www.theguardian.com/society/2020/oct/11/i-heard-the-doctor-was-drunk-and-my-world-fell-apart-says...
‘I heard the doctor was drunk, and my world fell apart,’ says grieving mother
www.theguardian.com
Parents of Xynthia Hawke speak out after trial in France hears how anaesthetist botched ventilation ...
I'll die on a methadone prescription: user of 25 years opens up about addiction
I'll die on a methadone prescription: user of 25 years opens up about addiction
www.dailyrecord.co.uk
The addict says the drug epidemic on Ayrshire's streets won’t end until more is done to help users...Supervised humiliation? - Drink and Drugs News
Supervised humiliation? - Drink and Drugs News
www.drinkanddrugsnews.com
In the real world, methadone provision too often means diversion, using on top – and humiliating s...Teens recruited by big city drugs gangs 'earn £400-a-week'
Teens recruited by big city drugs gangs 'earn £400-a-week'
www.walesonline.co.uk
This is the finding of a researcher who spoke to teenagers caught up in the illegal trade and invest...How Someone Can Fall Back Into the Abyss of Addiction
How Someone Can Fall Back Into the Abyss of Addiction
www.psychologytoday.com
"If you don’t leave this minute, you’ll destroy everything you’ve worked so hard to get."🙏Knowing a loved one is #drinking to much or using #drugs can make you feel helpless, please remember we are here to support you. Get in touch today 02380399764
🙏
Inquest into suicide of gambling addict will explore if UK state failed him
www.theguardian.com
Parents of Jack Ritchie succeed in widening inquest to look at support for addicts and industry regu...It's a Sober(ish) October
County lines, cuckoos and child exploitation: How lockdown hit Sussex's drug dealers
County lines, cuckoos and child exploitation: How lockdown hit Sussex's drug dealers
www.bognor.co.uk
Sweeping social changes brought about by the coronavirus pandemic have left us all adjusting to the ...County lines crackdown leads to 1,000 drug arrests
County lines crackdown leads to 1,000 drug arrests
www.bbc.co.uk
Class A drugs, £526,000 in cash and 200 weapons are seized in raids across England and Wales.The 'new normal' for children affected by their parent's drinking: what's happening and how can we… | Alcohol Change UK
alcoholchange.org.uk
Piers Henriques from charity Nacoa asks what's happening to the hundreds of thousands of UK children...Timeline PhotosCocaine purity highest in a decade
The purity of #cocaine at retail level has increased every year since 2009, according to the latest European drug report from @EMCDDA while seizures of the drug are at an all-time high.
www.drinkanddrugsnews.com/cocaine-purity-highest-in-a-decade/
Video game loot boxes: another form of gambling?
Video game loot boxes: another form of gambling?
www.bbc.co.uk
The government is asking for the public's opinion on the impact of loot boxes.NHS waiting lists for people trying to come off heroin reaches six months
NHS waiting lists for people trying to come off heroin reaches six months
www.irishnews.com
HEROIN addicts seeking help on the NHS have a wait of more than six months, with a specialist substi...'Soaring alcohol misuse' could overwhelm services
'Soaring alcohol misuse' could overwhelm services
www.bbc.co.uk
People are drinking more during the pandemic and addiction services may not cope, experts warn.‘Hidden health crisis’ of alcohol harm must be addressed, report warns
‘Hidden health crisis’ of alcohol harm must be addressed, report warns
www.expressandstar.com
The Commission on Alcohol Harm said alcohol is the leading risk factor for ill health, death and dis...Helpline offers cash to get more drug workers
Helpline offers cash to get more drug workers
www.glasgowtimes.co.uk
A scholarship fund to encourage more healthcare students to work in addiction support services has b...Please everyone tune in to ITV at 1:30pm to support Ceri Walker, Nacoa ambassador extraordinaire. They will be talking about how alcohol problems impact on the family. Ceri will be flying the flag for Nacoa and COAs everywhere, 'being the person I needed when I was younger'.
Today, 14th September would have been Amy’s 37th birthday. It also marks the 9th anniversary of the Amy Winehouse Foundation. Today we celebrate Amy’s life, her beautiful spirit and the gift of music that she has brought to millions of people across the world.
Happy Birthday Amy ❤️
www.soberrecovery.com/addiction/why-some-people-become-addicts-and-others-dont/
Why Some People Become Addicts and Others Don't
www.soberrecovery.com
The nature of addiction is a mystery, but there are certain signs and behaviors that you can look fo...Photos from Hope Rehab Thailand's post
It’s a good place
Had a client who went there
Timeline PhotosFeel like you need to unwind? Using alcohol to help to relax can be bad for your mental and physical health. Instead, try meditating, doing yoga or breathing exercises to relax #DontChooseBooze
'County lines' drug gang jailed
'County lines' drug gang jailed
www.bbc.co.uk
They were arrested as part of the largest operation of its type carried out by North Wales Police.An amazing story of a young man who escaped death by addiction. Paul has been using every single day since he was 13-years-old. Paul is now 45. He has used for 32 years. He came from a loving, caring family. A family who gave to the community on a regular basis. His journey went from alcohol to cannabis to acid to speed to LSD to magic mushrooms to cocaine to ketamine, back to cocaine to crack cocaine and finally to heroin. Smoking, swallowing, snorting, injecting. He did not care how he used. Just wanted to get the hit as soon as he could. He robbed from everyone to fund his habit. His friends had let him go ages ago. His family were not around. He had no one in the world. He was leaving messages on my phone every night telling me: "That's it Steve. No more. I can't take any more and I won't be here tomorrow. Goodbye and thank you for trying to help me". I could not do his recovery for him. No one could. Only him. He had 16 hospital admissions in the past year. God as we believe him to be, moves in strange ways. Paul was in hospital and a religious man came round the ward to speak to anyone who wanted to speak. The man knew Paul's Dad and knew me. This was amazing. Paul called me immediately and said: "Enough now. Get me in rehab". I told him I will only support him if he does 2 months rehab. He agreed there and then and was in treatment within 2 days. That was almost eight months ago. Paul wanted to change and he wanted to live. He has no blood relatives left in the world. He has himself, his faith and his will to live. He has promised me he will come into a school and tell his story. There are successes like Paul. They are the ones who want to survive more than anything else in the world. Their recovery is their life. Paul's recovery is his life. Without recovery Paul is dead. God Blessed Paul.
Today is #WorldSuicidePreventionDay
If you or anyone you know is struggling, you can call Samaritans any time of day and night on 116 123
If you are affected by the drug, alcohol use or gambling of loved one, it may be taking it's toll on your mental health. Visit our website for support options: adfam.org.uk/COVID-1
Addiction is a predictable, progressive and chronic disease. The word “Predictable” tells us there are certain symptoms we can reliably expect to see when alcoholism is present. We can organize those symptoms into a list and use that list as diagnostic criteria. The list is a tool that tells us what signs and symptoms indicate chemical dependency. The stage of addiction (early, middle, or late) is determined by the number of symptoms a person exhibits.
In the earliest stages of alcoholism, the symptoms may be so few that it is difficult even for a professional to make a reliable assessment. In the latest stages, the symptoms are so numerous just about anybody could make a diagnosis of addiction.
The term “Progressive” means that without treatment the problem always get worse. Unchecked, addiction eventually leads to incarceration, insanity or death. Halting the progression requires abstinence. Long-term abstinence is most likely achieved when the alcoholic /addict works a programme of recovery in AA or other proven structured recovery programme.
Even if the addict is abstaining from drug use, without recovery the symptoms of the disease may continue to progress. The alcohol is out of the picture, but the alcoholic behavior is not. Abstinence is only the first step. The ultimate goal of recovery is contentment, serenity and healthy relationships.
During the downward progression of the disease, the alcoholic will have moments of improvement. These moments can obscure the forward march of the disease from the eyes of family and friends. Look at the whole picture rather than specific points in time to identify the increasing damages caused by addiction. @Addiction Actually
This content isn't available right now
This content isn't available right now
When this happens, it's usually because the owner only shared it with a small group of people, chang...Alcoholism isn’t about Drinking too much: Alcoholism is about Pain.
Alcoholism isn’t about Drinking too much: Alcoholism is about Pain.
www.elephantjournal.com
I was using booze to medicate the stress from those millions of responsibilities. I was drinking to ...TOMORROW ✨ on Instagram Live we welcome the #HotMessMumsClub podcast presenter, Kelly Pegg. We'll discuss Kelly's Mum’s battle with alcohol and how it claimed her life. And think about how her experiences influenced adult life and decision to go sober.
Hosted by COAisathing creator and Nacoa ambassador Josh Connolly.
Follow us on Instagram and tap on the Nacoa 'Live' icon when it appears at 12pm: www.instagram.com/nacoauk/.
If you can't make it, no problem. All episodes are published on the the NacoaUK Youtube page here: www.youtube.com/user/NacoaUK
#childrenofalcoholics #acoa #coaisathing #alcoholawareness #
Help your mate
www.changegrowlive.org
5 tips for young people staying safe when getting together with mates, including alcohol and drug ad...Drinking too much alcohol can lead to three stages of damage to the liver: fatty liver, alcoholic hepatitis and alcoholic cirrhosis, which in turn can lead to liver failure and an increased chance of developing liver cancer.
Read more about alcohol and the liver in this factsheet: alcoholchange.org.uk/alcohol-facts/fact-sheets/alcohol-and-the-liver
“I found [Alcohol Change UK’s] website so informative and supportive, and it’s remained my go-to organisation ever since.” Our wonderful supporter Dave is taking on an incredible fundraising challenge for us: he’s cycling 600 miles in 30 days!
Read more about why he’s decided to take on this challenge, and find the link to his fundraising page: alcoholchange.org.uk/blog/2020/daves-fundraising-challenge-alcohol-change-uk-helped-answer-my-que...
More Than My Past - Andy's story
More Than My Past - Andy's story
morethanmypast.org.uk
Once dependent on drugs, Andy now helps others to recover from addiction as Service Manager for The ...Early this morning, siblings Sophie and Teddy set off with friends Freddie and Phoebe to cycle from Land's End to John O'Groats to raise money for the Nightshelter.
In recent weeks, they have been busy doing odd jobs in the community to help cover some of the costs involved in the ride. They are relatively new to cycling but hope to complete the 1400km ride in 14 days in time for Teddy to start at university.
"The Nightshelter is such an important part of our local community" explained the siblings. "They work tirelessly to provide a safe and caring temporary home for individuals experiencing homelessness. Sadly this charity, like many others, has suffered greatly as a result of the pandemic. We would therefore like to do everything we can to try and raise as much as possible for such a great cause."
Thank you so much for your support, we wish you luck for your adventure and look forward to seeing photos along the way.
Please see the comments below for sponsorship details.
#winchester #Community #cycling
Why We're Seeing a Disturbing Rise in Substance Abuse
Why We're Seeing a Disturbing Rise in Substance Abuse
www.psychologytoday.com
How families, clinicians, and policymakers can respond.'I'm 500 days sober but one hour from being drunk'
'I'm 500 days sober but one hour from being drunk'
www.bbc.co.uk
One support organisation has recorded a 200% increase in people contacting its online service in Sco...HSE warns about bogus pills being sold over internet
HSE warns about bogus pills being sold over internet
www.irishexaminer.com
Today is World Overdose Day, and people are being asked to remember the more than 370 people who die...#alcohol is the No.1 drug implicated in overdose related deaths here in #Ireland. Over 370 people loose their lives every year as a result of a drug overdose. Know the Facts. Leave Gaps between drinks and know the signs..
#IOAD2020 #knowthefacts #OverdoseAwarenessDay
Naloxone – the overdose reversal drug - Change Grow Live
Naloxone – the overdose reversal drug - Change Grow Live
www.changegrowlive.org
Naloxone can reverse the effects of an overdose of opioids like heroin. It could help you save a lif...258 days ago, I chose to get clean. I could never go minutes without putting something in my body. I finally threw my hands up. The benefits of being clean and sober are phenomenal, but the biggest benefit is finally being somewhat okay with myself. The drugs and alcohol were just a piece of the problem. These past 8.5 months, I finally came to terms with the fact that there’s been a problem deep down inside for years. Now, I am finally working on that. #TheAddictsDiary
Addiction/Alcoholism - A chronic brain disease that never goes away. That kills over 95 %. if untreated.
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service Administration funded a study about rates of recovery for different drugs. The two drugs where relapse rates were extremely high were alcohol and heroin--86 percent and over 90 percent respectively. Cocaine has a relapse rate of 55 percent, while crack (a form of cocaine) has a much higher relapse rate of 84 percent. The highest rates of recovery are to be found among inhalants and hallucinogens, where only about 40 percent will relapse within the five year frame. For all narcotics taken together, including legal pain pills that are abused, the relapse rate is 70 percent. Most relapse more than once, doing increasing damage each time. Survival rates for addiction are lower than the most aggressive cancers, at less than 5 percent.
Addiction is a chronic brain disease which causes mental and physical harm. As a person drinks alcohol or takes drugs the brain releases the chemical dopamine which stimulates the 'reward circuits' of the brain. Thus the brain associates drinking alcohol and taking drugs with a pleasurable reward. The brain forms lasting memories associating drugs or alcohol with this reward and so the drug taking and drinking become compulsive. As addiction to alcohol and drugs becomes established, neurochemical changes take place in the brain of the user which affect their self-control and decision making processes.
Addiction to alcohol and drugs has traditionally defined the term 'addiction', however people can also become addicted to certain behaviours such as gambling. These behaviours cause a release of chemicals in the brain as a 'reward', and this is what the brain gets addicted to
- Most people with addiction will relapse and without a chronic disease management programme -most will die.
I’m not an addict but my son is a recovering addict. For four years I watched my son slip away. He lost his marriage, his children, and himself to meth. He went to RPF for 9 months. He came home and went right back to it. As the mother of an addict, I need to tell you how I felt. I cried, begged him to please come home, and I prayed endlessly. I didn’t sleep. I was afraid he’d call and I wouldn’t hear the phone. I watched his body literally wither away until he was skin and bones. He didn’t work. I wondered everyday if he had food. A bath. Brushed his teeth. Where he was sleeping. I begged him to go to rehab. He said he wasn’t ready. He had lost all respect for himself. All I could do was pray. I even prayed he’d go back to jail because I knew he’d have a bed and a bath and something to eat. At least there I knew he wasnt getting drugs. Then he was arrested again. Not even a year after RPF. Thanks to Jerry Don Ramey offering him Drug Court he changed. He went through drug court for 14 months. I can only imagine the struggle he was enduring. When he graduated 14 months later he completed his course with not a single failed drug test and thanks to his probation officer Logan Ferguson who invited him to church where he was the Pastor. Ryan has turned his life around. He’s Ryan again. He’s Dad again. He’s home. We are a family again. I still pray daily that God will watch over him and give him the strength he needs to beat this forever. He’s 18 months clean! He’s 18 months a happier and healthier man! He has his boys back and has a great fiancée. And he has a family that believes in him and loves him more than anything. The picture on the left is the day he signed for drug court. The one on the right is one month after he graduated. I couldn’t be anymore proud! I have another son who is lost in the same situation. I love him just as much. I pray for him to turn his life around. To be the dad his sons need. To be the son I need. I will never give up on him. #TheAddictsDiary
www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-tees-53845431
Heroin addict injection scheme to be extended
www.bbc.com
Six people have completed 29 weeks with four of them not going on to commit further crimes.'I became alcoholic during lockdown'
'I became alcoholic during lockdown'
www.bbc.co.uk
Chris McLone's story is far from unique, say addiction specialists.Matthew’s story: “I was complacent about looking after my health” | Alcohol Change UK
Matthew’s story: “I was complacent about looking after my health” | Alcohol Change UK
alcoholchange.org.uk
In this blog, Matthew shares his story.Cannabis linked to bipolar symptoms in young adults
by The Neuropsychotherapist | Dec 14, 2017 |
We receive more abuse and negative feedback on cannabis posts than on any other post here at Addiction Actually. We don't post our opinions, we post scientific research.
'Adolescent cannabis use is an independent risk factor for future hypomania – often experienced as part of bipolar disorder – finds new research led by University of Warwick.
First research to robustly test the association between adolescent cannabis use and hypomania (periods of elated mood, over-active and excited behaviour, reduced need for sleep) in early adulthood.
Teenage cannabis use at least 2–3 times weekly is directly associated with suffering from symptoms of hypomania in later years.
2.6% of the UK population report having been cannabis dependent in the last year
Cannabis use in youth is linked to bipolar symptoms in young adults, finds new research by the University of Warwick.
Researchers from Warwick Medical School found that adolescent cannabis use is an independent risk factor for future hypomania – periods of elated mood, over-active and excited behaviour, and reduced need for sleep that are often experienced as part of bipolar disorder, and have a significant impact on day-to-day life.
Led by Dr Steven Marwaha, a clinical academic Psychiatrist, the research analysed data from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children and found that teenage cannabis use at least 2–3 times weekly is directly associated with suffering from symptoms of hypomania in later years.
There was a dose response relationship such that any use still increased the risk but less powerfully.
The Warwick research is the first to test the prospective association between adolescent cannabis use and hypomania in early adulthood, whilst controlling for important other factors that might explain this connection (e.g psychotic symptoms).
Cannabis use was also found to mediate the association of both childhood sexual abuse and hypomania, and male gender and hypomania.
The findings suggest frequent adolescent cannabis use is likely to be a suitable target for interventions that may allay the risk of young people developing bipolar disorder.
Commenting on the research, Dr Marwaha said:
“Cannabis use in young people is common and associated with psychiatric disorders. However, the prospective link between cannabis use and bipolar disorder symptoms has rarely been investigated.
“Adolescent cannabis use may be an independent risk factor for future hypomania, and the nature of the association suggests a potential causal link. As such it might be a useful target for indicated prevention of hypomania.”
Cannabis is one of the most commonly used illegal substances of abuse in western countries. Problematic use in the general population is as high as 9.5% in the United States, while 2.6% of the UK population report having been cannabis dependent in the last year.'
Source: University of Warwick
An Open Letter To Families Where Addiction Is Present
An Open Letter To Families Where Addiction Is Present
m.huffpost.com
With so many variables being out of your power, the one thing you are in control of is your well-bei...Children affected by a parent's drinking deserve help in their own right, whether or not the parent continues to drink. 💙 #URNotAlone