August 14, 2009
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A medicine regularly taken by millions of hyperactive children has similar properties to cocaine and could encourage drug abuse in later life, New Scientist magazine said Thursday.
Methylphenidate, better known as Ritalin, is the leading treatment for a neurological condition known as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), which prevents children from concentrating on a task for more than a few seconds.
New Scientist said growing concerns over the long-time effects of the drug, a stimulant that works by making the neurotransmitter dopamine more available in the brain, have put it on the agenda for the U.S. National Institutes of Health conference on ADHD, scheduled for November.
A 1995 study by Nora Volkow, director of nuclear medicine at the Brookhaven National Laboratory in Upton, New York, found that Ritalin’s properties were very similar to cocaine. Volkow said there was no evidence of a link between Ritalin and cocaine abuse but added 10 to 30 percent of cocaine addicts take it because they have ADHD.
"When we give them Ritalin, the cocaine problem is resolved," she told New Scientist. Another study by Susan Schenk, a psychopharmacologist at Texas A&M University in College Station, and Nadine Lambert, a developmental psychologist at the University of California at Berkeley, followed the progress of 5,000 children with ADHD from adolescence into early adulthood.
In a paper to be published in October, Lambert argues that children on Ritalin are more likely to smoke as adults. Other data presented by Schenk suggested that they are three times more likely to develop a taste for cocaine. Other experts were skeptical. Alan Zametkin, a psychiatrist at the National Institute of Mental Health near Washington D.C., said he believed stimulants actually reduce the risk of drug addiction.
"My theory is that stimulant use allows kids to be more successful and therefore they develop fewer antisocial behaviors," Zametkin told New Scientist. "So it’s less likely they’ll become drug addicts."
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by Mathea Falco, J.D.
Drug Treatment for Adolescents
Most American youth try drugs and alcohol when they are teenagers; some will develop serious substance use problems.
But treatment for teens is scarce and often hard to find: although more than one million teens need drug treatment, only one in ten actually receive help. Why is adolescent treatment so scarce? Lack of state and federal funding for treatment programs as well as shrinking insurance benefits for drug treatment are two major reasons. Without adequate insurance, many parents simply cannot afford to get the kind of help their children need.
When parents realize their children have drug problems and must find treatment, they frequently do not know where to turn. The family is often in a crisis situation, when decisions must be made quickly. Yet very little information is available about what parents should look for in choosing a program. Most parents are concerned about cost: do their employee benefits cover drug treatment? If so, for how long? If their coverage is limited, will they be able to pay to get the best possible treatment for their teenager? What kind of treatment will work? Should their teen be sent away to a residential program or can he or she be treated in his or her own community while still living at home? How long will treatment take – a few weeks, months or even years? Parents face bewildering questions they don’t know how to answer, or even how to find answers. They may also feel frightened or ashamed that their teen has substance use problems. And they may also recognize that their own alcohol and drug use problems have contributed to the problems their child is experiencing.
In order to help parents and other concerned adults find help for their teens, Drug Strategies, a nonprofit research institute, developed Treating Teens: A Guide to Adolescent Drug Programs. This guide describes nine key elements that are important in successful teen drug treatment and provides reliable information on 144 adolescent drug programs. Treating Teens gives hotline telephone numbers to find treatment in each state; definitions of frequently used treatment terms, and 10 important questions parents should ask when selecting a program for their teen.
FIVE QUESTIONS PARENTS SHOULD ASK A TREATMENT PROGRAM
1. Is your program specifically designed for teens? If so, how?
Most treatment programs are designed for adults, not teens. Even if programs say they treat teens, they may in fact just be including them in adult programs that have a few activities for younger people. Adolescents have unique challenges, such as relating to their families, dealing with peer groups, getting an education, finding a job. They also are different developmentally than adults. Effective adolescent programs should address not only drug use problems but also the many aspects of a teen’s life.
2. What questions do your staff members ask to determine the seriousness of the teen’s substance use problem and whether the teen will benefit from this particular program?
Good programs usually ask a brief set of initial questions to explore the severity of the youth’s drug use. How long has the teen been using? Is he or she addicted? What other kinds of problems does the teen have? Is he or she involved in delinquent behavior? Answers to these questions will help a program decide if they can provide the kind of help needed. Once the teen is admitted to the program, the teen’s problems will be examined in much greater depth. This kind of assessment should include a physical exam to determine if there are any medical conditions related to the substance use problem; a psychiatric exam to determine if there are mental health problems, such as depression, that must also be treated; a review of the teen’s educational progress, and a review of the teen’s relationships with his peers. Does he have friends? Are they involved in drugs? The program may also ask in-depth questions of the family about how well family members communicate, whether there are discipline problems, whether there is a history of substance use within the family. The program will develop as complete as possible a picture of the adolescent’s problems so that the counselors can design a treatment plan to address them successfully.
3. How does the program involve the family in the teen’s treatment?
Family involvement in the teen’s treatment is critically important. Regardless of how well or badly the teen and the family relate to each other, parents are the dominant reality in the lives of most teens. Parents are also the major source of financial support, including medical insurance, if any. Most teens live at home, and their recovery will depend on how supportive the home environment will be in helping them build new lives free of alcohol and drug use.
Recent studies of adolescents who stop using drugs report that parental involvement, new friends and motivation are keys to success. Programs should encourage parents (or other caregivers) to participate in counseling, group meetings, drug education and other activities offered by the program. Occasional telephone calls between the parents and the program counselors are not enough. Families should also be asked to examine their own alcohol and drug use and to get treatment themselves when necessary. Programs should teach the family how to be more effective parents, including how to discipline children reasonably. The more the family is involved in the treatment process, the more likely the teen will succeed in treatment.
4. How does the program provide continuing care after treatment is completed?
The period after treatment is vitally important: most adolescents relapse in the first three months after treatment. However, continuing care services can greatly increase the likelihood of sustained recovery. Developing follow-up plans while the teen is still in treatment is important in providing a structure for the teen and his family, so that treatment gains continue. These plans may include relapse prevention training, referrals to community resources and periodic check-ups by the program with the adolescent and his family. Twelve-step meetings can also be helpful for some teens in recovery, although finding 12-step meetings specifically for teens can be difficult in some communities. Unfortunately, many programs do not provide continuing care, and parents must try to support the teen’s recovery as fully as possible. Parents can identify services within their community that will help the teen live without drugs, including well supervised recreational programs, counseling, and community service. Parents should stay in close touch with their children every step of the way. Parents who believe that their children can overcome their problems and be successful in school make a powerful difference even when faced with difficult circumstances. (In Treating Teens: A Guide to Adolescent Drug Treatment the help hotline numbers can provide referrals to resources in each state.)
5. What evidence do you have that your program is effective?
Very few programs have formal, scientific evaluations that m
easure their treatment success. However, even without such evaluations, other information can be helpful. For example, completing the entire course of treatment is closely related to success. Retention rate is an important indicator of whether a program is effective. How many teens drop out? How long do they stay in treatment? How many actually complete treatment? Other useful things to ask about are whether teens in the program show improvements in school performance (better attendance and grades) and family relationships (better communications, less aggressive behavior). How does the program monitor drug use among teens in treatment? Do they conduct drug tests? If so, how often do they test? What are the results? Good programs should have test results that show that teens in treatment are staying clean.
- Odor of substance in breath and clothes – persons who uses illegal drugs tends to smell bad or unusual if he or she is smoking marijuana, cocaine, or other illegal drugs.
- Poor physical appearance – major changes in physical appearance if suddenly you find your son or daughter change in his physical appearance, forget to comb his hair, forgets to bathe and takes the fashion sense of other drug abusers.
- Suddenly covering of his arms and legs – drug users who uses needles always wear clothes that can cover there body wear the needles are been use. they wear clothes like this even if its inappropriate.
- Sunglasses is his/her best friend – Bloodshot eyes can be seen in drug abusers because of methamphetamine found in drugs.
- Mood swings – Something might be wrong if a bubbly personality starts to become withdrawn and humorless or a normally reserved person becomes loud and boisterous. Watch out for self-destructive tendencies.
- Unexplained loss of valuables at home – A dug abuser needs money to support his habit. His school allowance will not be enough.
- Recent adverse life event – He is going through problems he cant handle like parents separating, losing a girlfriend, or sexual physical abuse.
- School performance is getting worst – He is good student now getting failing marks. Discipline problems cause school authorities to call him in.
- Out in school – He is always absent from class and gives false excuses.
- Drug using group of friends – If his friends have a history of drugs or still using drugs then you should be very concerned. Look into the kinds of social gatherings he attends.
- Decrease communication with other family members – He stops communicating with a favorite sibling, and he doesn’t consult parents when making important decision.
- Repeated overt intoxication – Family members and friends actually witness him in high or exhibiting unusual behavior.
If you think your kid is doing drugs, don’t panic, talk to him. Be gentle and non-violent or confrontational. Discuss the problem and how you can help. Make it clear that you are there to support and not to condemn.
A teen’s prefrontal cortex – the piece of brain right behind the forehead that is involved in complex decision making – is not capable of the kind of reasoning that allows most grown-ups to make rational decisions. Silvia Bunge, assistant professor of psychology at the University of California, Berkeley, wants to use what she knows about the teenage brain to help society deal with young risk takers.
FIVE THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT ADOLESCENTS’ BRAIN DEVELOPMENT AND USE
Learn more about the particular ways that substance use threatens the still-developing adolescent brain.
Concerning Behaviors to Look for in an Adolescent Who Might be Using Drugs
- Changes in school performance (falling grades, skipping school, tardiness)
- Changes in peer group (hanging out with drug-using, antisocial, older friends)
- Breaking rules at home, school, in the community
- Extreme mood swings, depression, irritability, anger, negative attitude
- Sudden increases or decreases in activity level
- Withdrawal from the family; keeping secrets
- Changes in physical appearance (weight loss, lack of cleanliness, strange smells)
- Red, watery, glassy eyes or runny nose not due to allergies or cold
- Changes in eating or sleeping habits
- Lack of motivation or interest in things other teenagers enjoy (hobbies, sports)
- Lying, stealing, hiding things
- Using street or drug language or possession of drug paraphernalia/items
- Cigarette smoking
Why Adolescent Treatment is Different from Adult Treatment
by Thomas J. Crowley, M.D and Elizabeth Whitmore, Ph.D.
Summary
- The physical differences between adolescents and adults are one reason why adolescents need treatment tailored to their age group. Their physical attributes, including their brains, have not finished developing.
- Teens need treatment programs that address their academic issues and make their families an integral part of the plan.
- Most adolescents have entered drug or alcohol treatment involuntarily, and their counselors and doctors must take this into account when establishing a treatment plan.
Adolescent drug users differ from adults in many ways. Their drug and alcohol use often has different causes, and they have even more trouble seeing the consequences of their use for the future.
In treatment, adolescents must be approached differently from adults because of their unique developmental and psychiatric issues, differences in their values and belief systems, and environmental considerations (e.g., strong peer influences).
Adolescents generally have smaller body sizes, a lower tolerance for substances, and they do not have a fully-developed brain, putting them at greater risk for using drugs and at greater risk for physical and other consequences related to their use. The use of substances may also negatively effect their mental and emotional development because substance use interferes with how people learn to handle situations and experiences. Adolescents are also always part of a larger family unit, so family involvement plays a critical role in an adolescent’s treatment and recovery.
Finally, as compared to adults, very few adolescents attend treatment because they recognize they have a problem and are voluntarily seeking help. They are much more likely to be coerced by their parents, their schools and/or the court or social services system to enter treatment. While treatment does not need to be voluntary to be effective, special consideration needs to be given to these issues as part of the adolescent’s treatment. Although relatively few treatment programs are designed specifically for adolescents, these important differences demonstrate that adolescent treatment needs to be specifically tailored to the unique needs of adolescents and not just based on adult models of treatment.
Ten Questions to Ask a Treatment Provider/Program:
1. What types of treatment do you have? Have their been any research studies of this type of treatment?
2. What evidence do you have that your program is effective?
3. How do you specifically address the needs of adolescents?
4. Can you assess and treat my child’s mental health problems at the same time as his/her substance problem?
5. How is the family involved in the treatment process?
6. How long will this treatment last?
7. What things do you do to help adolescents engage and stay in treatment?
8. Do you have aftercare or a continuing care program for when this treatment ends?
9. What happens if my child is not successful here? What other options do we have?
10. How much does this cost and how much will I have to pay? Are there any state, county, or grant funds to help pay for this treatment?
Things to Avoid in Treatment
Summary
- Treatment for addiction to alcohol and other drugs must be tailored to fit the person.
- Treatment programs should be able to give you information, including data, that explains what they do and what their success rates are.
- Be cautious about treatment programs that make fantastic promises.
Although beginning a treatment program is a stressful time for an addicted person and his or her family, it is an important moment to ask many questions. Try to learn as much as you can about the treatment philosophy and approach before entering a program.
Be cautious about a program that:
- promises 24-hour detox – this rapid detoxification can be dangerous, even fatal
- promises rapid recovery – experts believe that meaningful treatment usually takes at least 90 days, sometimes much longer
- uses a treatment approach that’s based on shaming and berating the patient – while this approach was once widely accepted, experts now see that it is not the most effective approach, and that this shaming can actually increase the chances for relapse
- simply ousts a patient who relapses, rather than works to identify the triggers and underlying issues that put the patient at risk.
- cannot give you information on its track record: What proportion of the patients successfully complete the program? What proportion of the patients sustain long-term recovery?
- does not have accredited caregivers
- employs clinicians or counselors who believe that the same plan works for people addicted to alcohol, marijuana, opiates, and stimulants
Remember that drug and alcohol treatment is not a one-size-fits-all experience. Treatments vary widely according to the addictive substance, the existence of co-occurring illnesses, the age, gender and cultural background of the patient and many other variables.
by Robert F. Forman, Ph.D.
The Internet is a powerful resource for education, entertainment and business. Unfortunately, the Internet is also a haven for selling and buying all sorts of drugs without prescription. Websites offering to sell pain relievers, uppers, downers and steroids without a prescription can be readily found using search engines. 
Studies conducted at the University of Pennsylvania found that the Yahoo and Google search engines list websites that offer to sell highly addictive prescription drugs without prescription.
But buyer beware! These medications are illegal to possess without a valid prescription regardless of what the website might claim. Many "No Prescription Websites" mislead potential customers into thinking that they are legitimate by making false claims of legality. In fact, it is illegal to possess medications in the United States without a valid prescription.
Many no prescription websites ship counterfeit, expired or simply bad drugs from countries that provide little or no oversight or control. You don’t know what you are getting when you deal with an online pill mill. In some cases, the website will simply take your money and send nothing at all.
Of even greater concern are the websites that actually ship the drugs without prescription. Medications such as opioids (such as Vicodin, codeine or oxycodone), sedatives like Xanax and Valium, and stimulants (Ritalin, Adderall) are potentially addictive and can easily be misused with disastrous results. Just because a drug comes in the form of a pill doesn’t mean it is safe. There are more people abusing prescription drugs than heroin and cocaine combined.
Young people are particularly vulnerable to Internet-based drug dealing because they have grown up using the Internet and don’t realize its potential risks. Somehow, professionally created websites provide an illusion of safety and professionalism. However, just because a website has the image of a doctor on it does not mean a doctor has had anything to do with the drug sales. Sadly, there are several reports of young people who have died from drugs they bought over the Internet without prescription.
FIVE THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT GETTING DRUGS OVER THE INTERNET WITHOUT A PRESCRIPTION
- 1. Look for unexpected credit card use.
- If unexpected charges appear on your credit card, call your credit card company and find out what is happening. It is possible that your card is being used to buy drugs online without prescription.
- 2. Know your child’s online friends.
- Just as you should know the friends your child spends time with, pay attention to where they go online, too. Question your child if he or she is visiting online pharmacies or drug-promoting websites. If your child has already been treated for a substance use problem, the risk of relapsing and finding trouble on the Internet may be even greater.
- 3. Look out for unexpected packages with unrecognized names.
- If unexpected packages arrive at your home addressed to your child or a name that you do not recognize insist that your child open the package in your presence.
- 4. Get computer help.
- If you have reason to suspect that your child is using the computer to obtain drugs illegally, seek two kinds of professional help: a) an addictions specialist to address the substance use problem and b) someone to secure your computer so that you can ensure that it is used safely. In most communities there are computer service companies that can help you set up controls over your computer (often called filtering or blocking software, or software programs that monitor what websites are being visited).
- 5. For medications prescribed by a doctor only, use online pharmacies with the Verified Internet Pharmacy Practice Site (VIPPS) certification.
This is a voluntary certification program initiated by the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy. Some online pharmacies will simply take your money and run, others sell counterfeit and expired drugs, while others deliver the actual drugs – illegally. Buying medications without a valid prescription is illegal and unsafe. Websites which have the VIPPS Seal subscribe to safe online pharmacy practices and operate legitimately.
Drug Rehab, Addiction Rehabilitation
Information, Articles, Resources
Does somebody you love struggle with abuse to alcohol or a drug? To them, rehab may be the furthest thing from their mind. Addiction has the way of doing that. It makes an abuse problem seem less than it actually is. This is a drug rehab site providing addiction information on alcohol and drug addiction, and the proper course of treatment that is needed to overcome them. Our purpose is to help raise awareness on the effectiveness of a addiction treatment program. Addiction is a life altering aspect, but it is treatable.
It can be difficult to get that loved on into rehab. They can seem resilient; meanwhile their life continues to spin out of control. This is caused by the behavior of the addiction or drink of choice. The best way to address this is with a drug rehab program. These programs can be very effective at addressing the addiction. Many of these programs are designed with very advanced forms of rehab treatment. They can help end alcohol and drug abuse. This site can help you determine the right drug rehab program, and treatment modalities. This can make all the difference in overcoming even the worst of addiction problems.
Asking Drug Rehab Questions
In deciding on an addiction treatment program, one should ask a number of questions. These questions impart just a portion of the many questions that should be asked prior to and upon admittance of someone into rehab. The better the drug rehab program can answer these questions, the better the overall treatment they probably offer. The first question is determining the severity of the addiction and the course of action. The best course of acction is seeking some form of treatment before the issues involved in the addiction begin to spiral out of control.
Is This Problem in Need of Drug Rehab?
You will notice with this person a radical change in their behavior. Addiction has a way of doing this. Most cases of addiction do need some form of treatment. Whether it is closely monitored and intense addiction treatment, or just an outpatient support program, depends on the severity of the addiction. Many times an interventionist or intervention services are used to help determine the nature of the alcohol or drug addiction.
How you can personally determine the severity of the addiction is in the behavior of the person. How does the drug control that individual? Are they constantly using substances all the time? Is the individual using or drinking first thing in the morning? These are indicators on the severity of drug addiction. Does that person get aggravated when discussing the drug addiction? When addiction treatment is brought up, do they get defensive? These are indicators that a drug rehab program is needed and may be vital. Many times the help of a rehab facility makes all the difference in the life or the death of that individual.
What Are the Types of Drug Rehab?
There are many types of addiction treatment programs. This will help you discover the advantages and disadvantages of each type of treatment program.
Detox- Detox is an aspect of rehab you will find in most drug rehab programs. Detox is oftentimes the first step of recovery. The process of detox is to rid the body of the addictive toxins and to stabilize the body. Detox also treats for the negative withdrawal effects caused by the stranglehold the drug or alcohol has on the brain and body. Detox length depends on the severity of withdrawal. This depends on the type of drug that was abused and the severity of the abuse.
Outpatient Programs- This is exactly what it states a rehab program designed for those who can not be committed to a patient program. These programs are good for those that can not get away from work or social obligations. Many outpatient programs involve day long treatment or nightly drug rehab counseling programs. The negative to outpatient programs is that the individual has the exposure to the same influences of alcohol or drug that they would on a regular basis.
Inpatient Programs- Inpatient programs is a residential style of drug treatment facility. They are a controlled environment free from drug and alcohol. Inpatient programs also greatly vary depending on the program. We will discuss areas of determining a good drug rehab in following questions. Inpatient addiction treatment programs consist of a 30 day or lengthier program. Treatment is different from treatment center to addiction center, but it is a good bet that the treatment will be personalized and consists of therapy from licensed professionals.
Support Meetings- The most common form of treatment programs is local support meetings. For some, this is all that is needed to help them with their addiction to drug or alcohol. Support meetings lack the element of treatment, therapy and addressing the problems involved in addiction. Many times support meetings are used after rehab to continue in building strength in recovery and support.
How Do I Determine a Good Drug Rehab?
With the amount of Addiction Treatment Facilities out there, it can be difficult to determine which one would be best. Inpatient rehab head over heels are the most effective forms of drug treatment. However it can be equally difficult to determine which one of those should be sought. Drug rehab programs are like medical facilities and many of them are sanctioned or accredited as one. Accredited drug rehab facilities have the access of medical services within their program. Accredited facilities also offer the most in addiction treatment and rehab programs. There are a number of accreditation firms it is best to look for the ones with national forms of accreditation.
Another area to address in looking for the right inpatient drug rehab programs is in their success. Many rehabs out there hang their hat on their rates of success. They actual will boast of a high percentage or success rate, and give their program a number. The truth is there no real way to actually track such numbers. Be wary of such drug rehab programs when seeking drug treatment. Most effective programs and drug rehab facilities do not boast percentages. Rather they let the strength of their program and the recovery of their patients to do the talking for them. Watch out for the quick fix cure all drug rehab facilities.
A good example of an ideal drug rehab program is like Cirque Lodge in Sundance Utah. This is an accredited rehab with storied success from the alumni of their rehab program.
What can I expect out of Drug Rehab?
What you should expect out of drug rehab is the right programs to treat an alcohol and drug addiction. This consists of drug programs designed to stop drug abuse and the control of addiction. A lot of the exclusive drug rehab programs out there offer individualized drug rehab with licensed therapists and psychologists. What should be expected is the finest in drug rehab and recovery programs to end the peril of addiction.
How Much Does Drug Rehab Cost?
Treatment for drugs and alcohol varies in cost. The more advanced addiction treatment programs are medical facilities that hire licensed professionals. This can be a little costly. However, it is oftentimes the most effective form of an addiction treatment program and rehab. Most outpatient and Support programs are less costly and differ in rehab philosophies.
How Does Drug Rehab Help in Recovery?
Addiction treatment effectiveness depends on the nature of the program. The ultimate goal is a complete recovery from addiction to drugs or alcohol. Treatment is designed to offer rehabilitation and therapy. Addiction is made up of a number of things. Part of it is the abuse of alcohol or a drug. It is also in part a social and emotional issue. Drug rehab uses a number of treatment models and processes to address the addiction issues. These issues are intricate and difficult many times. Therapy in addiction treatment can help to end the addiction.
Is Addiction Cured with Drug Rehab?
Addiction is classified as a disease. Science has shown that addiction as a sickness or disease of the brain. For some, this is a difficult aspect to swallow. Mainly because most diseases are an affliction that can not be controlled and addiction is self induced. Because of the nature of addiction, it can not be miraculously cured. Be wary of addiction programs that tell you that they can. Most drug treatment professionals view addiction in this light. It is a disease that can only be maintained through abstinence and controlled programs.
Drug rehab is designed to treat the disease of addiction. It can not readily be cured. The influence of the addiction of choice will still be a part of the central nervous system. The only way to reduce this is with abstinence and a period of time. Most treatment officials suggest this period of time being about a year before addiction begins to fade. Drug rehab provides the strategies for overcoming these addictive problems.
A medicine regularly taken by millions of hyperactive children has similar properties to cocaine and could encourage drug abuse in later life, New Scientist magazine said Thursday. 
