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I came across a person who is dealing with addicts. What is addiction? Who is an addict? How do you define addiction? What are the types of addiction? When you know what good character is, you can manage bad character. Correct? What is a good character? When you know what is normal, then you can manage abnormal. Correct? What is normal? What is normal and what is considered addiction? How do you manage addiction? The primary focus is to remove the source of addiction from the market. This is the combined responsibility of health care professionals, law enforcement, and administration. Identify the source of the addictive substance. If the administration or head of the administration is involved in enhancing, spreading the substance, managing the problem will be equal to treating the symptoms without addressing underlying preventive and curative aspects of management. How do you counsel an addict? Are you an addict? No Am I an addict? No Is he/she an addict? Yes Are there addicts around? Yes Why is he/she an addict? What is the background of this case? Who has primary responsibility to diagnose and manage addiction: medical doctor, counselor, or both? Do we wait for American board certified medical doctor to become competent/courageous and work hard to manage such cases, or do we bring in more competent medical doctors from abroad? Are Google employees Internet addicts? Are online business workers Internet addicts? What is the total amount of worldwide online business? When should you consider the Internet an addiction? For example: You chat with people online for leisure and not for business. Instead of business or academic activities, students indulge in leisure and porno activities. You often visit porno sites and waste lots of time. Should Google, Yahoo and similar sites be barred from displaying porno sites? You have a worldwide presence; however, the definition of your products and services isn't clear. What should business and universities do to prevent Internet addiction? Establish intranet connection, or Internet connections so that employees, business, faculty, and students have access to business and educational material without having access to porno,leisure acitivies, non-business chats, and non-business communications, except family communications. What is the difference between a university and an institute?
What kinds of people do you think are at high risk for addiction? How come the scientific explanations of addiction I receive in drug court and treatment make no sense to me? Is Valium a real addiction? Stanton, does the latest discovery about the effects of cocaine disprove your theory? What is addiction? They put people in addiction treatment without withdrawal symptoms! Are doctors overeager to give chronically ill patients pain medication? Do endorphins (or their depletion) cause addiction? Are psychedelics good for you and is marijuana addictive? Drug, set or setting - which has the greatest impact upon drug use problems? Why aren't I and my friends addicted to cigarettes? Tell me about women and addiction Brain research shows cult suicides foreordained! Why do you use "Addiction" in the title of your web site? Is there an alcoholic/addict personality type? Are antidepressants addictive? Facts About the Most Used and Abused Drugs from Alcohol to Ecstasy: Alcoholism Cocaine Ecstasy * Hallucinogens Heroin Marijuana Methamphetamines Prescription Drugs Alcoholism/Drug/Abuse/Teen/Gambling/Addiction Treatment Information Alcohol:
Q) How does alcohol affect a person? Q) How Can I Help? Q) What do I have to do? Q) What are the Public Health sciences? Q) What does Islam say about alcohol? Q) Why does Islam forbid alcohol? Q) What does Bible say about alcohol? Q) What does Hinduism/Buddism/Sikhs/etc say about alcohol? Q) What are some of the effects of alcohol? Q) What is alcoholism? Q) Do you have to be an alcoholic to experience problems? Q) What is an alcohol problem? Q) What social and economic problems are linked to alcohol use? Q) How can work performance be affected by alcohol consumption? Q) How can the family be affected by alcohol consumption? Q) What is the link between alcohol and poverty? Q) What is the link between alcohol and violence between partners? Q) What are the estimated economic and social costs? Q) What is the difference between different types of alcohol problems, such as binge drinking, alcohol abuse and alcohol dependence? Q) What are the signs and symptoms of an alcohol problem? Q) How does a health professional diagnose an alcohol problem? Q) Who develops alcohol problems? Q) What are the treatments for alcohol problems? Q) Who Has An Alcohol Problem? Q) How Can I Recognize An Alcohol Problem? Q) Does alcohol cause liver disease? Q) What are the causes and symptoms of alcohol-related neurologic disease? Q) What are the penalties for driving while under the influence? Q) Do you have to be "drunk" to be guilty of drunk driving? Q) What is alcoholism? What are symptoms and signs of alcoholism? Q) Is alcoholism a disease? Q) Is alcoholism inherited? What causes it? Q) Can alcoholism be cured? Q) Can alcoholism be treated? Q) Which medications treat alcoholism? Q) Does alcoholism treatment work? Q) Do you have to be an alcoholic to experience problems? Q) How can you tell if someone has a problem? Q) If an alcoholic is unwilling to get help, what can you do about it? Q) Does alcohol affect older people differently? Q) Does alcohol affect women differently? Q) What is a bad charactered policy maker? Q) What is a bad charactered regulator? Q) What are the aims of a community drug and alcohol policy? 450,000 of Americans die of smoking each year. 100,000 Americans die of alcohol each year. During their lifetime 27% of the population will suffer from a substance abuse disorder. 25% of Americans die of substance abuse. 95% percent of untreated addicts die of their addiction. 50% of traffic deaths are alcohol related. 50% of homicides are alcohol related. 40% of assaults are alcohol related. About half of state prison inmates and 40% of federal prisoners incarcerated for committing violent crimes report they were under the influence of alcohol or drugs at the time of their offence. More than 18 million patients currently need alcohol treatment and only 25% get it. Costs of alcohol abuse was $185 billion in 1998 Costs of drug abuse was $97.7 billion in 1992. For every dollar spent on addiction treatment seven dollars are saved in costs to society. 90% of addicts who work our program of recovery stay clean and sober. Children believe that alcohol and drug use is safe. The average 18 year old has seen 100,000 television commercials encouraging him or her to drink. That's why 80% of high school seniors have tried alcohol, 32% have gotten drunk in the last thirty days, 43% smoke marijuana, and about one third are smoking cigarettes. This is a national disaster! If you think that you or someone you love has a problem with alcohol, drugs or gambling, the fact that you are reading this page is an incredible victory. It means you are thinking about getting help. Congratulations! An addict has only two choices get into recovery or die. The first thing you need to do is see if there is an addiction problem. Answer these questions and be honest with yourself. You can answer the questions for yourself or the person you are concerned about. You have nothing to hide and nobody is going to know the results but you. Has the person ever tried to cut down on his or her use? Have people annoyed the person by talking to him or her about the use? Has the person ever felt bad or guilty about his or her use? Has the person ever used alcohol or drugs in the morning or broken the law to use? Two or more of these questions answered yes indicates probable addiction. That means you are in trouble and you need help. Only 4% of addicts can quit on their own for the next year. It is not just the addict who suffers. Everyone associated with an addicted person is under terrible stress. This will just get worse until you get into treatment. If you or someone you love is addicted, you need to take action now! Don't let someone die because you stalled. I know you are afraid, but you don't have to be. Ninety percent of addicts who work our program stay clean and sober. If you are an addict, or live with one, you are in great pain. Most addicts die of their addiction and they take their family members down with them. The first step in recovery is to get honest with yourself. Don't just sit there and think things are going to get better. Addiction doesn't get better. It gets worse until somebody dies. You need to take action and you need to take action now. The worst thing you can do is wait. How are you going to feel if this person kills someone in an accident or kills themselves? Don't let this happen to your family. It's time to get help. Call us for a free assessment at 1-800-992-1921. There is no obligation and you don't even have to tell us your name. We can help you get treatment in your area or we can help you come to our treatment center. We are a small treatment center where you won't get lost in the shuffle. We have a number of programs designed for specific populations such as duel diagnosis, cognitive deficits, gambling problems, a Christian program, an adolescent program, a young adult program, a Native American program and many more. We are very flexible about the cost of treatment. Most patients come into treatment at reduced rates. Many patients are state funded or come into treatment under Medicaid. If you are worried about the money, don't let that stop you. Money is the least of your worries. The money is not going to kill anyone and addiction kills everyone. Let us help you find a treatment you can afford. If you are an addict or if you live with one you are living in hell, you have no peace. Nothing you have tried works and you keep returning to the pain. Remember 90% of patients that work our program stay clean and sober. 1. Can a person be too young to have problems with drug addiction and alcoholism? There is no minimum age requirement for a person to have alcoholism or drug addiction. In recent years there has been a trend in which younger and younger people have begun to experiment with alcohol and drugs. Statistically, people who begin to use at a young age have higher chances of becoming dependent and addicted. Drug addiction and alcoholism do not discriminate and the affect people across all backgrounds, ages and classes. Young people are sighted as being part of ‘underground party scene’, also known as ‘raves’ at which club drugs such as ecstasy, LSD, and other synthetic pills are taken. Harder drugs such as cocaine, speed and heroin are also available to young teenagers at these parties. Fake Ids are another way that young people are able to gain access to alcohol. In many cases alcohol and drugs are readily available and parties or through friends of friends. Although experimentation may seem innocent, becoming addicted to drugs or alcohol is a very serious problem. Young adults as old as twelve and thirteen are being admitted into rehabilitation facilities for the treatment of addictions. 2. Are amphetamines addictive? Yes, amphetamines commonly referred to as speed, crystal or meth, are highly addictive. These drugs are stimulants and can be snorted, swallowed, injected and inhaled. Aside for being addictive amphetamines are also extremely dangerous. If injected these drugs can lead to collapsed veins and heart problems. The use and abuse of amphetamines is addictive creating a tolerance and psychological dependence. Meth Addiction Treatment - A helpful site with amphetamine information about meth abuse, meth addiction treatment, crystal meth info, & meth detox options with. meth drug intervention services available. 3. What are the signs that someone is addicted to cocaine? Cocaine is a highly addictive stimulant, originally used in the mid-1800s. Cocaine increases the activity of certain chemicals in the brain producing a desirable sense of pleasure and alertness. Cocaine is usually snorted or sniffed up the nose, however it can also be injected or smoked in the form of crack. People who are addicted to cocaine show a variety of different signs and symptoms including drastic changes in personality and mood. Cocaine users often engage in dangerous and thoughtless behaviors, doing activities that they would probably not do otherwise. Sniffling, bloody noses, runny noses and dilated pupils are all signs that a person is using cocaine. If these signs persist, worsen or become more and more frequent, chances are the person has become addicted to cocaine. Cocaine addiction itself, like other drug addictions is characterized by a tolerance and dependence on the drug. Increased paranoia, anxiety and changes in eating and sleeping patterns are also characteristic of cocaine abuse or addiction. Cocaine Abuse Treatment - A cocaine addiction & abuse treatment program that is comprehensive and thorough that takes a comprehensive approach to cocaine abuse treatment. 4. Is it possible to become addicted to a drug even if you have only tried it once? In most cases a person will not become addicted to a drug if it is only tried once, however highly addictive drugs such as heroin and amphetamines may create a craving, even after the first use. A person who has tried a drug once may want to continue to use the drug, thus developing and dependence and addiction. Having obsessive thoughts and creating schemes to get more of the drug may indicate mounting addictive tendencies. All illicit drugs are dangerous and should not be tampered with, however, once a person is addicted to a drug seeking proper substance abuse treatment is one of the most productive possible options. 5. How can you tell if someone has a problem with prescription drugs? Prescription drug abuse is very hard to detect because a person taking medication in the form of pills has the ability to hide his/her use. A person with a prescription drug abuse problem may act differently or be preoccupied with going to the pharmacy or drug store in excess. Careless prescription drug abusers may leave medical prescriptions lying around and they may go through outrageous numbers of pills in short periods of time. In order to tell if someone has a problem it is often necessary to keep track of the number of pills disappearing each day. Abnormal behavior, specifically behavior related to the medicines being taken may also indicate a growing abuse of the pills. Prescription Drug Addiction Program - A drug rehab program that focuses on prescription drug addiction to drugs such as oxycontin, hydrocodone, vicodin, xanax, and percocet. 6. Should a person that uses marijuana on a daily basis seek substance abuse treatment? Marijuana contains the chemical THC which is a mood and mind altering drug. THC occurs naturally in marijuana plants and when taken into the body causes a ‘high’ feeling in the brain. Marijuana is most commonly smoked, although it can be ingested in the form of various foods. It has not been scientifically proven that marijuana or THC is addictive, however if used over extended periods of time in a habitual manner, a person can develop a dependence on marijuana. Many people use the justification that, “marijuana is not physically addictive”, therefore they do not have a problem, however, marijuana can negatively affect a person’s life on a number of different levels. Marijuana decreases short-term memory capacity, creates confusion, paranoia, anxiety and restlessness. In addition marijuana can negatively impact a person’s motor skills as well as his/her ability to feel emotions. Marijuana is often used in combination with other drugs and treatment for marijuana abuse is available and readily utilized. 7. What does heroin addiction do to a person's life? Heroin is one the most addictive drugs on the market. Heroin is an opioid and a depressant, meaning it slows down the brain's ability to function. Heroin is usually injected and can also be smoked and snorted. Heroin created a highly desirable sense of pleasure and euphoria and almost immediately creates a craving for more of the drug. A person who becomes addicted to heroin has no desire to do anything but to get more heroin. He/she will most likely lie, cheat or steal in order to find the next high. People addicted to heroin lose relationships, especially those that are most important to them and are unable to function in daily life. People who inject heroin, meaning they use it intravenously are at risk for diseases such a HIV, AIDS and hepatitis. Heroin addiction can lead to debt, insanity and death. 8. How are alcoholism and drug addiction different? Alcoholism and drug addiction only different in the type of substance abused. Alcohol is an addictive drug that comes in a liquid form. Alcoholics and drug addicts both suffer from a dependence, tolerance and obsession with a mind-altering substance. Both are progressive diseases and both are treatable through abstinence and rehabilitative treatment. 9. How can you tell if someone has a problem with alcohol? There are a number of different ways you can tell if someone has a problem with alcohol. Alcohol abusers generally begin to smell like alcohol over extended periods of use because their bodies are trying to get rid of the substance via the pores. People with alcohol problems tend to hide alcohol and bottoms in places they think other people may not look. When an alcohol problem becomes more severe the abuser will experience periods known as blackouts when he/she cannot remember what happened during a drunk. Alcohol begins to take its toll on a person's life causing problems in relationships, work and home life. Usually, if confronted, alcohol abusers will deny that they have a problem, making up excuses and rationalizing their use. Alcoholism Treatment Facility - An alcohol treatment facility that offers the alcoholic a comprehensive and structured program to help alcoholics get started on the path to recovery from alcoholism and alcohol abuse. 10. Can you become addicted to club drugs such as ecstasy? Ecstasy or MDMA has a chemical structure similar to hallucinogens and stimulants. The drug commonly comes in the form of a pill and is swallowed. Research shows that ecstasy is not a physically addictive drug however users do build up a tolerance to the drug quickly. People who use ecstasy regularly may find that they start to believe they are unable to function normally without the drug. Even if ecstasy is not physically addictive, it is extremely detrimental to the body and mind. Ecstasy can cause muscle meltdown and has caused death because of excessive dehydration and organ (kidney & liver) failure. What is drug addiction treatment? Why can't drug addicts quit on their own? How effective is drug addiction treatment? How long does drug addiction treatment usually last? What helps people stay in treatment? Is the use of medications like methadone simply replacing one drug addiction with another? What role can the criminal justice system play in the treatment of drug addiction? How does drug addiction treatment help reduce the spread of HIV/AIDS and other infectious diseases? Where do 12-step or self-help programs fit into drug addiction treatment? How can families and friends make a difference in the life of someone needing treatment? Is drug addiction treatment worth its cost? What is drug addiction treatment? There are many addictive drugs, and treatments for specific drugs can differ. Treatment also varies depending on the characteristics of the patient. Problems associated with an individual's drug addiction can vary significantly. People who are addicted to drugs come from all walks of life. Many suffer from mental health, occupational, health, or social problems that make their addictive disorders much more difficult to treat. Even if there are few associated problems, the severity of addiction itself ranges widely among people. A variety of scientifically based approaches to drug addiction treatment exists. Drug addiction treatment can include behavioral therapy (such as counseling, cognitive therapy, or psychotherapy), medications, or their combination. Behavioral therapies offer people strategies for coping with their drug cravings, teach them ways to avoid drugs and prevent relapse, and help them deal with relapse if it occurs. When a person's drug-related behavior places him or her at higher risk for AIDS or other infectious diseases, behavioral therapies can help to reduce the risk of disease transmission. Case management and referral to other medical, psychological, and social services are crucial components of treatment for many patients. (See Treatment Section for more detail on types of treatment and treatment components.) The best programs provide a combination of therapies and other services to meet the needs of the individual patient, which are shaped by such issues as age, race, culture, sexual orientation, gender, pregnancy, parenting, housing, and employment, as well as physical and sexual abuse. Drug addiction treatment can include behavioral therapy, medications, or their combination. Treatment medications, such as methadone, LAAM, and naltrexone, are available for individuals addicted to opiates. Nicotine preparations (patches, gum, nasal spray) and bupropion are available for individuals addicted to nicotine. Components of Comprehensive Drug Abuse Treatment components of comprehensive drug abuse treatment The best treatment programs provide a combination of therapies and other services to meet the needs of the individual patient. Medications, such as antidepressants, mood stabilizers, or neuroleptics, may be critical for treatment success when patients have co-occurring mental disorders, such as depression, anxiety disorder, bipolar disorder, or psychosis. Treatment can occur in a variety of settings, in many different forms, and for different lengths of time. Because drug addiction is typically a chronic disorder characterized by occasional relapses, a short-term, one-time treatment often is not sufficient. For many, treatment is a long-term process that involves multiple interventions and attempts at abstinence. Why can't drug addicts quit on their own? Nearly all addicted individuals believe in the beginning that they can stop using drugs on their own, and most try to stop without treatment. However, most of these attempts result in failure to achieve long-term abstinence. Research has shown that long-term drug use results in significant changes in brain function that persist long after the individual stops using drugs. These drug-induced changes in brain function may have many behavioral consequences, including the compulsion to use drugs despite adverse consequencesÑthe defining characteristic of addiction. Long-term drug use results in significant changes in brain function that persist long after the individual stops using drugs. Understanding that addiction has such an important biological component may help explain an individual's difficulty in achieving and maintaining abstinence without treatment. Psychological stress from work or family problems, social cues (such as meeting individuals from one's drug-using past), or the environment (such as encountering streets, objects, or even smells associated with drug use) can interact with biological factors to hinder attainment of sustained abstinence and make relapse more likely. Research studies indicate that even the most severely addicted individuals can participate actively in treatment and that active participation is essential to good outcomes. How effective is drug addiction treatment? In addition to stopping drug use, the goal of treatment is to return the individual to productive functioning in the family, workplace, and community. Measures of effectiveness typically include levels of criminal behavior, family functioning, employability, and medical condition. Overall, treatment of addiction is as successful as treatment of other chronic diseases, such as diabetes, hypertension, and asthma. Treatment of addiction is as successful as treatment of other chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, and asthma. According to several studies, drug treatment reduces drug use by 40 to 60 percent and significantly decreases criminal activity during and after treatment. For example, a study of therapeutic community treatment for drug offenders (See Treatment Section) demonstrated that arrests for violent and nonviolent criminal acts were reduced by 40 percent or more. Methadone treatment has been shown to decrease criminal behavior by as much as 50 percent. Research shows that drug addiction treatment reduces the risk of HIV infection and that interventions to prevent HIV are much less costly than treating HIV-related illnesses. Treatment can improve the prospects for employment, with gains of up to 40 percent after treatment. Although these effectiveness rates hold in general, individual treatment outcomes depend on the extent and nature of the patient's presenting problems, the appropriateness of the treatment components and related services used to address those problems, and the degree of active engagement of the patient in the treatment process. How long does drug addiction treatment usually last? Individuals progress through drug addiction treatment at various speeds, so there is no predetermined length of treatment. However, research has shown unequivocally that good outcomes are contingent on adequate lengths of treatment. Generally, for residential or outpatient treatment, participation for less than 90 days is of limited or no effectiveness, and treatments lasting significantly longer often are indicated. For methadone maintenance, 12 months of treatment is the minimum, and some opiate-addicted individuals will continue to benefit from methadone maintenance treatment over a period of years. Good outcomes are contingent on adequate lengths of treatment. Many people who enter treatment drop out before receiving all the benefits that treatment can provide. Successful outcomes may require more than one treatment experience. Many addicted individuals have multiple episodes of treatment, often with a cumulative impact. What helps people stay in treatment? Since successful outcomes often depend upon retaining the person long enough to gain the full benefits of treatment, strategies for keeping an individual in the program are critical. Whether a patient stays in treatment depends on factors associated with both the individual and the program. Individual factors related to engagement and retention include motivation to change drug-using behavior, degree of support from family and friends, and whether there is pressure to stay in treatment from the criminal justice system, child protection services, employers, or the family. Within the program, successful counselors are able to establish a positive, therapeutic relationship with the patient. The counselor should ensure that a treatment plan is established and followed so that the individual knows what to expect during treatment. Medical, psychiatric, and social services should be available. Whether a patient stays in treatment depends on factors associated with both the individual and the program. Since some individual problems (such as serious mental illness, severe cocaine or crack use, and criminal involvement) increase the likelihood of a patient dropping out, intensive treatment with a range of components may be required to retain patients who have these problems. The provider then should ensure a transition to continuing care or "aftercare" following the patient's completion of formal treatment. Is the use of medications like methadone simply replacing one drug addiction with another? No. As used in maintenance treatment, methadone and LAAM are not heroin substitutes. They are safe and effective medications for opiate addiction that are administered by mouth in regular, fixed doses. Their pharmacological effects are markedly different from those of heroin. As used in maintenance treatment, methadone and LAAM are not heroin substitutes. Injected, snorted, or smoked heroin causes an almost immediate "rush" or brief period of euphoria that wears off very quickly, terminating in a "crash." The individual then experiences an intense craving to use more heroin to stop the crash and reinstate the euphoria. The cycle of euphoria, crash, and craving - repeated several times a day - leads to a cycle of addiction and behavioral disruption. These characteristics of heroin use result from the drug's rapid onset of action and its short duration of action in the brain. An individual who uses heroin multiple times per day subjects his or her brain and body to marked, rapid fluctuations as the opiate effects come and go. These fluctuations can disrupt a number of important bodily functions. Because heroin is illegal, addicted persons often become part of a volatile drug-using street culture characterized by hustling and crimes for profit. Methadone and LAAM have far more gradual onsets of action than heroin, and as a result, patients stabilized on these medications do not experience any rush. In addition, both medications wear off much more slowly than heroin, so there is no sudden crash, and the brain and body are not exposed to the marked fluctuations seen with heroin use. Maintenance treatment with methadone or LAAM markedly reduces the desire for heroin. If an individual maintained on adequate, regular doses of methadone (once a day) or LAAM (several times per week) tries to take heroin, the euphoric effects of heroin will be significantly blocked. According to research, patients undergoing maintenance treatment do not suffer the medical abnormalities and behavioral destabilization that rapid fluctuations in drug levels cause in heroin addicts. What Role Can The Criminal Justice System Play In The Treatment Of Drug Addiction? Increasingly, research is demonstrating that treatment for drug-addicted offenders during and after incarceration can have a significant beneficial effect upon future drug use, criminal behavior, and social functioning. The case for integrating drug addiction treatment approaches with the criminal justice system is compelling. Combining prison- and community-based treatment for drug-addicted offenders reduces the risk of both recidivism to drug-related criminal behavior and relapse to drug use. For example, a recent study found that prisoners who participated in a therapeutic treatment program in the Delaware State Prison and continued to receive treatment in a work-release program after prison were 70 percent less likely than nonparticipants to return to drug use and incur rearrest Individuals Who Enter Treatment Under Legal Pressure Have Outcomes As Favorable As Those Who Enter Treatment Voluntarily. The majority of offenders involved with the criminal justice system are not in prison but are under community supervision. For those with known drug problems, drug addiction treatment may be recommended or mandated as a condition of probation. Research has demonstrated that individuals who enter treatment under legal pressure have outcomes as favorable as those who enter treatment voluntarily. The criminal justice system refers drug offenders into treatment through a variety of mechanisms, such as diverting nonviolent offenders to treatment, stipulating treatment as a condition of probation or pretrial release, and convening specialized courts that handle cases for offenses involving drugs. Drug courts, another model, are dedicated to drug offender cases. They mandate and arrange for treatment as an alternative to incarceration, actively monitor progress in treatment, and arrange for other services to drug-involved offenders. The most effective models integrate criminal justice and drug treatment systems and services. Treatment and criminal justice personnel work together on plans and implementation of screening, placement, testing, monitoring, and supervision, as well as on the systematic use of sanctions and rewards for drug abusers in the criminal justice system. Treatment for incarcerated drug abusers must include continuing care, monitoring, and supervision after release and during parole. How does drug addiction treatment help reduce the spread of HIV/AIDS and other infectious diseases? Many drug addicts, such as heroin or cocaine addicts and particularly injection drug users, are at increased risk for HIV/AIDS as well as other infectious diseases like hepatitis, tuberculosis, and sexually transmitted infections. For these individuals and the community at large, drug addiction treatment is disease prevention. Drug Addiction Treatment Is Disease Prevention. Drug injectors who do not enter treatment are up to six times more likely to become infected with HIV than injectors who enter and remain in treatment. Drug users who enter and continue in treatment reduce activities that can spread disease, such as sharing injection equipment and engaging in unprotected sexual activity. Participation in treatment also presents opportunities for screening, counseling, and referral for additional services. The best drug abuse treatment programs provide HIV counseling and offer HIV testing to their patients. Where Do 12-Step or Self-Help Programs Fit Into Drug Addiction Treatment? Self-help groups can complement and extend the effects of professional treatment. The most prominent self-help groups are those affiliated with Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), Narcotics Anonymous (NA), and Cocaine Anonymous (CA), all of which are based on the 12-step model, and Smart Recovery®. Most drug addiction treatment programs encourage patients to participate in a self-help group during and after formal treatment. How can families and friends make a difference in the life of someone needing treatment? Family and friends can play critical roles in motivating individuals with drug problems to enter and stay in treatment. Family therapy is important, especially for adolescents (See Approaches to Treatment Section). Involvement of a family member in an individual's treatment program can strengthen and extend the benefits of the program. Is Drug Addiction Treatment Worth Its Cost? Drug addiction treatment is cost-effective in reducing drug use and its associated health and social costs. Treatment is less expensive than alternatives, such as not treating addicts or simply incarcerating addicts. For example, the average cost for 1 full year of methadone maintenance treatment is approximately $4,700 per patient, whereas 1 full year of imprisonment costs approximately $18,400 per person. Drug Addiction Treatment Is cost-effective in reducing drug use and its associated health and social costs. According to several conservative estimates, every $1 invested in addiction treatment programs yields a return of between $4 and $7 in reduced drug-related crime, criminal justice costs, and theft alone. When savings related to health care are included, total savings can exceed costs by a ratio of 12 to 1. Major savings to the individual and society also come from significant drops in interpersonal conflicts, improvements in workplace productivity, and reductions in drug-related accidents. General Categories of Treatment Programs Agonist Maintenance Treatment for opiate addicts usually is conducted in outpatient settings, often called methadone treatment programs. These programs use a long-acting synthetic opiate medication, usually methadone or LAAM, administered orally for a sustained period at a dosage sufficient to prevent opiate withdrawal, block the effects of illicit opiate use, and decrease opiate craving. Patients stabilized on adequate, sustained dosages of methadone or LAAM can function normally. They can hold jobs, avoid the crime and violence of the street culture, and reduce their exposure to HIV by stopping or decreasing injection drug use and drug-related high-risk sexual behavior. Patients stabilized on opiate agonists can engage more readily in counseling and other behavioral interventions essential to recovery and rehabilitation. The best, most effective opiate agonist maintenance programs include individual and/or group counseling, as well as provision of, or referral to, other needed medical, psychological, and social services. Patients stabilized on adequate sustained dosages of methadone or LAAM can function normally. Narcotic Antagonist Treatment Using Naltrexone for opiate addicts usually is conducted in outpatient settings although initiation of the medication often begins after medical detoxification in a residential setting. Naltrexone is a long-acting synthetic opiate antagonist with few side effects that is taken orally either daily or three times a week for a sustained period of time. Individuals must be medically detoxified and opiate-free for several days before naltrexone can be taken to prevent precipitating an opiate abstinence syndrome. When used this way, all the effects of self-administered opiates, including euphoria, are completely blocked. The theory behind this treatment is that the repeated lack of the desired opiate effects, as well as the perceived futility of using the opiate, will gradually over time result in breaking the habit of opiate addiction. Naltrexone itself has no subjective effects or potential for abuse and is not addicting. Patient noncompliance is a common problem. Therefore, a favorable treatment outcome requires that there also be a positive therapeutic relationship, effective counseling or therapy, and careful monitoring of medication compliance. Patients stabilized on naltrexone can hold jobs, avoid crime and violence, and reduce their exposure to HIV. Many experienced clinicians have found naltrexone most useful for highly motivated, recently detoxified patients who desire total abstinence because of external circumstances, including impaired professionals, parolees, probationers, and prisoners in work-release status. Patients stabilized on naltrexone can function normally. They can hold jobs, avoid the crime and violence of the street culture, and reduce their exposure to HIV by stopping injection drug use and drug-related high-risk sexual behavior. Outpatient Drug-Free Treatment in the types and intensity of services offered. Such treatment costs less than residential or inpatient treatment and often is more suitable for individuals who are employed or who have extensive social supports. Low-intensity programs may offer little more than drug education and admonition. Other outpatient models, such as intensive day treatment, can be comparable to residential programs in services and effectiveness, depending on the individual patient's characteristics and needs. In many outpatient programs, group counseling is emphasized. Some outpatient programs are designed to treat patients who have medical or mental health problems in addition to their drug disorder. Long-Term Residential Treatment provides care 24 hours per day, generally in nonhospital settings. The best-known residential treatment model is the therapeutic community (TC), but residential treatment may also employ other models, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy. TCs are residential programs with planned lengths of stay of 6 to 12 months. TCs focus on the "resocialization" of the individual and use the program's entire "community," including other residents, staff, and the social context, as active components of treatment. Addiction is viewed in the context of an individual's social and psychological deficits, and treatment focuses on developing personal accountability and responsibility and socially productive lives. Treatment is highly structured and can at times be confrontational, with activities designed to help residents examine damaging beliefs, self-concepts, and patterns of behavior and to adopt new, more harmonious and constructive ways to interact with others. Many TCs are quite comprehensive and can include employment training and other support services on site. Therapeutic communities focus on the "resocialization" of the individual and use the program's entire "community" as active components of treatment. Compared with patients in other forms of drug treatment, the typical TC resident has more severe problems, with more co-occurring mental health problems and more criminal involvement. Research shows that TCs can be modified to treat individuals with special needs, including adolescents, women, those with severe mental disorders, and individuals in the criminal justice system (see Treating Criminal Justice-Involved Drug Abusers and Addicts ). Short-Term Residential Programs provide intensive but relatively brief residential treatment based on a modified 12-step approach. These programs were originally designed to treat alcohol problems, but during the cocaine epidemic of the mid-1980's, many began to treat illicit drug abuse and addiction. The original residential treatment model consisted of a 3 to 6 week hospital-based inpatient treatment phase followed by extended outpatient therapy and participation in a self-help group, such as Alcoholics Anonymous. Reduced health care coverage for substance abuse treatment has resulted in a diminished number of these programs, and the average length of stay under managed care review is much shorter than in early programs. Medical Detoxification is a process whereby individuals are systematically withdrawn from addicting drugs in an inpatient or outpatient setting, typically under the care of a physician. Detoxification is sometimes called a distinct treatment modality but is more appropriately considered a precursor of treatment, because it is designed to treat the acute physiological effects of stopping drug use. Medications are available for detoxification from opiates, nicotine, benzodiazepines, alcohol, barbiturates, and other sedatives. In some cases, particularly for the last three types of drugs, detoxification may be a medical necessity, and untreated withdrawal may be medically dangerous or even fatal. Detoxification is a precursor of treatment. Detoxification is not designed to address the psychological, social, and behavioral problems associated with addiction and therefore does not typically produce lasting behavioral changes necessary for recovery. Detoxification is most useful when it incorporates formal processes of assessment and referral to subsequent drug addiction treatment. Treating Criminal Justice-Involved Drug Abusers and Addicts Research has shown that combining criminal justice sanctions with drug treatment can be effective in decreasing drug use and related crime. Individuals under legal coercion tend to stay in treatment for a longer period of time and do as well as or better than others not under legal pressure. Often, drug abusers come into contact with the criminal justice system earlier than other health or social systems, and intervention by the criminal justice system to engage the individual in treatment may help interrupt and shorten a career of drug use. Treatment for the criminal justice-involved drug abuser or drug addict may be delivered prior to, during, after, or in lieu of incarceration. Combining criminal justice sanctions with drug treatment can be effective in decreasing drug use and related crime. Prison-Based Treatment Programs Offenders with drug disorders may encounter a number of treatment options while incarcerated, including didactic drug education classes, self-help programs, and treatment based on therapeutic community or residential milieu therapy models. The TC model has been studied extensively and can be quite effective in reducing drug use and recidivism to criminal behavior. Those in treatment should be segregated from the general prison population, so that the "prison culture" does not overwhelm progress toward recovery. As might be expected, treatment gains can be lost if inmates are returned to the general prison population after treatment. Research shows that relapse to drug use and recidivism to crime are significantly lower if the drug offender continues treatment after returning to the community. Community-Based Treatment for Criminal Justice Populations A number of criminal justice alternatives to incarceration have been tried with offenders who have drug disorders, including limited diversion programs, pretrial release conditional on entry into treatment, and conditional probation with sanctions. The drug court is a promising approach. Drug courts mandate and arrange for drug addiction treatment, actively monitor progress in treatment, and arrange for other services to drug-involved offenders. Federal support for planning, implementation, and enhancement of drug courts is provided under the U.S. Department of Justice Drug Courts Program Office. As a well-studied example, the Treatment Accountability and Safer Communities (TASC) program provides an alternative to incarceration by addressing the multiple needs of drug-addicted offenders in a community-based setting. TASC programs typically include counseling, medical care, parenting instruction, family counseling, school and job training, and legal and employment services. The key features of TASC include (1) coordination of criminal justice and drug treatment; (2) early identification, assessment, and referral of drug-involved offenders; (3) monitoring offenders through drug testing; and (4) use of legal sanctions as inducements to remain in treatment. Question graphicIs pathological gambling similar to chemical dependency? Answer graphicYes and no. Similarities between pathological gambling and chemical dependency include an inability to stop/control the addiction, denial, severe depression, and mood swings. Pathological gambling and chemical dependency are both progressive diseases with similar phases. These include "chasing" the first win/high, experiencing blackouts and using the object of addiction to escape pain. Both pathological gamblers and persons addicted to alcohol or drugs are preoccupied with their addiction, experience low self-esteem, use rituals, and seek immediate gratification. Unlike chemical addiction, pathological gambling is a hidden disease gamblers do not stumble, have needles in their arm, or smell of cards and dice. Pathological gamblers cannot overdose in the conventional sense, but they experience tremendous financial problems that require immediate attention. More resources are available to chemical dependency than gambling addiction, in part because most people do not perceive gambling as potentially addicting. It is very important that pathological gamblers receive crisis stabilization at the beginning of their treatment, because pathological gamblers have a much higher suicide rate than persons addicted to alcohol or drugs. Question graphicHow are children affected by pathological gambling? Answer graphic Children may be affected in several ways. They may be physically and/or emotionally abandoned by their parents, who are unable to provide their children with needed attention and nurturing because of the time spent gambling. "Casino kids" have been left by themselves at the outer rim of casinos while their parents gamble, according to some casino security officers. In some extreme cases, children are left in the family car in the casino parking lot for hours at a time while their parents gamble inside. Less obviously, children may also spend several hours each week with babysitters while their parents gamble in casinos, bingo halls or card rooms. All of these scenarios may lead a child to feel physically and emotionally abandoned. In addition, the dysfunction that pathological gambling creates in a home often includes spouse and child abuse. Children are abused verbally, mentally and physically by the gambler, and often even more so by the co-dependent spouse. This devastating abuse frequently goes unnoticed or is denied by others as the child suffers in silence. Another way children are affected by pathological gambling is when they become pathological gamblers themselves. Today, teens are approximately three times more likely than adults to become problem and pathological gamblers. It is imperative that we educate young people about the dangers of pathological gambling and the importance of seeking help if gambling becomes a problem. Question graphicAre gamblers addicted to money? Answer graphic Pathological gamblers are addicted to action, not money. Many pathological gamblers will gamble to lose in the desperation phase of their addiction, because it is the action they seek, not the money. For a gambler, being in action is similar to being high on cocaine for the person addicted to cocaine. Both describe their "drug of choice" as seductive and ultimately destructive. Question graphicWhat is the physician's role in treating pathological gambling at the Illinois Institute for Addiction Recovery? Answer graphic Pathological gambling has been recognized as a major addiction illness, similar in many ways to the chemical dependency of cocaine. It is characterized by the sudden euphoria of winning and the marked dysphoria, depression and frustration of repeated losing. The physician is needed to assess these patients for the frequent incidence of cross addiction to drugs and alcohol, for potential drug withdrawal, and for potential suicidal tendencies associated with the depression that most patients experience. Underlying medical problems are often neglected while patients are in a gambling frenzy, leading to symptoms of illness and health deterioration. Laboratory tests and physical examinations can often uncover unexpected medical problems. The most important medical contribution the physician makes is to assist patients who are experiencing withdrawal by supporting their need for group therapy, assessing for possible antidepressant medication, and making referrals for appropriate psychological help. The use of sedative medication is avoided, as these drugs may lead to a deepening of the depression and may actually exacerbate suicidal behavior. Question graphicWhat is the financial counselor's role in treating pathological gambling at the Illinois Institute for Addiction Recovery? Answer graphic Pathological gamblers often find themselves in a devastating financial position by the time they reach treatment. Helping them become financially stable goes a long way in supporting their recovery and the well-being of their families. It is the responsibility of the financial counselor first to determine the extent of the gambler's debt, and then to help guide them out of their financial problems through debt management, budgeting and restitution. Gamblers in treatment at Proctor Hospital work extensively with the financial counselor, through every level of care, to achieve financial stability. Question graphicIs there one type of gambling that is more addictive than others? Answer graphicVideo poker and slot machines have been referred to as the "crack cocaine of gambling." Because of their immediate and effective reinforcement schedules, problem gamblers who regularly play these machines appear to progress into pathological gambling much faster than problem gamblers who only gamble at horse races, or other games that do not have such an immediate rate of gratification. Just as crack cocaine referred to as the "great precipitator" shortened the length of time between first use of cocaine and chronic addiction, so too have video poker and slot machines apparently reduced the length of time between first wager and pathological gambling. In the past, a gambler would experience 15 to 25 years of "sick" gambling at the horse track before he or she reached the desperation phase. Today, it is not uncommon for a gambler addicted to slot or video-poker machines to progress into the desperation phase in two or three years. Chemical Dependency Learn more about different types of addictions from alcoholism to nicotine addiction. You'll find information on how to recognize chemical dependency and identify substance abuse in the workplace. Gambling Addiction For most of the gambling industry's patrons, gambling is fun and a form of harmless entertainment. For the four to six percent of gamblers who become problem or pathological (compulsive) gamblers, however, it can be a devastating illness that negatively affects every aspect of their lives. This section offers an in-depth examination of pathological gambling with information about the comprehensive programs offered by IIAR for treatment, counseling and family support. Youth Gambling Addiction With the growing availability of gambling opportunities and the social acceptance of gambling as a safe, harmless diversion, young people are being drawn into compulsive gambling behavior at an even higher rate than adults. As with adults, youth gambling addiction can negatively impact every aspect of life, from learning and school performance, to mental and physical health. It can lead to criminal and other anti-social behavior, and other addictions. This section provides an overview of the problem, and the treatment, counseling and family support programs of IIAR. Addiction in the Workplace Because an addiction impacts every facet of a person's life, the problem must be addressed at many different levels, including the place of employment. The Illinois Institute for Addiction Recovery at Proctor Hospital allows employers to offer a comprehensive program of evaluation, treatment, counseling and support for employees and their families. Food Addiction Food is a necessity of life. But for some, it becomes a dreaded enemy. This section describes the physical, emotional and psychological impact of anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa, the two most common eating disorders. Included is a self-test to help determine if you or someone you know might have an eating disorder. Internet Addiction The internet is an incredible way to gather information and communicate with people around the world. For most people, it is simply a means of communication. For others, the internet can become a substitute for real life relationships and a threat to financial and emotional stability. Use this section to learn the signs of internet addiction, the problems it causes, and treatment options. Sexual Addiction Many people have never thought of sex as an addiction, but for some, sexual addiction is a grave reality. This section will tell you what sexual addiction is, how to identify it, and how to get help if you or someone you know struggles with it. Compulsive Shopping and Spending Compulsive shopping and spending is described as a pattern of chronic, repetitive purchasing that becomes difficult to stop and ultimately results in harmful consequences. It is defined as an impulse control disorder and has features similar to other addictive disorders without involving use of an intoxicating drug. Chronic Pain with Addiction Chronic pain generally persists for six months or more, and continues after the expected cessation of the pain. It tends to elicit severe depression as a result of long-term limitations and hopelessness. Overall, experts agree on the importance of acknowledging pain as a subjective experience which is very real to the patient and should be understood and accepted as real by treating professionals. However, once questions about addiction are introduced into the equation, it can become more complicated. In this section, you will find information on how the Illinois Institute for Addiction Recovery assesses and treats for chronic pain with addiction. Treatment and Counseling Programs The IIAR offers comprehensive treatment and counseling services to help persons with addictions, as well as their families, friends and employers. Our assistance ranges from the most modern, intensive medical care available to prevention counseling. What is chemical dependency? Recognizing chemical dependency Do you have an alcohol or drug problem? (An addiction self-test) Identifying alcohol or drug abuse in the workplace Treatment and counseling About IIAR What is chemical dependency? Alcohol and drug addictions are progressive diseases. In most people, addictions begin slowly and grow until the victim's life becomes progressively unmanageable. As repeated efforts to gain control over the addiction fail, life for the chemically dependent person begins to fall apart. Alcoholism and drug abuse can shatter lives. Consequences are often reflected in the addicted individual's family life, health, spiritual happiness, social life, school or work relationships and legal matters. In spite of these problems, the addicted person continues to use alcohol or drugs. Repeated efforts to quit or cut down invariably collapse in failure. Persons with a chemical addiction can stop using alcohol or drugs -- for a while. But most need professional help to stop for life. The individual who quits without professional help is usually overcome by an unbearable desire to resume alcohol or drug use. For some individuals, treatment in a sheltered environment, safely away from daily stress and pressure, is often needed for recovery. The IIAR's Inpatient Treatment Program offers the structure and safety that is necessary to rebuild a life. Others can receive help without the interruption of Inpatient Treatment. They are able to enter recovery through the help of an Outpatient Treatment Program. This type of program does not require individuals to take time off from work, leave their families or enter a hospital as an inpatient. Illinois Institute for Addiction Recovery at Proctor Hospital and BroMenn Regional Medical Center are Central Illinois' leaders in chemical dependency treatment. The Institute has a record of outstanding recovery rates and has helped thousands of adults, children and families since 1979. Types of addictions: Addiction to alcohol Addiction to nicotine Addiction to drugs Addiction to alcohol Alcohol is a drug. Its technical name is ethanol. Alcohol is classified as a depressant drug -- a drug that slows the activity of the Central Nervous System (CNS), especially the brain (which is very sensitive to alcohol). When a person drinks, alcohol is rapidly absorbed into the body. Some of the alcohol is absorbed directly through the tongue and throat. Unlike most foods, alcohol requires no digestion. As it enters the stomach, it is absorbed directly into the bloodstream. Once alcohol enters the blood, it begins to penetrate all major organs of the body. About 90 percent of the alcohol consumed is metabolized or eliminated from the body through the liver, and the remaining 10 percent is eliminated through the lungs and kidneys. A 12 ounce can of beer, a 5 ounce glass of wine, and 1.5 ounces of 80 proof liquor contain the same amount of pure alcohol: about .6 ounces. It usually takes the liver an hour to eliminate .5 ounces of alcohol. This means that you eliminate alcohol from your body at the rate of about one can of beer, a small glass of wine, or a shot of hard liquor each hour. If you drink faster than this, the alcohol begins to accumulate and intoxication begins. The intoxicating effects of alcohol Alcohol produces a variety of intoxicating effects depending on the quantity of ethanol in a person's blood. The more a person drinks, the more intoxicated he or she becomes. The higher the Blood Alcohol Level (BAL), the more severe the effects are. The major stages of intoxication are as follows: 1. Happy: In this initial stage, the individual becomes more talkative and sociable. Inhibitions are lowered. There is some loss of judgment. 2. Excited: In this stage, the individual begins to show some erratic behavior. Thinking and judgment are impaired, and reactions are slowed. 3. Confused: In this stage, the individual begins to lose control over speech and walking. He or she may stagger, become disoriented and demonstrate exaggerated moods. Slurred speech and double vision may occur. 4. Stuporous: In this stage, the individual needs assistance walking and appears to be paralyzed at times. Consciousness is barely maintained and an apathetic mood is evident. Vomiting and incontinence are common. 5. Comatose: In this stage, the individual is unconscious. He or she has few or no reflexes. Brain activity has slowed so much that breathing may become ineffective. 6. DEATH. About alcoholism Alcoholism was first recognized as a disease in the 1930s by Alcoholics Anonymous. Since then, the American Medical Association has recognized alcoholism as a serious, chronic disease. It takes time to develop; and once it develops, the disease does not go away. There is no cure for alcoholism, but it is treatable. With proper treatment, an alcoholic is able to return to a normal, satisfying life. Alcohol is still the number one drug problem in America. It is a disease that has no boundaries -- it affects adolescents, middle-aged people and senior citizens; it affects people of all races, religions, intelligence levels and professions. There are approximately 18 million alcoholics in this country. The physical results of alcoholism 1. Brain damage: A variety of conditions from psychosis to permanent memory loss may occur in alcoholics. 2. Cancer: Mouth, esophagus and stomach cancer occur frequently in alcoholics, due to the irritating effects of alcohol. 3. Heart disease: Enlarged heart and congestive heart failure are common in alcoholics. 4. Liver damage: Cirrhosis (a scarring of the liver), alcoholic hepatitis and cancer of the liver are often caused by alcoholism. 5. Ulcers: Long-term alcohol use produces stomach and intestinal irritation which can lead to ulcers. 6. Glandular problems: Problems may occur in the adrenal and pituitary glands of alcoholics. 7. Birth defects: Women who drink alcohol during pregnancy can cause their unborn child to suffer birth defects. This condition is known as Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS). 8. Suicide: Severe depression typically accompanies alcoholism. A very high number of suicides are related to drug and alcohol use. 9. Accidents: Drinking and driving is a major cause of death in America. Approximately half of all highway deaths are alcohol related. Alcohol-related accidents are the leading cause of death for teenagers. 10. Physical abuse: Alcohol is a major factor in a large portion of homicides, child abuse cases and other domestic violence cases. Treatment and counseling for alcoholism Some people begin their recovery by going through a treatment program. A treatment program is a structured medical process that introduces a patient to the principles of recovery. In treatment, a patient will learn about the disease of addiction, as well as the skills necessary to maintain a recovery program. During treatment, the healing process with family and friends is started. Following treatment, the most effective long-term solution to helping an alcoholic stay sober is regular attendance at Alcoholics Anonymous. The first step in getting help is finding out if you or someone you know has a problem. A certified addiction counselor can perform a professional assessment, which will identify alcoholism and recommend the appropriate treatment. To get an assessment, or for more information about the Institute's alcoholism treatment programs, please call an IIAR counselor at 1-800-522-3784. Addiction to nicotine The use of tobacco has been interwoven with the history of America. In 1964, the U.S. Surgeon General called tobacco "habituating." In 1988, the Surgeon General called tobacco "a powerful addicting drug." People are now more aware of the true addictive nature of nicotine and tobacco use. Chronic use of tobacco is a contributing factor in many premature deaths. More people die from the effects of tobacco than all other drugs combined. Treatment and counseling for smokers Forty million Americans have quit smoking. Surveys show that 85% of smokers would like to quit. Some people find a way to quit on their own; others, however, fail repeatedly and eventually begin using again. The IIAR provides an Outpatient Program designed specifically to help people who are actively addicted to nicotine. This intensive program will teach addicted persons about the problem and help them find a way to live comfortably without using nicotine. The IIAR is offering the "Quit and Stay Quit" program developed by the internationally acclaimed Hazelden Treatment Center. The program provides care over a six-month period in two phases. Phase One of the program will entail one-hour group sessions two times per week for 16 weeks, as well as monthly individual sessions to review progress. Phase Two will follow with one-hour group sessions one time per week for eight weeks, also including monthly individual sessions to review progress. Services are provided by individuals trained in group therapy and the addiction process. All participants are also introduced into the local smoker's anonymous community and are expected to attend meetings. Prior to being accepted into the program, individuals must participate in an evaluation interview to assess their motivation and appropriateness for this type of treatment. The "Quit and Stay Quit" treatment program is for individuals who have lost control over their use of nicotine products. The following points are characteristic of an individual with nicotine addiction: 1. Is preoccupied or obsessed with nicotine 2. Craves nicotine 3. Rationalizes nicotine use 4. Continues to use nicotine in spite of good reasons not to 5. Nicotine becomes more important than family, friends, job, ethics or money 6. After a period of abstinence, the individual quickly resumes his/her previous pattern and quantity of nicotine use 7. Sneaks and hides his or her chemicals 8. Chooses friends, jobs and recreation that permit the continued use of the chemical; avoids friends, jobs and recreation that cannot accommodate the use of nicotine 9. Physical deterioration sets in, but he or she continues to use the drug Individuals who identify with the characteristics listed above would likely benefit from treatment. If you have reason to believe someone you know is addicted to nicotine or any other drug, please call the IIAR at 1-800-522-3784 to schedule a free, confidential assessment interview or informational session. Addiction to drugs Although the effects and dangers for marijuana, cocaine, hallucinogen, opiate, sedative and inhalant use may be different, one aspect of drug addiction is consistent: Long-term drug use can cause both physical and psychological dependence. Users may have a hard time limiting their use, they may need more of the drug to get the same effect, and they may develop problems with personal relationships and their jobs/schooling. The drug can become the most important aspect of their lives. We are currently updating this section, and we will have more specific information on marijuana, cocaine and other stimulants, hallucinogens and PCP, sedative-hypnotics, opiates and inhalants in the near future. If you would like more information on drug addiction, or if you or someone you know is having problems with drugs, call an IIAR counselor at 1-800-522-3784. Treatment and counseling for persons addicted to drugs Some people begin their recovery by going through a treatment program: a structured medical process that introduces a patient to the principles of recovery. In treatment, a patient will learn about the disease of addiction, as well as the skills necessary to maintain a recovery program. During treatment, the healing process with family and friends is started. Following treatment, the recovering individual will attend regular group therapy sessions in order to stay clean. Recognizing chemical dependency Do you have an alcohol or drug problem? 1. Each time you drink or use drugs, does it take more and more to get you drunk or high? 2. Do you find yourself using alcohol or drugs to reduce anxiety? 3. Do you ever lose control over alcohol or drug use? 4. Do you ever drink or use drugs first thing in the morning to steady your nerves? If you answered "yes" to any of the questions above, you may have a problem with alcohol or drug addiction. For a free Assessment Interview, call an IIAR counselor at 1-800-522-3784. Warning signs for parents and/or teachers Alcohol and drug addictions in young people progress more quickly than the same addictions in adults. Therefore, it is imperative that the addictions be caught early and treatment started before the problem is exacerbated. Addictions can be identified through a pattern of problems in the young person's life which are the direct result of alcohol or drugs. Some warning signs of a problem may include: 1. Keeping a personal supply of alcohol, drugs or chemical "tools" 2. More frequent use of alcohol and marijuana 3. Lying to parents and teachers about frequency or extent of drinking/drug use4. Lying about the source of money used to purchase alcohol/drugs 4. Reducing or dropping school activities6. Grades begin to drop 5. Increase in truancy 6. Dropping non-drinking or non-drug using friends 7. Drastic change in attitude 8. Change in leisure activities The Institute offers specialized treatment and counseling programs for chemically addicted young adults in the Young Adult Unit and the Young Adult Addiction Day Treatment program. If you have reason to believe a young person you know is having problems with alcohol or drugs, please call an IIAR counselor at 1-800-522-3784. Identifying alcohol or drug abuse in the workplace Chemical dependency can dramatically affect an employee's ability to contribute to your company's success. In economic terms, an addiction can lead to a drop in productivity, reduced product quality, increased absenteeism, and higher health care costs. In human terms, an addiction can lead to failed marriages, broken homes, severe emotional problems, and even death. Depending on the nature of the individual's work, public safety can be jeopardized. Because an addiction impacts every facet of a person's life, the problem must be addressed at many different levels, including the place of employment. The Illinois Institute for Addiction Recovery at Proctor Hospital allows employers to offer a comprehensive program of evaluation, treatment, counseling and support for employees and their families. The following information may help you determine if an employee or co-worker is having a problem with alcohol or drugs: Six possible symptoms of addiction in the workplace: 1. Change in work attendance or performance 2. Alteration of personal appearance 3. Mood swings or attitude changes 4. Withdrawal from responsibility or associate contacts 5. Unusual patterns of behavior 6. Defensive attitude concerning the object of addiction How an alcoholic employee behaves Early Phase: Behavior Drinks to relieve tension. Alcohol tolerance increases. Experiences blackouts (memory blanks). Lies about drinking habits. Visible signs Attendance Arrives late (after lunch). Leaves job early. Is often absent from work. General behavior Overreacts to real or imagined criticism. Complains of not feeling well. Lies. Fellow workers complain about the individual. Job performance Misses deadlines. Makes mistakes because of inattention or poor judgment. Experiences decreased efficiency. Middle Phase : Behavior Engages in surreptitious drinking. Feels guilty about drinking. Experiences tremors during hangovers. Experiences a loss of interest. Visible signs Attendance Takes frequent days off for vague ailments or implausible reasons. General behavior Statements become undependable. Begins to avoid associates. Borrows money from co-workers. Exaggerates work accomplishments. Is hospitalized more than average. Has repeated minor injuries on and off the job. Feels unreasonable resentment. Job performance Experiences general deterioration and a spasmodic work pace. Has wandering attention and a lack of concentration. Late Middle Phase: Behavior Avoids discussion of problems. Fails in efforts at control. Neglects food. Prefers to drink alone. Visible signs Attendance Takes frequent time off, sometimes for several days. Fails to return from lunch. General behavior Is grandiose, aggressive or belligerent. Domestic problems interfere with work. Has an apparent loss of ethical values. Garnishes salary; experiences loss of money. Hospitalization increases. Refuses to discuss problems. Has trouble with the law. Job performance Is far below expected level . Late Phase : Behavior Believes that other activities interfere with drinking. Visible signs Attendance Prolonged unpredictable absences General behavior Drinking on the job. Totally undependable. Repeated hospitalization. Visible physical deterioration. Worsening financial problems. Serious family problems and/or divorce. Job performance Uneven and generally incompeten t Recognizing chemical dependency Do you have an alcohol or drug problem? 1. Each time you drink or use drugs, does it take more and more to get you drunk or high? 2. Do you find yourself using alcohol or drugs to reduce anxiety? 3. Do you ever lose control over alcohol or drug use? 4. Do you ever drink or use drugs first thing in the morning to steady your nerves? If you answered "yes" to any of the questions above, you may have a problem with alcohol or drug addiction. For a free Assessment Interview, call an IIAR counselor at 1-800-522-3784. Warning signs for parents and/or teachers Alcohol and drug addictions in young people progress more quickly than the same addictions in adults. Therefore, it is imperative that the addictions be caught early and treatment started before the problem is exacerbated. Addictions can be identified through a pattern of problems in the young person's life which are the direct result of alcohol or drugs. Some warning signs of a problem may include: 1. Keeping a personal supply of alcohol, drugs or chemical "tools" 2. More frequent use of alcohol and marijuana 3. Lying to parents and teachers about frequency or extent of drinking/drug use4. Lying about the source of money used to purchase alcohol/drugs 4. Reducing or dropping school activities6. Grades begin to drop 5. Increase in truancy 6. Dropping non-drinking or non-drug using friends 7. Drastic change in attitude 8. Change in leisure activities The Institute offers specialized treatment and counseling programs for chemically addicted young adults in the Young Adult Unit and the Young Adult Addiction Day Treatment program. If you have reason to believe a young person you know is having problems with alcohol or drugs, please call an IIAR counselor at 1-800-522-3784. Identifying alcohol or drug abuse in the workplace Chemical dependency can dramatically affect an employee's ability to contribute to your company's success. In economic terms, an addiction can lead to a drop in productivity, reduced product quality, increased absenteeism, and higher health care costs. In human terms, an addiction can lead to failed marriages, broken homes, severe emotional problems, and even death. Depending on the nature of the individual's work, public safety can be jeopardized. Because an addiction impacts every facet of a person's life, the problem must be addressed at many different levels, including the place of employment. The Illinois Institute for Addiction Recovery at Proctor Hospital allows employers to offer a comprehensive program of evaluation, treatment, counseling and support for employees and their families. The following information may help you determine if an employee or co-worker is having a problem with alcohol or drugs: Six possible symptoms of addiction in the workplace: 1. Change in work attendance or performance 2. Alteration of personal appearance 3. Mood swings or attitude changes 4. Withdrawal from responsibility or associate contacts 5. Unusual patterns of behavior 6. Defensive attitude concerning the object of addiction How an alcoholic employee behaves Early Phase : Behavior Drinks to relieve tension. Alcohol tolerance increases. Experiences blackouts (memory blanks). Lies about drinking habits. Visible signs Attendance Arrives late (after lunch). Leaves job early. Is often absent from work. General behavior Overreacts to real or imagined criticism. Complains of not feeling well. Lies. Fellow workers complain about the individual. Job performance Misses deadlines. Makes mistakes because of inattention or poor judgment. Experiences decreased efficiency. Middle Phase: Behavior Engages in surreptitious drinking. Feels guilty about drinking. Experiences tremors during hangovers. Experiences a loss of interest. Visible signs Attendance Takes frequent days off for vague ailments or implausible reasons. General behavior Statements become undependable. Begins to avoid associates. Borrows money from co-workers. Exaggerates work accomplishments. Is hospitalized more than average. Has repeated minor injuries on and off the job. Feels unreasonable resentment. Job performance Experiences general deterioration and a spasmodic work pace. Has wandering attention and a lack of concentration. Late Middle Phase: Behavior Avoids discussion of problems. Fails in efforts at control. Neglects food. Prefers to drink alone. Visible signs Attendance Takes frequent time off, sometimes for several days. Fails to return from lunch. General behavior Is grandiose, aggressive or belligerent. Domestic problems interfere with work. Has an apparent loss of ethical values. Garnishes salary; experiences loss of money. Hospitalization increases. Refuses to discuss problems. Has trouble with the law. Job performance Is far below expected level . Late Phase: Behavior Believes that other activities interfere with drinking. Visible signs Attendance Prolonged unpredictable absences. General behavior Drinking on the job. Totally undependable. Repeated hospitalization. Visible physical deterioration. Worsening financial problems. Serious family problems and/or divorce. Job performance Uneven and generally incompetent Included in this section are the differences between Inpatient Treatment and Outpatient Treatment and an in-depth look at the services offered in each category. In addition, you'll find information on Aftercare, a program that helps patients make the transition from treatment back into daily living, and the Extended Care Program. You can also access information about the Institute's specialized treatment and counseling programs for compulsive gamblers from this section. To find out more about the subjects listed above, click on the following topics: About the IIAR's Treatment and Counseling Programs Inpatient Treatment Adult Unit Young Adult Unit Outpatient Treatment Outpatient Rehabilitation Services Addiction Day Treatment Assessment Interviews Intensive Assessment Services Intensive Co-Dependency Treatment Family Services Children's Services Aftercare Extended Care Program Free weekly meetings Treatment and counseling for compulsive gamblers Treatment and counseling staff About IIAR What is gambling addiction? Who is affected? Treatment and counseling programs for compulsive gamblers. Gamblers no longer need to trek to Las Vegas or Atlantic City to find the action they crave. It is available today in their own hometowns. Legalized gambling is one of the fastest growing industries in the United States. Gambling's tremendous popularity is evident in the recent increase in the number of off-track-betting parlors (OTBs) and riverboat casinos that dot the Midwest and the Mississippi Delta. Billboards on major highways depict the action and excitement available at such facilities. For most of the industry's patrons, gambling is fun and a form of harmless entertainment. For the four to six percent of gamblers who become problem or pathological (compulsive) gamblers, however, it can be a devastating illness that negatively affects every aspect of their lives. What is the difference between casual social gambling and pathological gambling? Gambling can be defined as playing a game of chance for stakes. Gambling occurs in many forms, most commonly pari-mutuels (horse and dog tracks, off-track-betting parlors, Jai Alai), lotteries, casinos (slot machines, table games), bookmaking (sports books and horse books), card rooms, bingo and the stock market. Pathological gambling is a progressive disease that devastates not only the gambler but everyone with whom he or she has a significant relationship. In 1980, the American Psychiatric Association accepted pathological gambling as a "disorder of impulse control." It is an illness that is chronic and progressive, but it can be diagnosed and treated. The Custer Three Phase Model Robert L. Custer, M.D., identified the progression of gambling addiction as including three phases: the winning phase the losing phase and the desperation phase. During the winning phase, gamblers experience a big win or a series of wins that leaves them with unreasonable optimism that their winning will continue. This leads them to feel great excitement when gambling, and they begin increasing the amounts of their bets. During the losing phase, the gamblers often begin bragging about wins they have had, start gambling alone, think more about gambling and borrow money legally or illegally. They start lying to family and friends and become more irritable, restless and withdrawn. Their home life becomes more unhappy, and they are unable to pay off debts. The gamblers begin to "chase" their losses, believing they must return as soon as possible to win back their losses. During the desperation phase, there is a marked increase in the time spent gambling. This is accompanied by remorse, blaming others and alienating family and friends. Eventually, the gamblers may engage in illegal acts to finance their gambling. They may experience hopelessness, suicidal thoughts and attempts, arrests, divorce, alcohol and/or other drug abuse, or an emotional breakdown. Who is affected? Current estimates suggest that three percent of the adult population will experience a serious problem with gambling that will result in significant debt, family disruption, job losses, criminal activity or suicide. Pathological gambling affects the gamblers, their families, their employers and the community. As the gamblers go through the phases of their addiction, they spend less time with their family and spend more of their family's money on gambling until their bank accounts are depleted. Then they may steal money from family members. At work, the pathological gambler misuses time in order to gamble, has difficulty concentrating and finishing projects and may engage in embezzlement, employee theft or other illegal activities. IIAR works with employers to offer a comprehensive program of evaluation, treatment, counseling and support for employees and their families. Click here for more information on how to diagnose, prevent and treat addiction in the workplace. Are teens gambling? Research conducted by Henry Lesieur, Ph.D., Durand Jacobs, Ph.D., and others indicates that adolescents are about three times more likely than adults to become problem gamblers. This finding sounds an alarm for the future and indicates a growing need for additional adult and adolescent gambling treatment counselors across the nation. Treatment and counseling for compulsive gamblers Gambling addiction is a progressive disease. In most people, it begins slowly and grows until the victim's life becomes progressively unmanageable. As repeated efforts to gain control over the addiction fail, life for the compulsive gambler begins to fall apart. If the compulsive gambler could stop chasing losses, he would. All compulsive gamblers can stop gambling... for a while. But most people need professional help to stop for life. Some people can receive help without the interruption of Inpatient Rehabilitation treatment. They are able to enter recovery through the help of an Outpatient Rehabilitation program. This type of program does not require patients to take time off from work, leave their families or enter a hospital as an inpatient. Outpatient Rehabilitation program IIAR's Outpatient Rehabilitation program involves a series of meetings four nights a week. These meetings feature lectures as well as group therapy. Each patient works with a counselor to develop an individualized treatment plan. Service continues until the individual has mastered the basic skills for self-care and ongoing recovery. Family members also play an important role in Outpatient Rehabilitation. Families attend a separate counseling group where they learn what compulsive gambling is and how they can support the patient's recovery. All patients and family members are linked with the Gamblers Anonymous communities. Most family counseling services are included in the basic cost of the Outpatient Rehabilitation program. The Outpatient Rehabilitation program runs on a Monday through Thursday schedule. Meetings are held from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m. The Institute's program is based on a variable length of stay concept which tailors the length of treatment to meet each individual's needs. Most patients are in the Outpatient program between four to six weeks. The program is located in the Institute's Outpatient Department in the Counseling and Recovery Center. The Outpatient Rehabilitation program is the best choice for compulsive gamblers who have not progressed beyond a certain point in their addiction. Successful candidates most frequently include people who are employed, living with a family, and demonstrate a history of medical stability. Another very important element is the ability to abstain from gambling activity for at least two consecutive weeks. Individuals who have not had this consecutive abstinence during the past three months are usually more appropriate for the Institute's Inpatient Rehabilitation program, where the structure and stability of the hospital setting make recovery more obtainable. How does someone get help? The first step to recovery is finding out if you or someone you know has a problem. Do you have a gambling problem? Gamblers Anonymous asks its new members to answer the following "20 Questions" in order to determine the severity of their gambling addiction: RESPONSES TO THIS SCREEN ARE FOR YOUR REFERENCE ONLY. THE INSTITUTE DOES NOT ACCEPT ONLINE EVALUATIONS. 1. Have you ever lost time from work due to gambling? Yes No 2. Has gambling ever made your home life unhappy? Yes No 3. Has gambling affected your reputation? Yes No 4. Have you ever felt remorse after gambling? Yes No 5. Have you ever gambled to get money to pay debts or solve financial difficulties? Yes No 6. Has gambling ever caused a decrease in your ambition or efficiency? Yes No 7. After losing, do you feel you must return as soon as possible to win back your losses? Yes No 8. After winning, do you have a strong urge to return and win more? Yes No 9. Do you often gamble until you run out of money? Yes No 10. Have you ever borrowed money to finance your gambling? Yes No 11. Have you ever sold anything to finance your gambling? Yes No 12. Are you reluctant to use "gambling money" for normal expenditures? Yes No 13. Does gambling make you careless of the welfare of yourself and your family? Yes No 14. Do you ever gamble longer than planned? Yes No 15. Have you ever gambled to escape worry or trouble? Yes No 16. Have you ever committed or considered committing an illegal act to finance gambling? Yes No 17. Has gambling ever caused you to have difficulty sleeping? Yes No 18. Do arguments, disappointments or frustrations create within you an urge to gamble? Yes No 19. Do you ever get the urge to celebrate any good fortune with a few hours of gambling? Yes No 20. Have you ever considered self destruction as a result of your gambling? Yes No If you answered "yes" to seven or more of these questions, you may have a gambling addiction problem. For another in-depth gambling addiction self-test, see the Youth gambling addiction is growing. The statistics are alarming. A survey of adolescents found that more than 80 percent of those between 12 and 17 say they have gambled in the last 12 months. More than 35 percent say they gamble at least once a week. Clearly, gambling addiction is not just an adult problem. Gambling can begin very early. Young people begin gambling for purely innocent reasons, often at a very early age and with the endorsement of their parents and family. Afternoon poker games, sports betting and participation in sweepstakes, 50-50 drawings and casino nights provide a “stamp of approval.” Like with alcohol and drugs, young people see people they respect engaged in these activities and deem them to be acceptable. When an opportunity to gamble presents itself, they are often more open and accepting of it. How and where young people gamble. Most legal gambling is illegal for those under the age of 18. But finding adults to help them gamble, or finding others willing to break the law, is not difficult for the problem gambler. Adults buy lottery tickets for young people for the promise of “a piece of the winnings.” Groups of young people bet on the outcome of major sports events, and even school sports. Card games for money can take place almost anywhere. Bookies don’t ask for identification or report the winnings of their clients. The impact of gambling addiction. As with adults, youth gambling addiction can negatively impact every aspect of life, from learning and school performance, to mental and physical health. It can lead to criminal and other anti-social behavior. Studies have found that some young problem gamblers are also fighting alcohol and drug addictions. Recognizing the young problem gambler. As with any addictive behavior, there are often clear symptoms of a developing problem. Individually, these symptoms may not indicate a gambling problem. If you suspect a problem, a professional assessment is recommended. Unexplained need for money Money or possessions missing from the home Unexplained charges on credit card bills Withdrawal from friends and family Missing school or classes Frequent anxiety, depression or mood swings Dropping of outside activities and interests Excessive watching of TV sports Undue upset at the outcome of a sports match Late night calls Sudden drops in grades Interest in sports teams with no previous allegiance Calling 900 numbers for sports scores and point spreads Displays of unexplained wealth Anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa. A self-test is provided to help you determine if you or someone you know might have an eating disorder. What is food addiction? Types of food addiction Do you have a food addiction? Treatment and counseling Anorexia Nervosa is characterized by intense fear of gaining weight. Behavior includes excessive weighing, excessive measuring of body parts, and persistently using a mirror to check body size. Self-esteem is dependent upon body shape and weight. Weight loss is viewed as an impressive achievement and an example of extraordinary self discipline. Physical implications may include disruption of the menstrual cycle, signs of starvation, thinning of hair or hair loss, bloated feeling, yellowish palms/soles of feet, dry, pasty skin. Bulimia Nervosa is described as binge eating and compensatory behavior to prevent weight gain. Individuals become ashamed of their eating behavior and attempt to conceal symptoms through rapid consumption of food. They will eat until painfully full and stop if intruded upon. 80-90% of bulimics will induce vomiting. Other behaviors include, misuse of laxatives, fasting and excessive exercise. Physical implications include, loss of dental enamel, increase of cavities, swollen saliva glands, calluses, scars on hands, irregular menstrual cycle, dependency on laxatives for bowel movements, fluid and electrolyte disturbance. Compulsive Overeaters use food inappropriately and eventually become addicted to it and lose control over the amount of food they eat. Overeaters demonstrate uncontrollable binge eating without extreme weight control and see that behavior as normal. Overeaters present with moderate to severe obesity, with an average binge eater being 60% overweight. Bingeing episodes consist of carbohydrates and junk food with most binges done in scheduled secrecy. What is Internet Addiction? Internet addiction is described as an impulse control disorder which does not involve use of an intoxicating drug and is very similar to pathological gambling. Signs of Internet addiction include the following: Preoccupation with the Internet. (Thoughts about previous on-line activity or anticipation of the next on-line session.) Use of the Internet in increasing amounts of time in order to achieve satisfaction. Repeated, unsuccessful efforts to control, cut back, or stop Internet use. Feelings of restlessness, moodiness, depression or irritability when attempting to cut down use of the Internet. On-line longer than originally intended. Jeopardized or risked loss of significant relationships, job, educational or career opportunities because of Internet use. Lies to family members, therapist, or others to conceal the extent of involvement with the Internet. Use of the Internet as a way to escape from problems or to relieve a dysphoric mood. (e.g., feelings of hopelessness, guilt, anxiety, depression.) Problems caused by Internet Addiction Internet addiction results in personal, family, academic, financial and occupational problems that are characteristic of other addictions. Impairment of real life relationships are disrupted as a result of excessive use of the internet. Internet addicts spend more time in solitary seclusion and spend less time with real people in their lives. Arguments may result due to the volume of time spent on-line. Internet addicts may attempt to conceal the amount of time spent on-line, which results in distrust and the disturbance of quality in once stable relationships. Financial problems may occur due to the significant amount of time spent on-line and the service provider charges. Common financial issues are large bills for use of some services, the telephone connection charges and telephone bills for calls made to �friends� in chat rooms. Other financial charges may include a connection with compulsive spending/shopping. Internet addicts may choose to shop on-line and credit card charges for purchases may become high. Also, a connection with gambling exists with the availability of on-line casinos. What is Internet Addiction? Internet addiction is described as an impulse control disorder which does not involve use of an intoxicating drug and is very similar to pathological gambling. Signs of Internet addiction include the following: Preoccupation with the Internet. (Thoughts about previous on-line activity or anticipation of the next on-line session.) Use of the Internet in increasing amounts of time in order to achieve satisfaction. Repeated, unsuccessful efforts to control, cut back, or stop Internet use. Feelings of restlessness, moodiness, depression or irritability when attempting to cut down use of the Internet. On-line longer than originally intended. Jeopardized or risked loss of significant relationships, job, educational or career opportunities because of Internet use. Lies to family members, therapist, or others to conceal the extent of involvement with the Internet. Use of the Internet as a way to escape from problems or to relieve a dysphoric mood. (e.g., feelings of hopelessness, guilt, anxiety, depression.) Problems caused by Internet Addiction Internet addiction results in personal, family, academic, financial and occupational problems that are characteristic of other addictions. Impairment of real life relationships are disrupted as a result of excessive use of the internet. Internet addicts spend more time in solitary seclusion and spend less time with real people in their lives. Arguments may result due to the volume of time spent on-line. Internet addicts may attempt to conceal the amount of time spent on-line, which results in distrust and the disturbance of quality in once stable relationships. Financial problems may occur due to the significant amount of time spent on-line and the service provider charges. Common financial issues are large bills for use of some services, the telephone connection charges and telephone bills for calls made to �friends� in chat rooms. Other financial charges may include a connection with compulsive spending/shopping. Internet addicts may choose to shop on-line and credit card charges for purchases may become high. Also, a connection with gambling exists with the availability of on-line casinos. What makes the Internet addictive? Some internet users may develop an emotional attachment to on-line friends and activities they create on their computer screens. Internet users may enjoy aspects of the internet that allow them to meet, socialize and exchange ideas through the use of chat rooms or "virtual communities". These communities allow the person the means to escape from reality and seek out means to fulfill unmet emotional and psychological needs, which are more intimate and less threatening than real life relationships. Some Internet addicts may also create on-line personas where they are able to alter their identities and pretend to be someone other than themselves.The highest risk for creation of a secret life are those who suffer from low self esteem, feelings of inadequacy, and fear of disapproval from others. Such negative self concepts lead to clinical problems of depression and anxiety. Sexual Addiction Sexual desire can be healthy and safe, but like the desire to drink or eat, it can also grow beyond a person's control. And when it does, it can create problems in other aspects of life such as family, friendship, career and recreation. Sex addicts feel they need greater and greater sexual stimulation, more and more often, and will sacrifice almost anything to get it. In this section, you'll find a description of sexual addiction and a thorough catalog of the symptoms commonly associated with it. You'll also find information on how to get help. Click on any of the following topics to learn more: What is sexual addiction? What behaviors indicate sexual addiction? How does someone get help? Treatment and counseling What is Sexual Addiction? Sexual addiction can be understood by comparing it to other types of addiction. Chemical addicts find they need drugs to feel normal. In sexual addiction, a parallel situation exists. Sex provides the "high" and addicts become dependent on this sexual high to feel normal. They substitute healthy relationships for unhealthy ones and opt for temporary pleasure rather than the deeper quality of "normal" intimate relationships. Sexual addiction follows the same progressive nature of other addictions. Sexual addicts struggle to control their behaviors and experience despair over constant failure to do so. Their loss of self-esteem grows, adding to the need to escape further into addictive behavior. Sexual addicts feel tremendous guilt and shame about their out-of-control behavior, and live in constant fear of discovery. What behaviors indicate sexual addiction? A pattern of out-of-control sexual behavior. Examples include: Compulsive masturbation, indulging in pornography, having multiple affairs, exhibitionism, dangerous sexual practices, prostitution, anonymous sex, compulsive sexual episodes and voyeurism. Experiencing severe consequences due to sexual behavior, and an inability to stop despite these adverse consequences. Consequences include: Loss of partner or spouse, severe marital or relationship problems, loss of career opportunities, unwanted pregnancies, suicidal ideation, exposure to AIDS or other sexually transmitted disease. Persistent pursuit of self-destructive behavior. Sexual addicts understand the consequences of their actions but cannot stop acting out. They often seem to have a willfulness about them and an attitude that prevents them from dealing with the consequences of their behavior until it is too late. On-going desire or effort to limit sexual behavior. Sex addicts often create external barriers in an attempt to control their sexual behavior. Examples include moving to new cities, neighborhoods, or a new environment. Many immerse themselves in religion to soothe their shame, but their acting out continues. Sexual anorexia is also attempted in which they allow themselves no sexual expression at all. Sexual obsession and fantasy as a primary coping strategy. By fantasizing, the sex addict can maintain a constant level of arousal. Along with obsession, the two behaviors can create a kind of analgesic "fix". Regularly increasing the amount of sexual experience because the current level of activity is no longer sufficiently satisfying. Sexual addiction is often progressive and while many sex addicts may attempt to control their behavior for a period of time, the behavior returns and quickly escalates to levels beyond those previously experienced. Bingeing occurs to the point of emotional exhaustion, and withdrawal for sex addicts can parallel the physical pain experienced by those withdrawing from opiate addiction. Severe mood changes related to sexual activity. Sex addicts experience intense shifts in mood, often due to the despair and shame of unwanted sex. Inordinate amounts of time spent obtaining sex, being sexual, and recovering from sexual experiences. Two sets of activities organize a sexual addict's day. One involves obsession, devoting them to initiating sex, and actually being sexual, the other is dealing with consequences of the sexual behavior. Neglect of important social, occupational, or recreational activities because of sexual behavior. As more of the addict's energy is focused on relationships with sexual potential, healthy relationships and activities suffer from neglect. How does someone get help? The first step in getting help is finding out if you have a problem. A counselor with specific training in the treatment of sexual addiction can effectively perform a professional assessment which will identify sexual addiction and a level of care most appropriate for you. Compulsive Shopping and Spending Compulsive shopping and spending is described as a pattern of chronic, repetitive purchasing that becomes difficult to stop and ultimately results in harmful consequences. It is defined as an impulse control disorder and has features similar to other addictive disorders without involving use of an intoxicating drug. In this section, you'll find a description of compulsive spending and the behaviors and problems commonly associated with it. Click on any of the following topics to learn more: What behaviors indicate compulsive shopping and spending? What problems are caused by compulsive shopping and spending? What makes compulsive shopping and spending addictive? What behaviors indicate compulsive shopping and spending? Behaviors typical of compulsive shopping and spending include the following: Shopping or spending money as a result of feeling disappointed, angry or scared Shopping or spending habits causing emotional distress in one's life Having arguments with others about one's shopping or spending habits Feeling lost without credit cards Buying items on credit that would not be bought with cash Feeling a rush of euphoria and anxiety when spending money Feeling guilty, ashamed, embarrassed or confused after shopping or spending money Lying to others about purchases made or how much money was spent Thinking excessively about money Spending a lot of time juggling accounts or bills to accommodate spending Identification of four or more of the above behaviors indicates a possible problem with shopping or spending. What problems are caused by compulsive shopping and spending? Compulsive shopping or spending may result in interpersonal, occupational, family and financial problems in one's life. In many ways the consequences of this behavior are similar to that of any other addiction. Impairment in relationships may occur as a result of excessive spending and efforts to cover up debt or purchases. Persons who engage in compulsive shopping or spending may become pre-occupied with that behavior and spend less and less time with important people in their lives. They may experience anxiety or depression as a result of the spending or shopping which may interfere with work or school performance. Financial problems may occur if money is borrowed or there is excessive use of credit to make purchases. Often the extent of the financial damage is discovered only after the shopper or spender has accumulated a large debt that necessitates a drastic change in lifestyle to resolve. Recovery groups such as Debtors Anonymous have formed to help compulsive shoppers and spenders return to normal, appropriate patterns of buying. What makes compulsive shopping and spending addictive? There are many social and cultural factors that tend to increase the addictive potential of shopping and spending. The easy availability of credit and the material focus of society in general encourage people to accumulate possessions now and worry about financial responsibility later. Society places a strong emphasis on one's outer appearance and many media personalities promote spending money to achieve a certain look that will bring about happiness. In addition, the accessibility of purchasing has been made easier with the arrival of online shopping and television programs devoted to buying goods 24 hours a day. Items can be purchased and ordered by express delivery to arrive quickly without the buyer having to leave home or personally interact with anyone else. The shopping and spending activity itself is associated with a feeling of happiness and power which is immediately gratifying. The after effects of remorse and guilt drive the spender back to purchase again to be able to achieve that brief but intense emotional high. Research has shown that many compulsive shoppers and spenders also suffer from mood disorders, substance abuse, or eating disorders. As with any addiction, the person becomes dependent on the behavior to relieve negative feelings that cause them distress and discomfort. Chronic Pain and Addiction The Illinois Institute for Addiction Recovery at Proctor Hospital in Peoria, Illinois and BroMenn Regional Medical Center in Normal, Illinois have been providing a special service to their respective communities. This is a treatment program that identifies, evaluates and treats chemical and process addictions and chronic pain. Addiction and chronic pain are treated separately but simultaneously by utilizing a chronic pain treatment team, consisting of: an ASAM certified addictionologist, an anesthesiologist (board certified in pain), a clinical psychologist and licensed or certified counselors in consultation with a psychiatrist, a physiatrist, a neurologist, and a physical therapist. This program has treated addicts with pain from: back injuries, arthritis, post-laminectory syndrome, cancer pain, shingles, headaches, fibromyalgia, peripheral neuropathies, pelvic and neck injuries, or surgeries. Everyone admitted to the IIAR for addiction treatment is also assessed for issues with pain. If a person reports having had pain for more than six months, the individual is evaluated by the chronic pain team to develop treatment plans to address the chronic pain. The IIAR will also assist recovering chemical addicts who have developed chronic pain related to illness or injury, by developing a treatment plan to assist them in coping with the chronic pain while maintaining their recovery and improving their quality of life. The IIAR Chronic Pain Team specializes in assessing and evaluating those people with chronic pain who have been unable to use pain medications as prescribed. These persons are admitted to the IIAR inpatient program for a seven-to-ten-day evaluation. During the evaluation, it is determined if the person meets the DSM IV-TR diagnostic criteria for chemical dependence or abuse, combined with chronic pain, or if the person is a chemical addict with drug-seeking behavior. If the person is diagnosed with chemical dependency or abuse, he or she is treated for it at the same time he or she is being treated for chronic pain. The IIAR has also had many persons who were not chemically addicted but had chronic pain that was being undertreated. In these cases, the Chronic Pain Team would evaluate the treatment approaches being used and develop new treatment recommendations for the person. This person would then be referred back to their primary care physician for follow-up care. The primary goals of this program are: Evaluate for chemical dependency or abuse Obtain a thorough evaluation to determine etiology of pain Increase control of pain and decrease stress and disability associated with pain Educate patient on theraputic exercises that will increase the ability to improve daily functioning and may decrease the need for pain medication Teach patient and concerned others coping mechanisms to address problems associated with chronic pain Address psychological issues related to chronic pain such as insomnia, anxiety, and depression Reduce dependence on mood-altering drugs |