One of the most common symptoms of addiction is denial that a problem exists.  This is true of drug addiction as well as alcohol dependency and compulsive unhealthy behaviors like gambling.  Teenagers who are suffering from addiction are just as likely as adults to deny that they need drug treatment.  Parents and other family members often feel they are causing more harm than good when their pleas and arguments seem to fuel the teen's destructive behavior.

Teens who are abusing alcohol or drugs often have trouble in school, including failing grades, truancy and discipline problems.  They may lose interest in sports and hobbies that they previously enjoyed. They may be associating with an undesirable peer group.  When questioned about their behavior, they often become defiant and verbally abusive.  This defense mechanism leaves parents walking on egg shells when in the teen's presence.

Rather than feeling helpless in the face of teen addiction, family members should seek the help of an interventionist who specializes in teen intervention and recovery.   The intervention process begins with an evaluation of the situation by the interventionist, followed by the formulation of a plan of action.  A teen interventionist will help the family plan and carry out a meeting where the facts about the teen's unhealthy behavior are honestly and respectfully presented.

In families with a history of drug or alcohol dependence, it is usually difficult for parents to talk to their teenage child about his or her addiction.  The teen may try to change the focus of the conversation to the parents' behavior or, if the parents have also abused alcohol or drugs, may call the parents hypocrites.  An interventionist can work with the parents to prepare for these accusations and to convince the child that the parents' mistakes should not be repeated.  Although the goal of the intervention is to confront the teen, it must be done in a non-threatening manner.  By carefully explaining how the teen's actions are harming both the family and the teen, it is possible to break through his or her shell of defensiveness.  Once the teen's defenses are dropped, it will be easier to discuss treatment options.

There is a common myth that an addict must hit "rock bottom" before recovery can begin.  This is a dangerous assumption when it comes to teenagers, for whom bottoming out may mean a lifetime of addiction or an early death.  An intervention can help a teen avoid the negative consequences of hitting rock bottom.  An experienced teen interventionist can provide insight and guidance at each stage of the intervention process, helping the teen gain freedom from addiction and a new chance at life.

For many people, drinking alcohol is a social activity that adds to life's enjoyment.  When alcohol consumption is limited to about 1 drink per day for women and 2 drinks per day for men, it can be enjoyed with few negative consequences.  Unfortunately, a large segment of the population finds it difficult to drink in moderation.  According to the National Institute of Health, over 17 million adults in America abuse alcohol or are alcoholics.  There are also millions of Americans who indulge in binge drinking, a habit that can have serious health and safety consequences.

If you've ever wondered if you or a loved one is a candidate for alcoholism rehab, these four symptoms can be used as a gauge:

• Do you crave alcohol and feel a strong compulsion to drink?
• Are you unable to limit the amount of alcohol you drink?
• Are you becoming increasingly tolerant to the effects of alcohol and do you need to drink more to feel alcohol's effects?
• When you stop drinking, do you experience physical withdrawal symptoms such as sweating, shakiness, nausea and anxiety?

The presence of any of these symptoms indicates that a person is experiencing problems with alcohol consumption.  If more than one symptom is present, it is highly likely that alcohol is causing serious disruptions in an individual's life.  In either case, a doctor should be consulted about the negative effects of drinking and the options for alcoholism rehab should be discussed.

Alcoholism is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition.  Alcohol abuse can cause serious harm to all of the major systems in the body.  It can damage the liver, kidneys, heart and brain and can lead to birth defects during pregnancy.  Medical research has linked heavy drinking to certain forms of cancer of the mouth, throat, esophagus, liver and colon.  Alcohol consumption also increases the risk of vehicle and work-related injuries and deaths.

The importance of alcoholism rehab is directly related to the fact that most alcoholics need help to stop drinking.  The craving for drink that alcoholics experience is an actual physical craving, similar to the body's need for food, drink and sleep.  Abstaining from alcohol can be just as difficult as abstaining from eating.  For heavy drinkers, alcohol withdrawal symptoms require medical treatment and supervision, both of which are available with inpatient alcoholism rehab.

Admitting that alcohol is a problem is never easy, but since alcoholism is a progressive disease that worsens over time, it is important to seek help as soon as possible.  There are a wide variety of alcoholism rehab programs available.  Thanks to the wealth of resources available online, it is easier than ever to find an alcohol treatment program that is an ideal fit for an individual's resources and condition.

Crystal meth is one of the many names given to methamphetamine, an illegal stimulant that is snorted, smoked or injected.  The name "crystal meth" refers to a crystallized form of methamphetamine that is most often smoked.  This form of the drug is so addictive that most people require crystal meth treatment to escape the drug's grip.

Methamphetamine, which is also known on the street by the names meth and crank, is cheaper than heroin or cocaine.  Its effects are felt quickly and are long lasting, leading many substance abuse experts to call methamphetamine the most addictive illicit drug.  Like amphetamine, meth acts on the central nervous system.  Users of methamphetamine experience elevated energy levels, a suppressed appetite and a feeling of euphoria.  The main difference between amphetamine and methamphetamine is that meth releases much higher levels of stimulant into the brain.

The stimulant effects of crystal meth and other forms of methamphetamine come at a heavy price.  The nerve pathways in the brain that are associated with pleasure and happiness can be damaged.  Even after crystal meth treatment, many former addicts suffer from apathy and are unable to experience pleasure for several months or even years.  In addition, the stimulant qualities of the drug lead users to go without adequate sleep or nutrition for days at a time.  This unhealthy lifestyle can cause brain and nervous system damage.

The appearance of crystal meth addicts will give clues to their addiction.  They will take on a haggard look and appear older than their actual age due to lack of sleep and poor eating habits.  A common delusion among meth users is that they have bugs under their skin.  Constant picking will leave open sores on the face and other parts of the body.  Because the drug dehydrates the body and removes saliva from the mouth, tooth decay is another one of the side effects of crystal meth abuse.

Besides the brain damage and other physical problems that can be caused by crystal meth, the National Institute on Drug Abuse reports that methamphetamine abusers are at increased risk of contracting Hepatitis B and C and HIV/AIDS.  This is due in part to a loss of judgment that causes meth users to engage in risky behavior.

Residential treatment that separates the addict from former meth-using associates is the safest way to recover from crystal meth addiction.  Crystal meth treatment must begin with a period of detoxification that allows the addict to break the cycle of drug usage.  Therapy should follow detox in order to address the physical and psychological effects of addiction.  There is currently no medication that can be used to combat crystal meth addiction.  The most effective forms of crystal meth treatment include cognitive behavioral therapy and 12-step programs that include group therapy.

An interventionist is a healthcare professional who assists families, friends and employers who are struggling with an individual's addictive behavior.  This may include drug and alcohol addiction as well as gambling or sex addiction, eating disorders and other compulsive behaviors with unhealthy consequences.  The interventionist will facilitate a group meeting with the goal of getting the self-destructive person to admit that a problem exists and seek treatment.

When choosing an interventionist, one of the most important factors to consider is experience.  An interventionist who has a solid track record of successful interventions will have a good understanding of the issues that can arise when planning and staging an intervention.  The interventionist should be prepared to discuss his or her history of interventions related to the addictive behavior that is being targeted.  The interventionist must inspire trust.  Family members and friends should be comfortable with and able to put their trust in the interventionist.  Full confidentiality about the nature of the intervention must be exercised and the privacy of all those involved must be upheld by the interventionist.

An intervention often takes place under a time constraint, with the addicted individual needing help as soon as possible.  An experienced interventionist is able to step in, evaluate the situation, and then help family members decide who should be involved in the intervention and when it should be held.  Whenever possible, the interventionist should be local and should be available for consultation as needed.  The interventionist should be familiar with different treatment options and with several different treatment facilities.  Once the intervention is completed, many interventionists will accompany the addicted individual to a predetermined treatment facility.  Some interventionists also conduct a debriefing session with those who have participated in the intervention.

The fees for an intervention can vary from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars.

Drug addiction is a complex problem with a variety of causes.  Scientific studies have found that family genetics and the home environment both play a critical role in determining whether an individual is at risk for drug addiction.  An individual's family background also can determine the best form of treatment for addiction – inpatient drug rehab or outpatient counseling.

The Genetics of Addiction

Research into the rate of alcoholism and drug addiction among adoptees has shown that the biological offspring of substance abusing parents are up to 9 times more likely to become substance abusers.  This includes the abuse of heroin, cocaine and methamphetamine as well as prescription sedatives and stimulants.  The fact that adoptees grow up away from their biological parents points to a genetic link to alcoholism and drug addiction.

In addition to the genetic factor, mothers who are substance abusers during pregnancy expose their children to neurological damage and birth defects that can impair cognitive functions.  Children whose mother's are addicted to drugs at the time of their birth often go through drug withdrawal in the first days of life.  They are more vulnerable to future addiction and more likely to require inpatient drug rehab if they become drug abusers.  They are also more vulnerable to psychiatric problems like depression, anxiety and traumatic stress disorder.

Environmental Factors

Children who grow up in a home where parents or siblings abuse drugs are more likely to become drug abusers as teenagers and adults, especially when the parents have a permissive attitude about drug use.  Living in a community where crime and poverty are prevalent and where educational opportunities are limited can also foster drug addiction.

The home environment for children of substance abusers is usually characterized by a lack of communication, poor parenting and a high rate of interpersonal conflict.  Financial and marital problems are common in households with one or more addicted parents.  A home environment where substance abuse takes place is usually unstable and often violent.  Children are more likely to run away from this type of home or end up in foster care.  Growing up in this type of environment leaves many children ill-equipped to resist addiction as teenagers and adults.

The Benefits of Inpatient Drug Rehab

Individuals who are seeking recovery from drug addiction and who have a family background of substance abuse can benefit greatly from inpatient drug rehab.  There is an increased chance of successful rehabilitation when treatment takes place away from the home environment and the negative influence of family members who are themselves substance abusers.  Inpatient drug rehab that lasts for 30 days or more will give an addicted individual the chance to break the cycle of addiction and focus on long-term recovery.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) defines binge drinking as a pattern of heavy alcohol consumption within a short period of time.  This typically means 5 or more drinks within 2 hours for men and 4 or more drinks within the same period for women.  Although many people engage in binge drinking without becoming alcohol dependent, the CDC has found that over 90% of adults who drink excessively engage in binge drinking on a regular basis.  This figure indicates that binge drinking could be a sign that alcohol recovery treatment is required.

Many people are unaware that binge drinking and heavy drinking are among the leading causes of death in America, with almost 80,000 deaths each year tied to excessive alcohol consumption.  Binge drinking is associated with higher incidences of drunk driving, car accidents, sexually transmitted diseases, unplanned pregnancies, fetal alcohol syndrome, violence and suicide.  Other health problems that are associated with binge drinking include liver disease, high blood pressure, stroke, neurological disorders and cardiovascular disease.

In addition to accidents and health problems, binge drinking can cause psychological problems.  There is a direct connection between binge drinking and the development of alcohol dependency and alcoholism.  Teenagers and young adults are especially at risk when it comes to binge drinking.  Because the brain of a young adult is still developing, binge drinking under the age of 25 can cause long term damage to memory and the ability to pay attention.

Popular culture and alcohol advertisers have created an image of binge drinking as a fun activity and a rite of passage for teenagers and young adults.  The CDC reports that more than 90% of all drinking done by those under the age of 21 is binge drinking.  The tradition of binge drinking is a common problem on many college and university campuses, where peer pressure causes inexperienced drinkers to overindulge.  A few short years of binge drinking can result in the need for alcohol recovery.

Binge drinking is a form of alcohol abuse that can wreak havoc on relationships, work and school.  Regular binge drinking can lead to alcohol tolerance, meaning that it requires more alcohol to feel intoxicated.  Tolerance is one of the first major signals of alcoholism.  Another warning sign of alcoholism is that bingeing episodes continue to occur despite the negative impacts it has on the drinker's life and relationships.  When binge drinking occurs on a regular basis, a health care professional should be consulted about alcohol recovery treatment.  A family intervention may be required to convince the binge drinker that an alcohol problem exists and that it must be dealt with.

Many alcoholism rehab programs are limited to 28 days of treatment.  This short-term format requires therapy, recovery and behavior modification to be presented to the client in a streamlined format.  For people who have suffered from alcohol addiction for years or who have complete rehab in the past and relapsed, a long-term extended treatment program offers the greatest opportunity for recovery and a smooth transition back to a life of sobriety.

In short-term alcoholism rehab, the client typically spends up to 2 weeks detoxifying.  This leaves 2 weeks for emotional recovery and behavior modification before the client is discharged from the treatment program.  Many issues can remain unsolved, increasing the chances of relapse.

Long-term rehab, usually takes place in a residential environment over a period of 6 to 12 months.  This residential environment is often referred to as a therapeutic community since clients live in a communal setting.  A therapeutic community provides an increasing degree of accountability and personal freedom that allows clients to slowly transition back to life in the real world.  In 28-day programs, clients are restricted until they are released, making the return to everyday living much more difficult.

Long-term alcoholism rehab allows more time for therapy, allowing clients to explore the roots of their addiction.  There is also time in long-term rehab to try different forms of addiction treatment.  For example, if a recovering alcoholic does not respond well to group therapy, more one-on-one therapy sessions can be tried instead.

Many alcoholics have tried short-term alcoholism rehab several times, only to relapse and return to drinking.  Instead of repeating a process that has failed in the past, they should consider entering a long-term rehab program.  Immersion in a therapeutic community will help the recovering alcoholic change unhealthy habits, create a positive self image and learn how to avoid the triggers that can lead to relapse.

Residential treatment for alcohol or drug abuse holds the promise for a new start in life.  What exactly goes on inside a residential rehab facility?  Each program is unique, but there are core elements that will be found in every successful rehab program.

• Statement of program goals and expectations: During admission for residential rehab, the client should be informed about the program's goals and expectations.  The client should also be allowed to ask questions about the program and share any concerns.
• Individual Counseling: One-on-one counseling with a trained therapist is one of the key elements of residential rehab treatment.  Together, the therapist and client will work to get to the root of the client's destructive behavior.  New ways of thinking about problems will be explored and healthy behaviors will be established.
• Group therapy: In group therapy, rehab clients learn that they are not alone.  Under the guidance of a therapist, members of group therapy sessions can share their experiences and coping strategies.  They can also form supportive relationships that will help them get through the difficult days that are part of the rehab process.
• Education: In addition to providing information about the dangers of substance abuse, a good residential rehab program will teach its clients the skills to maintain a healthy lifestyle outside of rehab.  This may include nutritional counseling and instruction in relaxation techniques.  There are also holistic treatment programs that equip clients with job skills that will help them survive after they leave the residential rehab facility.
• Exercise: Proper exercise is one of the most important aspects of healthy living.  The best residential rehab facilities provide plenty of opportunities for exercise and may even offer fitness classes.

In addition to these core elements, a residential rehab facility should offer a clean, well-organized environment.  There should be adequate staff on hand to provide personalized care and support 24 hours a day.

The term dual diagnosis is used to describe people who are suffering from alcoholism or drug addiction as well as an emotional or psychological disorder.  This condition, also known as co-occurring disorders, affects a large percentage of people who are dependent on alcohol or drugs.  Some of the disorders that are most common in a dual diagnosis are depression, anxiety, post traumatic stress disorder, bipolar disorder and ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder).  When an individual is affected by dual diagnosis, the drug or alcoholism rehab process is more complex.

For many people, drugs or alcohol are used to self-medicate an underlying problem like depression, anxiety or trauma.  Substance abuse may bring temporary relief, but in the long term it will compound the original problem.  For example, the symptoms of depression can be intensified by long-term alcohol abuse.  Richard Shadick, a professor of psychology at New York's Pace University, describes the problem: "Alcohol is a central nervous system depressant, which means that it slows down the body and the mind… If someone is already down, drinking alcohol will only increase the depression."

People with co-occurring disorders are at greater risk for injury, including death by suicide.  The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention has published research that states that 75 percent of all suicides in the U.S. involve depression and alcohol.  Individuals with dual diagnosis also face more social and physical problems.  If they seek treatment for their substance abuse problem, the challenges of drug or alcoholism rehab are greater.

It has been estimated that roughly 14 million Americans are affected by alcoholism or drug addiction and a co-occurring disorder.  In the past, it was believed that treating the substance abuse issue would also take care of other emotional or psychological problems.  Recent research in the fields of drug and alcoholism rehab indicates that this is not the case.  Effective treatment for alcoholism and addiction must include a psychiatric assessment to determine if one or more co-occurring disorders exist, followed by a treatment plan that addresses each disorder.

According to the National Alliance on Mental Disorders, the most effective treatment for dual diagnosis addresses both problems at the same time and in the same setting.  Drug and alcoholism rehab has the best chance of success when it provides equal and integrated treatment for co-occurring disorders.  Treatment for dual diagnosis must be tailored for the individual and involve a team that may include psychiatrists, healthcare professionals, social workers and substance abuse counselors who understand how co-occurring disorders interact.  Following detoxification, treatment will include group therapy, psychiatric counseling and in some cases medication.

Individuals who drink heavily on a regular basis develop a physical dependence on alcohol.  When alcohol recovery is attempted, the experience can be similar to withdrawing from a narcotic drug.  Depending on the extent of the alcohol addiction and other health issues, alcohol withdrawal can be very dangerous and even life-threatening.  For heavy drinkers, getting sober safely requires medical supervision and a controlled environment.

The milder symptoms of alcohol withdrawal symptoms can include headache, sweating, shaking, stomach cramps, intestinal disorders, insomnia, and elevated blood pressure and heart rate.  Psychological discomfort in the form of anxiety and restlessness can occur.  The more serious symptoms of withdrawal, often referred to as delirium tremens, require immediate hospitalization.  They include severe vomiting, extreme agitation, confusion and hallucinations.  The worst-case scenario involves potentially fatal seizures and convulsions.

If there is any risk of serious withdrawal symptoms, alcohol recovery should begin with medically supervised detoxification.  It may be done on an outpatient or in an inpatient hospital program or rehabilitation facility.  In some cases, medication is prescribed to help relieve the symptoms of withdrawal.

Once the initial physical symptoms of alcohol withdrawal have passed, many people continue to experience psychological discomfort during the early days of alcohol recovery.  This is where an alcohol rehab program can help.  For many, drinking was a form of self-medication for anxiety or depression.  Psychological counseling will be needed to help deal with these and any other psychological disorders that were masked by alcohol.

Cognitive behavior therapy can be very effective in reducing anxiety and depression during alcohol recovery.  This form of therapy helps to change unhealthy behaviors by changing thought patterns.  Those who are getting sober learn to stop blaming their alcohol abuse problems on external circumstances and to take responsibility for their behavior.  They also learn new skills that will help them build a new life, free from addiction.

A variety of health problems are associated with alcohol abuse, including heart disease, liver damage and an increased risk of cancer.  Alcohol also can damage the brain, especially the area of the brain that forms memories.  Long-term memories may not be affected, but the brain's ability to form new memories can be impaired.  Memory loss is one of most serious indicators that alcohol recovery is needed.

Three types of memory loss are associated with alcohol abuse.  The term brownout is used to describe memory fragmentation that can occur following an episode of drinking.  The drinker may be able to remember some events but will have forgotten others.  This memory loss is sometimes temporary and may be restored when another person provides information that triggers the drinker's memory.

Blackout describes a complete loss of memory following a drinking episode.  Unlike a brownout, the memories from a blackout will never be restored because they were never processed by the portion of the brain that stores long-term memories.  This alcohol-induced amnesia is often caused by binge drinking and is an early indicator of alcoholism.  A blackout is a traumatic experience that leaves the drinker feeling embarrassed, vulnerable and exposed.

Long-term alcohol abuse can lead to a condition known as alcohol dementia which is similar to Alzheimer's disease.  In addition to memory loss, the symptoms of this condition include confusion, impaired judgment, an inability to perform routine tasks and marked personality changes.  Some forms of alcohol dementia can even cause an individual to form false memories, recalling events that never occurred.

To avoid nerve and brain damage from alcohol abuse, individuals who experience blackouts should consider alcohol treatment.  If alcohol recovery takes place when alcohol-related memory loss is first experienced, it is possible to reverse the damage.  Memories lost during blackouts will never return, but the ability to form new memories will be restored.