The Canyon

Here are a few numbers and statistics according to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) about drug and alcohol addiction as well as the number of those who are seeking treatment.

* 22 million Americans have a substance abuse or dependency problem
* Only 2.5 million of them enter a hospital or clinic for treatment
* Number one drug of abuse in the United States: Marijuana
* Number two drug of abuse in the United States: prescription painkillers
* The amount that the U.S. Federal Government will spend fighting drug abuse: $12 billion

The Problem With Statistics

Dr. Wilson Compton is the director of the Division of Epidemiology Services and Prevention Research at the National Institute on Drug Abuse. He says, “The bottom line is, we learn about drug use by asking people about their behaviors. But because it’s survey research, there are multiple ways it can be improved.”

The problem with this is that there’s no way to know who’s telling the truth, who’s embellishing, who’s claiming an addiction problem when there isn’t one present or, more likely, claiming no problem with drug abuse or addiction when there is one. Hoping for a more truthful result, SAMHSA began using handheld computers so that people could answer the questions without facing another human in a face to face survey. They’ve also begun offering $30 as an incentive to get people to respond. And now, translation of Spanish answers that vary from Puerto Rico versus Cuba or Mexico is their current issue.

These surveys are cross referenced by checking the number of drug-related arrests in the area, drug seizures, emergency room visits related to drug use, abuse and/or overdose, mandatory drug tests at local companies, and deaths due to overdose. Of course, dealers and addicts who manage to stay below the radar are not counted.

New and Innovative Ways of Tracking Drug Addiction

One new way of determining who’s doing what and where is by taking samples from untreated sewage in a community and testing for the chemicals that the body creates when processing certain drugs. It’s very region specific and only tells the story of a short period but with regular samples, it could give a good indication of drug use in a particular area.

Changing Definitions and Drug Statistics

The other issue with statistics on drug abuse and addiction once the numbers are in is the language itself. American society tends to change its definitions of what constitutes abuse versus addiction, even whether or not something is a drug or not. Even if it is classified as a drug medically, many have a lax attitude about the harmful nature of certain drugs. For example, many don’t believe that marijuana is addictive or even consider alcohol a drug because of its legal status.

Have you ever answered one of these surveys? Where do you fit in the statistics?

The bigger they are, tnd he harder they fall. This phrase could easily describe some of the celebrities that have fallen into the drug addiction lifestyle. Even a minor celebrity experiences more of their life in the public eye than most people do in their entire lives. This plus inherited factors, plus connections with free-flowing sources of drugs and alcohol – it can all add up to time in drug rehab.

Celebrity Drug Rehab on VH1

The famous Celebrity Drug Rehab show has brought attention to many famous people struggling with addiction. Some celebrities have made positive change, others seem to demonstrate just how deeply they are tormented.

The most recent “reunion” is of the 2007 series, reviewed in more detail here in the Meditox blog. Of the celebrity attendees, Bridgette Nielson (actress), Ricco Rodriguez (fighter), and Seth Binzer (Shifty from Crazytown, musician) all seemed to have the most positive outcomes.

Unfortunately, some celebrities like Steven Baldwin (actor) and Jessica Sierra (Am Idol) were absent. Those on “in between” ground included Chyna (wrestler), Jeff Conoway (actor), and Mary Carey (actress). Unfortunately, one child star appeared to go back to active drug use – Jaimee Foxworth (actress) from the show Family Matters.

Media Articles and Pictures Of Celebrity Drug Rehab and AddictionIt’s been hard to escape footage and photos of Amy Winehouse and her scattered appearance. Media has even helped expose her drug use. There’s an infamous shot of her doing drugs outside while appearing half-dressed. Nick Nolte had an exceptionally unflattering photo from a DUI arrest a few years back – wild hair and an odd facial expression included.

Lindsay Lohan, Robert Downey Jr, Natalie Cole, and Drew Barrymore appear to have maintained sobriety and pulled their lives in good directions. Of course, anyone with an addiction history is at risk for relapse and should always be proactive about their sobriety. However, the headlines have not tracked recent drug addiction problems for any of them lately.

Drew and Natalie have the longest period of sobriety of these four people. They have established good consistent performing careers and have spoken out about their drug rehab experiences. Robert Downey, Jr. spent time in drug rehab and jail several times. However, he has had a recent surge in his career along with maintaining five years of sobriety.

Lindsay seems to have held together about 18 months of sobriety to this point. Her last arrest and drug rehab was in the summer of 2007, and it was reported that in August of 2008 she had hired a sober companion to help her remain sober.

Celebrities Benefit From Drug Rehab And So Can You

Ultimately, it’s important to realize that celebrities are people with the same kinds of vulnerabilities as anyone. However, they also have the added pressure of doing it all in front of everyone. While many people would love the rich lifestyle a lot of celebrities have, not many would want the added scrutiny that celebs go through when they go through drug rehab, get tangled in legal problems, and fall apart in the public eye.

That said, it seems that many celebrities have also found help by going to drug rehab. Celebrity drug rehab has all the added health and esthetic benefits of a spa, coupled with top-notch drug treatment. You can experience the privacy of a holistic celebrity drug rehab at The Canyon, but without the paparazzi after you finish.

It’s probably not a shock to learn that there is an issue with prescription drug abuse and addiction in the Army. It’s probably not even very shocking to learn that when soldiers can’t get what they need from their prescription that they’re buying pills not only from each other but from commanding officers as well. No community is immune to drug abuse and addiction, especially one that is fraught with injuries like any of our country’s armed forces. It’s not the fault of the Army, nor the men and women who are enlisted. It almost seems like an occupational hazard of sorts. So what is the Army doing about it?

The Army’s Way of Dealing With Prescription Drug Abuse

Court martial! That’s right. If you’re addicted to prescription drugs and you’re in the Army, you’re going to trial if you’re caught using your medication in any way that is not exactly according to prescription and you might end up dishonorably discharged. Everyone seems to know that this is problematic, but no one seems to know how to change the policy.

Dr. Les McFarling heads the Army’s substance abuse treatment program and says, “You can put soldiers at risk when you’re managing their pain.”

What The Critics Say About the Army’s Drug Abuse Policies

Those who disagree with the way the Army handles soldiers who are struggling with prescription drug addiction are calling their policies ‘a broken system.’ Rather than viewing the problem of addiction as a health issue, the Army tends to view it as a discipline issue. Reduction in rank or pay or dishonorable discharge won’t help a medical problem that requires medical treatment.

There are cases pending across the country in which whistle blowing soldiers claim that the Army is exhibiting misconduct in some of its drug abuse policies. In certain cases, the Army is considering the abolishment of its policy of notifying a commanding officer when a soldier voluntarily requests ASAP counseling. In one case at Fort Leonard Wood, soldiers claim that cases are being misfiled as non-addicted in order to keep the case load down for the understaffed substance abuse department. Also cited is the fact that one of the employees in that department lacks the required mental health certification.

The Stats on Army Prescription Drug Abuse and Addiction

Army records show that the use of legitimate painkillers by troops injured in the line of duty has increased by about 70 percent in the past six years. Surveys of soldiers show that the issue of prescription drug addiction has increased accordingly, but they aren’t sitting back and accepting it; they’re looking for help from Army medical professionals and counselors. Enrollment in the Army’s ASAP counseling program is also at its highest in the past six years since the beginning of the Iraq war.

Whether it’s right or wrong may not be the issue across the organization, but if it’s not working, then something must be fixed. Anyone know any more about these cases?

Bulemia, anorexia, drug addiction, and alcoholism. All of these problems are about compulsion and a quick emotional fix. They devistate lives and create years of emotional pain. Many people seek eating disorder treatment or drug rehab more than once. You might be surprised to learn how similar these problems really are.

Addiction Is Empty Shortcut To Happiness

True happiness and content is from doing healthy things. People are rewarded by their body in the form of positive emotions, pleasant physical sensations, and good thoughts. Exercise, eating in a healthy way, having fun, being passionate, finding love, they all trigger the body’s reward system. These actions are perpetuated because of the reward and because they are good for human beings in general.

Addiction shortcuts around the positive healthy reactions, directly stimulating the reward center of the brain. Of course, when a person is rewarded, they tend to want to keep doing the thing that produced the reward. Enjoy a good meals every day, enjoy time with friends, spend time doing things you are passionate about. Or, for a drug addict, keep taking more and more drugs to get the emotional and physical rewards.

Quick Fix Approach Linked With Addictive Behaviors and Neurochemicals

Eating disorders are similar to addictions in that they also use artificial quick-fixes to get rewards. Their personality and patterns rely on lots of rewards and instant gratification. Eating disorders and addictions are compulsions, meaning a person loses control and centers their entire life around their dysfunctional activities. People with eating disorders and addictions also report a great deal of anxiety. They also report that their nerves are calmed by drinking, drug use, or misuse of food.

Both eating disorders and addictions have been linked with changes in neurochemicals in the brain. Of course, if a person is at risk for one problem they may be at a risk for the other. People can even have co-occuring eating disorders and addiction. The neurochemical changes can go both ways – addicted person developing an eating disorder, or a person with an eating disorder developing an addiction.

A person with either a drug addiction or an eating disorder often go to great lengths to maintain their compulsion. They can and often do develop increasingly severe behaviors and consequences as a result. Sadly, addictions and eating disorders are tremendously difficult to give up. They sometimes damage their body so badly that they put their very life at risk. Sometimes even this does not keep them from continuing.

Eating Disorder Treatment Has Similarities To Addiction Treatment

From recent research, it appears that eating disorders can be successfully treated if they are approached as an addiction. Many of the mental and emotional components are similar. Drug treatment and eating disorder treatments can be done on an outpatient or residential basis. Relapse happens with both disorders, and management is generally lifelong for both.

As you can see, both eating disorders and drug addictions are serious health problems. Both drug rehab and residential eating disorder treatment can turn someone’s life around, maybe save their life. Specialized treatment for co-occuring issues like an eating disorder and an addiction can be found at The Canyon. No need to go to a separate eating disorder facility and drug rehab center.

Drug Rehab and Eating Disorder Treatment In One Place

Your ideal treatment option is the Canyon where co-occuring disorders are treated simultaneously. Dual disorders are nothing to mess with on your own. If you know you are at rock bottom and need eating disorder and drug rehab together, contact the Canyon today.

photo credit: jorgemejia

Do you have a sobriety plan for the holidays? Or do you just hope you’ll make it through OK? A sobriety plan is always a good thing to have, whether are newly sober or you have been sober for years. Just when you think you have it all under control is often when you find out that you don’t. So, if you don’t already know, read along and see what might work for you.

Have a Sober Companion

In bigger cities, it’s now possible to hire someone as a sober companion for weeks or even months at a time. They can help you after drug rehab or on trips and vacations. While this may or may not be financially feasible for you, the concept can still be helpful in a more limited way.

You can bring a sober companion to your holiday gathering. This could be a trusted friend, your AA sponsor, or a close family member who understands how to help you prevent a relapse. They can help you stay aware of any risky situation brewing, help you stay calm and relaxed, and help you transition back out of the gathering.

Have An Exit Plan For Various Circumstances

This could be a ready-made and easily believable excuse for you to leave. It could be plenty of cab fare to get you across town to go home or to a sober friend’s house. It could be a signal to someone you have come with that it’s “go time” right now. Whatever that exit plan is, you will also need to know how to identify a situation that is going awry.

If you can possibly predict circumstances that might likely come up, you will be ahead of the game. If you know some people in your family or someone at the holiday gathering will likely get a “go to the bars” group together, craft your exit plan accordingly. If you think there might be alcohol at someone’s house that gets pulled out in the middle of the gathering, be on the lookout.

Do Not Attend Certain Gatherings At All

Imagine a holiday social situation where you can’t assess the risk of alcohol being there, or you do know the risk and it is pretty high. Or a situation that could be difficult to get out of for some reason. Or you have no one you feel you could ask to be a sober companion or at least understand your situation well enough to help you out.

If you have invitations to gatherings like these, you may honestly need to sit them out. Your ability to stay sober is really only as good as your sobriety plan. And if you can’t execute your plan well or the relapse risk is just too high, it’s not a gathering for you.

Return From Drug Rehab or Sober For Years Sobriety Plan Helps

Whether you have just returned from alcohol and drug rehab or you have been sober for years, you never know what will happen during the holiday season to trigger a relapse. Even if your holiday gatherings are OK to be at, sad and difficult things can happen without warning. You may still have trouble grieving over a loved one. A sudden ice storm can take out your power for a few days leaving you edgy and alone.

You hope you never need your insurance, but you’re always glad when you have it. Same goes for a sobriety plan.

Getting Clean On TV

VH1’s Celebrity Drug Rehab Season 1 was such a rockin’ success that the producers quickly followed it up with a new crew of B list celebs on Season 2. Calling them B list, I don’t mean to be disparaging. It is quite likely that their B list celeb status is a direct manifestation of the very drug addiction that they’re fighting on the show. If they can kick it and get clean and sober and help American viewers who may be struggling with the same problem at the same time, more power to them.

Who’s On Celebrity Drug Rehab Season 2?

You’ve got Tawny Kitaen, the girl who famously rolled over the hood of the Jaguar in the Whitesnake videos. There’s Rodney King who’s beating started the LA riots: “Can’t we all just get along?” Steven Adler, the original drummer for Guns N’ Roses, is barely holding it together against a heroin addiction. Sean Stewart is there as well, the son of rocker Rod Stewart and model Alana Hamilton. American Idol third finalist from the first season, Nicki McKibbin, is present. Jeff Conaway, Kenickie in Grease, comes back after his first stint in Celebrity rehab during Season 1. And everyone’s favorite, actress and model Amber Smith who struggles with heroin and opiate painkiller addiction.

The Issues on Celebrity Drug Rehab Season 2

There’s a lot of serious issues that come up in the personal one on one therapy sessions as well as discussed in the group therapy sessions: sexual abuse, physical violence, deaths of family members, serious parent issues, prostitution. There was pretty much no stone left unturned and no limit to the madness and dramatic outbursts. And when Seth “Shifty” Binzer managed to make his way back onto the show….

Looking Toward the Future with Celebrity Rehab

This season’s cast of characters has been a lot of fun to watch, am I right? We picked our favorites, got irritated with a few, and ultimately wanted the best for everyone. The upcoming Celebrity Rehab Sober House promises to be a continuation of the same and there’s always next season: Celebrity Rehab Season 3!

So what did you guys think? What were your favorite episodes, scenes, recovering celebs? Did you tune in or tune out? Are you interested in another season?