The Cabin Chiang Mai regularly receives phone calls and emails regarding drugs, alcohol, and addiction. Several people, including clients and their families, come to us and ask why addiction is considered to be a disease. To help those and any other individual wanting to know the answer, here is why addiction to drugs or alcohol is recognised as being a disease.

Addiction and Disease

Addiction is considered to be a disease because it meets the exact same ‘requirements’ as other disorders and diseases, including terminal illnesses. This is noted because addiction experts and medical professionals agree that addiction is 100% fatal. The requirements which classify addiction as a disease are as follows:

• The symptoms of addiction are very similar, or the same, to various types of substances. For example, whether the drug is cocaine or alcohol, the general symptoms are typically the same.

• Addiction is a chronic illness that needs some kind of treatment

• The symptoms are progressive, meaning they worsen over time, and will eventually result in death.

• Just as other diseases resurface, addiction causes relapses in many people

• Addiction is treatable

In many instances addiction is diagnosed through various behaviors and patterns rather than physical symptoms or medical testing.

A Comparison

Take for example Type 2 Diabetes and addiction. Type 2 Diabetes includes a genetic component; however, not everyone with this predisposition will develop it. Those that do will exhibit symptoms if their diet is high in carbs or they do not exercise enough, they will gain excessive weight. Therefore, we have a genetic component as well as a social or life style component.

Addiction to drugs or alcohol works in a similar way. Let’s look at alcoholism; it too appears to have genetic components (30-60% of those addicted carry a genetic component), but those that may have these components are not guaranteed to develop an addiction to alcohol. It will depend on the social exposure to alcohol just as diabetes depends on the individuals’ behavior. It should be noted that family history, exposure to alcohol, and other environmental factors make up for the other 40-70%.

As with diabetes, without treatment for an addiction, the overall condition will worsen. Diabetics will require insulin, may develop organ and nerve damage and in can die from related illnesses including kidney failure and heart disease. Addictions also progress without treatment and can cause various organ and nerve damage depending on the drug and method of use.

An Addicts Behavior

The behavior of an addict will greatly affect the speed at which the disease will destroy them. For example, an overdose can kill an individual, an infection may take longer but can still kill, and nutritional deficits can also kill but may take an even longer amount of time. The overall end result is still the same sickness or death as a result of using drugs or drinking alcohol regularly.

Just as a person with a terminal illness or other disease would get treatment, a drug or alcohol addict should be able to do the same. However, with an addiction to a harmful substance, addicts often are unable to, or do not want to admit that they are in fact addicted and need help. In these instances, it is the people around the addict that can step in and help the individual get the treatment that they need.

If you or someone you know has an addiction to drugs or alcohol and would like to get help, contact The Cabin Chiang Mai today, we can help you or your loved one breakthrough addiction and learn to live a happy sober life.

Addicts in recovery throughout the world want to know just how quickly certain things in their life will get better once they become sober. Because this question is so in demand, let’s break it down a bit further and take a look at general issues in an individual’s life that recovery will have an important effect on.

First and foremost it is important to note that every person recovers at different rates. Some relapse on and off for years before they become 100% sober while others are doing well after a few months.

Physical Health

Alcoholism can have serious consequences on the body, especially the liver. Many individuals who drink too much are often out of shape and lack necessary nutrients to keep their body happy and healthy. When a person transcends into a recovering alcoholic, they may feel physically worse and even look very thin and unhealthy. What is important to remember here is that although it may not look like it, the individual will be healthier in recovery simply because they have discontinued drinking. The body slowly begins to repair itself and thus takes time to fully heal. What is important is to drink water, eat better food, and begin to exercise. Over time, the recovering addict will feel healthier and happier than ever before.

Emotional Health

An addict in recovery from an addiction to alcohol may feel down or depressed, especially in the beginning. This could be due to loss of friends because they are not sober, the inability to find a job, not knowing how to stay occupied, etc. It is important to maintain a positive attitude during recovery; any individual who may be feeling like the above should understand that there are people to reach out to and get help and advice. These include meetings, groups, therapy, sponsors, sober friends and family, and also rehabilitation centers. Keeping a positive attitude or outlook on life, even on the days that are not so good, can make a world of a difference.

Mental Health

In cases of severe alcoholism, an addict may experience memory loss and learning difficulties. This can cause frustration, sadness, and even anger, which are all negative emotions that can have a hard impact on the individual’s recovery. Typically, these effects can be reversed through specialised therapy and techniques; which include but are not limited to, cognitive behavioral therapy, art, drama, music, and sound therapy. An addiction professional can help anyone experiencing this issue find the appropriate method of treatment.

Relationships

One of the most important things that any recovering addict can do is to break ties with anyone who may threaten their own sobriety. Many people agree that although this is one of the hardest parts of getting sober, it is indeed the most valuable. Before searching for positive support and influences, disassociating with anyone who drinks or who may tempt a recovering addict into relapsing is the first step. Once this has been accomplished, the positive support and sober friends will come through meetings and groups, newfound hobbies, work, etc. For individuals who may have damaged a relationship as a result of their drinking, therapy can be very useful, as well as, letter writing, phone calls and of course time. Through time and patience, relationships can be rebuilt into healthy and happy ones.

Daily Life

Once an individual is in recovery, they will notice how clear their mind is and how much free time they now have. Although the first few months, or maybe more, may seem foggy, it will begin to clear and the possibilities will seem endless. The gift of sobriety can bring about endless opportunities, including career advancements, going back to school, achieving dreams and goals and so much more.

Recovery allows the individual to use their newfound time to learn, create, and master new skills, which will only better their life. Recovery allows an individual to find true happiness and freedom through helping their self, others, and making a positive difference in life. It allows a person to have infinite possibilities while creating a new healthy experience for their own self. So in a short summary, how quickly will your life get better now that you are in recovery? This depends on you and your actions and choices that you make; however, if you give sobriety a chance, the rewards will come and probably faster than you think!

Contact The Cabin Chiang Mai today if you or someone you know has an addiction to drugs or alcohol, we can help.

Alcoholism affects millions of people throughout the world. Whatever the reason a person has for consuming large amounts of alcohol, there are ways in which they can learn to live an alcohol free life. Below are simple ways that can help an individual discontinue drinking and stay on the road to recovery.

Learn to Accept Help

Realistically, quitting alcohol, or any substance for that matter, by your self is difficult and most people are unable to do so. An addiction to alcohol is psychological and physiological; which includes heavy cravings that can be incredibly strong, and saying ‘I am done’ or ‘no’ may be impossible without the help of others. There are various effective methods of treating alcoholism that can help you quit; these include, meetings, therapies, counselling, and if needed a stay at a rehabilitation center.

Do What it Takes

Living an alcohol free life is typically not something that can be done overnight; it takes a lot of time, patience, effort, and most importantly commitment. To overcome alcoholism there are various methods and what works for one person may not work for another. Some people may be able to go to meetings and that is enough, while others may need to go to rehab and then follow through with weekly therapy. It depends on the individual and their addiction. The point is to try anything and everything that is available for getting clean and sober; one will work.

Find a New Attitude

Cravings for alcohol will eventually fade overtime; however keeping them away and preventing a relapse takes effort and most defiantly a new attitude. This begins by learning the reasons for drinking alcohol and then changing your mindset from being an alcoholic to being a person in recovery. Overtime, you will spend less time thinking about drinking alcohol and eventually may view it as ‘toxic’ or ‘disgusting’. At the same time, your overall attitude will positively evolve.

Find a New Route

Recovering from an addiction to alcohol includes breaking routines and habits. Most alcoholics will have a route or routine embedded into their head which includes the way to a bar or liquor store. Even if you are not going to the bar, but are simply taking this route to get to another location on the way, you will be putting yourself under pressure for relapsing. Instead of allowing any temptations, create a new route, even if it means allocating an extra five minutes.

Make New Friends

Being serious about living an alcohol free life includes weeding out anyone who may threaten your sobriety. As hard as it may be, it is important to let go of your drinking buddies and anyone else who may tempt you to have a drink. Some people may give you a hard time for giving up the bottle, if and when this happens, do not let their words get under your skin and affect your sobriety. Overtime you will begin to replace your old friends with a new support system of clean and sober people.

Do Things!

While consuming alcohol, most of your energy was devoted to your addiction and included planning, thinking about, buying, lying, and drinking. Take away the alcohol and you will realise just how much new free time and energy you now have. Find a new hobby, pursue your dream career, go to school, travel, etc.

Recovering from an addiction to alcohol will include days in which you will feel amazing and other days in which you will feel challenged by your sobriety; this is normal. The key is to recognise that both days are in fact good to experience and will help you to grow in recovery. At the same time, both of these days can be dangerous if you do not stay aware and remain focused.

If you do relapse, you are not alone so do not let it get you down. Simply go back to the first step and ask for help. Do this over and over if you have to, because it will work.

The Cabin Chiang Mai is a drug and alcohol rehab located in the north of Thailand. We offer some of the best treatment that is currently available at affordable prices; this way we can help anyone in need. Contact us today, we can and will help you.

To help you to continue on your sober path, you must have solid ground to walk on. This solid ground takes strength and courage to not only build, but to maintain as well. However, once you have this solid ground underneath your feet, you will have the ability to continue to move forward and explore all the wonderful things that life has to offer you. Below are five personal growth strategies that will help you to create your solid ground, thus allowing you to continue on your sober path.

Find and Maintain your Balance

This strategy will help you to realise how important a balanced life is and through this balance, you will be able to see the possibilities that are available for you to take hold of. To find this balance within your life begin by opening your mind further and realising that there will inevitably be unstable moments throughout your life. However, when these periods take place, it is up to you on how you choose to experience and handle these times. Next, think about the things that you really want; never mind the ‘how’ and all the details in between; these will take place when the moment is right. Stay focused on what it would be like to have a better relationship or have a new hobby. By focusing on the ‘what’ versus the ‘how’ you will be able to maintain a positive state of mind and attitude; therefore, you will be able to find and maintain a balance and stay on your sober path.

Move Outside of Your Comfort Zone

The next personal growth strategy is all about learning to eliminate your fear and begin to move outside of your comfort zone. This is because true positive growth happens once you have conquered the fear of trying new things and creating the life that you truly want. Every one of us has an established comfort zone that we have built up throughout our lives. Even if these things within the zone can cause anxiety, depression, fear, anger, etc., we tend to stay involved in them because of the fear that lies beyond the zone. Identify what it is that you want in life, then take that first step out of your comfort zone and begin to try new positive and healthy things that will improve your life and keep you on your sober path.

The Past is the Past

Dwelling on experiences and situations that happened in the past is unhealthy for the mind and can cause a ‘stress weight’ on the mind and affect your overall health. In many instances these situations have had such ripple effects that they have shaped reality even up to the current moment. Getting rid of this ‘garbage’ may take a bit of time, but once you realise what it is that is holding back your personal growth progression, you will be able to live more in the moment and enjoy life.

Become Aware of Triggers

Staying on the sober path means becoming aware of specific things or ‘triggers’ that are associated with certain experiences or memories that may cause negative problems and/or a relapse. In the case of addiction, we often associate triggers with only going into a bar or hanging out with un-sober friends. While these are defiantly triggers for most recovering addicts, there are other ‘triggers’, such as dwelling in the past and becoming depressed or living an unbalanced life; these too can affect your sobriety.

Enjoy the Moment

All personal growth strategies are not listed, but the above will help you to walk on your solid ground and continue on your sober path. Although these strategies can be challenging, you can perform each one with time, patience, and strength. Through this you can begin to live, experience, and enjoy the current moment and therefore, life.

“Finally, what I really want is to be happy in this moment, where the magic and miracles happen. Stay in the moment and all gifts are added as you breathe and take inspired action.”

-Joe Vitale

If you would like to get help for a drug or alcohol addiction, please contact The Cabin Chiang Mai, we can help you to take back your life.

Recovery from a drug or alcohol addiction, especially in the early stages, is a challenging road in which you may experience many obstacles. Once you have moved onto long term recovery, although there may be fewer potholes, ruts, and walls, there will still be obstacles here and there. It is important to continue taking care of yourself and also continue to implement various techniques and actions to help you with your long term recovery. Some may work and others may not, try them all and then eliminate the ones that are just not for you. By doing so, you will be able to see clearly and stay on the right track!

Early and Long Term Recovery

Early recovery and long term recovery are completely different. If you are in early recovery, you may read through the long term recovery actions or see part 1 which is specific to what you may need.

Daily Actions for Long Term Recovery

The First Action: Get Fit

Getting fit, or exercising, is a big aspect of recovery. Many therapists will encourage this from day one and many rehabs will include it in their programs. However, for those who have not been to rehab or have recently left, exercising may be challenging. Although it may be difficult at first, keep doing it as it will get easier. There are so many options to choose from and not all include weights or a treadmill. Do your research, experiment, and find something that you like. Exercising has huge physical, emotional, and mental benefits that are much needed throughout life.

The Second Action: Say Goodbye to Bad Habits

We all have our bad habits, some worse than others, but try to find out what are yours and the get rid of the ones that are in no way useful to your recovery. Examples of bad habits may be smoking, drinking too much caffeine, putting yourself down, making up excuses, etc. Making these positive changes will take time and you may need to reach out and seek help on how to do so, but it can be done.

The Third Action: Help Others

Once you have been sober for quite some time, and you feel ready, try to help others who are in early recovery. There are all sorts of ways to do so; for example, you may want to speak at meetings or volunteer your time at a rehab. Think about what you are good at and then get creative and find a way to use it to help others.

The Fourth Action: The Whole Self

It is important to continue to take care of ‘the whole self’; this includes the mind and body. If you have a few years of sobriety, your efforts for your recovery may have slowed down. Perhaps you do not exercise as much or have discontinued writing in a journal. At this point, relapse can become a serious issue. To avoid it, pick yourself back up, and seek out new challenges. Think about things that you have not done yet and begin to pursue them. If you continue to maintain your physical and mental health you will be able to maintain your long term recovery as well.

The Fifth Action: Stay Positive

Staying positive is one of the most important actions that you can take throughout your recovery. By keeping a positive attitude you can go achieve anything that you desire.

If you are still in the early stages of recovery and would like to get treatment for a drug or alcohol addiction, please contact The Cabin Chiang Mai today. We can help you to reclaim your life.

Recovery from a drug or alcohol addiction is a lengthy process that will involve ups and downs, strength, determination, and courage. There are numerous techniques and actions that you can take to help you in both early and long term recovery. Some may work for you and others may not. It is important to try various actions and techniques to see what best works for YOU and then continue implementing these into your daily routine. Below are some simple daily actions to keep you going on the right path. Try each one and see what happens.

Early and Long Term Recovery

Early recovery and long term recovery are both completely different; the efforts that you will need to take during these ‘stages’ are therefore also different. If you are in early recovery (1-2 years) from an addiction please see the actions and techniques that are listed below. If you are in long term recovery, you may read through the early actions or move onto part 2 for long term recovery actions.

Daily Actions for Early Recovery

The First Action: Admit that you have a Problem

The very first action to take to boost your recovery is to admit that you have an addiction. You must be able to get past through the ‘gates of denial’ and acknowledge that you are addicted to drugs or alcohol. Sometimes it is hard for people to get help once they have admitted that they have a problem. If this is the case for you, take time often to think about how happy you are when you are high or drunk. You will probably surprise yourself with the answer that you come up with each time. It is likely that you are not happy, even when using. Through this action, you may be able to move onto wanting to get help.

The Second Action: Get Help

Once you have broken down the ‘gates of denial’ try to get help for your addiction. There are various forms of treatment and can range from meetings, therapy a few times a week, or inpatient rehabilitation treatment. What works for one person may not work for you. If you have tried the former options, but they did not work, then try to go to an inpatient rehab. This is a more intense form of treatment and may be exactly what you need.

The Third Action: Friends and Family

It will be nearly impossible to continue to hang out with people, either friends or family, which also drink or use drugs. Putting yourself in these situations will cause you to want to use or you will use. As difficult as it may be for you, try breaking away from anyone using drugs or drinking alcohol. These people will not be able to support the effort you are making with your recovery from an addiction.

The Fourth Action: Work and School

If you are able to work once you have gotten sober, go for it. Working can keep you occupied, help you to feel productive and will give you some sort of income. If you cannot or will not work, then try volunteering.
Going back to school can greatly benefit your recovery. It not only could bring about career advancements, but also will in general teach you new knowledge, and can make you feel great! Seeking out education, especially in early recovery, can do wonders and is highly recommended.

The Fifth Action: Read and Write

To strengthen your recovery, find books, not only addiction and sobriety, but also meditation, positive living, or any other healthy topic that interests you. To fully benefit from reading, write down your thoughts after each chapter; this is a great mental exercise.

Even more beneficial is keeping a daily journal with all of your thoughts. Writing or typing anything and everything that is going on in your daily life can clear your head, relieve stress, and help you both emotionally and mentally.

There are many more actions that you can take to boost your recovery. When you find the right ones, even if they are not listed above, keep going with them, they will only help you. To see what actions are important for a long term recovery, please continue to part 2.

If you have are still working on the first or second action and are ready to get help, contact The Cabin Chiang Mai today. We are here for you.

Drug companies in the United States are on the verge of releasing a powerful new pain killer, known as ‘Zohydro’, to the public as early as this year. Zohydro is nothing but pure hydrocodone, the first of its kind, and is said to be 10 times stronger than Vicodin which is currently the second-most abused drug in the country. Four large pharmaceutical companies have already begun patient testing with one, Zogenix, to begin applying to the FDA in the coming weeks.

Reasons for Zohydro

The manufacturers of Zoyhdro plan to market the powerful drug to those with constant moderate to severe pain. Currently hydrocodone products also contain medications such as acetaminophen which is toxic to the liver. Due to this, patients become limited with how much hydrocodone containing medicine they can take in a 24 hour period. Manufacturers’ state that patients using Zohydro will be able to manage their pain and take larger amounts of the medication without having to worry about any additional complications.

What is Hydrocodone?

Hydrocodone is part of the opiate or opioid family; both of which stem from opium, a naturally occurring drug found in the poppy plant. These include well known drugs such as heroin, morphine, codeine, and methadone. Hydrocodone binds to selective receptors in the brain and spinal cord to produce analgesia. In addition to acting as an analgesic, hydrocodone can induce euphoria and sedation, which makes it popular drug for recreational use, particularly among teenagers, housewives, and the elderly. If the FDA approves the release of Zohydro, and experts agree that they will, this will be the first time patients could legally buy pure hydrocodone.

OxyContin to Zohydro

Many experts are expressing their concern over the possibility of Zohydro becoming the next OxyContin crisis. April Rovero, president of the National Coalition Against Prescription Drug Abuse says “I have a big concern that this could be the next OxyContin …We just don’t need this on the market.” OxyContin was introduced by pharmaceutical giant Purdue Pharma of Stamford, Connecticut in 1995. The painkiller was designed to manage pain by slowly releasing it into the patient’s body through a time released capsule. This was supposed to help prevent abuse and addiction; however, it was quickly realized that the pills could be crushed and snorted; thus bypassing the supposed tamper resistant problem. Since, the manufacturer have made adjustments to the drug; however, abusers and addicts have found many ways to get around these restrictions or have moved onto generic OxyCodone and other opiates that are not time released. OxyContin addiction is one of the primary addictions being treated by rehabilitation facilities throughout the United States. Critics of Zohydro fear that addiction to this drug will be just as common as addiction to OxyContin.

Manufacturers’ VS. Addiction Experts

Zogenix, one of the leading manufacturers, argues that the FDA will implement tight regulations of the medication to prevent abuse. They also say that patients will need to take a visit to their doctor each time they want a refill of their prescription; whereas, hydrocodone-acetaminophen drugs can be refilled multiple times without a doctor’s visit. Andrew Kolodny, president of Physicians for Responsible Opioid Prescribing argues this by stating that “You’ve got a person on your product for life, and a doctor’s got a patient who’s never going to miss an appointment, because if they did and they didn’t get their prescription, they would feel very sick,… It’s a terrific business model, and that’s what these companies want to get in on.”

Addiction experts suggest that abusers will find a way to obtain a prescription for Zohydro, even if they do not have any sort of pain, which will lead to the abuse of the medication. Additionally, just as all other prescription medications, Zohydro will eventually end up on the black market, which in no doubt will be bought by abusers and addicts. Experts also state that because of the effects that Zohydro will produce, users may continue to use, even when it is not necessary. The longer a person consumes the medication, the more of a tolerance they will develop; this means that they will require larger doses to experience the same effects. This is how an addiction develops; once this has happened, the individual will experience withdrawal symptoms when they are not under the influence of Zohydro.

Part of the numerous reasons for concern is likely due to the staggering numbers of deaths, overdoses, and addictions that hydrocodone use is responsible for. In 2011, it was released that the US consumes 99 percent of the world’s hydrocodone and 83 percent of its OxyCodone, according to a 2008 study by the International Narcotics Control Board. Although its future of release is still unknown , the above stats compiled with additional alarming statistics is a justifiable reason for concern for releasing Zohydro.

The abuse and addiction of prescription painkillers is not only on the rise in the United States, but throughout the world. If you or someone you know has an addiction to a painkiller and would like to get help, contact The Cabin Chiang Mai today. We can help you to take back your life.

There are many kinds of options to choose from when seeking treatment for a drug or alcohol addiction. When faced with the decision of choosing a treatment center, many people are unsure of whether or not they should attend an inpatient or outpatient center. Both have their advantages; for example, an outpatient center may be suitable for a person who is unable to leave home and/or work; whereas, a person can focus 100% on their addiction recovery at an inpatient center.

Listed below are some important reasons why one could consider attending an inpatient residential treatment center.

Unsuccessful Previous Treatment

Many people with a drug or alcohol addiction have sought treatment before. Sometimes one may go to meetings or weekly therapy and it is simply not enough; the same may apply to an outpatient treatment center. In these scenarios, an inpatient center may prove to be a better option and give the person a greater chance for a successful recovery.

Round the Clock Care

Inpatient treatment centers will have staff on call throughout the day and night. At any time, a person can reach out to a needed staff member for help or support. More importantly, in instances of alcoholism or certain prescription medication addictions, withdrawal can be especially dangerous. The center will be with these people throughout the process and make sure that everything is going okay. Being monitored by professionals and having the extra support given 24 hours a day 7 days a week can make a huge difference in the recovery process.

Long Term Addiction

Those who have been addicted to drugs or alcohol for a long period of time may require intensive 24 hour care in order to recover. Sometimes an addiction can be so severe, that any other treatment besides an inpatient center is not enough. When this happens to be the situation, a treatment center that offers programs more than 30, or even 60, days can be very useful. Some centers will work with an individual wishing to stay for more than the programs advertised.

Multiple Addictions

Treating persons addicted to more than one drug, with an eating disorder, or any other coinciding problem can be more challenging and require harder work from the individual. These people can greatly benefit from an inpatient center that can work with them on all of their problems while giving them the support and knowledge they need.

Self Harm and Trauma

A large percentage of those with a drug or alcohol addiction have experienced some sort of trauma in their life. Additionally, many may have harmed their self in the past and may, or may not, still threaten to do so. For these individuals, an inpatient treatment center can not only help them with the actual addiction, but also focus on the psychological and emotional effects that the trauma and/or self harm have caused. By treating these elements at the same time, the addiction can be better helped.

A New Environment

For some, a new environment away from family, friends, and familiar surroundings can make a big impact on ones recovery. This period of separation can be a healthy choice which allows the person to enjoy new surroundings, without any kind of outside influence or stress of any kind.

Choosing an inpatient residential treatment center can be an excellent choice for someone wishing to overcome their addiction to drugs or alcohol. Finding the right center may take some time and patience, but with a little effort a center suitable to a person’s own individual needs can be found.

The Cabin Chiang Mai is a residential drug and alcohol rehabilitation center located in the north of Thailand. It is renowned for its unique methods of treating addictions, and the staff customizes each and every persons program to meet their own unique needs.

If you are seeking inpatient residential treatment for a drug or alcohol addiction, feel free to contact us we can help.

Oxi, the latest drug to come out of Brazil; and while it has been familiar to those living in the Amazon area for nearly 2 decades; it is quickly moving out of the basin and into populated areas like Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro. Oxi is gaining more attention as police are now confiscating it in richer areas, where as only a few years ago, it was only the poor who even thought about touching it. Cheap prices, easy availability, and powerful effects are causing an epidemic of users and addicts to rapidly form.

What is Oxi

Oxi, also known as ‘oxidado’ or ‘rust’, is a derivative of cocaine and looks very similar to crack. However, it contains a combination of multiple deadly substances such as kerosene, gasoline, paraffin, quicklime, battery fluid, acetone, cement, and even sulpheric acid. Locals know oxi as ‘the drug of death’ because of its detrimental effects to the body.

Addicts often claim that they were hooked from the very first use with many of them between the age of 19 and 35. However, it is not uncommon for children as young as 12 to be using this drug unaware of the dangerous consequences.

Characteristics of Oxi

Oxi comes in a wide range of colors depending on what chemicals it was made with. The drug resembles a rock and looks nearly identical to crack. Most users smoke oxi in some sort of pipe and sometimes it is added to handmade cigarettes. Some users prefer to crush up the rocks into a powder form and then snort the drug as it can reach the brain even faster.

Effects

The effects from this Brazilian drug are almost instantaneous. The drug causes users to experience a euphoric like feeling combined with a sense of ‘nothing matters’ and ‘anything is possible’. However, these effects are short lived, but extremely powerful, causing the user to want more of it even after only the first use.

Side Effects

The side effects of oxi are absolutely devastating. Users often develop a yellow skin tone and become drastically skinny. Liver and respiratory problems are quick to develop along with stomach aches, frequent vomiting, and cognitive difficulties. One newspaper in Brazil stated that the effects caused by the drug turn users into zombie like living corpses. Because so many of the chemicals used to make oxi are toxic, many addicts die within 12-24 months of continual use.

A Worrying Reality

Brazils oxi is cheap, around 1-3 dollars per rock, and getting the drug is becoming relatively easy almost throughout the country. Officials are calling this new drug an epidemic with no slowing down anywhere in the future. Smoking or snorting oxi is becoming ‘fashionable’ and the ‘thing to do’ on a Friday night, with curious users unaware of the consequences lingering in the shadows. With the surge of people, including middle and upper class users, turning to oxi to escape reality, the future looks grim.

Treatment

Rehabilitation centers in Brazil have been reaching out to those who need help from an addiction to oxi for many years. However, resources are very limited and it is incredibly tough to get users to realize what they are doing to themselves before it is too late.

Family, friends, and those who are struggling with an addiction to Oxi can get treatment and ultimately reclaim their life. It is incredibly important for individuals become aware of this absolutely devastating drug and the effects that can happen as a result of using. Additionally, they should understand that if they or someone they care about has an addiction to it, help is available.

Contact The Cabin Chiang Mai today we can help.

The United States Military is expanding their drug testing programs this year to include prescription medications that are commonly abused such as hydrocodone and benzodiazepines. This effort is being done because prescription drug abuse in the US Military is rising incredibly fast with one Major General stating that “…this trend is reflected in the military services.”

Coming Back Home

The operations led by the US Military put a tremendous amount of strain not only on the active duty personnel, but on also veterans returning home, and their families. The multiple deployments, face to face exposure with combat, physical injuries, loneliness, post traumatic stress disorder, and the several other issues facing these individuals has caused a large percentage of them to seek out prescription drugs as a way to cope. According to a Department of Defense survey, illegal drug use has declined, but prescription drug abuse and alcoholism have dramatically increased. Between 2002 and 2005 prescription abuse doubled and between 2005 and 2008 it tripled; unfortunately there are no signs of it slowing down. Data released from the Pentagon Health Office stated that “military doctors wrote almost 3.8 million prescriptions for pain relief for service members in 2009- four times more than the 866,773 doses handed out in 2001”. Military officials are reporting that prescription drug abuse is much higher on base than outside in the general population with civilians, such as spouses and non-military workers on base, and even children accounting for 5% of abusers and at least 11% of active duty personnel overusing these meds. The USA Today recently published an alarming fact in which “An internal Army investigation report revealed that 25% to 35% of about 10,000 soldiers assigned to special units for the wounded, ill or injured are addicted to drugs.” Substance abuse hospitalizations have raised to at least 250 persons per month in 2009, this number is up from 100 in 2003. Keep in mind that these staggering statistics are only the latest available and it is probably safe to say that the numbers are now higher.

Limiting Prescriptions

The US Military has taken measures to try and prevent further abusers by limiting prescriptions handed out by doctors working at any military hospital. Anyone who has been given a written prescription for any of the commonly abused medications must be routinely reevaluated by a doctor before being given another prescription. Additionally, prescriptions filled at any military hospital for any type of narcotic, opiate, or amphetamines are now only given for 30 days to not only active duty members, but also retirees and civilians such as family members.

Testing and Treatment

Drug testing, through urine samples, for the abused prescription medications will begin in May. Officials are hoping to decrease the numbers that seem to be mirroring the drastic rise in abuse throughout the United States. Those that test positive will be sent to get treatment at a facility; additionally commanders can make recommendations if they believe a person needs help, even if he or she has not tested positive. Disciplinary action may take place to anyone who does not follow the strict rules and regulations that have been put in place. Top officials are encouraging all military personnel who may have a problem with prescription medications to seek treatment at a facility. They say that there will be no punishment for those speaking up and getting help.

The Cabin Chiang Mai is a rehabilitation facility located in northern Thailand and treats those who are addicted to drugs, including prescription medications, and alcohol. We welcome anyone in the US Military, or otherwise, who has a problem and would like to get help. Please contact us today for more information.