How To Squash Your Loved One’s Meth Addiction

Crystal Meth is an extremely dangerous, addictive and common narcotic throughout the U.S. The drug causes increased blood pressure, rapid heart rate and damage to blood vessels in the brain. A loved one suffering from a crystal meth addiction is never easy to stomach. With enough time, users can become delusional, paranoid and violent. In order to properly address the addiction, a great deal of love, care and organization is required.

1 – Educate yourself on the effects of crystal meth. Seek out information online and at your local library. Find an area support group to communicate your worry with others who have dealt with similar situations. Approaching the issue will not be easy, but by taking the time to arm yourself with knowledge, you will stand a better chance of making an impact.

2 – Sit your loved one down and discuss your concerns in a rational, calm and loving manner. Avoid blame and finger pointing, as these actions will only cause resentment and anger. Ask them if they are open to the idea of professional help to address the addiction.

3 – Seek out a qualified therapist with experience working with addicts. This individual will be able to help you and your family to cope with the behaviors of the addict. Your therapist will also be able to help address any feelings of guilt you may have regarding the addiction. If you are intent on helping your loved one, you must first help yourself.

4 – Plan an intervention. Professional intervention services will be able to guide you through the process, while keeping participants focused and engaged. During the intervention, each participant will be provided an opportunity to express their concern to the addict while encouraging them to seek help.

Seek help today...tomorrow isn't guaranteed. 

Do You Know the Dangers Of Salvia?

Salvia Divinorum, or Salvia - as it is more commonly know - is a natural herbaceous perennial plant producing white colored flowers during peak summer months. In recent years, experimental drug users and teens have utilized the leaves of the Salvia plant to achieve an altered mental state. Because the drug is still legal in the U.S. and most countries around the world, these leaves are often grown and sold in local health food stores without restriction. In this entry, we will take a closer look at this plant to help our readers gain a broader perspective of its effects and dangers.

What Does It Do?

Though commonly smoked, salvia users can chew the plant to achieve the same effect. The drug affects users differently according to body weight, body chemistry, and whether or not additional substances are involved. The effects of salvia are instant in most users, affecting the brain’s parietal lobe, limbic system and overall vestibular function.

Physical Effects

Salvinorin-A – a substance found in salvia – is known to cause psychoactive side effects. Some users may faint, pass out, or lose their ability to function until the drug has worn off. Some users report bright lights of visions; others a loss in basic motor skills.

Psychiatric Dangers

Those who have suffered or currently suffer from various forms of mental illness may experience relapse following salvia intake. The drug has been shown to trigger episodes of schizophrenia, panic attacks and borderline personality traits. Though most of these symptoms tend to subside as the drug wears off, some users place themselves at risk for more prolonged episodes.

Don’t have a stroke, K?

Is drug and alcohol abuse to blame for early life strokes? A recent study suggests so!

A stroke is a condition where an individual’s brain cells expire due to lack of oxygen. Direct causes may include artery rupture or a blood flow obstruction. Those who experience strokes may lose their ability to speak, encounter memory issues or partial paralysis.

Though many often associate strokes with the elderly, new research suggests a direct correlation between heightened stroke risk in younger people and the abuse of drugs and/or alcohol.

“Substance abuse is common in young adults experiencing a stroke,” wrote researcher Brett Kissela. With this point in mind, it is recommended that stroke sufferers aged 55 and younger be screened and potentially counseled for substance abuse issues.

Certain substances, such as methamphetamine's and cocaine have been found to heighten the risks associated of a more immediate stroke. “We know that even with vascular risk factors that are prevalent – smoking, high blood pressure… most people still don’t have a stroke until they’re older”, stated University of California neurologist Andrew Josephson. “When a young person has a stroke, it is probably much more likely that the cause of their stroke is something other than traditional risk factors.”

Though an array of factors can be attributed to heightened stroke risks, perhaps drug and alcohol abuse should be considered the most avoidable. In the grand scheme of things, there are plenty more ways to celebrate, indulgences to consume, and sensations to experience in the days, weeks, months and years to come.

Choose your vices wisely.