Tom Sizemore: Another Drug Video Released

Back in the early weeks of January 2014, Tom Sizemore, star of the hit movie “Saving Private Ryan” and others, was captured using drugs in a video released to various celebrity gossip websites.  A second video of the trouble actor has now emerged and in it, he is allegedly seen smoking drugs.

The actor is wearing a blue t-shirt in the second video, as he lights a suspicious looking glass pipe.  Through grainy, the clip clearly shows Sizemore abusing drugs, which could likely be crystal methamphetamine or heroin, because these are the actor’s two favorite drugs of choice.  A source close to the actor revealed to Radar Online the actor was smoking “crystal methamphetamine in a booze and drug binge.”

The second video is supposed to have been recorded earlier this year, when the actor was filming his latest movie in Connecticut.  A friend witnessed Sizemore inhaling the drug in a hotel room in Manchester, Connecticut and told Radar Online, “he was partying hard.  He’s clearly fallen off the wagon.  I arrived at the hotel room around 10 p.m. He was still partying when I left around 4 a.m. the next morning.”

Recently, the actor released his memoir “By Some Miracle I Made it Out of There” in which he chronicled his substance abuse battle and his journey to recovery.  Sizemore was candid about his drug problems and described his moment of clarity.  He says it came after smoking an incredibly large amount of crystal methamphetamine.  He admitted to building up such a tolerance to the drug that it became ineffective.  Disappointed with himself, he looked in the mirror and finally saw the things that were terrifying him.

He called his friend Bob Forrest from “Celebrity Rehab,” and asked him and Dr. Drew Pinsky for help.  Sizemore appeared on the third season of the VH1 show and then the subsequent spin off “Sober House.” He admitted doing the show for money and felt his chemical dependence was related to the trappings of his successful Hollywood career.

At one point, the actor was so despondent and alone, he attempted suicide.  He took an overdose of anxiety medication and admitted he wanted to die and the suicide attempt was not just a ploy for attention or a cry for help.  Sizemore did not want to live anymore.

Sizemore has been on a downward spiral for a number of years and he has become clean and relapsed more times than one can count.  In 2007 and 2009, he was arrested on drug-related charges.  This most recent fall back into substance abuse is especially troubling, because the actor recently denied he had relapsed and said he was still clean.

An eyewitness to the video stated “I walked into a complete mess.  I could not believe it.  When I showed up there, there was a woman in the room.  She was a mess and telling everyone she needs money for drugs and needed needles.  Tom eventually kicked her out of the room.”  The most recent video is just under a minute long and shows Sizemore clutching the drug as he lights it up a number of times and inhales it on three separate occasions.

Tom Sizemore is just one of many Hollywood actors who has a troubled past and is plagued with addiction issues.  In the past the actor has been very boastful about his ability to fool the world and hide his substance abuse, but the camera does not lie.  Once a person falls into the pit of substance abuse it can be very difficult to get out, but Sizemore has done it once and he can do it again, if only he would see the truth of the situation before it is too late.

More about Tom Sizemore

Video 

Leonardo DiCaprio’s Step-Brother Arrested for Drug Possession & Harassment

The step-brother of popular Hollywood A-list actor Leonardo DiCaprio has been arrested for drug possession and harassment charges.  Adam Farrar, 43, was arrested in Texas on drug possession, harassment and stolen property charges last Friday.  Farrar was arrested in Collin County on three outstanding warrants out of LA.

When Farrar tried to visit his girlfriend and mother of his daughter, Charity Moore, 38, who was arrested for misdemeanor drug charges on January 20^th, he was picked up.  Collin County Sheriff’s Lt. John Norton stated, “Moore was in jail, and he came to visit her.  He came to the facility for visitation and we arrested him.”

Mr. Farrar and Ms. Moore’s six year old daughter Normandie Farrar has been allegedly abducted by a family member and has now been declared missing. Farrar is accused of concealing a missing child, according to the L.A. P.D. and the Department of Justice.  The child was living in Dallas, Texas at least up until the time her father was arrested but she cannot currently be located.

Radar Online alleges since both the child’s parents are locked up the DiCaprio family has no idea where Normandie might be and are very concerned about her.  Last Tuesday night the tabloid contacted Don Moore, Charity Moore’s father and he stated the child was fine.  Mr. Moore said, “This is all so bizarre. If it was anybody’s business what’s going on, we would tell it.  I can tell you that Normandie’s safe and that’s all I’m going to tell you. She’s beautiful and she’s not missing.  She was with her mother and where she is now is nobody’s business.”

The step-brothers grew up together in South California after DiCaprio’s father George married Farrar’s mother.  It has been said, Farrar, the star of the 1980’s show “Battlestar Galactica,” is credited with inspiring Leonardo to get into acting.  Farrar and DiCaprio used to be very close but in recent years have had no contact because of a bitter family falling out and at the time of the news about his step-brothers arrest, Leonardo’s camp has had no comment.

Leonardo Dicaprio's step brother gets busted on drug possession charge

Leonardo's niece reported missing

Photographs Normadie Farrar, her father Adam Farrar, and Leonardo DiCaprio

Does Justin Bieber have a $5000 per week Marijuana habit?

After being arrested last week for DUI, resisting arrest and drag racing in Miami, Florida, Justin Bieber has been a hot topic all over the internet.  His fans and management are concerned about the singer’s well-being and it is rumored an intervention is in the works.  However, behind the scenes, sources close to the situation are of the belief the young star is out of control and it has come to light the Bieber might be spending an upwards of $5,000 per week on marijuana.

According to the Sun on Sunday, a UK tabloid website, friends of the singer report cannabis and an addictive codeine mix called “sizzurp” are Bieber’s drugs of choice. A friend of the singer’s state he smokes up to 12 bongs of marijuana a day and also takes prescription drugs Ambien and the antianxiety medication Xanax.

Following the singer’s arrest in Florida last week, it has also been speculated he has a growing dependency on steroids.  People closest to Bieber have stated “Justin thinks he’s invincible. He’s out of control.  Hopefully, he’ll sense it before it’s too late.”

Currently, Bieber appears to be trying to escape the media firestorm that brews around him daily.  The singer has fled LA and is vacationing in Panama and flew into a resort near Punta Chame, to be with his entourage.  According to TMZ, others who are joining the singer include his mother Pattie, his manager Scooter Braun and childhood buddy Ryan Butler.  Singer Usher, who discovered the 19-year old pop sensation in 2009, is also reported to be in Panama trying to reach out to Bieber.

Bieber ex-housekeeper Tatiana Voziouk has given a tell-all interview and told about how she fears the singer will wind up dead like Michael Jackson.  She describes how she was witness to the singer’s prescription drug abuse, marijuana use and the sizzurp cocktails.  In an interview with Britain’s Sunday People, she went on record saying “The drugs and hangers-on are turning Justin into a zombie.  I’m terrified he’ll become the next Michael Jackson. If he doesn’t act now I will one day hear that he has passed away.  It is heartbreaking. I have decided to speak out now as I care for him.”

Apparently, Justin Bieber is on a fast-track into full blown drug addiction, if one is to believe the information floating around.  With his money, fame and notoriety, Justin Bieber seems to have it all on the outside, but is possibly missing more inside than people could realize.  Biebers managers, friends and family all appear to be very concerned about his behavior and now is the time too act, because one more moment he spends engaging in drug abuse could be his last.

Mail- Did Justin Bieber really spend $5000 a week on marijuana

Radar Online- Will Bieber end up like Michael Jackson

Younger Photographs of Justin Bieber

Chris Brown- Possible Warning Signs of Substance Abuse?

Chris Brown is an American singer, dancer and actor and he is well-known for having dated the R & B singer Rihanna.  Brown’s self-entitled album Chris Brown was released in November 2005 and debuted at number two on the Billboard 200 in its first week and the album sold over two million copies in the United States and it was certified two times platinum.

Brown has since released other albums and enjoyed solo success, as well as hits with other artists such as Jordin Sparks, Bow Wow, Lil Mama and T-Pain.  Because of his smooth dance moves, the singer has been compared to fellow artists Michael Jackson and Usher.

On February 28^th 2009, Chris Brown and his then girlfriend Rihanna had an argument which involved physical violence. Rihanna was left with multiple facial injuries and required hospitalization over the incident.  Brown turned himself into the LAPD and was booked for assault and suspicion of making criminal threats.  Because of the incident, Brown was arrested and took a plea deal of community service, 5-years’ probation and ordered to attend domestic violence counseling.

In June 2010, Chris Brown was refused entrance to the UK upon the grounds of him “being guilty of a serious criminal offense,” due to his assault of Rihanna.  In March 2011, after his performance of “Yeah 3x” and an interview with Robin Roberts on Good Morning America, the singer was questioned about a restraining order in relation to the Rihanna situation.  After the interview, Brown became violent in his dressing room and threw an object out of the window in the area over Times Square.

In July 2012, Brown’s community service was reviewed and he was ordered to see a judge.  While performing community service in August 2012, he tested positive for cannabis and was sent back to court.  Following more court appearances, Brown has been in trouble for various violations and continues to experience issues even now.

In September 2012, he received public criticism for a new neck tattoo which appeared to show the face of a battered woman, which prompted speculation the figure was of Rihanna.  At the time, his publicist stated the tattoo was not of a battered woman and was a design taken from a Day of the Dead skull.

In November of 2013, Chris Brown was allegedly in a rehab program but was booted out early and he’s been ordered to attend more anger management treatment.  At the time Brown was in rehab, his mother Joyce Hawkins showed up for a session of family counseling and during this time, she urged her son to stay in the program for extended care.  Brown did not agree with his mother and became violent and threw rocks at her car. Shortly after the incident, he was kicked out of the program.

According to reports from TMZ, sources close to the 24-year old say him mother believes his friends are to blame for his marijuana problem. She was reportedly upset with Brown for always being high from marijuana every time she was around.  Although his mother has not come out and publicly spoken about her son’s issues, there is friction between the pair and the relationship is under constant strain.

As we look to various examples of Chris Brown’s erratic behavior, we must question exactly what he is doing to himself.  He has random outbursts of anger and a volatile temper and seems to fly off the handle when others confront him about his actions and behaviors and these things could serve as a warning sign of an undiagnosed substance abuse disorder.  

Related Coverage

Christian Post- Chris Brown's Mother Blames his Friends

Bossip- Brezzy Unfollows Mom

The Hollywood Gossip- Chris Brown's Mom Fights Dirtbad Friends

Chris Brown Photo

Dennis Rodman: From North Korea to Rehab

Former NBA bad boy Dennis Rodman has always been a questionable sort who led a colorful and controversial life.  Recently, the retired basketball player was visiting North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and it had the world questioning what he was even doing there and if he had control of his mental faculties. 

Rodman’s problems with alcohol are well-documented and he has sought treatment for the issue on numerous occasions.  In May 2008, he entered an outpatient treatment program for alcohol rehab.  While a guest on the Celebrity Apprentice in 2009, his bizarre behavior led to an intervention with Phil Jackson, his friends and family. After the intervention, Rodman agreed to appear on the third season of Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew and he remained in a 21-day treatment program at Pasadena Recovery Center.

One week after completing his alcohol treatment, Rodman entered a sober living community in Hollywood Hill, which was filmed for the television program Sober House.  During his time on Sober House, Rodman reconnected with his mother Shirley, with whom he had had no contact for seven years.  During the same time his mother visited, his two children also met her for the very first time.

In January of 2010, on the same day Celebrity Rehab premiered, Rodman was removed from a restaurant in California for his disruptive and strange behavior.  In March 2012, his financial advisor stated, “In all honesty, Dennis, although a very sweet person, is an alcoholic. His sickness impacts his ability to get work.”

In January of 2014, while Rodman was on a visit to North Korea he had a breakdown after a period of heavy drinking.  Rodman was acting strangely and let off an expletive filled rant towards a reporter for CNN, he was incoherent and rambling when asked about the U.S. citizen Kenneth Bae, who is currently being held captive in North Korea.  Bae’s family was outraged and Rodman took a bashing in the press for not using his influence to help gain the man’s release.

Upon returning from North Korea, Rodman checked himself back into a treatment center to receive care for his alcoholism.  Rodman’s publicist Darren Prince declined to say which facility the star has gone too and asks for the press to respect his privacy.  Rodman has done the best possible thing and gone into treatment for his alcoholism.  What he needs is now is time and privacy to get his life back together again and hopefully he will.

Related Coverage

CNN- Dennis Rodman Rehab

Fox News Sports- Dennis Rodman Checks Into Rehab

Dennis Rodman Photo

Bradley Cooper: Speaking Out About His Substance Abuse

Bradly Cooper is an American actor who first came to the public’s attention in the TV shows “Jack & Bobby” and “Alias.”  He later appeared in such movies as “Wedding Crashers” and “He’s Just Not That into You,” as well as “The Hangover” trilogies.  The actor has been nominated for Best Actor and Best Supporting Actor for the movies “Silver Linings Playbook,” and “American Hustle.”

Recently, Cooper gave an interview to GQ magazine (January 2014) and he spoke openly about his past addictions which plagued him early in his acting career.  He revealed he had trouble getting parts which in turn impacted his self-confidence.  Cooper even states in the interview at the beginning of his career he wanted to “kill himself.” Bradley Cooper had a tough time in life, before he managed to crack into the leading man roles he now currently enjoys and he found escaping his pain through substance abuse was not the answer he’d been searching for.

During the early 2000’s, Cooper admitted he was battling drug and alcohol addiction and said he felt it hindered his work.  He stated during the interview, “I think work was getting ******** up.  The one thing I’ve learned in life is the best thing I can do is embrace who I am and then do that to the fullest extent, and then whatever happens, happens.  The more steps I do to not do that, the farther I am away from fulfilling any potential I would have.  So the answer to that question, then, is: Yes, of course if hindered the work.”

After the actor became sober, he would take whatever part he could manage to land, which included a guest stint of six episodes of the popular show Nip Tuck and a few other low budget movies.  Now that the actor has become clean and sober, he has blossomed into leading man material and was named People magazines Sexiest Man Alive in 2011. 

Bradley Cooper has come a long way and paid his dues in Hollywood and he carries the memories of the harsh lessons he learned through engaging in substance abuse with him every day.  He has managed to escape his substance abuse problem and is now excelling in his career unlike ever before.  He recalled during the interview,” I was doing these movies…and I was sober,” he states,” And I’m like, “Oh, I’m actually myself. And I don’t have to put this on air to be somebody else, and this person still wants to work with me.  Oh, what the **** is that about?” I was rediscovering myself in this workplace and it was wonderful.”

Bradley Cooper is living proof that seeking treatment and recovering from one’s drug and alcohol problems will allow them to be the best person they can be.  Although the actor has had his ups and downs, he is now in a much better place than he was a decade ago and he constantly reminds himself of the past and where he came from and he remains humble, hardworking and appreciative of the blessings sobriety has brought him.

Related Coverage

News- Bradly Cooper Opens Up About Drug and Alcohol Addiction

Mail Online- Bradley Cooper Admits Early Career Doubt

Ny Daily News- Bradley Cooper Drug Abuse and Sabotage

Bradley Cooper Photograph

Does Justin Bieber Need an Intervention?

Just the mention of his name sends millions of young girls into a tizzy, Justin Bieber is a popular Canadian singer, actor and songwriter and he is internationally famous. With songs like “Baby,” and “Boyfriend,” and acting credits from shows like “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation” and his “Justin Bieber: Never Say Never,” movie, one can see exactly just how driven the young star is in his career.

Lately, the talented young singer has become better known for offending the public, ignoring his fans and engaging in many questionable antics.  From relieving himself in mop buckets and egging his neighbor’s house to letting known drug offenders live in his home, this star is in trouble and it seems to escalate from one day to the next.  You never know what headlines you will see about him and he is leaving millions of fans and the public to shake their heads and question what is wrong with him.

All of these incidents make one wonder if Justin Bieber doesn’t have a drug problem and it would be remiss to say it isn’t possible.  While the singer was lucky enough to come out unscathed from a recent police raid of his home, a newly released report claims he may not be as squeaky clean as was once believed. 

According to celebrity gossip website, TMZ, Bieber has allegedly developed a codeine habit which has his management team and handlers very concerned.  The singer is allegedly abusing “sizzurp” which is a concoction made from a combination of prescription strength cough syrup containing codeine and promethazine mixed with a soft drink and a Jolly Rancher candy is sometimes thrown in to make it extra sweet.

According to information being reported on TMZ, the singer is also abusing prescription drugs and consumes copious amounts of alcohol and marijuana.  However, the singer has remained adamant publicly that he has never taken or abused cocaine.  Is the star in denial about a possible substance abuse problem?

Allegedly, an inside source states Biebers friends and family are “deeply concerned” about the 19-year old singer, but there are no current plans for him to check into a rehab program.  Other sources say “The people who care about Justin and whom are closest to him wish he would consider getting help.”

The warning signs are all present, but as you know admitting to one’s substance abuse issues can be very difficult.  Coupled with the reality of young stars having money and fame, it can make it an even bigger challenge to get them to realize how serious their situation really might be.

In situations like the one present with Justin Bieber, it begs to ask, what are his friends and family waiting for?  He has money, adoration from his millions of fans and refuses to see how destructive and abnormal his behaviors have become.  It may be time ask the question of whether or not Justin Bieber would benefit from an intervention and it appears the writing is on the wall and the answer is obvious.

Whether or not Justin Bieber actually is honest with himself or the public who loves him remains to be seen. However, sometimes the only way to save the life of a loved one whose behavior has escalated out of control is to confront it with honesty and that may need to come in the form of an intervention. Sometimes what may seem as a last resort effort is actually the best thing one can ever do and an intervention is definitely something which may benefit Bieber more than it harms him at this point.

Related Coverage

Mail Online- Justin spends $75,000 in Miami strip club

NY Daily News- Team urges Bieber to go to rehab

The Star- Justin pees in public

Justin Bieber Photographs

Trace Adkins: Battling the Demons of Alcohol

Country singer Trace Adkins is probably best known for singing the popular country songs “Honkey Tonk Badonkadonk,” “Brown Chicken Brown Cow,” as well as for being a contestant on “Celebrity Apprentice”.  While sober for many years, Adkins has recently fallen off the wagon again.  In January of 2014, while on a Jamaican cruise ship, Adkins got into a face-to-face altercation with his look-alike Michael Larsen and it was a signal of something being very wrong in the singers life.

Adkins was aboard a ship on a cruise in the Caribbean in which he was to entertain guests and as the ship sailed out of Miami to Mexico, the singer tweeted “Up here in my suite, overlooking the pools. Behave yourselves.”  According to people who witnessed the altercation with Larsen, the singer had been at the ships bar and was drinking heavily and he became angered when he saw his impersonator.

The singer had felt for a long time that the impersonator had been almost like a stalker who followed him around the country. When he saw Larsen on the ship, it took the animosity the singer felt to a whole new level.  Adkins began screaming at the impersonator,” This has gone on long enough…take the ****** hat off!” The impersonator acquiesced to the request and stood there while Adkins screamed in his face, the attack was entirely verbal in nature and no blows were exchanged between the two.

Some fans that were on the cruise to see the singer entertain are angry about the outburst and feel put out by the situation.  The passengers feel they were deceived by the cruise ship officials who had said Adkins left on a family emergency.  Mr. Adkin’s camp is now trying to make amends to the passengers by offering free concert tickets to a future event and a meet-and-greet with the singer.  Some are placated by the gesture, but others feel it is too little too late, because they had traveled considerably to attend the event.

The 52-year old singer has canceled the remainder of his performances for the cruise which was to last for a week.  In his autobiography, “A Personal Stand: Observations and Opinions of a Freethinking Roughneck,” Adkins detailed numerous incidents which were close calls with death and he speaks out honestly about his battles with personal demons.

Shortly after the altercation with Michael Larsen, Adkin’s publicist released the following statement, “Trace has entered a treatment facility after a setback in his battle with alcoholism. As he faces these issues head on, we ask that his family’s privacy will be respected.”

Each day, average people and celebrity’s alike face a standoff with alcohol and it is a conscience decision as to whether or not to pick up the bottle.  Adkins has decided to seek treatment, which is the absolute best thing he can do in the situation, because he is a man who is aware of his problem and has decided to be proactive about it.  Thankfully, with time and treatment Mr. Adkins can overcome his alcoholism struggles and get back to entertaining his fans and enjoying his life to the fullest again.

Related Coverage

CNN- Trace Adkins goes to rehab

TMZ- Trace Adkins impersonator fight

Yahoo News- Alcohol rehab for Trace

Trace Adkins Photographs taken

Is Heroin Addiction Really that Bad in NJ?

There are many communities throughout New Jersey which are currently experiencing heroin problems. The issue with heroin in the state is serious and many people have fallen prey to the drugs allure.  At a town meeting in Howell, retired DEA agent Douglas Collier spoke about the effects of heroin and what it has done to the people of New Jersey. 

Which city in NJ has the highest rate of heroin abuse?

In 2012, Newark had a reported 1,827 cases of heroin abuse.  Within the past several months there have been numerous arrests made including two men who were charged with transporting more than 1,000 bags of heroin.  Cases such as these are sad, but mark the reality of just how hard the drug has hit the state.

What is “Operation Hats Off”?

In December of 2012, in Monmouth County, New Jersey police began a heroin sting operation called “Operation Hats Off.”  Many of the people charged in the operation were from a sect of the Bloods Gang known as the Fruit Town Brims.  During the eight months of the undercover operation, more than 1,000 bags of heroin were sold to undercover police detectives; the product had a street value of approximately $2 million.

What has caused the shift to heroin?

During 2011 and 2012, prescription drug abuse led to more than 700 deaths within the state according to statistical information released by the New Jersey assistant state medical examiner.  There is an overdose epidemic going on in the state of New Jersey and right now it has reached epic proportions.  It is believed the shift from prescription drugs to heroin was made because the drug is much cheaper and because of its higher purity it is more deadly than in the past.

What is it going to take to stop the heroin madness?

Heroin is a horrible drug and it is responsible for many countless numbers of deaths in the state of New Jersey, as well as the United States as a whole.  Thankfully, there is hope, because the more law enforcement cracks down on the drug, the less of it there is on the streets.  For those who are struggling with heroin addiction, there are many programs to help them become clean, but it is a battle which can be life-long unless someone agrees to stop and seeks treatment.

Related Coverage

NJ.com Howell forum addresses heroin and prescription drug problem

Newsworks Heroin Abuse in Toms River NJ

Heroin Addict Photograph

Is Krokodil the “Zombie” Drug?

You’ve all probably heard of the popular TV show the “Walking Dead,” and now there is a scary new drug out there that is turning the flesh of people who use it into a rotting and fetid mess, it resembles the skin of a zombie.  The drug originated from Russia and is named after the Russian word for crocodile, because of what happens to the skin when a person uses it. 

What is Krokodil?

Krokodil is the name for “desomorphine,” which is a drug that was first developed more than fifty years ago.  The drug is eight times more powerful than morphine and two or three times more powerful than heroin, which may account for its appeal among users.  Another reason people use the drug is because it is cheaper and easier to acquire than heroin.

What happens to your skin when you use Krokodil?

Someone who uses Krokodil will develop scaly, leathery skin at the point of injection and from there it rots and falls off entirely.  Sometimes, the lesions caused by the drug are big enough that the skin will deteriorate and lead to a gangrenous infection.  Once gangrene sets in, a person’s limbs will need to be amputated. Don’t you think that would be enough to stop someone from using the drug?

What sorts of chemicals are found in Krokodil?

Krokodil itself is not responsible for causing the nasty skin condition a user will experience.  It is actually the toxic chemicals used to cut the drug which cause the horrible skin damage.  The chemicals found in Krokodil can include paint thinner, lighter fluid, iodine, gasoline, and red phosphorus.  Making Krokodil is much like making meth and it can be done in someone’s home or in a clandestine lab.

Do you want to die?

Research has shown those who use Krokodil regularly can expect a life span of about 2-3 years after starting to inject the drug.  People who continue to use Krokodil do it because they like the way it makes them feel and to keep them from going through drug withdrawal.  In the United States, there are professional detox programs to help people get through withdrawal from drugs, but people in other countries are not so lucky.

When did Krokodil hit the shores of America?

Until recently, people thought Krokodil was strictly a Russian problem and may have infiltrated a few areas throughout Europe.  However, there have been cases of the drug reported in Germany and now in the U.S.  Arizona has reported a few cases of the drug, as have Illinois, Colorado, Missouri and Montana.  Because some healthcare professionals might not be aware of the drug, there may be more cases of people using the drug but it has not been reported.

Now that you know a little bit about Krokodil…why would you ever want to use it?

Related Coverage

CNN- Krokodil Zombie Drug

Riverfront Times- Krokodil is an extremely dangerous drug

WebMD- deadly drug enters US

Photograph of Krokodil user

If I am an addict, is my brain different?

How does drug addiction change the human brain?

Drug addiction causes changes in the human brain.  It is the disease of addiction that makes someone say and do things they would not normally ever do.  Living with drug dependence is extremely difficult and your choices, actions and decisions will all be dictated by your addiction.  

When someone is addicted to drugs, it causes physical and functional changes in the brain.  The particular areas of the brain which are impacted by drug dependence are the chemical rewards and motivation areas.  The changes caused by drug addiction will lead a person to seek out the substance over and over again, because it brings them feelings of pleasure or provides an escape from reality. 

What are the consequences?

The human brain is changed because of substance abuse but most people do not realize the consequences of these changes. Because of the way drug addiction changes the brain, a person will experience cognitive, emotional and behavioral changes which will impact the way someone thinks, feels and behaves. Losing control over your ability to stop using drugs is just one of the many unfortunate things that happen with drug addiction.  The more you abuse drugs and the longer it goes on, the worse your life will become and the longer you live in denial, the worse everything will be.   

Why do some get addicted when others don't?

Addiction is a disease which is complicated and has many facets and complexities. Some of the risk factors for addiction include genetics, suffering from mental illness, low self-esteem, experiencing trauma or abuse, and growing up in a household with an addicted parent or caregiver.  Some people become addicted to drugs and others do not, but the exact reasons why are not clearly understood at the present time.  What is clearly understood is that drug addiction is something that can happen to anybody and it does not discriminate. 

Stop Addiction

Surviving Chemical Dependence 

When you seek out help to recover from drug or alcohol dependence, you are giving yourself a blessing you may not even be aware of.  Seeking chemical dependence treatment is a big decision and you are right to question the success rates of different programs and finding the one which will suit you and give you what you need.  Your battle will not be easy and the endeavor you face will not be accomplished overnight, but with time, proper treatment and perseverance, you can reclaim a clean and sober life.

What happens during the process of recovering from addiction?

The journey to recovering from drug and alcohol dependence is never quite the same for two people.  Anybody seeking information about drug and alcohol recovery may have questions and wish to find out what it entails, but these individuals may be confused as to where to go for help.  The process of recovering is bound to bring about a lot of questions, mixed emotions and feelings of hopelessness, but when you trust the process of healing, you have taken the very first step in a positive direction.

Why is the desire to become clean and sober important to someone who is seeking addiction recovery?

To begin with, the process of becoming clean and sober requires a person to have the desire to change.  Along with desire, the quality of determination is also an integral part of the healing process, because without it a person may not be serious about healing and going into an addiction treatment center would be uneventful.  Becoming clean and sober from drug and alcohol dependence requires many things, but as long as a person is serious about it and seeks the right professional help, it can become a reality.

Why is having a relapse prevention program important?

Preventing a drug or alcohol relapse is the ultimate goal a treatment program because it means a person received successful treatment. Although it is impossible to prevent relapse, by offering relapse prevention education and ongoing services to someone leaving treatment, an addiction treatment center can raise the chances someone will remain abstinent. 

Why will someone benefit from working with professionals? 

Drug and alcohol dependence are more prevalent than people realize and as such, there is a very real and valid need for providing these individuals with high quality treatment.  There is no way someone can continue to live with the disease of addiction, because eventually the situation becomes unmanageable.  The road to recovery is going to be filled with trials, setbacks and disappointments, but the most important thing for someone to remember is perseverance wins the race. 

If you need help, be sure to ask for it. There is no shame is asking for help. May you be blessed in your 
recovery.