Showing posts with label addiction. Show all posts
Showing posts with label addiction. Show all posts

Wednesday, May 6, 2015

Help For Parents With An Addicted Child

 

Finding out that your child is an addict is an incredibly painful experience. It doesn't matter if they are a teen, young adult, or fully grown. You must simply remember that you must be strong and supportive for your child, addiction is a disease, and to take care of yourself.

No matter if your child is willing to seek treatment or is continuing use of the drug or alcohol until they can gradually ween themselves off of it, you must be supportive. They might be your child, but you can not make all their life decisions for them. You can, however, be there for them. They might push away from you, but so long as you stay strong, you can both get through this ordeal together.

All diseases require love and support to get through them, no matter if it is addiction, cancer, or any other sort of major health issue. If your child feels locked out from their family for having a disease, it can cause the addiction to be much harder to overcome. You wouldn't tell someone suffering from depression to just ignore their symptoms, would you? Addiction is just as much a disease as any other and to overcome it, your child needs support and strength they may not be able to provide for themselves.

While you are tending to your child, do not forget that they are not the only ones that need to be taken care of. If you let your health suffer during their ordeal, it will only being hardship to you both. If you let this ordeal break apart the relationships you have made, not only with your addicted child, but also with your other loved ones, it can creating a tremendous strain on the relationship you have with your addicted child, as well.

If you find yourself parenting a child with an addiction, whether a teen, young adult, or fully grown adult, you will face a bit of hardship. So long as you give them your full support and strength, remember that this is a disease, and keep your health in mind as well, you will both make it through this ordeal.

To Learn More About Substance Abuse Treatment Options For Teens and Adults, Click Below:

Substance Abuse Treatment

Friday, January 2, 2015

Everything You Need To Know About A Physician Health Program



The Physician Health Program is an organization whose purpose is to provide non punitive, confidential treatment and help for physicians who are fighting personal addiction problems.

The Silent Struggle

A physician health program can be the answer for many physicians who are silently struggling with the demon of substance abuse. Physicians, often as not, deal with inordinate amounts of stress, along with long work days, incessant demands on their personal time and with few to no resources available to them to help them deal with these overwhelming professional issues. A Physician Health Program can be the answer for a physician who is often dealing with these issues alone.

So, What Is A Physician Health Program?

Typically, family or professional associates who suspect or know that a physician is suffering from substance abuse would initiate a private intervention with the doctor, find counseling for the physician on the help available, and advising him of his/her options. One satisfactory characteristic of dealing with a Physician Health Program is their non-punitive approach to total therapy within the realm of substance abuse. The physician would then undergo a preliminary assessment conducted by a trained and licensed professional to ascertain that there are indeed legitimate grounds for a referral to the Physician Health Program. After a positive initial assessment, the physician would be advised of available options, course of action required for recovery, and the ramifications of not following through with the program.

Confidentiality

It is understood that physicians have many many years and many thousands of dollars invested in their careers. It is also recognized that the physician desires to be a force for good and positively seeks the welfare of his/her patients. The physician will typically be relieved to hear that a typical Physician Health Program has no punitive authority over the physician, and in no way is affiliated with the State Licensing Board. S/he will be agreeable to undergoing a recovery plan outlined by the Physician Health Program, knowing that successful completion will be an important step in preserving the public safety and trust, while being allowed to maintain their state license and continue working. Strict confidentiality is the rule.

Treatment

Where necessary, the Physician Health Program may recommend termination of practice for the physician or an extended hiatus. Professionals in substance abuse and counseling would be available for each enrolled physician, at every step of the treatment process, to include preliminary assessment, the intervention, formal evaluation, long term monitoring, actual treatment and relapse prevention.

A Physician Health Program Helps Doctors Overcome Addiction, With The Confidentiality They Need. Don't Wait, Get The Help You Deserve:

Why Do Doctors Get Addicted

Tuesday, October 21, 2014

How To Avoid Addiction To Ambien Or Sonata


If you are currently having quite a bit of difficulty when it comes to sleeping at night, it could have a lot to do with your personal life. You may be going through a great deal of stress at your place of employment, or maybe your social life is not quite in balance. You may be going through a divorce, or a bad relationship, or you could have possibly just had a string of bad luck come your way.

Regardless of the reason you're not sleeping, you can always get a prescription for either Ambien or Sonata to help you sleep. The problem with these drugs is that they become very addicting over time, which is why many people try to stop using them. Here are some tips on getting rid of your addiction to either of these drugs, plus a remedy that might help you sleep.

Why Sleeping Drugs Are Addicting

In the same way that opiates are able to effectively change the way your neural transmitters operate, and the way that your central nervous system effects your ability to feel pain, sleeping medications also interact within the brain by affecting certain receptors that cause you to go to sleep. When you are taking Ambien or Sonata, they are able to affect these changes quite rapidly, usually within 20 minutes, causing you to go to sleep.

They essentially make you feel more relaxed, and in doing so, you're able to go to sleep throughout the night, and usually wake up refreshed. Unfortunately, this may actually stop working in a pleasant manner, causing you to have a feeling as if you are hung over. To get rid of these drugs in your life, there are some options you might want to consider.

Getting Help For Sleeping Medication Addiction

A choice that many people make when using these drugs, especially if they want to stop using them, is to work with a group of professionals that can help them gradually diminish their overall use until they no longer need them. Another method is to use something more natural that can also help you sleep.

There are several natural herbs and supplements that are out there that can replicate to some degree what Ambien and Sonata are able to do. By substituting these natural remedies, like valerian root, you will be able to quickly and your addiction to the sleeping medications.

Tuesday, August 5, 2014

Addiction To Fentany - Easy Ways To End Your Addiction



You have probably heard of several different opiate drugs such as morphine or methadone. These are often prescribed to those that are suffering from some type of physical pain that cannot be alleviated using something as basic as Tylenol or ibuprofen. Opioids and morphine derivatives are prescribed every day by doctors that are seeking to help people control their pain. The only problem with these drugs is that they are very addicting, and can lead to a lifelong association with these poppy seed based pharmaceuticals. One drug in particular, fentany, is one that you should stay away from. Here is an overview of the drug, and ways to get off of it using treatment centers and common sense.

What Is Fentany?

Also known as fentanyl and fentanil, it is an opiate analgesic that is extremely potent for providing any relief. It is also a very strong agonist for mu receptors which is the primary reason that opiates are able to reduce pain. It was synthesized back in the 60s and has been found to be up to 100 times more potent than morphine. In the 90s, it was used as what is called the Duragesic patch and can also be sprayed on the skin. The problem with this drug is because it is so strong, many deaths have resulted from both medical and recreational use. Its effects on the mu receptors is very strong, and therefore the withdrawal symptoms you experience getting off of this opiate medication will be quite severe.

Ending Your Addiction To Fentany

In order to stop using fentany, you will have to do one of two things. You can stop using it altogether, and go through the withdrawals on your own. Or, you can go through the withdrawals at a treatment center that is specifically designed to help individuals that need to stop using this drug. Either way, the withdrawal symptoms will occur, and depending upon the strength of the dosage, and how long you have been using, the effects could be quite severe. Find out more about treatment centers in your area so that you will have the best possible chance of ending your addiction.

Monday, May 5, 2014

Get Over A Problem You're Having With Meth

 

When you're trying to deal with an addiction to meth, there are a few things you need to think through. This can really hurt your mind and body, so you must take control of this addiction as soon as you possibly can. Read on to get more help.

Know that meth may make you feel good, but it's going to slowly eat away at your body or your mind. The first few times you do it you probably won't experience anything too bad, but that's how it gets you hooked. After using it for a while you tend to eat less and stay up for longer periods of time. When this happens, your mind can start to turn on you. Also, it takes more of the drug to get you high eventually, and this can lead to amphetamine psychosis.

You'll need to get away from the meth scene wherever you live as soon as you're ready to quit. This drug is something that people all around the world use because it's so easy to make, so you just have to avoid anyone that you suspect is using it as you clean up. It will be tempting to go back to your old hangouts and things of that nature, but you should avoid it all you can. This way, you won't be sucked back into that lifestyle and have to work on getting clean again later on in your life.

It's easy to see that you can deal with a meth addiction if you're willing to work on it. This will be hard work in the end, but once you've taken control of things you will be just fine. Take advantage of what you've learned here to get a lot out of it all.

Laguna Beach Oceanfront Drug Rehab Can Help You to Successfully Recover from Addiction to Meth and Other Dangerous Drugs and Alcohol:

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Tuesday, April 29, 2014

Crack And Getting Help With Getting Off Of It

It's hard to get off of crack due to how addictive it is. That's why you're going to need help with getting things under control in your life. When you're ready to learn what you can do to get off of this dangerous substance, read on.

Once you're able to figure out that you have a problem with crack, then you can start to look for help with getting off of it. It's not easy to admit when you have a problem, and that's because most people on drugs will formulate reasons as to why they have to keep using. Know that this drug is not good for you in any way. It may boost your mood or make your life seem better, but in the end it's just going to cause you a lot of problems. You'll end up dying if you don't eventually quit.

Get into a treatment facility if you know you're not able to quit on your own. Not only will they allow you to come down off of the drug and help you with withdrawals, they will also allow you to stay away from that lifestyle for quite some time. When you're in treatment, you should not leave it even if you're convinced that you feel a lot better. Chances are that if you leave the program early, it will make you go back to your lifestyle. These people know what they're doing, so listen to them and stick with it.

You're now someone that is in the know about how to take care of an addiction to the substance known as crack. It's not going to be easy to get off of, but it will make your life that much better when things are under control.

Thursday, April 24, 2014

Mushrooms and Drug Abuse

Psilocybin mushrooms are a class of mushrooms that cause hallucinations when consumed. These are different from those found in the supermarket though some are remarkably similar in appearance. People often collect a large batch of them and make a tea which can be drank. It will cause those who consume it to experience auditory and visual hallucinations. Though many believe that it creates a heightened awareness, consumption of mushrooms can be incredibly dangerous.

Because of the hallucinations, users may behave in irrational or dangerous manners. There have been reports of people jumping from buildings believing they could fly. Others may break things or run into traffic to flee demons or other things that are not there.

If you are addicted to hallucinogens, there is help available. You can go to a rehabilitation center in your area to get help. The people working at these centers have often had their own issues with substance abuse and are working there to help others recover.

While in treatment, you can attend groups where you will meet other addicts. It is likely that you encounter people who have also struggled with addiction to hallucinogens. By sharing your experiences, you can create bonds that will help you to stay substance free. Oftentimes, addicts are willing to talk to you any time you feel the need to use drugs. This can be an invaluable tool during difficult times.

You do not have to go through getting clean from drugs alone. There are people willing to help you become clean and sober. By reaching out to a treatment center, you are showing a willingness to change your life. Though the process may seem scary at first, once you begin, it will become easier. You will be grateful that you have made the choice to straighten out your life.

Friday, April 4, 2014

Why Cocaine Use Is So Popular

There are many people out there that want to believe that pop culture has nothing to do with the surge of drug use in this country, but I beg to differ. If you listen to many of the most popular songs on the radio, many of them have references to the use of cocaine. While many people can listen to these songs without allowing it to lead to drug use, there are others that are not as strong-willed.

Music is not the only pop culture reference people have when it comes to cocaine. There are films all over the place that glorify the use of the drug. People see their favorite actors on film having a ball using cocaine and sometimes that piques a natural curiosity. You would think that the ravaging effects this drug has on the human body would be enough to deter people, but they choose to focus on the feeling they will receive from using it.

A few years ago I decided that I wanted to try it for myself. I cannot say that it was pop culture that made me curious, but it had an indirect impact on my decision. One of my closest friends listens to music that discusses how great you will feel after a few lines, so she decided to try it. She was hooked and listening to her talk about the good feeling made me want to try it.

While on vacation I talked to the aunt of one of my friends and I have to say that her brain was absolutely fried. When I asked her what her issue was, she told me that she was "high as a kite off of some blow." Looking at the way that her body looked and her inability to have a coherent conversation, I decided to nix the idea of me giving it a try. The feeling you receive will never be worth all the damage it can do.

Thursday, April 3, 2014

The Basics of Alcohol Abuse

 

Alcohol is often advertised as a vital component of celebrations and parties. Popular commercials often feature various beers and liquor. Alcohol use is acceptable in the mainstream, and many people never experience issues with it. So what is alcohol abuse?

The darker side of alcohol occurs when the party is over and the drinking continues. Some people have a genetic or environmental predisposition to alcohol abuse or alcohol addiction. The signs of alcohol abuse tend to escalate until they are no longer deniable.

Signs of alcohol abuse may be as obvious as someone who regularly gets so intoxicated that they black out and don't remember anything. But alcoholism can also remain hidden as the alcoholic tries to maintain their family life along with work or school, while drinking secretly. The users may drink on a daily basis but are able to mostly hide the effects and evidence of their drinking. But in the end, the only people that alcoholics are fooling is themselves (and even they aren't really fooled,  but are just in denial).

Alcoholics often end up in denial and say that they can stop drinking any time that that choose (but simply choose not to stop drinking). But then they always have a good reason to have a drink. They begin to need alcohol just to function on a daily basis. Their body begins to depend on the presence of alcohol. A severe, chronic alcoholic can get severely ill or even die if they quit abruptly, so professional treatment is always advisable.

Alcohol abuse treatment centers have great success. There is the initial medical aspect so that withdrawal doesn't put the user in medical danger (and to ease the withdrawal symptoms). The aftercare is mostly psychological support in a community of others who are dealing with the same issues. With proper care like this, alcoholics have a greater chance of recovery and even being able to one day help others who fall into alcoholism to recover.

Wednesday, March 12, 2014

Painkillers Can Be Extremely Addictive

Addiction to Painkillers is a disease that can be controlled with a little professional help and a lot of personal motivation. Have you ever been around a person who is addicted to Painkillers? I grew up in a household where my mom was a major hypochondriac and abuser of Painkillers. She consumed at least 10 Painkillers each and every day. Needless to say, she was in and out of hospital for years because of this terrible abuse. She later died because of major complications to her health. She was only 45 years old when she passed away.

It is a terrible thing when someone tosses their life away so needlessly. It is even sadder when it happens at an early age. I used to think that maybe she would recover and become a normal mom. I would get mad at myself for thinking bad thoughts about how she was depriving me of a happy life. I was extremely angry that she only was concerned about herself and showed little concern for me.

It is hard for to understand the feelings that a son goes through with living with a parent who is addicted. If you have never experienced it yourself, it is hard to imagine. For me, it is even harder to explain. The pain and the suffering that it causes to all members of the family and to the addicted person themselves is horrible. It is an addiction that I would not want anyone to experience.

Everyone who suffers with such an addiction deserves our pity. For them it is something that seems impossible to change. However, change can be accomplished by three things. Love, professional help and a self-motivation to succeed. Never give up on your family who have these ugly additions to Painkillers.

You Don't Have to Live in Pain.
You Don't Have to Live as an Addict.

The Dunes East Hampton
201 Fort Pond Blvd., Suite 1
East Hampton, NY 11937

The Dunes East Hampton

Friday, February 28, 2014

Curing Substance Abuse

Overlooking substance abuse is never a good thing. When a person uses too much of a particular substance they can greatly damage their body for many years. This can happen both physically and mentally for a person. You never know how long a particular drug can stay in a person's system. Take some time to read through this article to figure out some tips and advice on how to prevent substance abuse, and how to get through it if you are currently dealing with this problem.

Think about the substance that you cannot get over. If there is more than one then that is fine. Write down all substances that you feel addicted to so that you can see their names clearly. Then, start to research on how taking these substances in excess can hurt a person. Do your fair share of research and you should become a bit discouraged on how they can impact a person's body. Remind yourself every few days of the harm each of these substances can provide for you. With enough thought behind this you should gradually be able to refrain from taking the substance regularly.

You should take the substance Barbiturates, Phenobarbital,  Nembutal, Seconal, and Amytal seriously. Far too many people neglect to realize that they have a great amount of power. You have direct control over your future. Take the time to figure out how you can manage your time wisely to work one step at a time on reducing your need for any of these substances. With a little more effort every day you can one day look back on being addicted and feel proud about what you have accomplished. You are most likely going to want to avoid alcohol as well, that way you can remain on your path of cleanliness.

Wednesday, February 5, 2014

PCP Use On The Rise

 

I haven't heard anything about Angel Dust of PCP since the mid-90's but stats claim that this drug is starting to be used in higher numbers. What is the cause of this? I thought that PCP was replaced by modern party drugs but it seems that many of these old classic drugs are making an unwelcome comeback. Why can't they be lost to history like other ridiculous things of the 90's like hammer pants and pouches? Instead, we are fighting the same drugs that we were fighting against 20 and 30 years ago. Some researchers claim that it is the economy that has made the usage of these drugs increase and I suppose that is valid but why these drugs and not others? No one can be sure why these drugs and not just more use of designer drugs like ecstasy and its derivatives that have become popular.

One thing that we have learned from 30 years of fighting against these drugs is that the solution is not going to come from law enforcement. Stronger drug laws never remedy these problems, they only increase the price of the drug. During the Just Say No iron fist 80's, the drug laws did not keep one single drug addict from getting high. All it did was send more people to jail. What we know now that this war should be fought in drug clinics and through addiction outreach programs. You destroy drug use by destroying the drug market. The drug market are the users who are willing to do anything to get the drugs. Fix their addiction and you would have done more than the "get hard" legislation from yesteryear ever achieved.

We are here to help drug addicts who want to make a change. Come to us and we will give you the support that you need.

Friday, December 20, 2013

Alcohol Addiction Can Be Best Treated At an Alcohol Abuse Treatment Center

There are people all across the nation and world who suffer from addiction to alcohol. Unlike other drugs, it is legal in most places once a person reaches adulthood. This can make it more difficult for the alcoholic to see that they have a problem than if they were using illegal drugs.

Once a person has become dependent on alcohol, the relationships with their family and friends begins to suffer. Sometimes the alcoholic will act out inappropriately or become mean and violent when they are drunk. People become uncertain which they will find when addressing the alcoholic. Often, they simply begin to avoid the person.

When an individual crosses from being a social drinker into alcohol abuse, it can begin also to interfere with their performance at work. They may show up with a hangover, or even attempt to have a few drinks on break to help them feel better. Once an employer finds out, they will often give the person a choice between getting fired and going to an alcohol abuse treatment center.

The physical health of the alcoholic will also begin to deteriorate. Liver damage is quite common for people who consume large amounts of alcohol over an extended period of time. Additionally, alcoholics tend to not eat a healthy diet so other problems such as high blood pressure and diabetes may also flare. If the person drinks enough to throw up, their teeth and the lining of their esophagus will begin to be eaten away by the stomach acids.

When a person has reached a high level of alcohol addiction, the best choice is to go to a rehabilitation center that can help them. The physical and emotional symptoms are addressed by the professional workers in these facilities.

Thursday, September 5, 2013

The Dangers Of Ecstasy And Hallucinogens

Often called the drug for young people, there are more and more people each and every day who are falling victim to an addiction to ecstasy and other hallucinogens. Methylene dioxy methamphetamine, otherwise known as XTC or X, this is a common drug found on the streets and widely used in many night clubs. Not only is this drug illegal, but it can have a number of dangerous side effects that must be made aware of by anyone who could be faced with these kinds.

Anytime you suspect that a loved one is involved in drugs such as ecstasy it is very important that you are able to understand some of the symptoms to look out for. While there are a number of studies that show that XTC or ecstasy is not as addictive as many of the other drugs being used today, there are plenty of ways that it can have a negative impact on your health or mental well-being. People who tend to get in trouble while using ecstasy will often find that their best way of getting away from the desire to use it will be taking the step towards treatment.

One of the many dangers associated with ecstasy is that it is a widely distributed street drug. Because there are so many people making it and dealing it, the drug itself can vary from dealer to dealer. It goes without saying that you will not know what you are getting from one moment to the next, making it a dangerous gamble each time a user takes the drug.

When it comes to the impact of ecstasy, users will find that they will often have mood swings or an inability to perceive what is reality. Changes in behavior and a difficulty to make rational decisions are just a few of the reasons why a drug such as ecstasy can be so dangerous.

Saturday, August 17, 2013

Painkillers Are Something You Can Get Off Of

If you're having trouble with painkillers because you can't stop using them, then you need to pay attention to what you're about to read here. You're going to get some information about getting back to normal after this kind of an addiction, so read on.

Most people don't even realize that they are addicted to painkillers. You may have had an injury or something and you've been taking painkillers all the time even though the injury barely is noticeable. Ask yourself if you don't take your medication if you're feeling sick afterwards. People that are addicted to painkillers feel like they have a flu or something similar when they quit, and they're in a lot of pain. This is because the body becomes used to the medications and it requires them to stabilize itself. People find it hard to quit because of these withdrawal symptoms.

There are some people out there that are able to quit painkillers like hydrocodone without much help. This isn't a good idea for most people, however, and they need help getting off of the drugs. One good thing you should try if you can't quit on your own is going to rehab. This is a place where you'll get stabilized and then you'll learn some life skills that will help you to avoid using drugs. It's one of the best things for you if you want to make sure the rest of your life is something you can enjoy sober.

It can be hard to live your life when you're on painkillers all the time, but hopefully now you know what you can do if you want to get clean. It will take you some time, but in the end it's going to be worth every minute of the time you spend getting clean.

Tuesday, August 13, 2013

Dealing With An Addiction To Oxycodone

Today, there are an alarming number of people who are abusing prescription drugs. Amongst these drugs, the majority of people are falling victim to the grip of Oxycodone. Unfortunately, because this is a drug that is known to have a high level of addiction due to it being a member of the opiate family, it can be difficult for someone to recover from fully. A large number of the people are addicted to Oxy will slip easily into it simply because of the habit can often sneak up on someone who is taking it.

All too often, someone will receive a prescription for Oxycodone HCL, Oxymorphone or Hydrocodone to help them treat a physical condition that causes pain. When taken, an abuser will usually have the feeling of being intoxicated or even a state of euphoria. In order to notice the signs if someone you know and love is in need of treatment for an addiction Oxycodone, you will want to take note of some of the most well known clues. Quite often, someone who is becoming addicted to Oxycodone or similar drugs within the opiates family will have the signs of depression or even a major instability when it comes to their emotions.

If you notice that someone seems to be visiting different doctors, the chances are that they are looking for a way to get new prescriptions to feed their addiction. This behavior is known as shopping around and it can have deadly consequences. The more someone is able to fill prescriptions, they are more apt to overdose on some of these dangerous drugs. This is why there is such an emphasis on treatments for Oxycodone addicts to make sure that they can kick the habit and live a healthier lifestyle free from an addition to these dangerous opiates.

Wednesday, June 19, 2013

Cold Medication (Dextromethorphan) Addiction

If you find yourself craving such medications as dextromethorphan, or Dextromorphan Hydrobromide (DXM HBr), found in cold medications and cough syrups, you may be an addict. Abuse of dextromethorphan is sometimes called robotripping, which is named after the popular cold medicine, Robitussin. These medications are powerful and strong when abused and it's frightening that they are readily available over the counter. If you or a loved one has an addiction to any of these medications, there is help.

Addiction and treatment centers don't just treat meth or other drug addicts, they also treat addicts to cold medicines. Treatment involved education, detoxification, and understanding how this medication treats your body and makes you addicted to it.

Drug addiction is a disease that is readily treatable if you only give it an opportunity to be treated. You don't have to lose everything and be at the rock bottom in order to need help.

Rehabilitation is a process that takes time. You didn't just wake up one morning as a drug addict, you worked your way up to it, It probably started small and slowly without your realizing it until it was too late.

Your rehabilitation treatment will start slowly too. You'll be given time for withdrawal. You'll be given counseling to help you understand how these drugs affect your body and those around you. You'll be given a treatment program that may seem challenging and overwhelming at first.

Whether you choose in patient or out patient treatment is entirely up to you and your personal situation. There are both options available. Often we don't know how sick we are, until we are well again.

Don't let a life of addiction destroy your relationships with family, friends and loved ones. Get help today before your relationships are ruined. Your family and friends miss you and want what is best for you. Give us a call and let us help you get started on your path to sobriety.

Saturday, May 25, 2013

What are Amphetamines?


Amphetamines have been around for over 200 years, and were originally created as an appetite suppressant. They still have a number of legitimate clinical uses, for example it is sometimes used to treat narcolepsy. A derivative of amphetamine, called Dexedrine, is even used in the American air force to help their pilots maintain an alert state during missions where they will be airborne for a significant length of time. But amphetamines are also used in substance abuse.

There are several illegal drugs that are based on amphetamine, but 'speed' (also occasionally refereed to as 'uppers') is one of the better known and widespread on the streets. Amphetamine affects three chemicals in the brain which play a factor in pleasurable feelings; noradrenaline, serotonin and dopamine. The increase in these neurotransmitters creates a sudden surge in feelings of euphoria, but also enhances focus and gives a burst of energy. It is a toxic and heady combination.

Substance abuse will cause long term damage to the brain in the long run. The brain will make structural changes in how it responds to dopamine and serotonin in an attempt to reduce the amount down to a natural level. If taking speed becomes a regular occurrence, the measures the brain has taken to counteract the flood of neurotransmitter will become permanent alterations.

What does this mean in layman's terms? Essentially, long term amphetamine abuse will lower your natural levels of "happy chemicals" in the brain. This can trigger depression. In the case of a drug addiction, the addict may continually increase how much speed they are taking to try and get the same enjoyment they did when they first started taking the drug. It becomes a vicious cycle.

If you are suffering from amphetamine addiction it is important to seek professional help. Counselling and support is available.