HealthyLife Articles

Tag: Substance Use & Abuse

  • Friends Help Friends Through Addiction

    Substance Use & Abuse

    Image of 2 friends walking and talking.

    Support and gentle guidance may be key to recovery.

    It’s hard to be supportive and caring when you’re watching a person you love destroy him or herself with drugs  and/or alcohol. People who abuse alcohol or other drugs may not be able to admit they have a problem. If family members or friends have a drug problem, help them to help themselves.

    Be supportive and caring.

    For most addicts, bullying them into treatment doesn’t work.

    Offer help on your terms.

    You want to help the person get clean and sober, not support the habit. Tolerate the struggle, not the abuse.

    Encourage the person to seek professional help.

    *  Offer to go with him or her to a health care provider visit.

    *  Provide phone numbers and websites for places that can help, such as: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) – 800.662.HELP (662.4357)www.findtreatment.samhsa.gov

    *  Find out if his or her workplace has an Employee Assistance Program for drug abuse. If it does, remind the person that what is said to a counselor is kept confidential.

    If your friend chooses rehab, let him or her know you will continue to be supportive. If the person refuses to seek help, contact a health care professional for advice on ways best suited to help him or her get the care that is needed.

    Offer to go with him or her to a local support group.

    Alcoholics Anonymous

    212.870.3400

    www.aa.org

    Cocaine Anonymous

    310.559.5833

    www.ca.org

    Narcotics Anonymous

    818.773.9999

    www.na.org

    Action Step

    Be patient. Addiction does a lot of damage. During the rehab process, that damage is unraveling. It takes time.

    Page from Ways to Well-Being book by the American Institute for Preventive Medicine. www.HealthyLife.com. All rights reserved.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Where To Get Help For A Drinking Problem

    Substance Use & Abuse

    Image of man seeking help.

    Problem drinkers have many options to help conquer their problem.

    *  Psychotherapy. Counseling, one-on-one with a therapist or in group sessions, focuses on feelings and situations related to drinking. The goal is to help an individual cope with emotional problems and other stresses so that he or she no longer relies on alcohol.

    *  Support groups. Organized groups like Alcoholics Anonymous provide assistance, encouragement, and guidance (including a 12-step recovery plan) for members who share an alcohol problem.

    *  Medication. One type blocks the craving for alcohol and the pleasure of getting high. A second type reduces the physical distress and emotional effects people usually get when they quit drinking. A third type causes physical reactions, such as vomiting, when drinking alcohol.

    *  Alcohol treatment centers. Affiliated with hospitals, medical clinics, or community health centers, alcohol treatment centers generally combine more than one approach. People who need help are either treated as an outpatient or admitted as an inpatient, depending on how serious the problem is.

    For help, consult the following resources.

    *  Your family physician. A doctor who knows the drinker (and the drinker’s family) can determine what type of treatment would be appropriate. Also, anyone with a history of heavy drinking should have a thorough medical exam to uncover any medical conditions that may have been caused or aggravated by alcohol abuse.

    *  Family service agencies. Most communities have agencies that run outpatient alcoholic treatment programs or can refer you to one. Look in your telephone directory or contact your local social services department.

    *  Your religious adviser. Talk with your priest, minister, or rabbi.

    Page from A Year of Health Hints book by the American Institute for Preventive Medicine. www.HealthyLife.com. All rights reserved.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Get Help For Addictive Behaviors

    Substance Use & Abuse

    Image of counseling group.

    Don’t let drug or alcohol dependence rob you of a quality life.

    You know you can’t go on this way much longer. Your drug or alcohol addiction is destroying your relationships, your career, and your health.

    Reasons to get help:

    *  Calling in sick at work, showing up late, or making errors could cause you to lose your job.

    *  You can destroy relationships with your family and friends.

    *  You risk injuring yourself or others.

    *  You are destroying vital organs in your body that cannot be fixed.

    *  You are putting yourself at risk of contracting a sexually transmitted infection including HIV, the virus that causes AIDS.

    *  Using non-sterile needles increases your risk of hepatitis or blood poisoning.

    *  You could die due to an overdose.

    You’re not alone

    *  If you are working, find out if your employer has an Employee Assistance Program (EAP). With this, you can get help at work with a counselor. You do not need to give your employer a reason for your request. The information you share with your counselor remains private.

    *  Ask your doctor or health care provider  for referrals.

    *  Find out about substance abuse services in your area from 1.800.662.HELP (662-4357) orwww.findtreatment.samhsa.gov.

    *  Admit yourself into a drug treatment clinic.

    *  Look for area support groups, such as:

    – Alcoholics Anonymous atwww.aa.org

    – Cocaine Anonymous atwww.ca.org

    – Narcotics Anonymous atwww.na.org

    Action Step

    Don’t wait. Seek help. Take it one step at a time and be prepared to fight for your life. Believe that you and the people who love you are worth it.

    Page from Ways to Well-Being book by the American Institute for Preventive Medicine. www.HealthyLife.com. All rights reserved.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • If You Suspect A Narcotics Overdose, Act Fast

    Substance Use & Abuse

    Horse. Harry. Scag. Junk. Lords. Schoolboy. Morpho. Hocus. Unkie. Powder. Joy. Snow. Miss Emma. Dollies. These are just a few of the street names for narcotic drugs. Heroin, morphine, and cocaine are the three most common illegally used drugs. Each is powerfully addictive. Obvious symptoms of ongoing drug use include:

    *  Euphoria.

    *  Drowsiness.

    *  Apathy.

    *  Mood swings.

    *  Constricted pupils.

    *  Flushed skin.

    *  Red, raw nostrils (in cocaine users).

    *  Scars, “tracks,” or abscesses at injection sites on the arms or legs.

    Signs of overdose include:

    *  Constricted, pinpoint pupils.

    *  Clammy skin, with a bluish tint.

    *  Slow pulse.

    *  Shallow breathing (which can lead to respiratory arrest).

    *  Convulsions.

    *  Coma.

    If you suspect someone has overdosed on drugs, call an ambulance or drive the victim to the nearest hospital emergency room immediately.

    Page from A Year of Health Hints book by the American Institute for Preventive Medicine. www.HealthyLife.com. All rights reserved.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Limit Alcohol

    Healthylife® Weigh

    Part 3

    Glass of wine for 2 at dinner.

    Alcoholic beverages provide calories with little or no nutrients. Alcohol can damage your heart, liver, brain, and other body systems. It can cause high blood pressure and increases your risk for some cancers. Drinking can also decrease your immunity, making it harder for your body to fight disease.

    Chart showing alcoholic drink, calories per amount.

    Effects of Alcohol on Weight Management

    *  It stimulates the appetite.

    *  It can make it harder to keep track of how much you’ve eaten.

    *  It can cause a drop in blood sugar. This can make you tired and less able to concentrate. It can also cause you to crave something sweet.

    If you drink alcohol, do so wisely.

    *  Don’t drink and drive. Designate a driver who will not be drinking. Volunteer to stay sober.

    *  Drink slowly. You will probably drink less.

    *  Drink alcohol with a meal. Food slows alcohol absorption.

    *  Drink a full glass of water between each alcoholic drink.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Alcohol Increases Risk For Breast Cancer

    SELF-CARE CORNER

    Image of middle-aged women smiling wearing a pink blazer.

    Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death for women in the United States, after lung cancer. Dr. Erica Mayer, a breast cancer expert at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, says there are at least 5 simple ways women can reduce their risk of getting the disease:

    1.Limit alcohol.Research has shown having too much alcohol can increase your risk of breast cancer. If you choose to drink alcohol-including beer, wine, or liquor-limit yourself to no more than one half to one drink a day on average.

    2.Get a mammogram.Many health organizations advise women to get regular mammograms starting at age 40. “Mammography screening does not prevent or cure breast cancer, but it may detect the disease before symptoms occur,” said Dr. Mayer.

    3.Eat a healthy diet and keep your weight under control.The American Cancer Society recommends a diet rich in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and fiber. “High-fat diets can lead to being overweight or obese, which is a risk factor for breast cancer,” said Dr. Mayer.

    4.Exercise.There’s growing evidence that physical activity reduces a woman’s breast cancer risk.

    5.Determine if you have family history of breast cancer and be vigilant to early detection.Twenty to 30% of people who develop breast cancer have a family history of the disease. About 5 to 10% of women carry a BRCA1 or BRCA 2 mutation, the so called “breast cancer genes.”

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • The Buzz About Alcohol

    WELL-BEING

    Image of lemon water.

    Drinking at social events or bars and the ease that a little buzz provides make it hard to limit yourself when friends gather around a pitcher of beer. Dennis Donovan, director of the Alcohol and Drug Abuse Institute at the University of Washington, has advice for how to drink moderately-or not at all.

    *Count your drinks.In many cases, people lose track of how much they’ve had. This is especially true when sharing a pitcher of beer and someone refills the glass.

    *Know a standard serving size.Large wine glasses, higher alcohol content in some beers, and generous liquor pours in mixed drinks make the “I only had one!” claim questionable.

    *One drink, one hour.Most people’s bodies can process about one drink per hour. Pace yourself to one drink an hour or so, and every hour or two you might take a drink “off” and have water or another non-alcoholic beverage instead. Also, make sure to eat.

    *Ginger ale looks like a cocktail.Teetotalers not wanting to attract attention or questions can stick to ginger ale or other non-alcoholic drinks that look like cocktails.

    *Say no.Firmly, confidently turn down drinks and become resistant to social pressure and arm-twisting. Practice saying: “No, I’ve reached my limit” or “I’m not drinking tonight.”

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Wine Confusion: Healthy Or Not?

    MEDICAL NEWS

    Image of a wine bottle with 2 glasses of wine and grapes.

    Wine has been making the headlines in recent months as a “healthy” choice. Some studies suggest the compounds and antioxidants in wine can reduce your risk of heart disease, cancer, and more.

    This can be confusing if you’ve been told that alcohol isn’t good for you. Should you drink wine to get healthier, or skip it?

    There is no perfect answer for everyone. It’s important to note that these studies are promising, but they’re not enough to say that wine is a healthy choice. Many of these studies were done in labs, on mice, or were done with supplements instead of real wine. And for some, the possible benefits of wine wouldn’t be worth the risk. Wine is also high in calories and sugar. This can add to obesity and affect blood sugar, especially in diabetics. In addition, wine and alcohol can interact with certain medicines.

    Many people can enjoy alcohol in  small amounts without problems. But if you have a history of alcoholism or your doctor has told you not to drink, you should not drink wine or any alcoholic beverage.

    The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says that drinking too much alcohol, even wine, can harm your health. So if you decide to drink, be sure you do it in moderation.

    So what is “moderation”? According to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, moderation is up to one drink per day for women and up to two drinks per day for men-and only by adults of legal drinking age.

    The bottom line:

    If you already have a drink once in a while, switching to red wine may be healthier than other choices such as beer or spirits. But the health benefits of red wine are not fully understood. So, experts do not recommend it as a daily drink for everyone.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine