In the U.S., about one baby is born every hour addicted to opiate drugs like Vicodin or Oxycontin, according to groundbreaking new research from University of Michigan, and NES almost tripled between 2000 and 2009!

Lead author of the study, Stephen W. Patrick, M.D., M.P.H., M.S., said, “‘…the overall use of this class of drugs grew by 5-fold over the last decade and this appears to correspond with much higher rates of withdrawal in their infants.’”

Neonatal abstinence syndrome causes many harmful symptoms, including:

• risk being born with low birthweight
• premature birth
• seizures
• birth defects
• tremors
• feeding intolerance
• respiratory problems
• unusually high irritability

One of the most tragic things is that many women who give birth to babies with NAS used opiates with a valid doctor’s prescription; doctor shopping, or visiting multiple doctors in order to receive multiple prescriptions for the same drug, is unfortunately still prevalent.

Through education, more research and the healthcare system, we must limit and monitor opiate pain reliever use and prescriptions.

Source: Science Daily

Weigh in on this issue – what do you think we can do to decrease Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome?

For many, Memorial Day is a time to celebrate freedom, and our country’s vets who have dedicated their lives to protecting us. But Memorial Day weekend also produces heavier traffic than usual, and more people get behind the wheel while intoxicated. In 2009 alone, over 470 people were killed during Memorial Day weekend. (1)

Via MADD.org, here are some safe driving tips for Memorial Day weekend:

1. Plan a safe way home.
2. Avoid late-night driving.
3. Wear a seat belt.
4. Don’t call, text or eat.
5. Be aware.
6. Keep your tires properly inflated.
7. Rest up before you drive a long distance.

What are your Memorial Day weekend plans?

Sources:

(1) MADD

Writer/director and co-screenwriter Shane Black and Drew Pearce said, “I think we were just told by the studio that we should probably paint Tony Stark as being kind of an industrialist and a crazy guy, or even a bad guy at some points, but the Demon in a Bottle stuff of him being an alcoholic wouldn’t really fly.” And, “Alcoholism is a massive problem but it’s also not the best villain for a movie.”

The filmmakers say it’s possible that the Demon in a Bottle storyline could successfully return for another movie installment. Iron Man 6, perhaps?

Do you think the studio made the right decision in cutting Tony Stark’s alcoholism storyline? Tell us what you think!

Whether an elder abuses alcohol because he or she is lonely, tries to create more comfortable social settings or wants to take advantage of the common-held beliefs that alcoholic drinks, like wine, can reduce the risks of conditions such as Alzheimer’s or osteoporosis, seniors who drink in excess still put themselves at higher risk for disease and injury/accidents than most.

Aging can reduce the body’s ability to adapt to alcohol, making alcohol and its effects more risky for older people than for teens. This is because the older you are, the more the water in your body decreases, making alcohol levels more concentrated. Many senior citizens also take medication on a regular basis, which can have a negative impact on alcohol use by lessening the effectiveness of a medication and/or causing harmful side effects along with a medication.

Once in treatment, however, we’ve typically seen older adults more successful at getting and staying sober than other client populations. Some seniors feel this will be their last chance to get sobriety right, and failure isn’t an option. Others are motivated by their children or grandchildren and by the desire to create a positive legacy.

If you or a loved one is an elder person who may need substance abuse treatment, contact us today for the help and support you need!

Did you know?

An estimated 26.2 percent of Americans ages 18 and older (almost 56 million people) suffer from a diagnosable mental disorder in a given year. (2)

‘Dual diagnosis’ is a term used to describe the coordinated treatment of individuals suffering with the common combination of mental illness and substance abuse, simultaneously. Dual diagnosis can affect all age groups and both genders. As much as 50 percent of the mentally ill population also has a substance abuse problem. (3)

Many individuals use drugs and alcohol to mask underlying issues. American Addiction Centers specializes in dual diagnosis – helping men and women who suffer with alcohol, drug and other addictions that are co-occurring with behavioral health issues such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, PTSD, trauma and more. Only by treating the root causes of behavioral and mental health issues can healing begin, and with the guidance and support of loved ones and professionals.

At American Addiction Centers, we treat clients knowing the success rate of recovery is dramatically improved when co-occurring disorders are treated. Using evidence-based modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing and more, mental health counseling helps individuals understand how their addition manifested – and how to manifest healthier and happier lives.

Just as with anything misunderstood, mental illness can isolate even those closest to us, often causing friends and family to back away and vice versa. Mental Health Month, and awareness in general, helps bring people together. Let’s work together to address the societal misconceptions of mental illness so those in need can be encouraged to get help, instead of hiding in the shadows.

Sources:

(1) Mental Health America

(2) National Institute of Mental Health

(3) National Alliance on Mental Illness

In her HuffPo article, Christina delves into the details of her story:

“What I do know — and I have grappled with this over the past 13 months — is that addiction is a disease. It is progressive, it can be fatal and it can touch anyone.

…addiction lives in darkness, it feeds off our secrets and it thrives in the shadows. My life as it is today was unthinkable thirteen months ago. Yes, I mean the particulars — I have a steady job and healthy, loving relationships — but more than that I’ve learned to be vulnerable. I’ve learned how to apologize and how to forgive. I’ve learned how much strength it takes to let go. If writing this can help one person feel a little less alone, if it encourages one person to ask for help, if it allows one person to know that no matter how hopeless it feels right now, it can get better, then that is enough.”

Problem drinking can cause many more serious illnesses, including cardiovascular disease, cancer and liver disease – not to mention the emotional toll excessive drinking can take on individuals and their loved ones. Warning signs of alcohol abuse include:

▪   Flushed skin

▪   Drinking alone or in strange places/circumstances

▪   Blackouts

▪   Violent behavior

▪   Memory loss 

Help for Today. Hope for Tomorrow.

This month, local and state events will work to educate people about treatment and alcoholism prevention. Schools also use this month to teach students about the dangers of underage drinking and other groups work to encourage families to get help and information. Join the cause, and check with local municipalities for events near you.

How will you celebrate Alcohol Awareness Month?

Research continues to demonstrate that animals promote a calming effect, reduce blood pressure and anxiety, make one feel less lonely and even bring out positive social characteristics in humans.

American Addiction Centers has one of the most advanced equine therapy programs available, providing clients the opportunity to engage in equine assisted therapy. This program develops self-confidence while overcoming fears and building trust.

Horses specifically exude a gentle strength that can resonate in their riders, and equine therapy is one of the most popular forms of treatment involving animals of any kind. For years, horses have been used to help people with muscle control problems; to help children with autism; and to help adults with various mental and physical disorders. Individuals in recovery from substance abuse who ride or interact with horses experience a calming feeling and stronger inner strength.

At American Addiction Centers, our guided equine therapy groups teach how to connect with and understand horses while building compassion, empathy and trust. Not to mention, it’s healthy, fun and clients simply love it.

Should everyone, regardless of their gender, age or medical history, receive a mental health screening during annual check-ups, with the intention to promote early detection/prevention and rehabilitation for issues like depression, anxiety, substance abuse and mood disorders?

Mental health is just as important as physical health, so we say: absolutely.

The Detroit Free Press reported on a study conducted by the University of Cambridge, suggesting annual mental health screenings for everyone would be a very positive thing.

The article quotes medical professional Dr. Nizar El-Khalili: ”Unfortunately, most people don’t address mental health issues until they are drastically interfering with their lives. If they were just more aware of mental health from the start, problems could be avoided long before it complicates their lives and costs them thousands of dollars.”

These screenings include questions about lifestyle, eating and drinking habits and mental wellness, “designed to check for potential mood or anxiety disorders, including depression substance abuse and post-traumatic stress.” If the doctor finds a patient shows symptoms of a mental illness, the patient could be recommended to see a behavioral health professional.

Benefits of annual mental health screenings?

• Prompt recognition of an illness can also help patients avoid large medical bills down the road, he said.
• In their early stages, common mental health disorders can be highly treatable through basic coping methods.
• Annual mental checkups would help reduce the stigma attached to mental illness.

What do you think about mandatory mental health screenings?

Jane lives her life according to the 12 Steps, and is such an inspiring example of hope. Once she realized she was powerless against alcohol (the first process in the 12 steps) she experienced newfound sense of freedom that motivated her sobriety.

Jane is a firm believer in the 12-Step program, many of which use the acronym HALT: feeling hungry, angry, lonely and tired. Those feelings, if improperly managed, can easily lead to relapse. To maintain her sobriety, Jane uses a healthy combination of humor…

“I think laughter is the ultimate intoxication. And that’s why I enjoy recovery, is that I’m always laughing with my sober buddies. And when you’re laughing, you’re naturally high. So I think that really that is part of the solution.”

…and spirituality…

“You have to reorder your life. Instead of being about ego and fear, you have to be of service. I get down on my knees every day and pray, help me to be of service, to do something positive, to make life better for somebody else, or some other creature on this planet… This is a spiritual disease, and it requires a spiritual solution.”