will and they do.

Recognizing. Knowing beforehand what the triggers can be will go a long way toward helping the addict prepare beforehand for such urges, cravings and situations.

Network. Having a network or list of trusted friends, loved ones, sponsors and others who will be there to provide support and reason in a moment of potential relapse is one of the strongest ways an addict can arm his or herself against relapse.

Relax. Breathing exercises and other relapse prevention techniques go a long way in strongly fighting the natural urges most addicts experience on the road to recovery.

Being Realistic: Many addicts get overwhelmed when they think about being sober or abstinent forever. Forever is a long time! It is exponentially easier to think about being sober or abstinent for today. And today only. Think in easy-to-manage blocks of time as opposed to black and white “forevers” and “nevers.”

Significant lifestyle changes are usually not easy to maintain. Sticking to a new program with an eye toward relapse prevention requires support, clarity and commitment, among other things. Often, a relapse is more of a process than a single event and the process can, at times, seem stronger than the commitment. It is important to understand and remember that lapses and relapses are part of our natural resistance to change. The bigger the change, the stronger resistance.

Some warning signs of relapse and to keep in mind when putting together a relapse prevention plan include:

• Hanging around with old friends, in old places and old situations that in the past led or contributed to addictive behaviors and activities
• Isolating oneself from the new or positive influences
• Stopping medication without an “OK” from a doctor or medical professional
• Skipping medical appointments, meetings, therapy and other recover-centric activities
• Thinking that support or a plan is no longer needed
• Ignoring these and other signs and triggers

Arming ourselves for relapse and having a good relapse prevention plan in place takes work on the addict’s part. Preventing relapse requires a new approach that does work…especially when the old one of addiction didn’t serve or work well in the first place.

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