.png)
Is Heroin Use Rising In America?
March 23, 2017 Posted in: Press ReleaseThe passing of actor Cory Monteith due to heroin complications has generated interest in the problem of heroin usage in the United States. This video reports on the increasing number of people who abuse this drug.
In 2002, studies indicated that approximately 400,000 Americans had used heroin at some point during the year. Less than a decade later, that number went up to more than 600,000. Concurrent with the increase in heroin usage is the consumption of prescription opioids. Substance abuse experts believe a connection is inherent between these two circumstances. Many people who begin abusing prescription opioids eventually turn to heroin because of its easier access.
Las Encinas Hospital in Pasadena offers substance abuse treatment services for individuals suffering from... Continue reading →
Understanding Different Components of Addiction
March 23, 2017 Posted in: Press ReleaseAddiction can evolve from a number of circumstances, but a common thread runs through each instance of it: the non-prescribed usage of a drug. This video explains situations that can give rise to addiction.
Some individuals become addicted to medications originally given to address a legitimate health problem. However, what is initially a prescription can turn into an addiction if the user takes the medication in doses other than those recommended. Family members who experiment with a drug intended for their spouse, parent, or child can also suffer from addiction. The use of street drugs is a common form of drug abuse as well.
Are you suffering from addiction? If you fear that you have a substance abuse problem, Las Encinas Hospital can help. Call our Pasadena chemical... Continue reading →
Demi Lovato Talks About Her Drug and Alcohol Abuse Problems
March 23, 2017 Posted in: Press ReleaseDemi Lovato achieved worldwide acclaim as a child television star. Now only 21 years old, she has already experienced the pain of substance abuse.
This video reports on Lovato’s efforts to become sober after her cocaine addiction. She discusses how easy it was to smuggle cocaine onto airlines and use it even while in the presence of others. She also talks about the severity of her addiction to cocaine. According to Lovato, she could not go more than an hour without the drug. Now free from it, Lovato is raising awareness of substance abuse with her fans and trying to become a positive role model for them.
Las Encinas Hospital provides substance abuse treatment services for individuals in the greater Pasadena area. Call (888) 348-2165 today to speak with an associate about... Continue reading →
Important Statistics on Alcohol Use and Abuse
March 23, 2017 Posted in: Press ReleaseAlcohol abuse is a condition that can wreak havoc on a person’s personal, social, and professional life. This common problem takes the lives of thousands of Americans each year and negatively influences the lives of millions more. The following facts illustrate how damaging alcohol abuse can be and why those who are addicted should seek substance abuse treatment for it.
Impact to Health
Individuals may be familiar with how high doses of alcohol can affect the liver. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, cirrhosis is a major complication of alcohol abuse, but it is far from the only side effect of it. Alcohol can affect cardiovascular and neurological function.... Continue reading →
How Prescription Drug Abuse Is Fueling a Rise In Heroin Addiction
March 23, 2017 Posted in: Press ReleaseThe last decade has witnessed a marked rise in heroin usage among Americans. The simultaneous increase in prescription drug consumption has directly influenced this trend in heroin addiction. As the following information highlights, prescription drug abuse can quickly escalate to heroin dependency.
Experimentation with Prescription Drugs
Doctors are prescribing opioids to patients at an extremely high rate. As a result, friends and family members of those with prescriptions have greater access to these drugs. Many of them try these prescription opioids to experience the pleasurable side effects they produce. After a few weeks or months, though, the prescription may run out and they may not be able to afford prescription opioids sold on the street.
Shift from... Continue reading →
What Factors Commonly Lead to Alcohol Abuse?
March 23, 2017 Posted in: Press ReleaseAlcohol abuse is a type of addiction, and—like other drug addictions—its causes are fairly complex and often related to emotional or mental distress. Drinking alcohol may be a temporary escape from personal problems or the pain of mental illness, but drinking can easily spiral out of control and become a chronic problem. Below is a closer look at how an individual may develop patterns of alcohol abuse stemming from casual use.
Family history
Alcoholism can be passed down in families genetically or environmentally. If you have a parent who has a history of alcohol abuse, you are more likely to harbor dependence yourself. In addition, families who have been affected by alcohol... Continue reading →
Common Misconceptions About Drug Addiction
March 23, 2017 Posted in: Press ReleaseMistaken beliefs abound about drug addiction. Friends, family members, and even addicts themselves may believe these misconceptions, which may make it harder for those with a chemical dependence to seek addiction treatment. The following myths highlight a few of the fallacies that surround drug addiction and treatment for it.
Addiction is a sign of weakness.
Many people believe that an addiction is simply a bad habit that those afflicted by it refuse to give up. However, drug addiction is not the same as nail biting or knuckle cracking. Individuals who abuse drugs or alcohol have a physical dependence on it, which causes them to use it again and again. Studies also indicate that alterations to the brain ... Continue reading →
Consequences That Can Arise from Prescription Drug Abuse
March 23, 2017 Posted in: AnnouncementWhen a person takes prescription drugs for reasons beyond medical needs, the negative repercussions can be major. The stimulant, depressant, and opioid components of prescription drugs can significantly affect the body. When taken too frequently, in overly high doses, or without a doctor’s approval, prescription drugs can cause considerable harm to an individual’s physical health and the safety of those around him.
Fatigue Dangers
Some people become addicted to opioids and depressants because of the calming effect they can induce. Opioids can reduce the sensation of pain and relax the body. Depressants can calm racing thoughts and promote a more peaceful state of mind. If taken without need, though, these drugs can... Continue reading →
Understanding Why Heroin Is So Addictive
February 6, 2017 Posted in: AnnouncementTreating a heroin addiction outside of a medical rehab center is often ineffective, because heroin is a highly addictive drug that has traumatic effects on the brain. Without medical support and intervention to manage the process of withdrawal, breaking the bonds of a heroin addiction can be incredibly painful both mentally and physically. Here is an overview of why heroin addictionis so powerful and challenging to overcome.
Chemical effects in the brain
Heroin mimics the effects of endorphins in the brain, but it is much more powerful than the chemical endorphins naturally produced in the body. Therefore, the user feels a euphoric high that he or she has never previously experienced. While it is a misconception that heroin users become addicted after their first use, the... Continue reading →
Recognizing Addiction in a Loved One
February 6, 2017 Posted in: AnnouncementThe first step in addiction treatment is recognizing the problem. Often, it is not the addicted person who identifies the issue, but their loved ones. Are you concerned that someone you love may be abusing drugs or alcohol? The sooner you spot the evidence, the sooner treatment can begin. This infographic, designed by a chemical dependency treatment center, explains the signs of addiction. If your loved one exhibits these symptoms, it may be time to seek help. Will you please share this information so all families facing addiction know when treatment is needed?
