Learn how to debunk damaging myths about drug addiction.

What you think you know about addiction may be a web of inaccuracies and misinformation. Debunk common myths about drug addiction to have a better understanding of the disease and why addicts need support to recover.

Myth #1: Addiction is just a choice.
It’s common for people to blow off drug addiction as bad behavior and bad choices. While the first time or first few times trying drugs may in fact be a very bad choice, addiction is a disease. Like cancer, for example, addiction has side effects and physical symptoms. It also takes a great deal of support and treatment to overcome.

Myth #2: Drug addiction is just a type of escapism.
People try drugs for many reasons. While some may be deliberately seeking escapism, many people are just trying them recreationally. There's no one reason to use drugs and no single reason people become addicts. Addiction can affect anyone. According to DrugAbuse.gov, addiction is considered a brain disease because drugs change the brain's structure and how it works.

Myth #3: If alcohol doesn’t really affect you, you won’t become an addict.
Alcohol addiction isn’t about how fast you get drunk or how drunk you feel. Some people believe that there’s only a risk of addiction in people who get drunk easily and act irresponsible when drunk. What you may not know is that strong tolerance to alcohol can actually be a symptom of alcohol addiction. Many individuals with alcoholism show no symptoms.

Myth #4: If you relapse from addiction, you’re a lost cause.
There’s no such thing as being a lost cause when it comes to substance abuse and addiction. Relapse can be very discouraging and upsetting, but the focus must remain on the fact that addiction is a disease. If you or a loved one is suffering from addiction, seek help.

Myth #5: Drug treatment cures addiction.
Drug treatment puts addicts on the road to recovery, but it does not “cure” addiction. Most individuals with a drug addiction need treatment or counseling in the long term, sometimes throughout life. There’s no quick solution to drug addiction. In fact, addiction can cause permanent effects to the brain and body.

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In 2009, 8.7% of people over the age of 12 had used illegal drugs in the past month. Many of those people, and likely people you know, have excuses and reasons for doing drugs. Those excuses come in handy when drug users try to rationalize behavior. But it’s important to understand the underlying truth and the power of addiction.       

“I can quit any time I want.”
Drug users may rationalize that addiction doesn’t factor in to drug use. The truth is, even drugs that aren’t physically addictive may be psychologically addictive. Most drug users are aware of the health risks and dangers, but continue to engage in dangerous and illegal behaviors. Detoxing from drugs often requires the assistance of medical professionals and counselors, as well as the support network of family and friends.

“This drug isn’t addictive.”
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, marijuana is estimated to produce addiction in approximately 9 percent, or roughly 1 in 11, of those who use it at least once. While not every marijuana smoker is addicted, it’s false to say that the drug isn’t addictive at all. On top of the potential chemical dependency, marijuana users can feel emotionally tied to the culture of smoking, making it difficult to quit.

“It isn’t dangerous.”
Drug abuse is dangerous. Depending on the drugs used, dangers can include contracting HIV, accidental overdose and death or injury from drugged driving. Inhaled drugs can cause lung disease while drugs like meth can cause gruesome side effects like open sores and rotting teeth. Drug users who claim that drugs aren’t dangerous are willfully ignoring the known dangers and related health problems.

“It isn’t hurting anyone else.”
Sadly, drug abuse affects entire families. Pregnant moms can cause severe health problems in unborn children by using drugs and alcohol during pregnancy. Addiction can have a rippling impact through families, causing emotional trauma for kids, parents and other loved ones. Drugged drivers have the potential to injure or even kill other drivers and pedestrians. Even accidental death from drug use can hurt people other than the drug user herself.

The LiveFree! Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition is a coalition of community advocates who strive to address drug and alcohol abuse in Pinellas County. Visit us online to see how you can get involved in this cause that is so near and dear to our community.

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You tell yourself it’s safe because it’s not a drug. It’s a common household product. What could be harmful about that?

It’s more risky than you might realize. When you inhale household items—such as glues, paints, solvents or cleaning solutions—to achieve intoxication, not only is it considered “substance abuse,” but it is also extremely dangerous.

With over 22 million Americans reporting inhalant use at least once in their lives, inhalant abuse is a serious matter. An inhalant is a volatile substance that produces vapors. When inhaled, these vapors result in a rapid high similar to alcohol intoxication, but very short in duration. Despite the short duration, the hazards are ever present.

Dangers of Inhalant Abuse

Immediate effects include drowsiness, lightheadedness, agitation, loss of sensation and even unconsciousness. Additional short-term side effects can include nausea, vomiting, impaired judgment and an inability to function in daily activities.

Apart from the impact inhalant use can have on your daily life, there are irreversible damages that can result. Some inhalants have the potential to induce heart failure, even if it’s the first time you’ve abused them. In high concentrations, inhalants can result in suffocation leading to death. Convulsions, coma, and injuries can occur during intoxication as well.

Some specific inhalants can lead to permanent disabilities. Toluene, a chemical found in spray paints, can cause hearing loss, liver and kidney damage, and permanent brain damage.

The use of inhalants has increased over the past ten years, especially among young adolescents. Making the situation more deadly is the fact that many young people don’t believe there is great risk in using inhalants.

Prevent others from trying inhalants by learning the facts. Share the information to help others stay drug-free. Some of the indications of inhalant abuse are paints stains, chemical odors, intoxicated behavior and depression. Stay alert to the warning signs and intervene before it’s too late. It’s never too early to live drug-free. If you are looking to be more involved in the fight against substance abuse in and around Pinellas County please visit us online.

Sources:

About Inhalants (Inhalants.org)

Inhalant Abuse (NIDA)

Commonly Abused Drugs: Inhalants (The Anti-Drug)

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Teen drug use is on the rise. You may not think it’s a big deal, but if someone you know is experimenting with drugs, even occasionally, he or she is on a track to disaster. If you see any signs of drug use, get help for your friend, before it’s too late.

Changes: The biggest sign of drug use is any change in attitude, looks, or behavior. Any change in how a person acts can be a sign that something is wrong. While it may not always be drugs, get your friend talking about what is going on in his or her life.

Emotional Signs: If you friend who is always quiet and shy becomes outgoing or aggressive, drugs may be involved. The same can go for a friend who is always friendly or loud becoming withdrawn or sullen. If your friend loses interest in hobbies, activities, or relationships, it may point to drug use as well. Acting apathetic or defensive can also be signals to look out for.

Physical Signs: Drugs affect people differently, but some common effects on the body include: runny nose, constant sniffling, puffy skin, scratching, red or bloodshot eyes, dilated or constricted pupils, decreased appetite, weight loss, change in skin pallor, slurred speech, or marks on the arms or legs to indicate needle use. Your friend may try to hide or explain away these symptoms. Don’t be fooled.

Behavioral Signs: Drug use often leads to a lack of appetite and decrease in personal hygiene and grooming standards. Your friend may skip out on activities, school, or family events. Teenagers abusing drugs may spend a lot of time alone, often sleeping. Your friend may stay up very late at night, and then sleep much longer during the day.

Risk-taking behavior is a major sign of drug use. Teenagers may take risks with driving, physical competitions, fighting, or sexually. Drug abuse leads to financial problems. Be aware of a friend who seeks to borrow money, or make money quickly.

It can be so hard to see these drug abuse signs in those you love. It’s easy to write off some of these symptoms as stress with school or family, relationships, depression, or even just teenage angst. Ignoring signs of drug use could lead your friend down a path that cannot be turned around easily. The sooner your friend gets help, the better chance he or she has of recovery and a happy life. Don’t close your eyes to these signs. Refer your friend to a doctor, counselor, or other adult you both trust. Don’t let a friend miss out on the only life he or she gets.

Adults and youth can take a step in the right direction and help with substance abuse prevention by Joining us today at LiveFree!

Sources:

Drug Abuse and Addiction Signs, Symptoms, and Help for Drug Problems and Substance (Help Guide)

How to Tell If a Friend or Family Member is Using Drugs (Yahoo)

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Just when Florida residents thought something was finally being done about the pill mill problem, another legislature takes office and efforts are halted. With all of the media coverage about prescription drug use and pill mills in Florida, it’s hard to sift through the anger and opinions to see what is really going on in Tallahassee to stop pain clinics from prescribing irresponsible amounts of pain medication.

One thing is for sure—the state of Florida has a problem with prescription drugs. At its worst point, pill mills were popping up everywhere in Florida, mostly in Broward County, advertising on-site dispensing and cash-only transactions.

According to Time magazine, in 2008 the nation’s top 25 oxycodone-dispensing doctors were all in Florida. Of those, 18 of them were in Broward County. Because of this, Florida has developed the reputation of being a one-stop shop for pain medication needs. Tourists now flock to Florida to feed their pain med addiction from states with stricter regulations.

That was until advocates for stronger regulations finally got their wish and new rules and restrictions were passed in September of last year.

“Pill Mill Bill” Restrictions and Regulations

• All privately owned clinics advertising pain-management services must register with the Department of Health (with some exceptions).
• All clinics must be fully owned by a physician or be a licensed "health care clinic."
• A doctor must examine a patient on the same day that he dispenses or prescribes pain medication and cannot dispense more than a 72-hour dose for patients paying by cash, check, or credit card (not insurance). When prescribing for longer periods, the doctor must note the reason in the patient’s records.
• The Department of Health will inspect clinics and review patient records annually.
• Clinics can get fined up to $5,000 per violation.

Some criticize the law for having loop holes, or not requiring pain clinics to actually enter patient prescriptions into a shared database. Regardless of flaws, according to a study done by the St. Petersburg Times, about three dozen pain clinics have had their licenses revoked or have closed since officials started enforcing the law that took effect in October.

So What Happened?

Last year, the Republican Legislature proposed a bill (House Bill 1565), which would require legislative approval of rules that are forecast to cost at least $1 million over a five-year period. Once the bill made it to the governor’s desk, Governor Charlie Christ vetoed it in fear of halting all new and positive government reform. Christ’s veto on House Bill 1565 was what kept the regulation flowing and the enforcement of pain clinic regulations to occur.

Then Governor Scott took office. His first order of business was to freeze all new rules and state contracts worth more than $1 million until his newly created Office of Fiscal Accountability and Regulatory Reform could review them. Scott’s vision of “getting government out of the way” and prohibiting imposing governmental regulations on the private sector ultimately halted the efforts to shut down the very pain clinics that help to feed the illegal pill pipeline.

"This state can’t afford the luxury of waiting for another layer of bureaucrats to sift through contracts already examined by other bureaucrats and given the green light to keep Florida moving," said Senate Democratic Leader Nan Rich.

The Florida Board of Medicine Steps In

After further review of the laws that have been passed, revoked and halted, the Florida Board of Medicine took a deep look into the law books and decided to take matters into their own hands.

Despite the ban on rulemaking, they unanimously passed rules for medical doctors who work in pain clinics.

Although these regulations will impose an estimated $65 million in costs (which are almost entirely from a requirement for periodic urine screenings) on the private sector, the Florida Board of Medicine is encouraging their staff to send letters to the legislature urging immediate implementation due to the public threat pill mills have created in Florida.

Pain medication overdose kills seven Floridians a day and affects the lives of friends and loved ones everywhere. These highly addictive drugs are making their way not only into addicts’ hands, but into our children’s hands. According to pharmacist Larry Golbon, “The cost of leaving the pain-clinic industry unregulated is high in both dollars and emotional turmoil for the families of those who die.”

If you would like to find out more information on addiction, or keeping your children from experimenting with drugs, visit our website here: Pinellas Coalition or our weekly blog here: Livefree!

Sources:

TIME Magazine

Broward/Palm Beach New Times

The Huffington Post

St. Petersburg Times

Palm Beach Post

The TBO Online

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We all agree that drug addiction is a problem. The problem is present right here in Pinellas County and affects people from all neighborhoods and walks of life. One of the issues that we have as a community with drug addiction, is that many people do not truly understand the nature of drug addiction. They feel that drugs are a behavioral problem at worst and that if people just devoted some will power to not doing drugs, then they would beat addiction. This misconception hurts us as a community in two ways:

1. It leads non-users to think that addiction is not a real problem, and so they don’t take it seriously, nor do they put proper support behind prevention and treatment initiatives.
2. It causes some people to begin to use drugs because they do not understand the consequences of addiction. Ironically enough, this misconception about addiction can actually help create addicts.

Drug use starts off as a behavioral issue. People use drugs to fit in or because they think that they will help alleviate stress. The fact is that once you introduce drugs to your body, the chemicals in the drugs immediately begin to interact with you physiologically. This interaction between the chemicals in drugs and your body is what causes both the “high” associated with drug use and addiction.

The Biology of Addiction

Your brain has receptors in it that interact with chemicals in the body. Ideally these receptors would only interact with chemicals that your body creates naturally. Drugs introduce chemicals to the body that can directly interact with these receptors or that cause the body to overproduce otherwise natural chemicals. One of the chemicals generally involved with drug use is called dopamine. Dopamine is naturally created in the brain. It is present in parts of the brain that control:

• Movement
• Emotions
• Motivation
• Pleasure

Many drugs cause the brain to create extra dopamine. This extra dopamine causes the “high” that users enjoy. The problem is that your brain gets used to these elevated levels of dopamine. It begins to require them on a regular basis, making it difficult to even be happy without elevated levels. Due to the fact that drug use is what creates the elevated levels of dopamine, your brain begins to associate drug use with happiness and even normalcy. In addition to this, the brain begins to develop a tolerance to dopamine. As the tolerance builds, the brain requires more dopamine to achieve a “high” for the user. This means that drugs must be taken either more frequently, in larger quantities or both. This is how addiction begins. Keep in mind that this whole process happens inside the brain; users are not cognizant of the process and by the time they realize what has happened (if they do at all) they are addicted.

Due to the physical changes that take place within the body, it is impossible to view drug addiction as anything but a disease. It is easy to catch any disease if you are exposed to the causes, and without proper treatment it is next to impossible to overcome a disease. This is just as true with drug addiction as it is with diseases such as breast cancer or HIV.

What Can We Do

Now that we have established that drug addiction is a disease that changes the body, the key is to educate others.

• Draw comparisons between drug addiction and other common diseases that people are more apt to identify with.
• Reinforce that addiction is an epidemic that needs to be addressed both before and after it happens (i.e., we need both prevention programs to stop it from starting and treatment programs to help those who are addicted).
• Have open and honest communication with your children about drugs. Be realistic with them instead of preachy. It isn’t difficult to point out the negative aspects of addiction.

Sources:

BBC

National Institute on Drug Abuse

The Addiction Resource Center

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