Category: Chemical Dependency Facts

 

What is Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder?

Prenatal drug exposure can lead to Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder. It is a disorder with three classifications – Fetal Alcohol Syndrome or FAS, Fetal Alcohol Effects, and Alcohol-Related Neurodevelopmental Disorder. The most severe complication in the spectrum is FAS.

 

 

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder or FASD manifests when a pregnant mother continues to consume a substantial amount of alcohol on a constant basis. It can also develop when a woman who’s pregnant continues to do drugs like cocaine, heroin, or even legal drugs like pain medicines. It is prevalent these days, and studies show that there are at least four babies born in the United States from drug-addicted mothers. 30-40% of those babies delivered, if they do not perish in the womb, the children grow up with behavioral or neurodevelopmental disorders. It is on top of the FASD effect list.

What are these behavioral or neurodevelopmental disorders? You can expect addicted babies to show signs of mental retardation, physical defects, facial deformities, mental health disorders like depression, anxiety, extreme stress, schizophrenia, and many others. The list goes on and on really. There is no one positive effect of alcohol or drugs in a pregnant woman.

 

More On Fetal Alcohol Syndrome

It is termed as the most severe illness classification because it bears the gravest effects on babies and growing kids if their mothers were addicts while pregnant with them. The condition is permanent, long-lasting, and you guessed it right, forever. It cannot be stressed enough. There is no turning back for a child with FAS, and the mother can only feel guilty when she sees her child suffer; that is if she is lucky enough to hold and take care of her child, being an addict and all.

If a child has Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, it is highly likely that he or she will be exhibiting learning deficiencies, memory problems, severe focus issues, communication troubles, vision impairment, and hearing complications. When they get to schooling age, the children won’t be able to function well. They might as well have low IQ’s and will need special education. It is also possible that the children will fail subjects and lessons. This feature can also add to their mental health issues – feelings of worthlessness, or no success.

 

 

Characteristics Of Kids With Fetal Alcohol Syndrome

What is the worst that can happen to a baby inside the womb of an alcohol-addicted mother? The babies can die in-utero. They will have weird-looking facial structures, physical growth deficiencies, and illnesses related to their weak central nervous system. What else is there on the FAS characteristics list?

 

• Thin, short, small-framed and physically weak babies and kids
• Facial defects like small eyes or deformed mouths
• Deficient hand-eye coordination
• Hyperactivity
• Learning disorders
• Speech and communication delays
• Low IQ
• Daily life difficulties
• Poor choices
• Impaired decisions
• Lack of logical judgment
• Sleep disorders in children
• Sucking problems

 

There are also psychiatric or psychological problems in kids with FAS. They may not be born with it, but the characteristics mentioned above are due to the fact that the children have the syndrome. They have acquired it unwillingly.

 

 

Prevention Of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome

FAS is fully preventable. It is simple to avoid. If the mother stops drinking alcohol while pregnant, then, there will be no FAS to deal with when the child grows up.

Now, for those who are chemically dependent, stopping their addiction is a big issue. With this, the assistance of chemical dependency counselors and professionals is imperative. They will provide programs that can help pregnant mothers quit their alcohol addiction. When the habit curbs, the child, and mother are safe.

 

 

 

 

 

Until now, the research on babies inside the womb with mothers who are either alcohol dependent or drug-addicted is ongoing and has some grave news. In the UK, four babies are born each day with addiction, either alcohol or drugs. As for news in the United States, four babies are born each HOUR on the hour with opioid dependence.

Alarming, huh? Even babies who don’t know how to feed themselves can now be drug-addicted. It is truly insane.

 

What Is Opioid Addiction?

It is a type of addiction to pain relievers – be it legal or illegal substances or drugs. Opioid Addiction is a huge problem in the United States since it affects not only mothers but also their newborn babies.

 

Studies On Side Effects Of Alcohol Or Drug Addiction In Babies

The headline is genuinely eyebrow-raising. How can babies become addicts? If it were done traditionally, you’d imagine that “babies” would inject the cocaine or snort the heroin. It’s crazy! But yes, babies can become addicts, and that’s the fault of their drug-addicted or alcohol-addicted mother.

One study showed that babies who were born from drug addict mothers are more likely to suffer from behavioral issues when they become toddlers. Symptoms like inattentiveness, focus issues, not able to speak openly or convey his thoughts verbally (not deaf or mute), and lacking behavioral control are just some of the problems observed when the babies get older. At least thirty to forty percent of the babies grow up that way. They have fine motor skills and developmental delays.

The pressing concern here is the long-term health effects on the babies born by drug-addicted mothers. Even if the children “recover” from Opioid Addiction, they are not really “cured” since there is no antidote for addiction. There are treatment and management programs for that, though. The sad part here is for the babies. They didn’t choose this, and they didn’t like this kind of health impediment. They are the ones suffering.

 

 

Long-Term Effects Of Alcohol Addiction On Babies

Here is another study. The observation was that as high as 30% of pregnant mothers engage in alcohol drinking, but there are some who resort to severe consumption. With this, the babies are born with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder. The disorder has three classifications: Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS), Fetal Alcohol Effects (FAE), and Alcohol-Related Neurodevelopmental Disorder (ARND).

Babies born with this disorder are physically deformed which may include facial disfigurements, small head measurement, delayed cognitive function, and more. When they become adults, they will have problems with learning and their memory. They will also exhibit a lack of absorption. And that’s just alcohol. The effects on babies by drugs are more disturbing than alcohol.

 

Long-Term Effects Of Drug Addiction On Babies

Cocaine can cause mental health disorders to develop in babies within the wombs of their addicted mothers. The drug has an impact on the dopamine and serotonin pathways of the mother which will then mess up the neurological development of babies. So, the least mental health disorder that a baby can acquire from this is seizures and depression. The worst that they can develop from this are schizophrenia, Parkinson’s disease, and the likes. Who would want their child to manifest schizophrenia?

The list doesn’t stop there. Of course, behavioral issues are a given. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Conduct Disorder, and Oppositional Defiant Disorder are just some of the minor behavioral problems of a baby born with cocaine addiction.

As for heroin, the children are often enrolled in special education because they are “slow.” Studies showed that 65% of kids with heroin-addicted mothers repeat a grade level. Their IQ’s are impaired.

Addiction to legal substances like pain meds can also deliver the same long-term effects.

 

 

Are The Children Doomed?

Early intervention can help children who were born with alcohol or drug addiction. If their disorders are spotted early on, appropriate treatment is readily available. They can still have a life. For those who have a permanent disability because of the addiction, it’s just so sad. It would be better for everyone just to stay away from alcohol or drugs, pregnant or not.

If you or a loved one is pregnant and has problems with alcohol or drugs, it would be best to consult with a chemical dependency counselor.

Recovering from substance abuse is a daunting task for people battling addiction. Addiction recovery does not end with leaving rehabilitation centers. More importantly, recovery must continue outside of recovery centers. Thus, people must have a support system which can help them to achieve complete recovery.

A recovering person’s support system is not necessarily composed of immediate family members. Essential aspects of the support system are their availability and positive influence. Thus, friends or other people can be your support system as long as they are always available and have a positive impact on you. Another crucial and deciding aspect is the trust that you will give to them.

Decreased Relapse Episodes

Having a reliable support system will more likely reduce relapse episodes since the support system provides influence to avoid addictive cravings. Every time you feel the urge to satisfy self-destructive wants, a message or call to members of your support system will be of great help. Thus, their availability is one of the deciding factors when choosing a support system.

Moreover, the support system will also help you to think of healthy coping mechanisms to replace the addictive cravings that you once had. Support systems can extend their support through active participation in your healthy hobbies. In this way, they can divert your attention to performing self-beneficial tasks, such as meditation and exercise

Constant Communication

Another useful aspect of a support system is the continuous positive communication that it provides. Through having a support system, you can communicate your thoughts to people who are concerned for your health and well-being. You must exhibit honesty and trust when you interact with them. In this way, they will have a realistic assessment of where you are in your recovery.

Constant and positive communication can also veer you away from depressive thoughts due to your recovery. Life’s instances will not always be in your favor, and this may sometimes push you to make rash decisions. When you feel your thoughts succumbing to previous addictive cravings, communication with your support system will remind you that there are better days ahead.

Positive Peer Pressure

Your support system consists of people who push you to become better. You may sometimes feel a lot of pressure, but it is the right kind of persuasion. This kind of influence will soon be incorporated into your routine, making you accustomed to thinking of ways to decide better for yourself.

Besides, since you are aware that your support system has life goals for themselves, you will be pressured into thinking the same for yourself. A genuine support system does not demand a speedy recovery; instead, it acknowledges that you have shortcomings. That is one of the reasons why you can be better.

Decreased relapse episodes, having someone to talk to, and experiencing positive peer pressure are just some of the positive impacts that a support group can give you. Many people are willing to help you through your journey. May this article convince you to share your progress with others.

Transitioning from being a self-addict into a recovered one is a challenging journey. There might be hurdles along the way which might tempt you to go back to your old self. You might undergo withdrawal since the brain is trying to adjust on having a low- to non-dependability on a substance. However, with these self-help tips, it will be easier for you to manage your road to recovery.

Spend Time With Supportive Individuals

Establishing a good connection with other people is a vital part of self-care. It is essential to have a reliable support system whom you can reach out to in case the journey overwhelms you and brings you sadness. Many recovering addicts also rely on these people so that they won’t be tempted to go back to their old addiction scene.

Finding new life connections might be a little daunting for recovering addicts, but the Internet makes the process a whole lot easier. You may start by looking for support networks who understand and relate to your situation. You may also opt to search for a group with the same interests as you, be it yoga, exercise, or even reading groups.

Detoxify With Food

Research says that your diet affects how your brain works, stabilizes your mood, and responds to stress. It is crucial to replenish the vitamins and minerals inside your body since the levels had most likely decreased because of substance abuse. To address these deficiencies, make sure to eat every few hours and aim for a nutrient-dense diet.

Distract Yourself With A Hobby

It can be tough to fight the urges for recovering addicts. Most of the people who are new in this situation start by chewing gum all the time or saying personal mantras to regain control of themselves. However, you might need a more significant distraction if you want to win this fight. Find an activity that you are interested in or that means something to you.

There are many options out there. These include sports, music, side hustles, or art. You may even seek volunteer organizations and work in children’s hospitals or animal shelters.

Keep A Journal

Remember, your number one enemy which will bother you throughout this journey is yourself. The best way to calm your mind is to keep a daily journal. Inserting this practice on your everyday routine will encourage you to let out your emotions instead of keeping all of these anxious energies swirling in your head for days.

Let Some Connections Go

As you make new friends, find the courage to let some of your connections go. Because you’re entering a new phase of your life, you need to cut lose people who will influence you to regress to your cycle of addiction. Make sure to spend time with individuals who will make you feel happy and healthy.

Do not hesitate to practice all of these self-care tips. If you do it right, you’ll see how much you are worth and that you deserve all the love in the world.

With the emergence of the digital world, more and more consumers are now purchasing their medications online. Because of the advantages and benefits it brings to the table, most people prefer this method. However, as a consumer, you also have to be wary of the cons of online pharmacies. Listed below are some of the things you should consider before you make your decision on whether to go with this trend or not.

Pros

It Preserves Privacy

One of the advantages of using online pharmacies is that you can seek the assistance of health professionals in private if you feel uncomfortable talking to people regarding your condition. It usually happens to those patients who are nursing illnesses like HIV, AIDS, and other sensitive sicknesses.

It Is Convenient

With online pharmacies, you can get your prescriptions with just one click. You don’t have to hassle yourself by driving or commuting to wherever the pharmacy is. You only have to open your device, order your medicines, and have them delivered at your doorstep. This method is also preferred if you’re unable to leave your house or live far from town.

It Saves More Money

Some studies have shown that most people who buy in online pharmacies save money because they don’t have to spend on fare and gas. Take note, however, to avoid medicines that are priced too low. Chances are these products are fake.

Disadvantages

There Might Be Rogue Pharmacies

Since the Internet is easily accessible to everyone, you might be ordering from fake pharmacies. If you stumble upon one, they might not return the money you have spent. Worse, they might even get your payment details and use these on their personal purchases. To combat this, make sure to research first on the online pharmacy whose services you are trying to seek. Check whether the website is legit and look for reviews in the search engine.

It Might Be Unsafe

Some online pharmacies do not care about the health of their patients. They are out there to earn large sums of money by selling dangerous medications. This scheme is even more rampant for medicines that do not require prescriptions. As mentioned above, it is essential to check the profile of these services before punching in your order.

There Are Hidden Costs

Although many online pharmacies offer low costs and free shipping, others trick people into adding hidden charges. The typical hidden fees include account fees, ordering costs, and consultation expenses. Make sure to check your bill before clicking the Check Out button.

There Are Counterfeit Products

As mentioned above, there are online stores that end up selling counterfeit products at a lower price. You have to make sure to seek the help of your trusted healthcare professional first and ask whether these products are legitimate. If not, you should report them to the authorities. Do not take this issue lightly since counterfeit medicines pose dangers to the body. It may even lead to death.

Before availing the services of a particular online pharmacy, make sure that you have adequately researched about them. This strategy will help you choose the most reliable digital store that cares about your health, is honest, and protects your personal information.

A lot of people usually think that the word “addiction” is a term exclusive to alcoholics and drug users. Some individuals believe that the concept is irrelevant to those people who don’t drink or use drugs. Therefore, it does not concern them. However, as what therapists and psychologists describe it, the concept of addiction is the psychological and physical craving of a substance for a habit. The term defines the individuals’ struggle against stuff and activities that do not produce real happiness. Instead, it merely focuses only on instant pleasure. That is why addiction is very common to a lot of people. Not only in terms of using drugs, drinking alcohol, and smoking cigarettes. But it also includes conditions relatable to gaming, porn, eating, gambling, and so on.

The Types Of Addiction

There are two types of this mental condition. It is the addiction to a substance and activity. We all know that substance abuse relates to taking too many prescriptions, inhaling chemicals, and even injecting fluids in the veins. Those are the types of addiction that harm both the brain and body. “Addiction is a non-medical term that refers to a wide range of mental disorders called Substance Use Disorders. There are a variety of different types of Substance Use Disorders, including Alcohol Use Disorder, Stimulant Use Disorder, and Cannabis Use Disorder, just to name a few.” As explained by Hailey Shafir, LPCS, LCAS, CCS-I.

But there are also addictions of activities. The most common in the United States alone support the habit with five different things. These include coffee, gambling, internet, shopping, and junk foods. But to be clear, these things when in moderation, are quite acceptable in society. But even if that is the cases, a lot of people rely on these things for instant satisfaction. Some examples are drinking coffee when someone is feeling exhausted and tired, shopping to feel happy, betting a lot of money on casinos, playing long hours of videogames when bored, and eating junk food when someone is anxious.

The Process Of Overcoming Addiction

“The first step was to understand that our goal was to mainstream addiction treatment into the general delivery of health care.” Navdeep Kang, PsyD said. There is no simple way to overcome addiction. It requires tons of effort, energy, and motivation. The very least an individual can do is, to be honest with himself. There should be a recognition that the mental illness exists to be able to face it. But can someone know if he is currently addicted to something?

The efficient way to know when someone is addicted to something is to stop doing the particular thing for a week. Let us say a person stops using his phone and avoided social media. When he craves for it, then it is a significant indication of social media addiction. The intense sensation of not being able to grab a phone and attempt to scroll up a platform that causes irritability and uncomfortability is a sign of the mental illness. However, many individuals often ignore their addictions, which somehow end up in building a life that revolves only to those activities and substances. Most of these people fail to see the existence of the condition. Yes, leaving it and entirely cutting it in someone’s life is hugely a complicated process. That is why one should believe that the quality of life can transform and improve positively.

The Main Ways To Control The Situation

“A mental illness cannot be willed away or brushed aside with a change in attitude. Ignoring the problem doesn’t give it the slip either.” Deborah Serani, PsyD insists. There are only two things to remember to be able to create a healthy environment. One is to keep around the people that promise to provide care and love. These are families and friends (read further here: FamilyHype) who can help build a solid social structure that will influence an individual to do the right thing. These are the significant people someone is comfortable to talk about their lifestyle changes and improvement plans. But of course, it is vital that a person should stay away from toxic ones who only want him for their interests.

The second one is the habit of investing in a much healthier practice. One should use creativity, imagination, and effort to adapt its new ways. Let’s say, for example, if one’s addiction is eating unhealthy foods; then the individual must choose to eat fruits and vegetables. He can also learn how to cook and make a healthier meal for himself. Or if the person is into too much television, he should at least try to learn a different hobby such as performing a musical instrument, trying sports, or at least exercise. By discarding the negative habits, one will make a huge difference in building a sturdy and healthy environment for himself and to the people around him too.

It is important to note that even though these methods can all help out in overcoming addiction, they are all covers to the problem. Therefore, in any attempt in lifestyle alterations, one should consider seeking out professional help.

Have you finally decided to stop smoking? Do you think it is the perfect time to change your bad habits and bring in new ones? Is it your goal to kick off addiction out of your life? If you answered yes to all these inquiries, then be sure to read this article from start to bottom. Psychology tells us that addiction is a behavioral disorder that is rampant all over the world. Many individuals suffer from addiction to alcohol, smoking, substance abuse, and other dangerous items. The best part of all is that regardless of how rampant it may be in society, it can still be treated as long as the person involved knows the right things to do.

 

 

Hailey Shafir, LPCS, LCAS, CCS-I explains that “Addiction develops over time, as a person continues to use a substance and grows more dependent on it.” In this article, our primary focus is all about kicking smoking addiction out of your system. At this point, we want our readers to believe that it is possible to stop smoking right away. Stop making excuses for the continued wrongdoing that harms your body and even the health of those surrounding you. Because of this, it is time that you must begin considering eliminating addiction in your life and the people you love. Below is a list of people to remember if you want to get over your addiction fully:

 

Yourself

 

“Many people use smoking as a coping tool. Unfortunately, this method of coping can lead to a number of physical health problems, including heart disease and cancer, and can increase one’s chances of premature death.” says Marjie L. Roddick, MA, NCC, LMHC. A lot of researchers keep on publishing findings that smoking is harmful to one’s health.  The saddest part of all is that smoking does not only affect the smoker but also those surrounding him. Nowadays, the number of people who became ill because of second-hand smoke has also risen. What you need to do is to remember yourself whenever you feel tempted to puff one cigarette. Think of your physical wellness and mental health. Is one stick of cigarette worth it? Keep on asking yourself this question until you get tired and realize that it contributes nothing but adverse effects to your overall health.

 

Your Loved Ones

 

Think of the people close to your hearts and imagine their suffering because of your vice. Take note that addiction can harm not only you but also your loved ones. As already mentioned above, second-hand smoke is also known as one of the significant sources of illnesses and sicknesses. Even if they never touched a cigarette in their lives, there is still a high possibility that they will suffer lung cancer and smoking-related diseases because of your own doing. For example, if you keep on puffing cigars at home, the second-hand smoke may affect your kinds adversely. Remember that smoke can stick to a lot of things in your home, such as the walls or curtains.

 

 

Your Friends

 

Another way to motivate yourself to keep going in your fight against addiction is to look for friends who have successfully eliminated smoking habits out of their lives. Feel free to ask them for some advice or recommendations. Use their stories to inspire you to continue the journey even if you keep on encountering problems and issues along the way. Let these friends know about your interest in saying goodbye to smoking so that they can give you tips and tricks on how to do it right. However, it is suggested to be sensitive when it comes to making inquiries to ensure that you will not offend them in any way.

 

Your Therapist

 

If you think that it is quite impossible on your part to quit smoking, then maybe it is time to start considering getting in touch with a licensed therapist. This professional can help you a lot in understanding your addiction so that it will be easier on your part to eliminate it. Nonetheless, you must still remember that the success of therapy is not visible in just one session. There may be a need for you to book several meetings with the therapist before you can get what you are looking for. As much as possible, participate in all therapy sessions to see to it that can enjoy all its great benefits.

 

Your Medical Doctor

 

According to Dr. Howard Samuels, PsyD, “Admitting you have a problem is the first step in treating your addiction. However, due to the nature and the danger of this disease, simply just stopping on your own is highly unadvisable.” With that, you must also consider the possibility that you need the expert advice or opinion of a medical doctor. Always remember that a therapist is way different from a physician or a health professional. The latter can help a lot in checking your current medical condition and can even provide you with the correct diagnosis of your sickness if there is any. Another advantage of having a doctor in your battle against addiction is that you can get medical prescriptions for some of the most effective medicines or drugs available in local pharmacies.

 

Choose to continue the fight against smoking addiction so that you can reap the benefits of your hard work and efforts in the future.

 

The mothers and fathers of children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are some of the most supportive parents we have ever seen. They try to understand their kid’s symptoms and triggers from the moment the diagnosis arrives. It doesn’t matter how hectic their careers are. When the offspring needs them, they often come to the rescue. Getting tired of helping the child lead a normal life is not in these adults’ vocabulary either. They merely want the best future for their little one, disabled or not.

 

Continue reading Why Parents Don’t Put ADHD Kids On Medication 

When a person is an alcohol or drug addict, it is not only him who needs treatment and therapy. Let’s say the father or the mother is “chemically dependent” and they have children. They also want to recover from their addictive behavior and start anew. Well, the treatment and therapy program that they have to undergo must include a family counseling and therapy plan. Because of their addiction, it is most likely that their spouses and kids have been affected hugely. They need to recover from it, too.

 

Continue reading The Impact Of Alcohol And Drug Addiction To A Family