Substance abuse and the courts

Everyone who cares knows that abuse of alcohol and other drugs is a social evil of immense proportions. Its victims include the abusers themselves, their families and countless others. Substance abuse is a major factor in most criminal cases that reach our courts. It is a significant factor, too in a high percentage of juvenile proceedings, divorce and child-custody disputes. Problems caused by substance abuse threaten to overwhelm not only the courts but also society itself. As difficult as it is to find the resources for an all-out effort to turn the tide, we must do it. We cannot afford not to. The role of the courts in ending substance abuse is particularly effective when judges, probation officers and counsel are well-informed about drug abuse and it's implications: about how to discover when abuse has been a factor in the events leading up to a particular court case and about the social services, treatment providers and other resources available in the community, that can be offered as an alternative to traditional forms of punishment or denial of privileges. Those that work with individuals afflicted with substance addiction can and will have positive results for the individuals directly involved and for society. I am confident that such cooperative efforts have the potential to redirect the lives of such troubled and unproductive people toward self-esteem, productivity and no further involvement with the courts. That is the mission of the Supreme Judicial Court's Substance Abuse Project - to develop a coordinated, system-wide approach to the problems of substance abuse and to establish a working link between the courts and available community services. No program can expect to be 100 percent successful, but it is clear from the experience of courts in certain states that, if given the opportunity, judges and other court personnel working with professionals in the community can reduce the impact of substance and drug abuse on afflicted individuals and their victims, and on the courts as well. Of course, the traditional and first role of the courts is to arbitrate and resolve disputes. The attention of the courts to law enforcement and to public safety is critical, and must not be compromised. State tax dollars can be saved by a program that would reduce repetitive anti-social behavior, repetitive court proceedings and repetitive incarceration. The courts' use of their unique power to persuade individuals appearing before them to choose the positive benefits of substance abuse treatment and intensive monitoring over mere punishment would be financially, as well as humanely correct.

Over the Counter Substance Abuse

Over the counter substance abuse is a dangerous and growing phenomenon that has persisted in American culture for decades. From the prolific abuse of Robitussin in the 1960's to the use of bath salts today, people have sought out new ways to get high that are often far more dangerous than typical street drugs. However, because not everyone has access to or can afford street drugs, many people have resorted to getting high off whatever they can pick up at their local supermarket or retailer. In fact, the types of seemingly benign products that people are getting high from just might surprise you. *SUDAFED/PSEUDOEPHEDRINE Drugs like Sudafed have been greatly sought after for decades to be used in the manufacture of methamphetamines. When taken in excessive doses the drug acts as a powerful stimulant similar to most types of speed. Recent legislation in the United States has greatly tightened the control of this and similar drugs by the FDA. Most states now have limits on the amount of Sudafed that a person can buy and any attempt to buy more than this amount will raise immediate red flags. *ROBITUSSIN/TUSSIN Robitussin, also referred to as Robotussin, is a powerful expectorant that people have been using to get high since at least the 1960's. While originally meant to reduce coughing, the drug reportedly produces a powerful high that features intense hallucinations. Addiction to Robitussin can occur rapidly because its effects are so powerful €" some users describe a high lasting several days after drinking just one 8 ounce bottle, accompanied by intense cravings for more of the drug. Use of this drug is especially popular among people who are already being treated for another type of drug addiction because it cannot be detected by most traditional methods. *GLADE/INHALANTS Concentrating and inhaling propellants found in products like Glade or even furniture polish produce an intense but very short high lasting only 20 to 30 seconds. However, this practice is extremely dangerous and can result in brain damage and even death from acute pulmonary distress. People who abuse inhalants often place a towel over the top of the dispenser in order to avoid tissue damage from the extreme cold temperature released when concentrating inhalants. Some users have frozen their lips and tongues, requiring surgical removal of dead tissue. *DRAMAMINE Dramamine and drugs like it are meant to reduce instances of nausea and vomiting caused by motion sickness. The drug works to regulate functions in the control and balance center of the brain. But when taken to excess Dramamine can produce vivid hallucinations that can cause the user to act in a bizarre or even dangerous manner. *BATH SALTS Bath salts are powdery substances that are sold for users to place in their bath water for relaxation and entertainment purposes. But when inhaled or smoked these substances produce a high that most users say is extremely unpleasant, but creates nearly immediate urges to use it again and again. These drugs are especially dangerous because they were never intended for human consumption. Several states have already enacted emergency legislation in an effort to develop control protocols. These are just are few of the many over the counter substances that people are using to get high. All of them are just as dangerous as street drugs like heroin and ecstasy, and some are even more dangerous. Ultimately, a drug is a drug and people will constantly seek new and ever more inventive ways to get high. If you or someone you love has developed a problem with an OTC substance, contact a professional now to discuss your options. You're not alone in your addiction - reach out for help and get drug treatment now.

The Best Ways to Approach Substance Abuse Intervention

The best way to approach Substance Abuse Intervention involves following a series of steps to ensure the addict is completely taken care of during the entire process. Following the steps is the best way to approach substance abuse intervention because it will make sure the rehabilitation center, the friends and family intervening, and the addict are all prepared for everything that happens when committing to rehabilitation for any sort of addiction. Contact a Substance Abuse Center. Before any stage of intervention occurs, someone needs to contact a rehabilitation center to get information on the programs and treatments available as well as enrollment requirements. It is best to research several different facilities so you are sure the one you choose will suit the needs of the addict. Three main things to consider are the facilities track record, the cost, and the location of the facility in relation to the addicts ability to leave and find his or her enablers. Consider treatment options. After finding a facility, consider the treatment options available. These options will be presented to you based on your specific needs. Create a plan of action. Someone from the facility will be able to assist you in carefully planning the substance abusive intervention so as to ensure it is done in a safe, healthy, manner. It is important not to attack or ambush the addict in question and to remember this is being done out of love, respect and kindness. Pre-Intervention Meeting. You'll meet with someone from the rehabilitation center and all the others who plan on playing a part in the intervention. This person will discuss how to handle the intervention, and how each person should play a role in it. You'll learn about addiction and how substance abuse can harm the addict and the people around them. Intervention. This is where the plan of action and everything discussed in the pre-intervention meeting will take place. Friends and loved ones will come face-to-face with the addict to let them know the issues and why they believe rehab is best for them. What happens here will greatly impact whether or not a person is willing to go into the program. After the Initial Family Drug Intervention, treatment will begin. Addiction is a life long battle and is never "cured." The family and friends of substance abuse addicts will have to work hard to ensure the addict does not feel attacked, pressured, or punished when the substance abuse intervention takes place. Enlisting a professional to assist with the Intervention Meeting and with the Drug and Alcohol Addiction will ensure the tone and discussion of the intervention is appropriate to avoid these feelings on the part of the addict. The most important thing to remember is to be supportive, because the Drug Abusers brain chemistry has been altered. Though he is responsible for his actions, he wouldn't act that way without the addiction.

Substance Abuse Among Adult College Students

Adult college students often face more challenges than traditional college-age students. Juggling the needs of student life with family and a career increases stress levels and these demands may lead to substance abuse either to escape pressures or to increase academic performance with study drugs. Addressing the issues of increased commitments of class and study time and additional financial burden helps prevent stress from becoming unmanageable and presenting a risk for substance abuse. Lifestyles of Adult Students Often referred to as non-traditional students, adult college students are generally characterized as being 25 years or older while having been out of school for at least 5 years. Challenges faced by adult students often include: *Marriage - Reduction of time and emotional energy for loved ones can increase stress on the relationship. *Career - The adult student is often working a part or full-time job in addition to taking a full course load making it challenging to schedule classes. Several semesters can pass before a specific class needed is offered at a time when the adult student can attend. *Parenthood - Soccer practice, dance lessons, parent/teacher conferences, cooking for 3-5 people, play dates, doctor appointments, and helping the kids with homework - all of this is vastly time-consuming. *Home Ownership - Maintaining a home takes a financial toll as well as a significant time commitment for yard maintenance to home improvement projects and repairs. *Tuition - Many adult students are fully responsible for their tuition bill without help from parents or scholarships. *Relearning how to be a student - Having been out of school for 5 or more years, many adult students are concerned they won't remember what they learned years ago or remember how to: *Study efficiently to make the best use of their limited time *Take notes effectively or *Utilize testing strategies *Self-care - With all of these demands, adult students need time for self-care. Designate ample time to ensure good sleep, family time, exercise and a healthy diet so the mind and body are equipped to manage all of these goals and responsibilities. Risk Factors Risk factors for substance abuse include: € Biological (history of substance abuse in the family), € Psychological (mental health issues such as burnout, depression or anxiety - just to name a few) and € Social (statistically, those with the highest social risk "€¦ include male gender, being between 18 and 44 years of age, Native-American heritage, unmarried€¦, and lower socioeconomic status.") (Roxanne Dryden-Edwards, MD Drug Abuse and Addiction MedicineNet) It is important to remember that a risk factor for one person may not be for another. As an adult student, recognizing any possible increase in risk will help identify substance abuse problems early or prevent them altogether. Substance Abuse as a Coping Mechanism Substance abuse among adult college students is often a sign of burnout. Some attempt to reduce stress by escaping from reality through the use of mind-altering substances like cocaine and heroin or euphoric drugs like alcohol, ecstasy or marijuana. "Chronic heavy users of drugs and alcohol show impairments on tests of executive function." (Encyclopedia of Mental Disorders Executive Function Definition) Executive functioning skills are responsible for planning, organizing and strategic follow through without which productivity and academic performance decline. Others seek performance-enhancing drugs like prescription ADHD medications to enable them to stay awake and focused longer. Often referred to as "study buddies," these stimulant medications are easily available, highly addictive and often abused. The initial effect may help students get through long days and still stay up late studying, but without the supervision of a doctor use can quickly turn into abuse - with potentially devastating results. Severe side effects have been reported when the drugs wear off including: mental confusion, mood swings, insomnia, panic attacks, and depression. Going to college as an adult student is difficult enough without substance abuse as a factor. Take the time as a family to address concerns and develop a strategic plan so that becoming an adult college student is a family goal; not just an individual one. The added financial stress when raising a family and paying a mortgage is best addressed prior to enrolling in school so that an attainable financial plan is in place to reduce the emotional strain of debt. The risk of substance abuse is significantly reduced when the adult student addresses the familial, career and financial stressors in advance of their studies. However, this is not always possible. If you or a loved one is coping with the stress of being an adult student by abusing drugs or alcohol, help is available right now. Call a professional drug rehab where specialists are available any time of day or night to help start you on the path to recovery - and back toward academic success.