A study by Dr. Alan Budney and colleagues at the University of Vermont in Burlington found that marijuana smokers who stop using the drug while in their home environment suffer withdrawal symptoms that appear as severe as those associated with tobacco-smoking.

“Marijuana is generally not considered an addictive drug,” comments Mary Rieser, Executive Director for Narconon Drug Rehab. “Studies and interviews with people who are habitual pot smokers and have come to our drug rehab have shown all the signs of withdrawal: irritability, restlessness, headaches, depression, and cravings for the drug.”

Marijuana use is often described by users as ‘recreational’ and ‘non-addictive’.

These same users will, however, experience withdrawal symptoms when they stop using marijuana, this study shows.

“These findings represent a significant step toward general acceptance of withdrawal as a key aspect of chronic marijuana use,” says Dr. Jag Khalsa of NIDA’s Center on AIDS and Other Medical Consequences of Drug Abuse. Treatment providers may not address the problem of marijuana withdrawal because the condition is not currently included in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition (DSM-IV), the standard reference published by the American Psychiatric Association.

Dr. Budney and his colleagues evaluated withdrawal symptoms in 12 adult marijuana smokers (7 male, 5 female, average age 30 years) over 3-day abstinence periods that followed 5-day periods when participants could smoke marijuana at will.

During the study, participants lived at home and made daily records rating the intensity of withdrawal symptoms (on a scale from 0, “not at all,” to 3, “severe”) over the preceding 24 hours. In addition, each participant designated an observer — a friend or family member who spent at least 2 hours each day with the participant — to provide an independent rating of the participant’s withdrawal symptoms. The participants made daily laboratory visits during which their abstinence was confirmed by urine tests.

During the abstinence periods, participants reported increases in the severity of craving and sleep difficulty, decreased appetite, and increased aggression, anger, and irritability. In addition, participants reported an increase in “strange dreams” during the second abstinence period. Observers reported increased irritability and restlessness among the participants during abstinence.

“We found consistent emotional and behavioral symptoms that increased during abstinence and dramatically decreased when marijuana smoking resumed, suggesting that these types of symptoms are the hallmark of acute marijuana withdrawal,” Dr. Budney says. “The symptoms most closely resembled many of those observed during nicotine withdrawal.”

“Someone suffering from marijuana addiction needs as much help as someone suffering from any other drug addiction,” comments Ms. Rieser. “Get them the help they need.”

*Source: NIDA

Call Narconon Drug Rehab Georgia at 1-800-311-4407 .

Copyright © 2010 Narconon of Georgia Inc. (www.drugsno.com) All rights reserved. Narconon and the Narconon Logo are trademarks and service marks owned by the Association for Better living and Education International and are used with its permission. Narconon of Georgia is a non-profit 501© public benefit corporation.

Holiday Drinking

To ensure a safe and happy New Years, Narconon of Georgia, a non 12-step long term drug rehab, is working to bring in this New Year with the lowest incidence of alcohol related traffic accidents on record through a public awareness campaign that has been ongoing throughout the holidays.

“So we are telling everyone to have a good time this year, but remember a few facts that can protect them and their friends before the party begins,” coments Mary Rieser, Executive Director of Narconon Drug Rehab of Georgia “Sadly enough, there are some New Years predictions that every year prove to be reliable.  One is that more people are likely to die in alcohol-related traffic crashes on New Years Eve than on any other day of the year.

“Many people would be better off to bring in the New Year without the drink and with a resolution to make 2010 alcohol free.  If more knew the facts about alcohol they might opt to watch the Big Apple, rent a movie or make resolutions for the New Year that are sensible and not forgotten in the morning because of a bad hangover.

“Alcohol can affect self control.  It depresses the nervous system and lowers inhibitions. It can cause loss of coordination, poor judgment, slowed reflexes, double vision, loss of memory and possible blackouts, all of which can lead to accidents.

“If there is going to be drinking, make sure there is a designated driver. If you notice anyone at the party slurring their speech or acting inappropriately keep us all safe and help these people to get home safely. Let’s change the predictions this year and make sure that everyone arrives to 2010 alive and well.”

Happy New Year from Narconon Drug Rehab of Georgia Executives and Staff!

Narconon is a non-traditional drug abuse treatment program which was founded in 1967.

Narconon of Georgia was founded in 2001.  While many drug rehab statistics are nebulous, Narconon boasts a 76% success rate (based on a two year follow-up) through a non-12 step drug treatment program.  This program provides body detoxification through a sauna and exercise program that helps eliminate or reduce cravings.  After the sauna program, the client learns those life skills essential to success in life and the ability to stay clean.  They graduate from Narconon with a life plan and continued support to make sure they make it in life.

Brittany Murphy was found dead in her home days before Christmas. While the talented actress was rushed to the hospital, revival efforts failed and she apparently died of heart failure.

Toxicology reports are still forthcoming, but the discovery of prescription drugs at her nightstand raises the possibility that a mix of these drugs may have had a hand in her untimely death.

“Many of these drugs are not only highly addictive, but are deadly if combined,” comments Mary Rieser, Executive Director for Narconon Drug Rehab Georgia. “Many people don’t realize the dangers of prescription drug abuse, and whether her doctors knew she was combining these potentially lethal drugs is a question that should be answered. The drugs found are very powerful, often affecting different parts of the body, often with tragic results.”

Found at Brittany Murphy’s nightstand were, as reported by TMZ:

• Topamax, an anti-seizure medication.
• Klonopin and Ativan, benzodiazepine drugs which are used as ant-anxiety medications.
• Vicoprofen and Hydrocodone, pain medications both similar to heroin and morphine in their pain-relieving (and addictive) properties.
• Fluoxetine, better known as Prozac, a depression medication
• Propranolol, a hypertension medication.

“Ordinarily, this list of drugs would sound quite benign, however a closer look at these drugs reveals this combination of drugs to be quite deadly,” comments Ms. Rieser.

“One side effect of Vicoprofen is hypertension, which would explain the presence of Propranolol to combat this hypertension.

“However, another side effect of Vicoprofen and Hydrocodone, which are powerful pain relievers, is heart palpitations, and mixing these with benzodiazepines such as Klonopin and Ativan has been known to cause heart attacks, heart failure, as well as respiratory distress, pulmonary failure, liver or kidney failure, jaundice, amnesia, seizures, blackouts, and coma. These painkillers have also been known to cause severe drug addiction similar to heroin addiction.”

Many celebrities have succumbed to prescription drug abuse, whether they died of an accidental overdose or used prescription drugs combined with alcohol, or street drugs such as cocaine and heroin, the fact remains that prescription drug abuse is rampant. According to National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), in 2008, 15.2 million Americans age 12 and older had taken a prescription medicine for non-medical purposes at least once in the year prior to being surveyed.

If Brittany Murphy’s toxicology results are positive for drug abuse, she will be the latest in a long line of celebrities, including Michael Jackson, Dana Plato, Keith Moon, Anna Nicole Smith, Elvis Presley, Heath Ledger, DJ AM, Margaux Hemingway, Howard Hughes, and Marilyn Monroe, to name a few, that could not break the habit of abusing pills.

What can we do about this?

“Be aware that prescription drugs, while helpful when used correctly, can also be quite addictive,” comments Mary Rieser of the Narconon Drug Rehab. “Teach children that prescription drugs are dangerous and not to take them unless prescribed by a doctor. Be aware of the signs of drug abuse and get help if someone you know is addicted.

“Be safe in the New Year and get help if needed. No one needs to die from prescription drug overdoses if we look out for one another. “

Holiday Drinking

While many are preparing for the holidays, planning parties, visiting family and friends, one many don’t realize that that extra drink they had may have tragic consequences.

This is a time for merriment, thinking of others, enjoying company. But some thought should also be put in safety, and keeping yourself and others safe.

Narconon of Georgia, a non 12-step long term drug rehab, is working to bring in the Holidays with the lowest incidence of alcohol related traffic accidents on record through a public awareness campaign that has been ongoing throughout the holidays.

Mary Rieser, Executive Director of Narconon Drug Rehab of Georgia, stressed: “Sadly enough, there are some predictions that every year prove to be reliable.  One is that more people are likely to die in alcohol-related traffic crashes during the holidays than on any other day of the year.

“Many people would be better off to bring in the Holidays without the drink and with a resolution to make 2010 alcohol free.  If more knew the facts about alcohol they might opt to watch Dick Clark in the Big Apple, rent a movie or make resolutions for the Holidays that are sensible and not forgotten in the morning because of a bad hangover.

“So we are telling everyone to have a good time this year, but remember a few facts that can protect them and their friends before the party begins.

“Alcohol can affect self control.  It depresses the nervous system and lowers inhibitions. It can cause loss of coordination, poor judgment, slowed reflexes, double vision, loss of memory and possible blackouts, all of which can lead to accidents.

“If there is going to be drinking, make sure there is a designated driver. If you notice anyone at the party slurring their speech or acting inappropriately keep us all safe and help these people to get home safely. Let’s change the predictions this year and make sure that everyone arrives to 2008 alive and well.”

Happy Holidays from Narconon of Georgia Executives and Staff!

Narconon is a non-traditional drug abuse treatment program which was founded in 1967.

Narconon of Georgia was founded in 2001.  While many drug rehab statistics are nebulous, Narconon boasts a 76% success rate (based on a two year follow-up) through a non-12 step drug treatment program.  This program provides body detoxification through a sauna and exercise program that helps eliminate or reduce cravings.  After the sauna program, the client learns those life skills essential to success in life and the ability to stay clean.  They graduate from Narconon with a life plan and continued support to make sure they make it in life.

Valium Addiction

Recently there have been many news stories regarding the abuse of prescription drugs, in many cases benzodiazepines such as Librium, Xanax and Valium.

Benzodiazepines were first marketed in the 1960s. Touted as much safer depressants with far less addiction potential than barbiturates, today these drugs account for about one out of every five prescriptions for controlled substances.

Benzodiazepines are a class of central nervous system depressant drugs commonly prescribed for short-term treatment of anxiety or insomnia.

Proprietary names for drugs in this group include Valium, Xanax, Librium, and Halcion.
Unfortunately, prolonged use can lead to physical dependence even at doses recommended for medical treatment.

“If you are taking Xanax, Klonopin, Valium, or any other benzo, you run the risk of becoming physically and psychologically dependent on them,” comments Mary Rieser, Executive Director for Narconon Drug Rehab in Georgia. “Unfortunately, we see many people who have combined benzo abuse with other drugs, getting so dependent on them that, in many cases, medical withdrawal, under medical supervision, is required.

“The reason this is important is because withdrawing from benzo addiction without proper medical care can be deadly.”

Benzodiazepine Addiction

Although benzodiazepines produce significantly less respiratory depression than barbiturates, it is now recognized that benzodiazepines share many of the undesirable side effects of the barbiturates.

A number of toxic central nervous system effects are seen with chronic high-dose benzodiazepine therapy, including headaches, irritability, confusion, memory impairment and depression. The risk of developing over-sedation, dizziness, and confusion increases substantially with higher doses of benzodiazepines.

Unlike barbiturates, large doses of benzodiazepines are rarely fatal unless combined with other drugs or alcohol.

Xanax Addiction

Although primary abuse of benzodiazepines is well documented, abuse of these drugs usually occurs as part of a pattern of multiple drug abuse. For example, heroin or cocaine abusers will use benzodiazepines and other depressants to augment their “high” or alter the side effects associated with over-stimulation or narcotic withdrawal.

Short-acting benzodiazepines are generally used for patients with sleep-onset insomnia (difficulty falling asleep) without daytime anxiety.

Shorter-acting benzodiazepines used to manage insomnia include estazolam (ProSom®), flurazepam (Dalmane®), temazepam (Restoril®), and triazolam (Halcion®).

Midazolam (Versed®), a short-acting benzodiazepine, is utilized for sedation, anxiety, and amnesia in critical care settings and prior to anesthesia. It is available in the United States as an injectable preparation and as a syrup (primarily for pediatric patients).

Benzodiazepines with a longer duration of action are utilized to treat insomnia in patients with daytime anxiety. These benzodiazepines include alprazolam (Xanax®), chlordiazepoxide (librium®), clorazepate (Tranxene®), diazepam (Valium®), halazepam (Paxipam®), lorzepam (Ativan®), oxazepam (Serax®), prazepam (Centrax®), and quazepam (Doral®). Clonazepam (Klonopin®), diazepam, and clorazepate are also used as anticonvulsants.

Source: DEA.gov

“Be aware that benzodiazepines are addictive, and abuse can be deadly. Get help with benzo addiction by calling us.”

For more information on drug addiction rehabilitation or drug education, call Narconon Drug Rehab Georgia at 1-800-311-4407

One common characteristic of parents who send their children to drug rehab is that many of them did not realize the extent of the drug abuse. Many were completely caught off guard until it was almost too late.

Signs of Drug Abuse

“We want to educate people on the signs of drug abuse so that they can be aware of the consequences in people around them,” comments Mary Rieser, Executive Director for Narconon Drug Rehab. “Too many people are completely taken by surprise when their relative finally admits to drug addiction, and often tell us that if they had known the signs of drug abuse they could have prevented a disaster.

“Unfortunately many signs of drug abuse are easily explained away, and many people are taken in by these ‘explanations’. Don’t be fooled! If you suspect someone is using drugs, get them help. Drug addiction can be resolved, and families can be spared the agony of trying to deal with someone addicted to drugs.”

The new page, “Recognize Signs of Drug Abuse”, has been re-vamped to easily see what the signs are and what drug these are caused by.

Included are:

• Signs of Alcohol Abuse
• Signs of Prescription Drug Abuse
• Signs of Cocaine Abuse
• Signs of Methamphetamine Abuse
• Signs of Opiate (Heroin. OxyContin, Percocet) Abuse,
• Signs of Marijuana Abuse
• Signs of Hallucinogen (LSD, Mushroom) Abuse

“Prevention is key in dealing with drug abuse and drug prevention,” comments Ms. Rieser. “We feel the more people know about drugs and can get the help they need many lives can be saved.”

For more information on drug addiction rehab, drug abuse, or drug education, call Narconon Drug Rehab of Georgia at 1-800-311-4407.

Narconon of Georgia, a long term drug treatment center, helps those in the drug rehab program as well as those not in the program.

Narconon Graduate Success

The drug rehab graduates, upon completing the program, often find that they want to help others who have been in the same situation they were once in. One group, started in South Carolina by DJ, who graduated the Narconon Drug Rehab Georgia drug  program three years ago, helps friends and family by counseling them and even giving talks to school children about the dangers of drug addiction.

The Narconon methodology encourages those who graduate to help others, D.J., the father of two, operates a successful car dealership and is a custom car builder.  Helping others is a passion he has, and none of this would have been possible without the help of Narconon and the support he had from friends and family to kick his methamphamine addiction once and for all.

D.J. describes his drug addiction and recovery through the Narconon Drug Rehab located in Georgia:

“From the time I was 25 in (2001) until I went to Narconon of Georgia I had a strong methamphetamine addiction.  A friend of mine in the same industry had become addicted and quit the car industry and was dealing dope. He eventually found Narconon of Georgia. He called me several times when he was in Narconon and told me how the Narconon Sauna and Exercise Program was helping him get his energy back. At first, I did not want to hear about it – I was not ready to quit. In my heart, when I looked at him, I knew that Narconon worked.

“I started a group with other Narconon of Georgia graduates in my area It started out with 2 of us. Within a few months we have grown to a group of 5. We are all doing very well and are support for each other. Surrounding myself with these good people who have done the Narconon program was the first step to staying clean.

“When I meet someone on drugs, I most definitely refer them to Narconon.

“You can’t put a price on someone’s life. Narconon gave my life back. I have done things that I did not do for 5 years, like go to the beach and go to Las Vegas. Now that I am clean, I can enjoy my children. Words cannot describe what it means to get my life back and do these things.”

Narconon invites graduates from any program to join our new support group.  Call 1-877-413-3073 for more details.

Narconon is a non-traditional drug abuse treatment program which was founded in 1967.

Narconon of Georgia was founded in 2001.  While many drug rehab statistics are nebulous, Narconon boasts a 76% success rate (based on a two year follow-up) through a non-12 step drug treatment program.  This program provides body detoxification through a sauna and exercise program that helps eliminate or reduce cravings.  After the sauna program, the client learns those life skills essential to success in life and the ability to stay clean.  They graduate from Narconon with a life plan and continued support to make sure they make it in life.

Drug Addicted Orphans

Addicted Street Children Helped

There are sixteen million children living on the streets in Latin America.  They have been orphaned, abandoned or have fled from violent and exploitive situations.    Many of these children are addicted to glue.  The glue stops them from getting hungry.  For a brief time after inhaling glue, the children actually feel no hunger, no cold and no discomfort.  When the period passes they crave more glue and take it with severe health and mental damage.

As a long term non traditional drug treatment center, Narconon of Georgia was approached three years ago by this organization, looking for solutions to the growing epidemic of street orphans addicted to glue.

The orphanage in Honduras took many street children in, only to find that they would run away, back to the streets, to feed their drug addiction.  The safety and comfort of the orphanage were not stronger than the addiction to the glue and the orphanage personnel searched for solutions.

After being contacted by a local Atlanta synagogue, working with the orphanage, Narconon of Georgia helped to establish the Narconon New Life Detoxification Program in Honduras.  They assisted in everything from getting donations of nutrients, a sauna stove and funding.   Staff from the orphanage trained in Narconon of Georgia.  Once trained, Narconon of Georgia staff has continued returning on a yearly back to Honduras to ensure proper implementation of the program.

Sauna Detoxification, Addicted Street Kids

Almost 100 children have successfully completed the Narconon New Life Detoxification and the orphanage staff reports that there are fewer runaways as the body detoxification process is reducing the drug cravings.

The Executive Director of Narconon stated in a recent interview, “I am proud of Narconon’s contribution to these children.  If all of us took a little piece of the world and worked to make it better, in no time at all this world could be a beautiful place.”

Narconon is a non-traditional drug abuse treatment program which was founded in 1967.

Narconon of Georgia was founded in 2001.  While many drug rehab statistics are nebulous, Narconon boasts a 76% success rate (based on a two year follow-up) through a non-12 step drug treatment program.  This program provides body detoxification through a sauna and exercise program that helps eliminate or reduce cravings.  After the sauna program, the client learns those life skills essential to success in life and the ability to stay clean.  They graduate from Narconon with a life plan and continued support to make sure they make it in life.

Street Kid at Orphanage

Drug education does not normally play a part in spiritual; salvation, yet more and more clergy are finding out that sometimes drug education to parishioners is needed to keep them coming back to church.

Gordy Weinand

“Many clergy from denominations of churches have come to us for drug education,” comments Mary Rieser, Executive Director for Narconon Drug Rehab of Georgia. “Many find that if they do not help in keeping younger parishioners from drug abuse, they often stop coming to church.”

Narconon of Georgia, a long term drug treatment center, announced its commitment of continued support for the worthy causes of the local Methodist Church, Catholic Church, Concerned Black Clergy, and Baptist Church in the upcoming year,

“The only way we will combat the rising tide of gang violence, drug trade and drug abuse in our communities is by helping our children become educated on what drugs are and how they ruin young lives.” stated Gordy Weinand, Public Relations for Narconon Drug Rehab Georgia. “Without the proper role models and guidance, the future for these children looks bleak.”

Coordinating with the local churches, Narconon Drug Rehab of Georgia, a non-12 step addiction recovery center, has provided drug education, support and mentorship to children across Atlanta. Mary Rieser, executive director of Narconon stated, “This is one business where you would prefer to think that you won’t have a lot of customers in the future.   Every kid we educate now, means one kid that we will not see arriving for drug abuse treatment in the future.”

Ms. Rieser went on to say, “Let’s get real – the war on drugs isn’t working.  As a society we must decide where to put our resources in order to effectively deal with addiction. Education and increased awareness of the drug problem, along with effective drug abuse treatment are the only way we can deal with this problem. We want those who are on drugs to know that there is hope.  For those who are not using drugs, we intend to send the message – ‘Don’t start.  Life is hell for the drug addict.’”

Successful Graduate

Atlanta, GA, Nov. 18, 2009 A Narconon Drug Rehab graduate will be enjoying time with his family- a family, which, for three years, didn’t know if he was alive or dead.

Michael, a likable, happy, outgoing construction supervisor, had fallen to prescription drug addiction, cutting all ties with family and friends.

For the past three holiday seasons Michael’s family did not even know he was dead or alive. They spent holiday time with family and friends, pretending to be happy and telling others that Michael was off doing construction jobs. In their hearts, they felt that he was dead.

They dreaded when the phone rang at night, expecting the worst. They called police departments and hospitals throughout the country to no avail. Even the private detective came up with no leads. The trail was cold.

But Michael’s parents continued to send emails to his e-mail address. As his mother told counselors at Narconon Drug Rehab of Georgia: “Even though we did not know if he was getting the emails we would write and say how much we missed him and give him news about the family. We told him how much we loved him and how much we cared and begged him to just let us know if he was alive.” But there was no word.

Meanwhile, Michael was busy trying to feed his drug addiction, which had led him to darker places than he ever believed he would visit. He was too ashamed to call his family and describes himself as “out of my mind with Oxycontin and Xanax. My goal was to become comatose.”

One day Michael’s father e-mailed to tell him that his grandmother was dying. The doctors said there was no physical reason why she should still be alive, but felt she was hanging on, out of concern for her grandson. More than any other family member, Michael’s grandmother had a sense that he would someday come home.

To their surprise, they got an e-mail from him asking for help. He had taken so much Oxycontin and Xanax that he was sick and fearful he would be dead before they got word. He was tired of living but something inside told him to not give up yet. His last hope was that his family would listen to his pleas.

Overjoyed, Michael’s mother spent 13 hours on the computer looking for the right addiction treatment center for her son. “Of all the places that I called, Narconon of Georgia was the first to get back to me. The intake counselor even offered to go pick my son up in another city. We chose this program because of its success rate and the caring attitude of the staff.”

The next day her son arrived at Narconon drug rehab, and months of hard work found him recently graduating his drug addiction recovery program.

For the first time in years, Michael is going to be with his family over the holidays.

His mother says, “It is so great to have the old Michael back. He is very thankful for the help he received from us. He has a sense of humor and looks us in the eye. I have always known there is so much good in Michael.”

His father adds, “In the past years I would cover up for Michael. I would say he was off doing construction, but my friends really knew something was wrong.

“Now I am proud to describe what he has accomplished by going through Narconon Drug Rehab of Georgia. What he did in the past may have been an embarrassment to him, but when I look at him today I am proud of what he has accomplished and how the Narconon program has helped him so much in such a short amount of time. His whole life is going to be turned around now – he has a whole lifetime facing him. His whole future is there. He is ready to face the world.

Christmas has already happened for us.”

Contact Mary Rieser, Executive Director of Narconon Drug Rehab Georgia at 1-800-311-4407 or narcononofga@yahoo.com.

Original Article
www.drugsno.com