I have a close friend who drinks two or three glasses of wine most nights. When we go out she rarely abstains from drinking, but never is visibly intoxicated. I have another friend who doesn’t drink at all during the week; alcohol is meant for chugging and pounding — not casually enjoying. She gets drunk every weekend. Alcohol isn’t necessary to function, but she doesn’t seem to enjoy social gatherings unless she’s taken a few shots beforehand. Both of my friends appear to be somewhat dependent upon alcohol, but for very different reasons. Is one of the two more negatively affected by their alcohol use, and is one more clearly addicted? How do the weights vary regarding functional dependence and binge drinking? How can I tell if a friend is in need of help?

“Alcohol dependence,” according to the NIAAA, “is a condition characterized by impaired control over drinking, compulsive drinking, preoccupation with drinking, tolerance to alcohol, and/or withdrawal symptoms.” Alcohol abuse is the next step in problem drinking and is defined by failure to fulfill major role obligations, social problems and/or hazardous drinking situations. Work suffers, motivation is stalled, friendships are weak, and sleep is altered.

But negative effects as such are not always clear when surveying a friends’ life. Research shows that analyzing childhood behaviors leads to understanding how people become alcoholics. Environmental factors in adolescence can lead to developmental disorders that spark addiction. Genetics also play a role in drug and alcohol behaviors, but like environmental conditions, there is no single direct route to addiction. Studies have shown a link between low serotonin levels and binge drinking, as well as blunted stress responses and increased consumption of alcohol.

Alcohol is a social substance, and the widespread perception of drinking as a societal norm impairs our ability to identify its negative impact on each others’ lives. Moreover, a clear prototype of an addict or abuser doesn’t exist. Although confusion is natural, even taking the time to consider your friends’ deep rooted problems is important, and an indicator of your desire to help and improve their lives. I don’t believe one of my friends is in worse shape than the other, but I will from now on consider their past and personal issues when trying to understand the role alcohol plays in their lives. 

On November 4th, the American public will not only decide who will be the next President of the United States, but they will determine the future of alcohol and drug use in numerous counties and states across the nation.

Alcohol seems to be emerging as a hot topic this election year. In San Diego, there is a measure to ban alcohol consumption at Pacific Beach. Drinking is banned at many public beach locations for safety reasons. Nevertheless, alcohol at the beach has long been a part of the culture in southern California, but unfortunately irresponsible drinking has led to unsafe situations, including a rough brawl during Labor Day weekend in 2007.

Ottawa County in Michigan currently prohibits the sale of wine and beer on Sundays. A measure to change the law to allow for alcohol sales on Sunday is on the ballot. The proposal is causing some controversy, not about whether alcohol should be sold or not, but because of the language involved. Voters who want to drink on Sundays have to vote ‘no’, while those who want to maintain the ban have to vote ‘yes.’ Texas also has several counties with alcohol-related propositions that would change how, when, or where alcohol is sold.

Marijuana is also on the ballot in Michigan, as well as in Massachusetts. Proposition 1 in Michigan is a medical marijuana legalization initiative that would allow for people suffering from serious illnesses, like cancer, to be in possession of pot for medical use only. The proposition in Massachusetts is quite different. The state is considering the decriminalization of marijuana in quantities of 1 ounce or less. Under the new law, those found in possession of marijuana are guilty of a criminal offense and must pay a $100 civil fine.

Drug abuse and alcoholism are serious issues that we’re grappling with as a nation through legislation. The only way to have a say in the future of drug and alcohol use is to go out and vote. Spread the word!

The media coverage of celebrity drug and alcohol use is unyielding, and the portrait painted of Hollywood’s drug culture by the entertainment press is not always accurate. Celebrity Rehab is a show in its second season created by addiction expert Dr. Drew Pinsky that demystifies the recovery process stars go through. Peering into the dark, complicated world of Rehab’s patients, viewers witness the struggle in overcoming addiction and dealing with painful personal issues that led to substance abuse. Pinsky determines to represent the reality of addiction — that celebrities who enter rehab aren’t simply checking into a center and avoiding drugs for a few weeks. It’s a lifelong process that requires constant attention.

One point of controversy over the show is the fact that the celebrities are paid to participate. Since most of the performers and public figures are out of work due to the control drugs and alcohol have had over their lives, it can be considered that they are participating in order to be granted re-entry into the spotlight. But Pinsky aims to dispel the idea that stars are pulling a publicity stunt when seeking help. He follows the practice of recent experiments paying addicts to stop using. MSNBC reported in 2006 about reward programs that incite users to stay clean. A study of 415 cocaine and methamphetamine users published in October 2005 in the Archives of General Psychiatry found that they stayed in treatment longer if they had a chance to win a prize. Some researchers believe that if rewarding sobriety shows positive feedback from addicts, why not use such methods?

I find Celebrity Rehab fascinating because it delves into the intimate experiences of addicts. The fact that they are celebrities only intrigues me because their public personality provides a point of reference. I watched Nikki McKibbin sing on the American Idol stage in front of thousands of adoring fans. Now I’m experiencing her crying about her addiction to cocaine and her mother’s death from a drug overdose. The show reiterates the one-dimensional nature of celebrity coverage, and that everyone has a story hiding beneath their persona.

Why is it that so many influential musicians, writers and artists are often associated with addiction? Throughout history, praised entertainers and creative forces have fallen victim to drugs and alcohol: American country singer Johnny Cash abused amphetamines; iconic French singer Edith Piaf was an alcoholic and eventually died of liver cancer; famous guitarist Jimmy Hendrix died of a mix of alcohol and barbiturates; American writer Jack Kerouac abused drugs and alcohol.

CNN reported recently that a link between mood disorders and creativity has shown in a number of psychology studies. Experts say that mental illness does not necessarily cause creativity, and vice versa, but a ruminating personality type may contribute to both mental health issues and art. Characteristics of this personality include hypersensitivity, constant contemplation and reflectiveness — a temperament found to be underlying in depression and bipolar disorder.

Although the studies do not link addiction with creativity, the high correlation between depression and substance abuse presents an indirect connection. For creative types who are mentally unstable and tend to overanalyze, drugs and alcohol can be a form of self-medication, a way to quiet the restless mind. Many singers who’ve experienced addiction, like Cash and Piaf, incorporate the dramatic highs and lows of their mental states into performances, pouring their emotionality and obsessive nature into lyrics.

People who are depressed may try to mute their inner demons with drugs, but art can be used as a therapeutic tool in recovery. In fact, many artists find that their work suffers when their minds are muddled by drugs and alcohol, stunting creative performance. To overcome addiction, some people need to rediscover their passion for art — a high that can’t be matched by any drug.

Ecstasy, GHB, Rohypnol, Ketamine, and Meth are all examples of typical club drugs abused at parties, raves, and night clubs across the globe. These drugs affect the heart rate or nervous system and some even cause hallucinations. It’s for those dramatic effects that people abuse the drugs to “enhance” their social experience. Unfortunately, many people, even some parents, think using drugs at these gatherings is harmless because it’s just for fun or a “one-time” affair. It’s so important to know that club drugs can be addictive, they weaken your body and judgment, and at their worst, they are deadly.

Of course, not all social events are plagued with drug abuse – but enough of them are to be concerned. If you’re at a rave or dance party, being aware of your surroundings is essential to staying safe. Many club drugs dissolve easily into drinks. For example, Rohypnol is tasteless and odorless so it would be almost impossible to know about a contaminated drink.

- GHB: Available in liquid, powder, or caplet

- Ketamine: Typically abused as a liquid or white powder

- Ecstasy (MDMD): Usually found in tablet or capsule form

- Rohypnol: Pill, but it is easily soluble in liquids, including alcohol

- Meth: Pills and crystalline powder forms are both available

As a young adult, or a parent, being responsible and knowing what to look for can keep you, or someone you love, out of harm’s way.

That was the sentiment expressed by David Sheff, a father whose son suffered from the self-destructive effects of substance abuse. David Sheff came to Arizona last week with his son, Nic as part of their book tour for Beautiful Boy and Tweak, written by father and son, respectively. Hearing a first-hand account of their experiences – their journey through addiction and into recovery – was both cathartic and eye-opening.

Perhaps one of the most interesting topics that David Sheff brought up was how parents can be in denial of their child’s drug addiction. It was stirring to hear the description of Nic in his teenage years – he was doing well in school, had friends, participated in sports, and was recognized as a young talent in journalism. His son certainly did not look like a drug addict, but sadly, he was.

It’s unfortunate that in our society, have a stereotypical image of what addicts are like. We don’t realize, or maybe we are just wary to accept the fact, that the teens getting high are the sons and daughters of people from all walks of life. Addiction is a disease that can harm anyone, it doesn’t discriminate.

It was easy to see just how true that is after being introduced to Nic Sheff. He candidly expressed how he started smoking pot to numb his sensitivity and emotions. As he further explained, his tolerance for pot became very high and he sought out stronger drugs. When he goes on to describe the raw severity of the self-destruction that came as a consequence of his addiction, it becomes easy to see how lucky he was to survive. Through it all he describes the loneliness, confusion, and fear he experienced. In these moments, Nic shares with us how “normal” you can be and still suffer from addiction.

Despite all the difficulties that both the son and father have faced, and the challenges that are still ahead, it was heartwarming to see how far they have come to share their story with us.

The popular A&E show Intervention chronicles the experiences of drug and alcohol addicts whose dependencies have brought them to a point of extreme personal crisis. The show takes an intimate look at the downward spiral of an addict, and the efforts of loved ones to lead him or her on the road to recovery.

Intervention is an effective course of action when an addict is not paying heed to their own health and safety, and is becoming increasingly estranged from friends and family. Concerned loved ones decide to step into the addict’s life and strongly encourage him or her to seek help. An intervention is a structured, solution-oriented meeting that is often moderated by an interventionist. Before approaching an addict, a specific plan of action needs to be devised, including treatment measures and facility arrangements. An interventionist helps family members explore their options and decide the best route to take when confronting the addict. During the gathering, a circle of loved ones, colleagues and spiritual leaders in the addict’s life express their observations and fears regarding his or her behavior in a non-judgmental way. The ultimate goal is for the addict to recognize their destructive behavior and accept help.

The success rate of intervention is promising: The National Association of Independent Interventionists Conference (AIS) in 1995 revealed that 90% of professionally facilitated interventions resulted in the identified patient entering treatment as a direct result of the intervention. Knowing when an intervention is necessary can be difficult to gage, but if you are even slightly considering staging one, it is likely the appropriate step to take.

Addiction is riddled with complexities, and drug and alcohol rehabilitation programs are intended to help drug users gain clarity of the power to which it controls actions, thoughts and choices. For those of us without drug and alcohol addiction, understanding the behavior of those who do is a difficult process.
“Why won’t they just stop using?”,”How long until they’re clean?”, “Why do they chose to hurt themselves and the people closest to them?” Questions such as these often go unanswered for relatives, spouses and friends of addicts. Reasoning is ineffective and relating is impossible; many soon realize that they can’t fix the problems of their addicted loved ones.

Dealing with an addicted companion can lead to negative pathologies for non-addicts. Guilt, confusion, frustration, co-dependency, and a weighing sense of obligation can deteriorate individuals who are overwhelmed by their loved one’s disease. To heal the wounds inflicted by addiction, it is important for family members to attend group therapy meetings and share their personal struggles with others who’ve had common experiences. Groups like Al-Anon and Nar-Anon, the counterparts to Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous, are 12-step programs that address the role of addiction and recovery in family members’ lives.

To better grasp the battle of an addicted loved one, communication is essential. Relay your feelings about your partner’s decisions and behaviors, and encourage them to discuss their inner struggle. Let go of the idea that you can shield your loved one from the disease and that you can control their actions. Learn more about the effects of drug and alcohol abuse, as well as the addiction recovery process.

You may never fully empathize with what your loved one is going through, but taking charge to educate yourself about addiction and conversing with non-addicts in similar circumstances will set you on a path to understanding.

Medicine is an essential part of our lives – it reduces pain, helps us to heal, and makes it easier to fight a lot of diseases. However, those same medications that help people get well are being abused and causing others to get sick, and in many cases, die. It’s unfortunate that such sad news is common, but in this case there is a simple way all of us can help prevent prescription drug abuse. Keep drugs out of the wrong hands by properly disposing of prescription medications. Here are some of the safe ways to get rid of old medicines:

1. Return old prescription meds to the pharmacy where purchased.

2. Find a local drug store with a pharmaceutical take-back program.

3. Locate a hazardous waste disposal center in your community.

4. Check if your unused medications are eligible to be donated to charity.

Not only does proper disposal of drugs keep them from ending up in the hands of potential drug users, but by not throwing away, flushing, or pouring medicines down the drain it helps to protect our water supply from potential contamination.

Recovering from addiction is a process, and for most, it is a process that will last a lifetime. The opportunity for relapse will always exist – at parties, after-work social events, or even when meeting new people. That’s why it’s so important to build a solid foundation when undergoing drug and alcohol rehab. Learning to engage in social activities without reverting to old habits is an essential step on the path to recovery. It’s all part of developing the life skills to live, renewed and without addiction, and have the confidence to re-enter society.

At the end of September, several Gatehouse residents experienced a five day camping trip into the Mogollon Rim in Arizona. The excursion into nature was a tremendous success for everyone. Residents didn’t need alcohol or drugs to get a rush. They had fun hiking, swimming, fishing, and sleeping under the stars. These young adults grew closer together and formed friendships on this trip that will provide support even after they graduate from Gatehouse.

Being in a clean, natural environment also gave each person the opportunity to reflect on their personal progress and their own struggle with addiction. Realizing how far each of these young people have come, and how much their lives have changed for the better provides support and encouragement.

There’s no question the event was a success. Andrew P., one of the residents who went on the trip, wrote his reflections on the experience and he shares with us how meaningful and fun the excursion was for him. It’s a great example of how nature can have a positive effect on people in recovery.