Addiction/ Substance Abuse

Coworker, wife, mother, heroin abuser? The new face of a rising heroin epidemic.

Heroin abuse is not new. But since 2007 there has been a 150% increase in heroin abuse, according to a recent CDC study. The amount of smuggled heroin seized by law enforcement has quadrupled compared to what was seized annually from 2000-2008. Why the dramatic increase?

According to a recent article in the USA Today, about 75% of new heroin abusers first started abusing prescription painkillers. These opiates or morphine-like drugs include OxyContin and Vicodin. Many switch to heroin because it’s cheaper or after the doctor stops prescribing their medication. In comparison a day’s worth of Oxycontin could cost up to $160 for a heavy user, but for heroin only $40.

Does being a high-powered, successful professional make your brain more susceptible to addiction? 

It just might. Recent research shows that not only might the CEO brain be more susceptible to drug or alcohol abuse, but the environment of a high-powered professional also lends itself to putting someone at risk for substance abuse. High stress, long hours, lack of sleep, eat and run, little time for exercise, self-care or relaxation, all might put extra strain on a brain that could already be pre-disposed to addiction. And on top of that, add a business culture of drinks and parties and you have an environment that is perfect for drug or alcohol use to get out of control.

Are you ready to get your life back on track? Here are five steps to help end substance abuse. 

Let’s take a quick look at the stats. In 2013 only 11% of 22.7 Americans who needed drug or alcohol treatment, got it (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration). Many avoiding it by choice and because of the difficulties that come with finding the right option. Yet, nobody’s drug or alcohol problem goes away on its own. From 1999 to 2013, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the death rate from overdoses more than doubled (most of them from opiates). According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, more than two million Americans abuse prescription painkillers. In 2012, physicians wrote 259 million prescriptions for pain killers. This is enough to give a bottle of pills to every adult in the USA. 

Weird crimes in Florida have a lot of people asking, what is Flakka? 

Flakka is  the latest, designer synthetic drug. It’s a man-made, powder stimulant (alpha-pyrrolidinopentiophenone) that can be vaped, snorted, eaten or smoked. The reported effects, similar to stories associated with bath salts, are murderous rage, violence and paranoia. The drug has been around for about a decade, but has recently gained popularity, especially Florida, Alabama, Texas and Mississippi. Will it hit Georgia? 

What are the signs of a high-functioning alcoholic?

From a distance, high-functioning alcoholics seem to have it all under control. In fact, they seem to have more than just control, they often appear to be at the top of their game. They hold down high-ranking, stressful jobs and uphold serious responsibilities. They often enjoy luxurious lifestyles with fancy cars and nice homes. But just because they are high-functioning doesn’t mean they don’t feel the repercussions of drinking too much. And for jobs like pilots, doctors, lawyers being high-functioning can also mean being high-risk for many people.

So at what point does someone become a high-functioning alcoholic? It depends on the person. Not everyone is the same. But here are some signs that might indicate that someone is high-functioning and has a drinking problem: