Posts Tagged ‘drug and alcohol’
Drug use among young people in Michigan
Last Updated on Friday, 19 February 2010 05:16 Written by editor Wednesday, 17 February 2010 05:09
In Michigan, like with many other states, there is a rising problem of drug use amongst youth. Certain drugs are more prominent in this age group than others, largely due to the influence of social factors.
The most prominent trend in drug use with young people is the use of so called ‘club drugs’. The rise of club drugs is related to the rise of the club and rave scene, which mostly involves individuals below the age of 30. Worryingly, a growing number of club drug users are below 18, with many even being as young as 12 and under.
The most well known club drug is MDMA or ecstasy. MDMA is widely used in the club scene in Michigan. People take it when they go to a club or a rave because it heightens the euphoria they feel – but the problem is that it also causes dehydration. Many young people die after taking MDMA due to the issue of dehydration. Almost all deaths due to the drug are in individuals under the age of 30, signifying its very intimate connection to the clubbing scene, which is dominated by the 18-30 age group.
Another drug that is especially rising in usage in Michigan in very recent years is rohypnol, commonly known as the ‘date rape’ drug. Although not consumed in the same way as other illegal drugs, it can have serious and very dangerous consequences, and its use is especially high in young people.
Rohynol has been the cause of ‘date rape’ time and time again and has gotten a lot of media attention as a result. Club-goers in Michigan are advised to never leave their drinks unattended because of this, although after a few drinks, it is unsurprising that many people simply forget to keep their drinks within their vision. GBH is another ‘date rape’ drug that has seen a rise in usage in Michigan in recent years.
Other drugs that can be found in the Michigan club scene are ketamine and LSD. Both of these are not used as much as the previous examples, but they still pose a significant risk to young people.
Tags: drug and alcohol, Michigan Rehab | Posted under Michigan Rehab | No Comments
Methamphetamine Labs in Michigan
Last Updated on Monday, 25 January 2010 07:54 Written by editor Wednesday, 27 January 2010 12:30
Along with the beginning of the new year was the discovery of a house that contained six methamphetamine labs in Paw Paw, Michigan. David Craig Smead was arrested on account of operating and running these labs, and had been suspect since September, when he first received a warrant in connection with the drug. According to the Sherrif’s Office, the 31 year old was arrested during a raid that was located ten miles southwest of Kalamazoo. If convicted, he may face up to 20 years in prison and receive a $25,000 fine. A 41 year old male who was hiding in a small closet in the home was also arrested.
In effort to reduce the number of such labs in Michigan, the “Michigan Meth Watch Program” was established in 1997. This organization consists of a core group of retailers who utilize signs, educate employees, and report suspicious activity to local law enforcement. It also includes a broad range of businesses (pharmacies, banks, pet supply stores, etc.) that help prevent the theft and extortion of the types of products that are utilized during the fabrication of methamphetamine.
Methamphetamine is a powdered substance with a crystal-like consistency that is occasionally available in large, rock-like quantities. When the powder is chipped off the rock, it resembles glass, which is one of the many nicknames for meth. This substance is typically white or yellow, depending on its consistency. Other nicknames for the drug include crystal, fire, white cross, chalk, etc.
When consumed, meth releases high levels of dopamine, which stimulates brain cells and enhances mood and body movement. When taken in high quantities, it can lead to the sensations of euphoria and wakefulness. On the other hand, it also has a neurotoxic effect in which it damages brain cells that contain dopamine and serotonin, both which are important neurotransmitters. Eventually, meth can lead to the reduction of dopamine production, which can cause symptoms similar to those of Parkinson’s Disease, a degenerative disorder that affects the nervous system. Meth also causes increased heart rate and blood pressure, which can lead to stroke. Other effects of methamphetamine include cardiac dysrhytmia and anorexia.
Tags: Drug addiction, drug and alcohol | Posted under Michigan Rehab | No Comments
The different kinds of drug and alcohol rehabs found in Michigan
Last Updated on Monday, 4 January 2010 02:33 Written by editor Saturday, 2 January 2009 03:22
Michigan has been growing notoriously in the realm of drug and substance abuse. Lots of youth are addicted to substances and drugs and do not know how to seek help and stop themselves from being sucked into the vicious cycle of drug addiction. Before they know it, they are sucked deep into the vortex of drug abuse and cannot come out, unless they seek professional help.
If you notice someone who you love, and they are addicted to any type of drugs than what you need to do is find the right kind of rehab that will help them heal. However, as much as the person says that they will be able to get out of the substance abuse themselves, they certainly need professional help and support.
In Michigan this support can come in two different kinds of rehab centers. These are:
Inpatient treatment: This kind of treatment entails that the patient gets them admitted to the rehab center and lives there until the duration of the treatment. The facility within the rehab center has all the facilities including medical, counseling, and entertainment and stress relieving programs on offer. This is for people who are highly into the addiction and will need around the clock supervision in order to get the drugs completely out of their system. People who have been using drugs for a long time will suffer withdrawal symptoms and until the effects of the drugs have not worn out, and they aren’t weaned off it, they will need to be supervised. The intensive support and services that they will get as an inpatient will offer them a higher chance of being able to get out of this drug addiction.
Residential treatments: It is for those people who want to opt for a redefined duration of treatment. This will be usually for a month during this period they will get the treatment in a group wherein they share their experiences and support one another under the watchful eyes of the medical and support staff. They have to group as well as individual sessions. This kind of treatment is a mixture of out in the open therapy as well as within closed doors. When the patient is residing in the facilities, they are able to stay far away from the triggers as well as the temptation of being able to reach out for the drugs. This makes their healing process all the faster than it would have been otherwise.
Tags: drug and alcohol | Posted under Michigan Rehab | No Comments
