OxyNEO Drug Abuse
Prescription drug abuse is being seen more and more among all ages and demographics. Painkillers, or Opioids, like Oxycodone and Methadone are some of the most commonly misused prescriptions. These medications can become very addictive if not effectively monitored by both patient and physician. In the last few years, Canada has seen many changes to the popular painkiller, Oxycontin. Manufacturers changed Oxycontin’s formula shortly before their patent on the painkiller expired (which would allow generic copies to be produced). While Oxycontin was originally developed as a slow-release painkiller, it was quickly learned that snorting or injected it allowed users to experience the drug’s entire effect all at once. Oxycontin’s New Identity This change in formula made Oxycontin (renamed OxyNEO) harder to abuse. When a person tries to alter OxyNEO for snorting or injection, it forms into a gel and becomes too gummy for such purposes. This change has garnered both support and criticism. Advocates believe OxyNEO lowers levels of abuse and addiction in addition to reducing the risk of fatal respiratory relapse. Others believed it only translates into different problems elsewhere. Outcomes of OxyNEO One of the problems noticed shortly after OxyNEO’s debut was a spike in heroin use. With the inability to use OxyNEO in the same ways as its predecessor, many people turned to the next closest substance – heroin. Heroin is much cheaper and easier to access than prescription opioids. But because illicit substances like heroin are not regulated, users do not know how much heroin they’re ingested or if there are other substances cut in. The risk of overdose, serious health complications, and death are much higher among heroin users. People have also found ways to abuse OxyNEO. A quick search on google will show you how to remove the plastic coating responsible for creating its gummy consistency. Approaching Substance Use Differently Simply removing or changing a substance does not counteract substance abuse or addiction issues within a community. People struggling with substance dependency will find other ways to stimulate their experiences while using substances. Not only is the adoption of substances like Heroin more dangerous, but heroin’s withdrawal symptoms can also be life-threatening. It’s difficult to know what stance you should take on issues like this, especially when authorities are so divided on solutions for people with mental health and addictions. Who do you believe? How do you know who is right and wrong? The truth is you can’t be black-and-white about it. There were likely some people who went into recovery after Oxycontin was taken off the market, meaning that the change worked for some. Additionally, not everyone prescribed Oxycontin in the past developed a dependency to it or the other painkillers than have been around for years. For this reason, unique, individualized approaches to opioid addictions are more effective than simply wiping something off the shelf (alcohol prohibition in the United States is a good example of this). The post OxyNEO Drug Abuse appeared first on Canada Drug...
Slip Vs Relapse
Families of individuals with addictions are not just an important part of treatment, but an important part of recovery (i.e. life after treatment). Relapse can be one of the biggest worries once loved ones return home from treatment, yet many can’t identify what true relapse looks like. TO complicate matters, there is no universally agreed upon definition for “relapse”. What is Relapse? While there are many definitions available, a relapse can be defined as “a return to previous levels of substance use or behaviour(s) after a period of improvement”. Generally, total relapse reflects a higher severity in the return to addictive behaviours. Many factors can influence relapse. To start, it’s not a sign or lacking willpower and control. Certain characteristics affect treatment outcomes and recovery. One study found those with higher self-efficacy, less avoidant coping styles, and a readiness to change showed better outcomes. In contrast, untreated concurrent mental health problems, multiple substance dependencies, and high impulsivity were linked to increased vulnerability for relapse. According to the same study, people experiencing mental health issues like distress, depression, and anxiety are also at higher risk for relapse. Negative emotions account for 30% of relapses and increase the chances of a ‘slip’ turning into relapse. What is a Slip? A slip is defined as “a break in abstinence” or “the act or instance of back-sliding”. A popular belief is that slips are not as detrimental as relapse. The belief is that it is different from relapse, because a slip is not a complete return to addictive behaviours. However, there are a number of people who don’t believe in slips; abstinence is “all or nothing” to them. Any consumption of substances is considered relapse. This belief doesn’t work for everyone. Behaviour & Process Addictions Adding to the confusion surrounding slips and relapse, are those with process addictions such as food, sex, video games, and internet use. For this group, it is not necessarily realistic to abstain permanently. For example, people with food or sex addiction need to develop moderate, healthy sexual or eating behaviours. Harm Reduction Definitions of relapse and slips also become confusing when the definition of recovery shifts from the traditional view of abstinence to moderate removal. For example, individuals with opioid addiction may need to taper in order to achieve long-term recovery. They may even need to use other painkillers to ease an injury or recover from surgery in the future. Recovery is not a State, it’s a Process Recovery is a learning process and a slip or relapse may be a necessary part of that individual’s learning. Individuals who slip or relapse learn more about themselves and better ways to prevent slips in the future. Relapse can also be a sign of boredom and a lack of meaning and purpose. Individuals who slip or relapse have an opportunity to look at their life and find ways to make it more meaningful. This insight can greatly improve their recovery and prevent relapse in the future. Your Role As friends and families, it’s important not to react drastically to a loved one’s slip or relapse. Our negative reactions can translate into failure in their eyes. This sense of failure can cause your loved one to believe they’re hopeless and return to old patterns. Individuals with more supportive relationships with families and friends show better treatment and recovery outcomes. The post Slip Vs Relapse appeared first on Canada Drug...
Family Support in Alberta
This mother is struggling with her daughter’s substance abuse issues asked us for information on how to support herself. We thought this was a great request to highlight because many family members call us looking for ways to support their addicted loved one (which is natural). But the truth is, you can only influence and control your loved one so much. Finding ways to support yourself can be more effective because you’re helping change the pattern of addiction that’s occurring within the family. We provided Sheila* with the mental health and addiction office in Drayton Valley. They often have counsellors funded by AHS to help you find the best ways of supporting yourself and your family as affected loved ones of someone else’s addiction. Call to see what support services they can provide you: Drayton Valley 5136 51 Avenue Drayton Valley, AB T7A 1S4 Phone: (780) 542-5669 You can also attend peer-support groups with other family members/parents who are affected by a loved one’s substance use. 1. Online Al-Anon 2. http://www.naranonchat.com/ 3. http://www.nar-anon.org/ FAMILY RESOURCES This link will take you to different therapies and models used to treat families of addicts. The first part outlines the different styles of therapies and the second part lists several resources organized into categories for the family (e.g. codependecy and addicts, cocaine addicts and family, al-anon and family, etc). The following books are on enabling and boundaries (they come from the webpage above). They can be helpful in deciding what sort of approach you want to take with your addicted loved one. Boundaries and Family Addiction Addictive Relationships: Reclaiming Your Boundaries (1989) Joy Miller Better Boundaries: Owning and Treasuring Your Life (1997) Jan Black, Greg Enns Boundaries – Where You End And I Begin: How To Recognize And Set Healthy Boundaries (1994) Anne Katherine Boundaries and Relationships: Knowing, Protecting and Enjoying the Self (1993) Charles Whitfield Boundaries in Marriage (1999) Henry Cloud and John Townsend Boundaries in Marriage – Participant’s Guide (2002) Henry Cloud and John Townsend Boundaries: When to say Yes, When to Say No, To Take Control of Your Life (1992) Henry Cloud and John Townsend Where to Draw the Line: How to Set Healthy Boundaries Every Day (2000) Anne Katherine This is a link to information on parents and teens +...
Family Support for Gambling Addiction
This family has dealt with their brother’s gambling problem before. He racks up huge debts and then becomes overwhelmed. The last time they bailed him out he didn’t gamble for about 10 years. They want to have an intervention and confront him, but do not have a plan for afterwards. We advised that they might want to hold off on an intervention until they have some options for treatment. That way they can offer him solutions for treatment during the intervention process. We provided the following information: Intervention resources Family resources AHS public programs Private non 12-step programs Intervention Information: http://www.sunshinecoasthealthcentre.ca/family-intervention.html http://www.canadadrugrehab.ca/Alcohol-Drug-Intervention.html Here is the contact information Catherine MacDonald: Website: http://www.onmywaycounselling.com/ Phone: 1.613.722.1884 Note: Uses a gentle approach to intervention. She invites the person to their intervention rather than ambushing. From your basic details, it sounds like your brother already acknowledges his gambling problem and does not need to be ambushed by his family. FAMILY RESOURCES This is a link that will take you to different therapies and models used to treatment families of addicts: http://www.sunshinecoasthealthcentre.ca/family-addiction-help.html This webpage outlines different styles of therapies and lists hundreds of resources organized into categories for the family. Here are some books on Enabling and boundaries. They can be helpful in deciding what sort of approach you want to take with your addicted loved one. Addictive Relationships: Reclaiming Your Boundaries (1989) Joy Miller Better Boundaries: Owning and Treasuring Your Life (1997) Jan Black, Greg Enns Boundaries – Where You End And I Begin: How To Recognize And Set Healthy Boundaries (1994) Anne Katherine Boundaries and Relationships: Knowing, Protecting and Enjoying the Self (1993) Charles Whitfield Boundaries in Marriage (1999) Henry Cloud and John Townsend Boundaries in Marriage – Participant’s Guide (2002) Henry Cloud and John Townsend Boundaries: When to say Yes, When to Say No, To Take Control of Your Life (1992) Henry Cloud and John Townsend Where to Draw the Line: How to Set Healthy Boundaries Every Day (2000) Anne Katherine TREATMENT RESOURCES Now, there will be a variety of treatment options for you to offer Ben*. Treatment is generally more effective when the individual needing treatment is an active part of their recovery and not just pushed in one direction. After all, only they can keep themselves “sober” and they often have an idea what might work best for them. In this section, resources are organized into two options: programs you pay for and programs subsidized by provincial healthcare. PUBLIC Here is the website for the responsible gaming program in Alberta: www.aglc.gov.ab.ca/responsiblegambling/ With the public systems (if you cannot or choose not to go the private route) there are always going to wait times and protocols. Typically a person must be assessed and then referred into treatment (outpatient and or inpatient/residential). Here is the assessment office in Calgary. Ben will need to book an appointment or find out when drop in times are. You may want to call ahead to see if they deal with gambling. They may need to redirect you to a mental health office instead the addiction and mental health office. Calgary Adult Addiction Services (AHS) Stephenson Building 2nd floor, 1177 11 Ave. SW Calgary, AB T2R 1K9 Phone: (403) 297-3071 Toll-Free: 1(866) 332-2322 Fax: (403) 297-3036 Note: Service hours are Monday to Friday 8:00 am – 4:30 pm. Intake and assessment is available on a drop-in basis weekdays at 1:00 PM. Residential Gambling Programs Poundmaker’s Adult Residential Treatment Program PO Box 34007 Kingsway Mall Post Office Edmonton AB T5G 3G4 Phone: (780)458-1884 Email: info@poundmaker.org Problem Gambling Resource Network 2nd floor, 3312 Parsons Road Edmonton, AB T6N 1B5 Phone: (780)461-1259 Email: pgrn@programgamblingalberta.ca Note: The...
Peer Support Meetings near Edmonton, Alberta
Heather emailed us several times looking for peer-support resources in Fort Saskatchewan, Alberta. We provided her times and contact information for Al-Anon and Narcotics Anonymous (NA) in the Fort Saskatchewan area (near Edmonton). Soonest meetings in Ft. Saskatchewan 08.17.14 – 7:30-9pm @ the Boys and Girls Club 08.24.14 – 7:30-9pm @ the Boys and Girls Club 08.31.14 – 7:30-9pm @ the Boys and Girls Club Boys and Girls Club 10090 93 Avenue, Fort Saskatchewan, AB T8L 1N4 [contact phone number] and [email] CLOSEST MEETINGS August 13, 2014 7:30 pm – 9:00 pm: Faith Group The Church of the Holy City, Edmonton Alberta August 13, 2014 7:30 pm – 9:00 pm: One Day Wonders Red Willow Church, St. Albert Alberta August 13, 2014 7:30 pm – 9:00 pm: Straight From The Heart Grace Lutheran Church, Edmonton Alberta August 13, 2014 8:00 pm – 9:00 pm: Open Mike Henwood Treatment Centre, Edmonton Alberta For future use, we gave Leanne the link to Narcotics Anonymous in the Edmonton Area: http://www.eana.ca/ Leanne later requested Al-Anon meeting times in the Fort Saskatchewan area. We directed her to their website: http://www.al-anon.ab.ca/ for al-anon meetings in Alberta. We called the Al-Anon international group for local Al-Anon Meetings in Fort Saskatchewan and here’s what they offered: FORT SASKATCHEWAN Tuesdays 8pm @ The United Church (10409 100 Avenue Contact: Carrie – 780.777.1809 Alternatively, we gave Leanne the contact information for AHS support services (Alberta Health Services – Addiction Services). Leanne can make an appointment with the closest office which is the Edmonton Mental Health and Addiction office. Edmonton Adult Counselling and Prevention Services Alberta Health Services 10010 102A Avenue NW, Edmonton, AB T5J 0G5 Phone: (780) 427-2736 Note: Open Monday and Friday 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, Tuesday to Thursday 8:00 am to 9:00 pm. Intake/Assessment is available on a drop-in basis Monday, Tuesday, and Friday 8:00 am to 3:00 pm and Wednesday 8:00 am to 2:00 pm Additional Information on Groups Calgary Al-Anon Information Service (AIS) PO Box 512 Station M, Calgary AB T2P 2J2 Phone: (403)266-5850 E-Mail: aiscalgaryinformation@gmail.com Website: www.al-anon.ab.ca Al-Anon Family Group Headquarters, Inc. 1600 Corporate Landing Parkway Virginia Beach, VA 23454-5617 Phone: (757) 563-1600 Toll-Free: 1(888) 425-2666 Fax: (757) 563-1600 E-mail: wso@al-anon.org Website: www.al-anon.alateen.org Al-Anon Family Group Headquarters (Canada) Inc. Suite 900 – 275 Slater St. Ottawa, ON K1P 5H9 Phone: (613) 723-8484 Toll-Free: 1(888) 425-2666 E-mail: afgwso@al-anon.org Website: www.al-anon.alateen.org...
