Over the Counter Drug Abuse and Teens

There is a growing concern in regards to over the counter drug abuse among teenagers. Statistics show that drug abuse of over the counter drugs are actually a lot higher in teenagers than any other age group. Pain relievers, tranquilizers, stimulants, and depressants are among the most abused over-the-counter drugs. Many teens find “recipes” on-line for mixing OTC drugs to produce euphoric effects.

According to statistics, 15% of high school seniors alone abuse some type of over-the-counter drug. Many people that are not even in high school abuse these drugs. It is sad to see how many people develop an addiction to OTC drugs alone. It doesn’t take long for a person to become addicted because they are highly available and easily accessible. It only takes a couple of uses before a person can begin to develop some type of a dependency.

A Forever Recovery can help lower the over the counter drug abuse statistics

At A Forever Recovery Battle Creek, we evaluate all of our clients so we know exactly how to treat them. Everyone is different, therefore we work to determine a treatment program for each individual person that will best suit their needs and preferences. This ensures the effectiveness of the treatment program.

Over-the-counter drug abuse statistics have increased over the years, but we offer the best care possible for anyone suffering from these addictions. For more over-the-counter drug abuse statistics or for help getting off of these drugs call today and speak with a professional at A Forever Recovery.

Using Laxatives to Lose Weight

Sometimes used as a dietary supplement, laxatives will ensure that foods that were recently consumed flow out of the body at a faster rate. While this prevents the fats and such from absorbing into the body, it also prevents proper absorption of nutrients one needs from the food as well. While some have a neurological disorder for eating, laxatives are often used by those suffering from bulimia.

Many people discover by using laxatives to lose weight is much quicker than traditional methods of dieting. The problem with that is they become hooked on the feeling of having full control over the weight of their body. However, this can become an issue when the body is starved of vital nutrients due to an extreme need to become thin in a quick manner. Many women and men struggle with this problem each day, and often need professional help to stop the habits of using laxatives to lose weight.

Laxative Suppositories

Laxative suppositories are used to treat constipation or impaction, to cleanse the rectum or lower intestine preparatory to a rectal examination, or to remove feces in order to prevent contamination prior to a surgical procedure. To be effective, the suppository should be inserted into the rectum of the individual who at the time should be lying on his or her left side. Those who are being administered a suppository should have their left knee slightly bent or straight and their right knee raised to the chest level. After insertion, the client should remain in that position for approximately 15 minutes.

Once inserted, laxative suppositories will begin to melt which will release the medication. This will in turn stimulate the nerve endings in the rectum and colon walls, leading to their contraction. This process, which is known as peristalsis, breaks up and moves any impacted fecal matter through the intestine. One can usually expect to have a bowel movement within 15 to 30 minutes after insertion of the suppository.

Laxative suppositories should not be used when the individual is experiencing severe stomach pains or may have appendicitis, suffers from such bowel diseases as colitis, or women who are pregnant or nursing. Nor should they be used in cases of persistent constipation. They can provide relief in cases of temporary constipation, but extended use can cause physical damage to the lower digestive tract. Among the side effects of laxative suppositories are diarrhea, dehydration, rectal irritation and nausea.

Laxative Side Effects

When dealing with constipation, some laxatives side effects can possibly create a worse problem. If not taken with care, laxatives can be quite dangerous for a person in the long run. These medical aids are not meant to be used on a regular basis, but as for treatment against bowel related difficulties. Even with this danger being present, many will still use laxatives as a dietary means.

Sometimes used as a dietary supplement, laxatives will ensure that foods that were recently consumed flow out of the body at a faster rate. While this prevents the fats and such from absorbing into the body, it also prevents proper absorption of nutrients one needs from the food as well. While some have a neurological disorder for eating, laxatives are often used by those suffering from bulimia.

While some of the minor side effects consist of nausea, diarrhea, and gas, other more major effects can lead to dizziness, confusion, and even respiratory difficulties. Excessive use can also cause kidney failure if not monitored. One needs to be aware of any side effects they may encounter, because abusing this medical aid could prove to be harmful.

Getting Professional Help

Laxatives are often abused with overuse and the user can form a dependency on it. Long-term use may cause nerve damage to the colon, which leads to an inability for the colon to contract. An overdose, when left untreated, can lead to organ failure and dehydration. This is why it is important to seek professional help.

Here at A Forever Recovery residential facility we have a staff that is trained to handle any circumstance, and can help train your body to get back to the healthy state that it once was. We ensure that high quality treatment is extended to all our clients, including those addicted to laxatives. This also underlies the importance of understanding exactly how laxative abuse can be professionally treated.

If you are interested in learning more about our residential recovery program or simply need some advice, feel free to call A Forever Recovery and we will be happy to answer any questions that you may have. Remember, the first step towards feeling better is to want to change and to actively seek out the professional treatment that is needed.

Simply put, diuretics are water pills and they treat a variety of conditions. There are several types of diuretics, but they all increase the amount of water eliminated from the body through urination.

What are diuretics used for?

• High blood pressure
• Kidney disease
• Heart failure
• Cirrhosis of the liver
• Kidney stones

When considering use of diuretics, you need to know that there are three types of diuretics: thiazide, loop and potassium-sparing.

• Thiazides are used to reduce blood pressure or to treat heart failure. Examples of these are Esidrix or Zaroyolyn.
• Loop diuretics such as Lasix or Bumex are prescribed for patients with congestive heart failure. They are highly effective   in an emergency situation but will not markedly reduce high blood pressure.
• Potassium sparing diuretics are often coupled with the other two types of diuretics. These assist in aiding your body in retaining potassium. It is often used in clients who diagnosed with congestive heart failure. Examples are Aldactone and   Dyrenium.

When considering diuretics, their side effects should also be taken into account.

• Frequent urination
• Abnormal heart rhythm
• Abnormal electrolyte readings
• Muscle cramps
• Dizziness
• Blurred vision
• Dehydration
• Skin rash
• Fever, sore throat, cough
• Loss of appetite and nausea

Diuretics are sulfa drugs. Many individuals are allergic to sulfa. Make sure your physician knows this before taking any diuretics. Everyone should work with their physician to ensure they are taking the most effective medication for their condition. If any of the above conditions persist, a physician should be consulted.

If you need more information regarding Diuretics, our knowledgeable staff at A Forever Recovery will be happy to answer your questions.

What is a diuretic? A diuretic is a medicine that stimulates and increases urine flow and volume, and results in cleansing the system of toxins and waste. You should also know that diuretics can be used to treat or prevent serious conditions such as liver cirrhosis, hypertension, heart failure, and some types of kidney diseases. Edema can occur when the body retains fluid, and may be treated with a diuretic.

What is diuretic abuse?

Diuretics have been abused in attempts to lose weight.  Often, a person begins using diuretics to lose a few pounds, and then when they stop the diuretic the weight comes back, so they repeat the process.  Others will mistakenly believe that the more diuretics they take, the more weight they will lose.  This type of abuse can lead to serious complications for the user.

What are the different types of diuretics?

There are high ceiling loop diuretics, thiazides, carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, potassium sparing diuretics, calcium sparing diuretics, osmotic diuretics, and low ceiling diuretics. All of these require a doctor’s prescription due to the seriousness of side effects. Aquaretics are natural diuretics, namely the herbs goldenrod and juniper, and these herbs will increase blood flow to the kidneys.  Other natural diuretics (also known as aquaretics) include fruits and vegetables which contain larger amounts of water such as cucumbers, watermelon, and strawberries.

Now that you know the definition, types, usefulness, and even the dangers of using a diuretic, you can feel confident in your choice in treatment at A Forever Recovery and no longer need to feel confused or ask yourself “what is a diuretic?”

Often people, who suffer with eating disorders including anorexia and bulimia, may also have a compulsion to get involved with diuretic abuse in an effort to further increase their control over their weight. Diuretics work by increasing the need to urinate and thereby eliminate water from the body, and are available both over the counter and with a prescription. Generally, diuretics are used by menstruating women to prevent bloating. In small quantities they may be prescribed to treat heart, liver, and kidney conditions as well as high blood pressure. However, overuse will actually cause the body to retain water as the body tries to prepare for and prevent dehydration, often causing swelling.

How diuretic abuse affects the body

People who suffer with diuretic abuse generally have deluded themselves into believing that by consuming the diuretic they are losing weight because of the quickly occurring changes that they may observe in their bodies. Over time, users often increase the amount of diuretics consumed in an effort to increase the amounts of weight loss; however, as they become increasingly tolerant of the drugs, they will put more strain on their vital organs.

Treatment of diuretic abuse

Often, those who are abusing diuretics may also abuse laxatives and other diet pills in efforts to try and continue their trend of weight loss. By overusing diuretics, too much water can be removed and vital body systems will cease functioning properly causing heart and kidney problems, headaches, and dizziness among other symptoms, and if left untreated for a significant amount of time, may result in death. Diuretic abuse is often treated in the same way as other types of drug abuse, using an inpatient program and under the direction of a doctor.

Information regarding the dangers of diuretic abuse and the common misinformation regarding its abilities to assist in weight loss and other essential components are available at A Forever Recovery.

Over the counter drug abuse is a difficult problem for individuals to recognize. Society infers messages that if pills or syrups are available on the retailer shelves, they are safe. People can find themselves in terrible trouble by innocently buying relief for colds or backaches. Although one may follow directions written on the package, the physical pain may cause them to use more products until the body and mind are dependent on the active ingredient.

The goal may not be intentional or recreational that leads to dependency, but unsupervised treatment of minor ailments which do not improve may cause consumers to take excessive doses to achieve relief. In a matter of days, the body may need increased amounts due to tolerance and a vicious cycle begins, damage is done, and stopping is virtually impossible due to physical withdrawal, unclear thinking, and the ability to legally purchase more.

Creating a deadly mixture with over the counter drug abuse

Other instances of over the counter drug abuse occur when someone knowingly puts together a mixture of the addictive ingredients in these drugs for the purpose of recreational use to experience euphoric feelings. Many of these drugs are time-release formulas that can give the abuser a full day’s dose all at one time, and this can be life-threatening.

Advertisements and deregulation of harmful substances increase vulnerability to over the counter drug abuse by claiming immediate relief without a doctor’s supervision. Allowing easy access to chemicals disguised as a remedy to alleviate one problem easily sets up the possibility of encountering a much more life-threatening disease. However, professional help and support in a safe setting, such as our inpatient rehabilitation center, can put a stop to all of this.

Many people do not realize it, but over the counter abuse are drugs that can be purchased easily just as Illegal Street drugs can. Medications such as cold medicines can produce the “high” feeling associated with illegal drug use, especially if taken in ways other than as directed. For this reason, over the counter abuseis probably much more common than most people realize.

Over the counter abuse can cause paranoia

Someone who is addicted to over the counter medications may experience irritability and paranoia, may appear preoccupied, and may have difficulty concentrating. These symptoms can mimic the exact symptoms of someone who is addicted to illegal drugs, and may have some of the same devastating effects. This is why over the counter abuse should be treated as any other type of drug abuse, and should be taken just as seriously.

Treating over the counter abuse

Help is available for all drug addicted persons, whether it is over the counter abuse, or any other drug that they may be addicted to. Our drug treatment facility will focus on you and help you realize that you are not alone. We have specialized programs to help each of our clients to face their addiction, and then to receive help in overcoming the addiction. Depending on the severity of the addiction, the client may come in on an outpatient basis, or they can stay at our comfortable and beautiful facilities. The client will be treated as a human being that needs help, not as an outcast or someone who doesn’t deserve compassion.

We realize that no one chooses to be addicted to drugs, and that the addiction is no more than a sickness which can be cured with the right treatments. Our goal at A Forever Recovery is to help our clients deal with over the counter abuse of drugs, and help them to live normal and productive lives.

Stop over the counter drug abuse

Our mission is making the physical pain subside for clients while providing coping skills and knowledge needed to remain drug-free in the outside world.  Initially, a supportive inpatient environment, alleviating all other distractions is essential in beating over the counter drug abuse. Seek help today at A Forever Recovery if you are having trouble with stopping over the counter abuse.

Use of an over the counter inhaler as an aid for wheezing and other asthmatic symptoms was first marketed in the United States in the 1960′s. Since that time, the use of these inhalers has been an effective treatment for those suffering from mild and intermittent asthma, although their use has become increasingly controversial. Inappropriate use of these inhalers has been associated with adverse reactions, some of which have been fatal.

Misuse of over the counter inhaler

The over the counter inhaler is often misused by those who attempt to self-diagnose their breathing problems rather than seek professional medical attention. Often persons will assume they are suffering from asthmatic symptoms when, in actuality, they do not meet the diagnostic criterion for such a disorder.

These epinephrine and ephedrine inhalers act by relaxing muscles of the airways to allow air to more easily flow in and out of the lungs. Chronic use of these over the counter inhalers can produce tolerance, which results in less effectiveness.

Be sure to read the label on over the counter inhaler

The labels on epinephrine inhalers fail to accurately educate the user on appropriate use, present the potential risks when using, nor adequately encourage the user to seek medical attention for continuing symptoms. According to The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) guidelines, the over the counter inhaler should only be used when a physician is aware of the patient’s medical condition and has approved their use. It is likely the ease of obtaining the over the counter inhaler and the lack of appropriate labeling of these products contributes to continuing self-diagnosis and their misuse.

If you would like more information on the misuse and abuse of over the counter inhaler; A Forever Recovery can give more information.

One of our main goals at the rehab is to present our clients with over the counter drug abuse facts to help them understand the seriousness of their addiction. By informing them of the side effects and the damage it can do to their body, they will start to realize how deadly these drugs can become. We like to discuss these issues with our clients as they are entering the program to ensure us that they know why they are here at our facility. After our staff has had the chance to evaluate a new client and express to them the facts on drug abuse, they will start the detox part of their program here at the rehab.

Over the counter drug abuse facts help you to understand the problem more

During detox an individual will have time to rid substances from their body, reflect on their past, and rethink the over the counter drug abuse facts we provided them. After they have completed detox, they will enter the program that we found most suitable for them. In their program they will learn more about drug abuse and its after-effects over the years. They will also come to grips with the people they have hurt throughout their addiction and learn how to make amends.

For more information about over the counter drug abuse facts

When a client leaves our program they will have full knowledge of what triggers are and how to avoid them, what addiction can do to their body, how drugs affect relationships, and tips to staying sober. Going back into the community is a difficult task, but with the help from our staff, their support system, and themselves they will have all the knowledge it takes to live a happy, sober life. Over the counter drug abuse facts are very important for each and every individual to know. Call today for more over the counter drug abuse facts at A Forever Recovery.

Unknown by many people, addiction to over the counter decongestants grows every day, and a continuing addiction to over the counter decongestants can have disastrous results on an addict’s nose. Addiction to over the counter decongestants can cause breathing to become severely constricted if use continues for an extended amount of time.

Addiction to over the counter decongestants such as nasal spray

What causes nasal spray addiction? When a nasal spray is continuously used, the medication will seem to diminish in effectiveness. As the person uses more of the spray, blood vessels in the nose get bigger so they can bring more essential nutrients to the nasal lining. This increased size of the blood vessels results in severe nasal congestion. This is known as the rebound effect, because the addict will continue treating the congestion with nasal spray, causing the negative effects to worsen.

Compulsive users of an over the counter decongestant becomes addicted to the nasal spray because they are seeking temporary relief from the ongoing congestion. Ultimately, the individual may find themselves spraying their nose every few hours, or more often than that. If the ongoing use continues for over a couple of months the individual’s nose will eventually undergo some sort of deformity. Some of the physical damages that can occur are septal perforation and saddle-nose deformity.

Addiction to over the counter decongestants can be treated

As with any other addictive drug, there will be a withdrawal process that an addict will experience. Some symptoms of the withdrawals are extreme nasal congestion and obstruction which will, unfortunately, last for a couple of months. Thankfully though, compared to other drugs, once the addiction is gone the effects of that addiction will revert back to a more normal state.  Our inpatient rehab center at A Forever Recovery can help people who have an addiction to over the counter decongestants.

Alcohol treatment is how we refer to the programs that treat the alcohol addicted in order to bring them into an alcohol free state. This type of treatment will provide the alcohol addict a safe and comfortable environment free of any alcohol.

Alcohol treatment programs

Our programs for alcohol treatment will include a detoxification period where abstaining from any type or form of alcohol is necessary. Withdrawal from alcohol can have many physical and psychological effects, and is not easy to do without experienced medical attention. Unfortunately, many who think they can quit drinking stand in denial of how much the addiction has taken over. They only quit temporarily, and relapse quickly.

In our facilities, alcohol treatment will follow a supervised program that incorporates medical professionals, counseling, and behavioral therapies to ensure our clients a complete recovery. Anyone who wants to quit drinking should realize they can accomplish it in a safe and monitored environment, especially with our professionals helping every step of the way. Our facilities are poised to deliver results for our clients.

Encouragement to begin alcohol treatment

Alcohol addiction is ruining millions of lives as we speak, and the only real help will come through rehabilitation. Since alcoholism leads to the alcohol dependence syndrome, or alcohol dementia, which severely damages memory and cognitive thinking, we hope that if you know someone who may be in this stage of alcoholism that you realize that they may not know they need help, so encourage them. You may be saving their life.

Alcohol long term abuse can devastate someone’s life, and some of the effects may be irreversible. It is always a good idea to encourage someone to get treatment. Alcohol treatment programs at A Forever Recovery facilities are designed to restore you to a recovered state.