Prevention

Methamphetamine Drug Use During Pregnancy

April 6, 2020 / Methamphetamines, Prevention, Synthetic Drugs, Women and Drugs

After cannabis, amphetamines are the most widely used illegal drugs in the world, with about 14 to 57 million people using methamphetamine. Based on the increasing number of drug busts for methamphetamine laboratories in the United States, it is clear that its use is on the rise. 45% percent of users are women, and according to the ongoing IDEAL (Infant Development, Environment, and Lifestyle) study examining the affects of meth use on child development, 6% of women used the drug while pregnant.   What Is Methamphetamine? Methamphetamine (also known as meth, crystal, and ice) can be put in various forms …

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Do Gateway Drugs Exist?

April 6, 2020 / Addiction Science, Drugs and the Brain, Prevention, Young Adults/Teens/College-Aged

Robert L. DuPont, Jr, MD, made the term “gateway drug” famous in his book Getting Tough on Gateway Drugs: a Guide for the Family. DuPont observed that youths at his clinic often engaged in alcohol and tobacco use before proceeding on to marijuana use. He thought that psychological barriers prevented the use of hard drugs and that once a person started frequently using certain soft drugs, they would move on to using marijuana and eventually progress to other illicit drugs as well. This book started the conversation about soft (or legal) drugs leading to the use of illegal and controlled …

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60 MORE Substance Abuse Group Therapy Activities

April 6, 2020 / Chicago, Holistic Care and Treatment, Inpatient, Intensive Outpatient, Mental Health, Mindfulness, New Orleans, Outer Banks, Outpatient, Prevention

We previously posted a list of 60 substance abuse group therapy activities to give readers an idea of what kinds of topics they might encounter during a theme/support group. We received positive feedback on the list, so we found 60 more to keep you inspired! Please note that Two Dreams utilizes process groups as opposed to theme/support groups. Process groups are focused on self-exploration and giving/receiving feedback. They provide a safe environment in which members can practice newfound interpersonal skills and behaviors. Process groups are mostly unstructured with no singular topic of discussion. Theme groups are focused on support and …

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Is There an Addictive Personality Type?

April 6, 2020 / Addiction Science, Prevention

A common question we get here at Two Dreams is, “why me?” People want to know what it is about their core that makes them an addict. They want to know why they are dependent on drugs while their friends are able to use in moderation. Were they born that way? Is it the way they were raised? Is there a certain type of person more susceptible to developing addictive tendencies? Most people who use drugs never actually become addicted. Some substances are more addictive than others by virtue of their chemical makeup, but addiction is comprised of so much …

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Dos and Don’ts: How to Help an Alcoholic Stop Drinking

April 6, 2020 / Alcohol, Intervention, Prevention

8 to 9% of adults in the United States have some form of alcohol use disorder, according to the National Institute for Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. If someone you love is one of the millions struggling, you’re probably concerned and looking for answers. Helping an alcoholic to stop drinking is never easy… but we’ve put together some “dos” and “don’ts” to help guide you through the situation.   DO: Seek Professional Treatment As Needed. Remind your loved one that there is absolutely no shame in getting help for alcohol use disorder. If they are open to receiving treatment, you can …

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Why Do People Use Drugs?

April 7, 2020 / Addiction Science, Drugs and the Brain, Intervention, Prevention, Research/Trends/Statistics

Are you or a loved one struggling with substance abuse and you’re not sure why? Gaining insight into the motivation behind the drug use is a great first step towards recovery. There is no one answer to the question “why do people use drugs?” but we have provided the following list of potential reasons as a starting point for your inquiry. Feel free to call the Two Dreams admissions team at 504-510-2331 to jumpstart your recovery today! Physical Pleasure. Addictive drugs stimulate the release of dopamine, a “feel-good” chemical in the brain that invokes the euphoric high commonly associated with …

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Teen Drug & Alcohol Prevention and Risk Management

April 6, 2020 / Alcohol, Prevention, Young Adults/Teens/College-Aged

Substance use is problematic and extensive in its many forms: alcohol use, cocaine use, hallucinogen use, heroin use, inhalant use, marijuana use, methamphetamine use, sedative-hypnotics, anxiolytics use, etc. Different types of drugs are being synthesized on a regular basis and users are finding more and more creative ways to use and conceal them. How can parents be expected to keep their teens from using drugs and alcohol? What are the best forms of risk management? Teen substance use usually starts off casually, but even minor effects cannot be unlearned once the brain begins associating drugs with pleasure. Continued social use …

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This Treatment Could Alleviate Chronic Pain Without Opioid Medications

April 7, 2020 / Heroin and Opioids, Pain, Prevention

Individuals with chronic pain are increasingly demanding alternative/integrative treatments and attempting to avoid opioids when possible. While opioids can be great for short-term use, their long-term potential for addiction is concerning and a major contributing factor in the current opioid crisis. Researchers at the University of Texas at Arlington are working on a new electronic stimulation device that will hopefully serve as an opioid-free method of pain management. The wireless device stimulates neurons deep in the brain’s pleasure center to cause the release of dopamine and reduce the sensation of pain. Click here to learn more: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/electrical-stimulation-brain-chronic-pain_us_57028d58e4b0a06d58062cbc

30 Signs of Drug Use: How to Tell If Your Loved One Has an Addiction

April 6, 2020 / Intervention, Prevention, Research/Trends/Statistics

Has your loved one been acting “off” lately? Do you have reason to suspect that drug use may be the cause of their behavior? The following list of signs and symptoms of drug use can be used as a guideline when trying to determine whether or not you should ask them about their substance use. If you do choose to discuss your concerns with your loved one, be sure to approach the topic from a place of genuine care and concern. Spitting accusations will cause the individual to recoil, but compassion can have a significant impact. Also keep in mind …

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CDC Guidelines for Prescribing Opioids for Chronic Pain

April 6, 2020 / Heroin and Opioids, Medical Consequences, Prevention, Public Health, Research/Trends/Statistics

The CDC recently released their guidelines regarding opioid prescriptions for individuals with chronic pain. The opioid endemic is, of course, concerning and requires immediate attention, but not in the form of restricting access to treatment. Individuals with chronic pain need and deserve appropriate care; they should not be forced to jump through hoops for their health. Read More Here

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