The Canyon

Drug abuse and addiction problems in Florida are running rampant and every few months a new expose or research study is released that reveals a new troubled area of the state or a drug of focus. From crystal meth to heroin, Florida is a heavy area for drug traffickers bringing substances into the country. The prevalence of prescription drug abuse here, too, is a significant. Here’s a highlight report of some of the largest drug abuse problems affecting Florida right now.

Crystal Meth Addiction

Much of the state’s crystal meth supply is made within the state’s borders. Many rural areas are home to crystal meth labs where the drug is produced from scratch, but more recently, police have been busting labs in apartment buildings and “rolling” labs or labs in RVs and campers. Florida has had increased numbers of reported use of the drug, as well as arrests for possession and distribution of the substance. More and more Floridians are entering crystal meth rehab and attending counseling for their issues with the drug.

Heroin Addiction

The drug trafficking market that goes through Florida is primarily focused on heroin. It’s multiple ports to the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean means that it’s relatively easy for boats of all sizes to find their way ashore. Port towns, therefore, are a hot bed of drug and gang-related activity associated with heroin. Studies have shown that heroin abusers and heroin addicts (both the number of people who report using it in the month prior to the survey and the number of people seeking treatment for the disease) have increased in number every year for the past few decades.

Prescription Drug Addiction

Prescription drug addiction has long been an issue, especially in larger cities like Miami. There are a disproportionately high number of clinics devoted to filling and provide prescriptions as compared to the rest of the country. For that reason, there are also a disproportionately high number of doctors facing charges for illegal or inappropriate drug dispensation and higher rates of death due to prescription drug overdose.

Getting Addiction Treatment Help

Whether your drug of choice is crystal meth, heroin, or prescription drugs like OxyContin, Percocet, or hydrocodone or a combination of drugs, you can find the help you need to break free from your dependence at a drug and alcohol rehab. At a drug and alcohol rehab, you not only stop using your drug of choice with medical assistance, you also get the addiction counseling you need to understand your addiction, educational classes to understand how addiction works in the body, and therapy in groups and alone to help you gain strength in recovery.

If you would like to learn more about enrolling in drug and alcohol addiction treatment, The Canyon can help. Whether you are looking for a crystal meth detox, a prescription drug rehab or a heroin addiction treatment program, we have what you need. Call us today for more specifics about our California drug and alcohol rehab.

Perhaps most well-known for this three big wins at Mavericks, Darryl “Flea” Virostko, 37, often flirts with death as a part of his daily surfing routine. In fact, a near-drowning experience at Waimea Bay in Hawaii a few years ago was called the “Wipeout of the Decade” by Surfer magazine. The thing that really scares him, though? Crystal meth addiction.

Drug Addiction and Surfing

For the last 14 months, Flea has been clean and sober, but before he entered a Pacific Grove drug and alcohol rehab center last year, his friends and family didn’t think he would be alive much longer. Says Virostko about his behavior before treatment: “I didn’t care about my life at all. I wasn’t being Flea.”

The first time that Flea went to Mavericks, he says he was on acid. He took a few of his other trips to the contest on crystal meth. The drugs, however, did not enhance his performance; they took away from it. He was fearless in spite the drugs, not because of them, he says.

Despite his three wins and the big checks that came along with it including $12,000 a month from sponsors and $50,000 checks for each Mavericks win, drug addiction almost bankrupted Flea as well. He had to sell his house recently to pay off back taxes and avoid bankruptcy.

Because he grew up without money, Flea says, he went overboard when he started getting paid for surfing. His sponsors billed him as a rock star and he had no problem filling the bill, with all the drugs and the furniture-destroying parties.

The Descent of a Surfer

Drugs and alcohol are commonly found at the beach parties that routinely follow a day in the surf. It’s not hard for surfers to end up dealing with a drug addiction as a result, especially as they begin to get older and get surpassed by younger athletes.

Flea reports that in early 2007, after his uncle passed away, he began to lose control of the situation. His drug use increased until February of 2008 when he passed out while high and climbing a cliff. The resulting injury took him out of surfing for awhile, and the time off only contributed to his drug addiction. By August, his father had set up an intervention for him, and Flea was soon off to drug rehab.

A Future After Drug Addiction

Today, Flea has 14 months of sobriety under his belt and he continues to surf avidly. He teaches drug addicts and alcoholics how to surf at his FleaHab program and is currently training to become a drug and alcohol addiction treatment counselor. Flea has picked up sponsors again and is still surfing professionally.

As for Mavericks, the last time Flea won was 2004; the Mavericks five-month window opens on November 1 of this year, and he’ll be there, hoping to win a fourth time.

Says Flea: “If I can do it, anyone can do it. Because I went to the edge of the earth.”

Tennis star Andre Agassi recently wrote an autobiography, Open, and in it he details some inside info on his tennis career, his hair piece and his marriages, but the biggest item of interest to most is his confession: during the late 1990s, Agassi abused crystal meth. Agassi told People magazine: “I can’t speak to addiction, but a lot of people would say that if you’re using anything as an escape, you have a problem.”

Crystal Meth Abuse: Access and a Need for Speed

According to ESPN and the Associated Press, the first person to introduce Agassi to crystal meth was the owner of the fictional spiked drink, his assistant, Slim. Agassi described the first time he used the drug as a casual one: Slim simply put some on the coffee table in front of him.

Agassi writes: “I snort some. I ease back on the couch and consider the Rubicon I’ve just crossed. There is a moment of regret, followed by vast sadness. Then comes a tidal wave of euphoria that sweeps away every negative thought in my head. I’ve never felt so alive, so hopeful — and I’ve never felt such energy.

“I’m seized by a desperate desire to clean. I go tearing around my house, cleaning it from top to bottom. I dust the furniture. I scour the tub. I make the beds.”

Failed Drug Tests and Professional Lies Due to Crystal Meth

Tennis professionals, like professionals in any sport, are subject to random drug tests. Agassi underwent more than a few in his life time and one of them, he failed. He got the result thrown out by writing a letter to the ATP and lying by saying that he inadvertently drank from a crystal meth spiked cup of soda that belonged to his assistant.

Writing about the incident, Agassi says: “Then I come to the central lie of the letter. I say that recently I drank accidentally from one of Slim’s spiked sodas, unwittingly ingesting his drugs. I ask for understanding and leniency and hastily sign it: Sincerely.

Failing the drug test convinced Agassi that he needed to get back on track. His performance on the court had suffered due to his crystal meth abuse and now, with a potential Class 2 (or recreational drug) violation pending, he could be looking at a three-month suspension.

Agassi writes: “I feel ashamed, of course. I promise myself that this lie is the end of it.”

Fear Of Admitting Crystal Meth Addiction

It’s never easy to admit that you have a problem, even if you no longer do and if that problem took place more than a decade earlier. When asked if he was worried about how the public would respond to his crystal meth confession, he answered: “I was worried for a moment, but not for long. … I wore my heart on my sleeve and my emotions were always written on my face. I was actually excited about telling the world the whole story.”

If you or someone you love is struggling with crystal meth addiction, you can get help through a crystal meth rehab. Call today.

According to the Chillicothe Gazette, the use of opiates like prescription drugs and heroin is increasing in Ohio while the use of cocaine and methamphetamine, based on a new epidemiological report called “Surveillance of Drug Trends in the State of Ohio.” This upward trend of prescription drug abuse especially is one that is echoing throughout the country.

The Plan to Fight Drug Addiction in Ohio

Angela Dawson is the director of the Ohio Department of Alcohol and Drug Addiction Services. She said: “While we are encouraged to see a downward trend with cocaine and methamphetamine use, we continue to maintain concern with the alarming proliferation of prescription drug abuse and the relatively high availability of heroin. Our goal must, at all times, be to help reduce the stigma that underlies the disease of addiction, no matter the drug of choice, so as to ensure prevention, treatment and recovery support services remain well-funded and accessible to all who need them.”

Prescription Drug Addiction Rising

Prescription drug abuse, especially prescription pills, is increasingly more common due in part to its ease of access, especially to younger people. The most popular in Ohio include Opana, oxycodone, hydrocodone, Xanax, Piperazine, Ritalin and Adderall.

Dave Webber is a crime prevention specialist and he says that his concern is for the growing abuse of and addiction to oxycodone and OxyContin specifically, because it is a drug that seems to affect multiple generations of users and can be deadly. Oxycodone overdose and emergency room visits that involve the use of OxyContin are increasingly common in Ohio and across the country.

Heroin Addiction Stays Level

In some parts of Ohio, heroin addiction decreased slightly but in other parts, there was a significant shift in the numbers in the other direction. Across the country, this seems to be the same consensus: heroin addiction has basically stayed the same.

Ecstacy addiction, too, remained high but unchanged compared to past studies.

Crack, Cocaine and Meth Addiction Decreasing

Except for highly populated urban areas, there is a general downward trend in crack and powder cocaine use. For example, both are still seen in overdose deaths, crime and emergency room reports in Columbus, Ohio like other urban centers across the country.

In suburban and rural areas, however, crystal meth has historically been a problem. But perhaps due to the move of certain over the counter drugs used as an ingredient to make the crystal meth and a crackdown by local law enforcement on meth labs, there has been a huge downturn in the use of the drug.

Webber says: “The use of meth labs has slowed down.”

Find the whole report on drug abuse and addiction trends in Ohio online.

Provigil is a prescription drug that does exactly what it sounds like; it’s pro-vigilance. It helps you stay awake. The marketing spouts off on Provigil’s ability to keep you awake without getting you hooked, but some are saying that that may not be true. The concern is that Provigil is yet another route to prescription drug addiction.

What is Provigil?

The generic name is modafinil, but it’s sold on the shelves as Provigil. It’s FDA approval is for helping those who struggle with sleep apnea, narcolepsy, and sleep disorders associated with working the graveyard shift. But many who get a prescription for it don’t suffer these disorders. Because of its reputation as being non-addictive, it is often prescribed for those who are just tired and need a pick-me-up… with the result that they’re now awake, but unable to wake up without the drug.

Who Thinks Provigil is Addictive?

According to Daniel J. DeNoon at WebMD Health News, there may be a big prescription drug addiction risk with Provigil. Some researchers agree.

Nora D. Volkow is the director of the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). She is one of the lead researchers who think that Provigil may be more addictive than previously thought. She says:

“There is an increasing use of this medication, and people have promoted the off-label use of stimulants and Provigil as cognitive enhancers with the belief that these drugs are safe. But these drugs have side effects, and their use without proper medical oversight could lead to abuse and addiction.”

Provigil, Cocaine and Crystal Meth?

The side effects to which she is referring and the chemicals released as a result of the drug resemble the effects of cocaine and crystal meth, though on a much smaller scale.

Volkow says: “The changes we are observing in dopamine concentrations with modafinil are equivalent to those we have reported for [Ritalin] in the human brain. So not only does [Provigil] increase dopamine in the human brain, but does it by similar mechanisms to Ritalin and cocaine, by directly blocking the dopamine transporter. It is not working by some distinct, different mechanism.”

Who Thinks Provigil is Not Addictive?

There are many researchers who disagree with Volkow, only because they feel that ‘addiction’ is too strong a word. David Weinshenker, PhD, is an associate professor of human genetics at Emory University, Atlanta.

He says: “What is Provigil’s street value? It is zero. There are not addicts walking around buying and selling modafinil. Most people who take Provigil don’t report euphoria or being high. They don’t even report feeling particularly stimulated, like caffeine. In terms of addiction and withdrawal, it just doesn’t do that.”

Provigil as a Cure for Cocaine Addiction and Crystal Meth Addiction?

Daniel J. DeNoon at WebMD Health News says: “Weinshenker and Vogel both note that because it blocks the brain receptors needed by cocaine and methamphetamine, researchers are exploring whether Provigil might help wean addicts from these life-threatening addictions.”

Just like methadone, which is an addictive opiate in its own right, is used to treat those addicted to opiates, Provigil may be a good medication to treat those addicted to stronger stimulants. What do you think?

Talladega has been struggling with drug addiction for over a decade now. And, thanks to the drug addiction problem, they’ve been struggling with the drug trade and crime as well. In an effort to make changes and turn the economy around, Talladega officials created the Talladega County Drug and Violent Crime Task Force to fight back, helping their citizens and those addicted to drugs and alcohol as well.

Fighting Drug Addiction

Unfortunately, fighting drug addiction is no cheap business and the Talladega County Drug and Violent Crime Task Force is not only fighting drug addiction and crime, but budget cuts as well. Jason Murray commands the task force. He says, “We were cut on our federal appropriation by $60,000, which hurt. We’ll probably be $15,000 to $20,000 in the red by the end of year, but we’ll be getting some federal money and we were recently able to sell some seized property. We’ll get a donation from the track, and although Childersburg hasn’t donated anything to us since 2003/2004, they may come back this year.”

And with limited funds and an overworked staff, which part of the problem of drug addiction do you tackle first? The crystal meth labs? The cocaine trafficking? The break-ins and robberies associated with drug abuse and addiction? Illegal prescription pill use? Underage drinking and drug use?

Crystal Meth Addiction

In Alabama, crystal meth addiction and crystal meth labs are a huge problem.

“Our fiscal year started Oct. 1,” Murray says. “Since then, we have found 45 meth labs that we’ve actually been able to make cases on, plus six or eight more that are basically just dump sites where we can’t prove who the stuff belongs to. But I’ve had to pull them off the meth cases here lately to deal with people distributing crack cocaine and marijuana. You spend too much time over there, everything else runs rampant.”

Cocaine Addiction

After meth, cocaine and marijuana are the number two and number three drugs of addiction in Talladega county, respectively. Murray says, “Although we’re kind of in a cocaine drought right now, prices are just skyrocketing. You used to be able get about $18,000 for a key (kilogram, or 2.2 pounds) of cocaine. New you’re seeing prices of $27,000, $28,000 per key. That’s a big jump.”

Prescription Drug Addiction

Prescription drug abuse and addiction is another huge problem in Talladega, among young and old alike. Says Murray, “Pharmaceuticals are found in every household, and most kids know where they are and how to get to them. We’ve seen kids in the schools handing out their parents’ prescriptions like they were candy. We’ve got other people that start off using prescription pain killers legitimately, but can’t get off of them, so they either have to start forging prescriptions or buying them on the street. We made a pretty significant bust about a month ago on a woman who was buying up 80 milligram OxyContin prescriptions from here to Georgia, which has slowed things down some, but they will always find another way. We’ve had a few documented overdoses recently, too.”

Fighting Drug Addiction at Drug Rehab

If you are struggling with crystal meth addiction, prescription drug addiction, cocaine addiction, marijuana addiction or alcoholism, you can get help at The Canyon. Contact us for more information.

Crystal Meth Addiction Treatment

For the first time ever, science has teamed up with several government agencies to track the occurrence of illegal manufacturing of methamphetamine. The outcome: statistical data on high-risk areas that are more likely to house laboratories and their number-one customers… addicts.

Normally a science reserved for monitoring the outbreak and spread of disease, epidemiology has proven to be a very effective tool for studying the black-market avenues by which meth labs thrive.

New Experiment Identifies Locations of Deadly Meth Labs

Dr. Daniel Sudakin, epidemiologist, medical toxicologist, associate professor at Oregon State University, and author of the study, assimilated over 2500 incidents on record at the state’s poison control center, medical examiner’s office, narcotics enforcement division and hazardous substances surveillance system.

Data related to methamphetamine deaths, manufacturing labs, toxic fumes, accidental ingestion of the chemical ingredients, by-product waste dumps, and drug overdoses spanning the past nine years were entered into a special computer program to look for clusters of locations and/or time frames of activity.

The Importance of Consolidated Investigations

“This OSU study incorporates information about when and where these incidents occurred, giving us a bigger picture of what’s going on across the state,” Sudakin explains. “It also includes rural areas, which tend not to be studied as much as urban areas in terms of meth use and production.”

Using the technology, counties with the most incidents of meth-related activity were quickly identified as local hot-spots – primarily rural, sparsely-populated, agricultural areas of the state. By studying the patterns from an epidemiologist’s perspective, researchers, law enforcement officials, and health care specialists can gain a better understanding of how and where to focus their resources.

So along with the 2005 law that requires prescriptions for cold medicines containing pseudoephedrine, Oregon health officials will now be better able to provide drug prevention and addiction treatment information to individuals in rural towns. Knowing the dangers that the dealer’s won’t tell you about is the next step, and having access to affordable rehab when the dangers have been ignored is the second.

Tell Us: Do you think technology like this could be effective for combating other types of drug addictions?

A few weeks ago we talked about 5 Signs of Addiction to CNS Stimulants like crystal methamphetamine, and since then I’ve fielded a few questions on the insidious nature of this drug. A common problem among those whose drug of choice is crystal is that they are often fooled into thinking that they can quit alone because the withdrawal symptoms are more emotional than physical like opiate withdrawal. Unfortunately, it’s just not true. The relapse rate for those addicted to crystal is about three months long. You may be able to hold off, not use, “white knuckle it” as they say in recovery, but the mental addiction to the drug is difficult to overcome on your own.

Here’s why.

Crystal Meth and Dopamine Production

It’s all about dopamine, the happy chemical in your brain. You know how you crash into an overwhelming depression for days and days after a run on crystal meth? It seems like the crash parallels the run in intensity and duration and, for some, it’s the kind of depression that is suicidal and desperate. That’s because the intense amoung of dopamine that is stimulated by crystal meth through smoking or injecting the drug is what makes you feel so good while you’re high. Take it away, and your brain crashes. No more dopamine stimulation, no more dopamine, hence the depression.

Crystal Meth Plays Tricks on Your Mind

After about three months, according to studies, the dreaded crash has faded from memory and for some reason, crystal meth addicts begin to romanticize the high associated with the drug. Some are convinced that they can’t be really happy without it, that they won’t be able to handle basic tasks much less big projects. It’s a drug that seems to mess with your head even more than your body when you stop taking it.

Treating Crystal Meth Addiction

A crystal meth detox can be an overwhelming experience, one that you may require help with. If you feel suicidal, contact a medical professional immediately. If you need help breaking the mental hold of crystal meth, contact a drug addiction facility like The Canyon. The Canyon provides a relaxing and vacation like spot for you to get away from temptation and get the help you need. A dual diagnosis treatment facility, The Canyon specializes in treating those who are struggling with mental issues as well as addiction to drugs. We can answer any questions you have, whether it’s your drug use that has you concerned or that of someone you love. Contact us today for more information.

For more about the work being done to find new treatments for crystal methamphetamine addiction and other studies, check out the Canadian Medical Association Journal (CMAJ) and Medical News Today.

CNS (or central nervous system) stimulants refer to all those drugs that make you feel speedy, stimulating you, if you will, into a state of high alertness. A few days ago we posted the Top 10 Signs of Methamphetamine Addiction, which talked about symptoms of meth addiction in particular, but a lot of these signs are typical of those addicted to any number of stimulants including amphetamines, cocaine and prescription stimulants like methylphenidate, also known as Ritalin.

Signs of CNS Stimulant Use

During use, these drugs generally make the user feel euphoric, super human even, as if they can accomplish anything. The talk fast, move fast and do whatever they’re doing with a focus and speed that is out of character. Their blood pressure, heart rate and body temperature also increase.

Signs of CNS Addiction

Addiction to CNS stimulants is apparent when the following symptoms are seen regularly, whether or not the user is “high” on their drug of choice:

* Decreased appetite and extreme weight loss
* Irritability and depression
* Restlessness and insomnia
* Paranoia and, in extreme cases, psychosis
* In those who snort their drugs, a damaged mucous membrane, regular nose bleeds and nasal congestion are common

If you have noticed this behavior in someone you love or recognize the signs of CNS stimulant addiction in yourself, there is help. The Canyon provides a comprehensive treatment program that offers crystal meth rehab as well as a medically supervised crystal meth detox. For those who suffer from a psychosis or psychotic episodes that linger long after the drug’s effects have vanished, The Canyon is especially equipped for dual diagnosis, or the treatment of psychological disorders and drug addiction. Contact The Canyon today!

In the beginning, when crystal meth started appearing in clubs for gay men and in gay circuits, the guys called the drug “Christina.” Over time as familiarity developed, “Christina” became “Chrissy” and, eventually, “Tina.” And among the gay men who know her, it’s a love-hate relationship.

Says one guy who kicked “Tina,” “Now, I just call her “b*tch, and when I see her coming, or any of her minions, I just whip out my anti-tweaker spray.”

Support For Gay Men and Crystal Meth Addiction

If only it were that easy to break addiction to crystal meth, a convenient little bottle that you could spray whenever you felt like getting high. Unfortunately, many gay men who use crystal have built a whole lifestyle and network of friendships based on use of the drug. Giving up crystal meth addiction means giving up the community they’ve built as well as the parties that go on for days, anonymous sex, more crystal and more anonymous sex. Comparatively, being clean and sober can seem, well, boring.

So how do you find the support you need when you know it’s time to let go of your crystal meth addiction? Where do you find people who understand what you’re going through and won’t judge you for your choices? Online.

Sites Geared Toward Gay Men and Crystal Meth Addiction

Tweaker

Tweaker is a great site full of lots of harm reduction information, how to get off the drug and educational resources so that you can know exactly what you’re doing to your body—and that there is hope beyond crystal meth.

“We’re here because we know that gay guys use crystal meth. But we’re not here to promote meth, glorify it or glamorize it. And we’re not here to condemn using it, criticize it or demonize it.

Instead, we’re here to provide INFORMATION so that gay men really understand crystal and how it affects our physical, mental, sexual and social health, SUPPORT for guys who decide they need to talk about what they know, what they need and how to get answers about their meth use, RESOURCES to help guys when they decide they want help with their meth use. Our website is pretty graphic. There’s stuff in here about sex and drug use. We don’t want you to be offended or threatened and hope that if you’re under 18 years old you’ll go to a different site.”

Strength Over Speed

A Seattle-based organization for gay men, this group has meetings in the Seattle area but the online forums, community and stories can be helpful to gay men around the world who are struggling with crystal meth.

“Strength Over Speed (SOS) is a grassroots, all volunteer community based project whose mission is to help gay and bisexual men maintain recovery from crystal meth addiction.”

Hi, My Name is Tina

This is a Toronto-based organization for gay men who are, well, kicking Tina. It provides an anonymous support for those who are interested in learning more about the drug, are considering getting off it, or are currently struggling with addiction and just need somewhere to vent. They describe themselves thusly:

“We are users, ex-users and people who provide support to people whose lives have been affected by crystal meth use. HiMyNameIsTina.com is an online wellness resource by and for our community. We embrace a harm reduction philosophy that includes abstinence. We’re here to help through information, opportunities for interaction, and inspiration.

“This site is written primarily by and for gay and bisexual men, and other men who have sex with men. If you are offended by images and the sexual language of these communities and cultures, then please don’t enter.”

Crystal Neon

Another site focused on the raising of awareness within the gay community about the dangers of the drug, it also provides harm reduction assistance to those who aren’t ready to quit and information for those who are.

“This website contains information for gay and bisexual men who use methamphetamine. We in no way promote or encourage the use of this controlled substance. Instead, we seek to help individuals minimize the harms associated with use of methamphetamine. Because of our harm reduction goals, some language and imagery may not be suitable for individuals under 18 years of age. Also, if you quit using methamphetamine or are trying to quit, you may wish only to view the section of this website that pertains to managing, cutting down, and quitting.”

Quitting Crystal

If you are addicted to crystal meth and are ready to quit, The Canyon offers inpatient treatment that is comprehensive and efficient. Getting off crystal meth can be one of the most difficult things you ever do, but it’s not something you have to do alone.

If you have “kicked Tina” or are in the process, what was the most difficult aspect of recovery in your experience?