The very word conjures a flood of stereotyped images: narrow hallways, dingy bed sheets, gaunt-eyed patients sipping coffee from styrofoam cups under harsh fluorescent lights. Much of what people know about rehab they learn from television and movies—and, as a result, much of what people know about rehab is incomplete. Or distorted. Or more often than not really just plain wrong. The facts about rehab—the actual facts, the true facts—are far less stark than the illusions you find on the big screen; real-life rehab lacks the drama of the Hollywood version, which is often welcome news for potential patients and their loved ones. Indeed, understanding what exactly rehab is—and, no less importantly, what exactly rehab isn’t—is important for anyone hoping to begin a successful recovery program.

Broadly, “rehab” encompasses all those processes by which an individual confronts and conquers his or her drug addiction. “Rehab,” as the term is conventionally used, is everything: the beginning and the end, the first step and the final hurdle, the agony of the start and the triumph of the finish and the long hard work of everything in between. The goal, of course—the goal of the start and the finish and everything in between—is to help a patient stop using drugs. To help a patient get sober and stay sober, so that he or she can get back to living a healthy and meaningful life. To that end, rehab generally aims to combat the bifurcated roots of drug addiction: physical dependence on the one hand; psychological dependence on the other.

Physically, addiction works by changing the internal chemistry of the body. Prolonged periods of drug abuse literally remake the structure and function of the human brain; in time, the addict’s system comes to rely on the drug as part of its “normal” metabolic operations. This reliance, of course, is exceedingly injurious to the addict’s health—and means that any sort of recovery must begin by addressing the physical needs of the patient. In concrete terms, this means mitigating the symptoms of drug withdrawal during the detox phase of treatment and then managing the incidence of drug cravings thereafter. By providing patients with surrogates for their substance habits—like methadone for recovering heroin users, for example—rehab aims to facilitate the process of physical healing.

The psychological basis of addiction is no less firm than the physical one—and, as a result, no less central to the treatment methodology of any competent rehab program. Psychological dependence is intimately related to physical need; as the patient’s body comes to literally rely on a drug, the patient’s mind comes to register that need as a compulsive and overwhelming sense of want. In cases of prolonged abuse, the drug typically becomes a source of emotional stability for the addict—a relationship which makes the proposition of sobriety all the more daunting. In response, rehab addresses the psychological underpinnings of addiction, mostly through individual and group counseling sessions designed to help patients develop the social and emotional skills required for clean living. The key, of course, lies in freeing addicts from their psychological bondage: before patients can get healed, they need to distance themselves, emotionally, from the drugs to which they’ve become enslaved.

Although all rehab philosophies target the physical and psychological causes of addiction, different types of programs emphasize different elements of the recovery process. Medical rehab programs tend to be more strongly oriented towards the physical aspects of addiction; spiritual programs concern themselves primarily with the psychological core of abuse; social rehab aims to help patients recover in a communal environment; holistic programs explicitly address the mind-body-spirit nexus of chemical dependency.

It should also be mentioned that rehab programs are distinguished by the living arrangements of their patients. Inpatient programs run like hospitals, and are staffed by accredited nurses and physicians. Residential programs occur in a more relaxed and less overtly “treatment”-type environment, like a ranch or nature camp. Outpatient programs, finally, are designed to help individuals beat addiction without significant interruption to their daily lives, usually with the assistance of extensive support group networks. Outpatient programs are often strongly grounded in the twelve-step methodology of Alcoholics and Narcotics Anonymous.

In any of these guises—medical or spiritual, social or holistic, residential or outpatient—”rehab,” as noted above, refers to the entire extent of the recovery process. It begins with an individual’s first week in a detox facility, runs through the months spent in primary and extended treatment centers, and doesn’t end until the patient has mastered the art of clean and independent living in halfway houses, 3/4-way houses, and sober living cooperatives. It is, again, the start and the finish, the first step and the final hurdle. Studies have shown that those patients who spend at least three months in some form of rehab program are most likely to achieve a lasting victory over their addictions. Recovery, of course, is and can only be an ongoing process; recovery isn’t recovery at all if it doesn’t last. With that in mind, rehab aims to meet the needs of the patient at every step along on the road to sobriety—and to ensure, above all else, that sobriety itself becomes an enduring state of being.

Recovery houses can often be an addict’s only road to sobriety. It often seems that returning to a sober lifestyle can be next to impossible in the world in which we live. Recovery houses make that job more attainable than many of the methods out there.

Due to the amenities offered to recovering addicts in a recovery house setting, attaining a sober way of life can become an easier task. Recovery houses usually offer a myriad of paths to sobriety. One can find private on-campus living, the frequent use of the 12 step program, and regiments of personal responsibilities when dwelling in a sober living home. The purpose of most recovery houses is to offer such things to maintain the focus and stability of recovering patients. The 12 step program, being one of the most popular ways of achieving a sober lifestyle, is often a staple in the recovery house setting, and with good reason. Its proven track record speaks for itself.

There are more holistic approaches being used in more of today’s recovery houses. These days recovering addicts can find yoga instructors, Chinese medicine experts, massage therapists, and vegan chefs to name a few of the amenities found in today’s recovery houses. Depending on where one seeks treatment, benefits like Reiki healers, hypnotherapists, Shiatsu masseuses, and acupuncturists can also be at their disposal as well.

Here at Sunset Malibu, we provide a wide variety of resources and links in an effort to give back to the recovery community. You can find everything from links to sober living houses to articles on prescription medicine. Take a moment and look around our extensive collection of addiction resources.

Private drug rehab is always a possibility in the world in which we live. These private drug rehab centers are usually nestled within the confines of some serene locale, far away from the distraction of society’s general population. Often times, private drug rehab centers can be found high in the mountains, embedded in the side of cliffs, or on white sandy private beaches. These exotic locations offer the sought after privacy of a true drug treatment center.

The best part of receiving private drug rehab is that most of these centers offer a myriad of amenities. Addicts seeking recovery can find a number of first class benefits available to them at most of these facilities. Some of these benefits include professional chefs, massage therapists, chiropractors, hypnotherapists, physical therapists and even physical trainers.

The holistic approach to private drug rehab is also a reality in our world today. Many of these rehab centers offer spiritual counselors, yoga instructors, and acupuncturists. Some centers actually go as far as to recruit the help of tai chi masters and doctors of Chinese medicine. With such amenities in such pristine locations it is plain to see that the benefits of receiving private drug rehab far exceed those of a normal rehabilitation program.

Prescription drug abuse is an underlying yet dangerous problem in
America. Due to the fact that prescription drug addiction is largely
ignored because of their commonplace acceptance as an integral and
necessary part of health and medical care, prescription drug abuse has
stayed in the shadow of other more illicit and dangerous substances such
as heroin and cocaine. Regardless of popular opinion, or ambivalence,
the results of prescription drug abuse and addiction can be just as
deadly. Prescription drug abuse is fairly common even though most
patients use their prescriptions responsibly, but according to recent
statistics anywhere from 7 - 9 million Americans annually use or have
used prescription drugs for non-medical purposes since 1999, according
to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). There are many types of
prescription drug abuse, a few common types of prescription drug abuse
are using prescription drugs for recreation or psychic effects, to get
high, or to get a lift.

The most common prescription drug abuse cases reported involved the
abuse of Opioids AKA narcotic analgesics or “painkillers”. Opioids
include morphine, codeine, OxyContin (oxycodone), Vicodin (hydrocodone)
and Demerol (meperidine). Opioid drugs block pain and cause drowsiness.
Heavy use or a large single dose can cause respiratory depression
leading to death. The long-term effects of opioid abuse leads to
physical dependence and, in most cases, addiction.

Another common type of prescription drug abuse is the use of central
nervous system depressants. CNS depressants are used to treat conditions
like panic attacks and anxiety, and also to treat sleeping disorders.
Commonly abused types are, Nembutal (pentobarbital sodium), Valium
(diazepam), and Xanax (alprazolam). They initially function by slowing
down normal brain functions and cause the person using them to
experience a sleepy, uncoordinated feeling akin to alcohol or marijuana
inebriation, but with long-term use can lead to physical dependence and
addiction.

The third most common type of prescription drug abuse is central nervous
system stimulants. These are drugs created to treat the sleeping
disorder narcolepsy and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADD,
ADHD). Some examples of CNS stimulants are Ritalin (methylphenidate) and
Dexedrine (dextroamphetamine). These drugs, which have also have a high
risk of being addictive, enhance brain activity, heighten alertness, and
increase energy. Additionally, they cause blood pressure, heart rate,
and respiration to elevate. Taken in large doses, irregular heartbeat
and high body temperature commonly occur.

As stated earlier, the dangers of prescription drug abuse and addiction
are not to be taken lightly, even in comparison to other more dangerous
substances. Prescription drug abuse may not be as swift to claim it’s
victims, and turn them into addicts, but the dangers of addiction is
still a danger nonetheless. In addition, the threat of overdosing or a
dangerous even fatal allergic reaction are no laughing matter. Take the
time to educate yourself on the symptoms of prescription drug abuse. As
with any case of substance abuse, early detection and treatment decrease
the odds of addiction and increase the odds of successful treatment.

You probably know a drug addict without even realizing it. When most people think of a drug addict, they envision a dirty, high strung; out of control individual that they fear may cause them harm. What most people probably don’t realize is that drug addicts can look and act as normal as your next door neighbor. In fact, your next door neighbor just may be a drug addict.

Prescription drugs are hooking millions of Americans and causing devastating consequences to their lives and the lives of their families. It starts off innocently enough, you have an accident and a doctor prescribes medication to stop the pain, before you know it you are taking more and more because the pain just won’t go away. That is the insidious nature of prescription drug abuse. It works fine in the beginning, but you begin to build up a tolerance to the medication and the next thing you know you are in constant pain unless you take the medicine. It is at this point that addiction has set in.

Prescription drug addiction is reaching epidemic proportions. Approximately nine million Americans used prescription drugs for non-medical purposes in 1999, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA.) And the problem has only gotten worse. Many people who are addicted to prescription drugs don’t even realize that they have a problem. Because it is medication prescribed by a doctor for a legitimate medical condition in the beginning, they feel as if there is nothing wrong with what they are doing. As long as they aren’t taking hard street drugs like cocaine or heroin, they don’t recognize themselves as drug addicts.

In cases where prescription drugs are being abused, the patient may notice that they have to take more and more of the drug just to feel normal, without ever understanding that it is the effects of the addiction that is causing this viscous cycle. On top of that, once the drugs enter their system there are other chemical reactions going on that in the beginning, are pleasant and hard to give up; feelings such as relief from anxiety, false feelings of self-confidence and increased activity and energy levels. Sadly, the elderly is one group that is at a higher risk for becoming dependant on prescription drugs.

Because the elderly are often on many legitimate drugs for ongoing health issues related to their age, they have a higher risk of becoming addicted to prescription drugs. The elderly are also often isolated and lonely, which only raises their chances of falling victim to drug abuse. Women are also in the high-risk category. With all of the work women do inside and outside of the home, they often suffer from anxiety and/or depression. In order to combat this, their doctors prescribe antidepressants or antianxiety medication, and these can become addictive. There are several risk factors to becoming addicted to prescription drugs that should be looked at.

The risk factors to a prescription drug abuser can include; medical conditions that require pain medication, family history of addiction, fatigue and overwork depression, dependency, or poor self-esteem. Any doctor prescribing prescription drugs should pay close attention to any patient who falls into these categories because they are at an increased risk of becoming addicted. In fact, a doctor should monitor any patient that is on prescription drugs very carefully to ensure that they aren’t abusing them. But, even in cases where doctors are diligent about maintaining the proper use of the drug, some patients will circumvent that by doing what is called, “doctor shopping.” In doctor shopping scenarios, patients will go from doctor to doctor complaining of pain in order to get more prescriptions. There have been cases where patients were found with hundreds of prescriptions from different doctors. The problem has become so pervasive that NIDA has launched a national initiative to educate the public about the dangers of non-medical use of prescription drugs, and the potential for abuse.

The frustration, when dealing with prescription drug addiction, lies in the fact that these drugs are beneficial to the health and well being of millions of people every year. So, how does society balance the need for these drugs with the potential for danger? This is a problem law enforcement faces almost on a daily basis. Indeed, it can be a very delicate balance of curbing criminal behavior related to prescription drug addiction and making sure people with legitimate health concerns are still able to access the care they need.

If you or somebody you love thinks they may be addicted to prescription drugs, ask yourself these questions: 1) am I taking more than was originally prescribed, 2) has my doctor refused to give me anymore of the drugs even though I’ve told him I’m still in pain, 3) have I had to go to more than one doctor in order to keep getting my prescription filled, and 4) am I running out of my prescription before I’m due to another one? If you answer yes to these, you probably have a problem with prescription drugs.

If you do find yourself in this situation, you need to get help. There are plenty of places you can go to help got off the drugs. The first thing you may need to do is to go through detoxification. Detoxification, or detox, is when you physically begin to withdrawal from the drug. It is best to go through detox under the strict supervision of a medical professional. Detoxification is an unpleasant state to be in and can cause moderate to severe physical side-effects; for this reason, it is not advisable to go through it alone. You may need medical intervention at some point in the first few days. That’s why most detox is done in a hospital, or a treatment facility that has a medical staff.

Prescription drug addiction is suburbia’s shameful little secret, but it doesn’t have to be. If you are addicted to prescription drugs, you are not alone or unique, unfortunately it is happening everyday and all over the country.

Prescription drugs can be a medical miracle, but only when taken safely and under the strict supervision of your doctor. If you find that you are taking more than you should, or taking it for a longer period of time than was first recommended, seek help. Talk to your doctor to ensure you are taking your medication properly, and advice him of any fears or concerns you may have about becoming dependant.

The wildfire-like spread of pornographic sites on the Internet, combined
with the large amount of X-rated material already available has some
experts on sex and addiction concerned, that an increasing number of
unsuspecting people will become victims of a rapidly growing obsession,
porn addiction. Porn addiction is characterized as a behavioral
condition resulting from the abuse or overuse of pornography. Like other
addictions, porn addiction can ruin lives and relationships. While many
people may be able to use porn without developing an addiction, some
could be in peril of developing a serious porn addiction.

‘Porn addiction’ is not classified by medical doctors as a disease, porn
addiction is defined as a psychological dependence, or addiction to
pornography, characterized by obsessive viewing, reading, and
fantasizing about pornography to the point of causing impairment to
one’s life. Some backers of this hypothesis suggest that porn addicts
should experience similar types of symptoms to those involved in
physiological addictions to drugs or alcohol, such as physical and/or
psychological problems when they attempt to quit, and desensitization to
the “substance”, creating a need for larger or stronger “doses”.

Porn addiction, like other addictions is a treatable illness. The
psychological foundations of porn addiction require behavioral and
recovery group therapy as a part of rehabilitation treatment and can
also require the administration of medications to lower the sex drive.
Marriage or relationship counseling is also a common part of the healing
process, as the damage porn addiction causes to a relationship can be
devastating and require extensive mending.

Recovery from porn addiction should involve continued participation in a
12 step or recovery type group, as well as continued avoidance or
pornographic materials, places, and situations likely to trigger a
relapse. Creating nurturing family and romantic relationships is also a
part of the recovery process for porn addiction, the building of healthy
romantic and social relationships is a strong defense against the
loneliness and objectification of porn addiction. With the proper
treatment and the learning of coping and relationship skills, porn
addiction can be overcome and a healthy romantic and personal life
reattained.

Once known as “poor man’s cocaine,” the crystalline white powder known
as speed or meth, quickly seduces those who snort, smoke or inject it
with a euphoric rush of confidence, hyperalertness and sexual arousal
that can last for hours, even days on end, and then the destruction
begins.

Meth initially became popular in rural areas in the midwest, and on the
West Coast. With alarming rapidity the epidemic of meth has found it’s
way into the mainstream on its steady march across the country. Cheaper
than most other hard drugs, the highly addictive stimulant is spreading
to people across the socioeconomic spectrum, from soccer moms in
Illinois, and computer geeks in Silicon Valley to factory workers in
Detroit and gay professionals in New York and Los Angeles.

Recently, the White House drug policy office, realizing the potential
disaster on the horizon, has set a goal to cut meth use by 15 percent
over the next three years and increase seizures of meth labs by 25
percent. The abuse of meth, mistakenly thought to only be a minor
problem, has now become an issue on a national level.

With more than 12 million Americans having tried methamphetamine, and
1.5 million admitting to being regular users (according to federal
estimates) meth abuse is quickly spreading. The production of meth is at
an all time high as well. Meth labs have been uncovered in all 50
states, with Missouri topping the list, with more than 8,000 labs seized
between 2002 and 2004. Law enforcement officials across the United
States rank methamphetamine as the No. 1 drug problem they face today.
In a survey of 500 law-enforcement agencies in 45 states by the National
Association of Counties, 58 percent said meth is by far the biggest drug
problem they face, compared with only 19 percent for cocaine, 17 percent
for pot and 3 percent for heroin.

Meth addicts are pouring into prisons and meth rehabilitation centers at an
ever-increasing rate, and a new generation of “meth babies” is choking
the foster-care system in many states. About half the counties reported
that one in five inmates are jailed because of meth-related crimes like
robberies and burglaries. Another 17 percent of counties reported that
one in two inmates are incarcerated for meth-related activity. About
1,000 of the 2,800 inmates in the Oklahoma County jail are incarcerated
for meth-related crimes, he said. Even Mormon Utah has a meth problem,
with nearly half the women in Salt Lake City’s jail testing positive for
the drug in one study.

One thing is for sure, meth abuse is America’s biggest problem, making
it Public Enemy No. 1.

Methamphetamine is a highly addictive drug that is devastating the lives of the people it touches every day. Over the last few years, methamphetamine, (or meth as it is commonly called), has gained in popularity with a cross-section of society. It has become the great equalizer, destroying the lives of the rich, the poor and the middle-class. The most shocking news is that it seems suburban mothers are quickly becoming the latest victims of the ravages of meth.

The statistics on methamphetamine use are staggering. Data from a 2000 Drug Warning Network (DAWN), report stated that patients were being seen in hospitals for meth-related episodes at an alarmingly increasing rate. Their report showed that in 1999 there were approximately 10,400 emergency room visits related to meth, but went up to 13,500 in 2000. That is a 30% increase, and that was six years ago. The problem has grown by leaps and bounds since then.

One of the most disturbing aspects of meth, is the fact that it is so alarmingly addictive. Abusers of this drug have said they became hooked after their first use. Meth grabs its victims by the throat and isn’t easily shaken off. One of the reasons it has become so wide spread is the ease of getting it, and at a price anybody can afford. This isn’t like Cocaine, which was considered the “yuppie” drug back in the 80’s. The damaging effects of meth can be seen in a user within a matter of weeks of their initial use, and by that time, they are already hooked.

The effects of methamphetamine can be severe and even brutal. After taking meth, the user can expect a high that will last from 6 to 8 hours, and after that begins to wear off they may experience high agitation, which can lead to violent behavior. So, this means that methamphetamine abuse isn’t just a danger to the abuser, but it is dangerous to society as a whole. That is why it is crucial to get the addict into drug rehab. Rehabilitation may be their only hope for survival.

Continuing use of meth has some very serious short-term and long-term effects, effects that can ultimately lead to their death. Some of the short-term effects a meth user may have are; increased respiration and hypothermia, which can lead into the more severe long-term effects of; paranoia, hallucinations, mood disturbances and possibly stroke. In order to save the addicts life, intervention and recovery are vital.

When in the middle of the throes of addiction, most people are in deep denial. This is why intervention is so essential. They have to be forced to face the reality of their situation, and the deadly path they are on. Ultimately, if they don’t get off the meth, there is bound to be one of three outcomes; 1) jail, 2) institutionalization, or 3) death! But, it doesn’t have to end this way. There are places they can go to get help, and return to the person they once were.

Rehabilitation and recovery happen for meth addicts every day. With the help of highly trained medical personal and deep psychological counseling, an addict can come out of the shadow of their addiction and back into the light of sobriety. There are several different ways they can approach rehabilitation. The most recommended being a residential treatment facility.

In a residential treatment facility the patient stays for an extended period of time and receives a multitude of help and services. But, the first thing they will need to do before they start the program is detox. Detoxification is a medically supervised withdrawal from the methamphetamine in their system. It is one of the three keys to a successful recovery, which also includes family support, relationship repair and length of stay. There is a correlation between an addict’s length of stay at a rehabilitation clinic and long-term sobriety. That’s why the residential treatment centers are preferred. But, if for whatever reason they cannot commit to a long-term situation, there are also day clinics that offer much of the same help.

Some of the components of the program in a residential treatment center are:

• Assessment/Evaluation
• Medical Experts
• Individualized Treatment Planning
• One on One Counseling
• Group Counseling
• Introduction to Community Services
• Emphasis on Peer Support
• Transition and Continuing Care
• Lifetime Aftercare
• Legal System Advocacy

Much of these same services are offered to an addict who wishes to avail themselves of the day program. The biggest difference is that they don’t live there. In a day program, or out patient program, the patient comes in to the drug treatment center up to 8 hours a day 6 days a week. Although this works, statistics show that the residential treatment centers have a higher rate of success, which they attribute to the around the clock supervision and support. Aftercare is a vital part of rehabilitation for an addict.

With aftercare, the addict continues to go to group counseling where they can discuss the issues they are dealing with in a safe and understanding environment. They are surrounded by other people who have gone through what they have gone through, so they may feel more comfortable opening up and sharing what they are really feeling. This takes away that feeling of isolation so many addicts experience. Aftercare is credited with playing a major role in keeping an addict clean.

Methamphetamine rehabilitation has been proven to work. Before you or a loved one is lost to this drug forever, seek the help that is out there.

Methadone is a rigorously well-tested medication that is safe and
efficacious for the treatment of narcotic withdrawal and dependence. A
synthetic narcotic, Methadone has been used to treat opioid addiction
for over a quarter of a century. Use of heroin releases excessive
amounts of dopamine in the body and causes a need for the user to have
opiates continuously occupying the opioid receptor in the brain.
Methadone occupies and stabilizes this receptor, allowing addicts to
change their behavior and discontinue heroin use.

The use of methadone for the treatment of heroin addiction, known as MMT
or methadone maintenance treatment, furnishes the recovering addict with
comprehensive healthcare and prescription methadone for relief from the
symptoms of heroin withdrawal, reduction of opiate cravings, and for
restoring a biochemical balance to the body. Additionally, treatment for
heroin addiction requires specialized social and rehabilitation
services. Admission to a licensed detoxification/rehabilitation center
is recommended.

Taken in pill form once a day, methadone works by suppressing the
physical symptoms of narcotic withdrawal for 24 to 36 hours. Because
methadone has proven to be effective in eliminating withdrawal symptoms,
it is used on opiate addicts during the detoxification process.
Methadone treatment, however is only useful and effective for addictions
to heroin, morphine, and other opioid drugs, it is not effective in the
treatment of other drugs. Methadone reduces the cravings, and negates
the high from heroin, but does not provide a euphoric rush or “high”. As
a result, methadone patients do not undergo the intense highs and lows
resulting from the fluctuation of heroin in blood levels.
Ultimately, the methadone patient becomes physically dependent to the
drug, but in exchange, is freed from the compulsive, and disruptive
behaviors of heroin addiction. Since the time of withdrawal for
methadone is longer than that of heroin, patients can be treated over a
longer period of time without the risk of harmful side effects.
Methadone treatment can be a lengthy, arduous procedure, in some cases
even lasting for years.

Methadone treatment gives patients freedom from the horrors of heroin
addiction. A study conducted by a leading authority on drug abuse and
addiction, the National Institute on Drug Abuse found that, outpatients
participating in methadone treatment, decreased their weekly heroin use
by 69%. The benefits of this decrease in use are essential for the
patients health and productivity to improve. In addition, the use of
methadone for the treatment of heroin addiction has been proven to be
beneficial not only to the patient, but society as well. Methadone
patients were no longer required to commit criminal acts to support
their habits, resulting in 52% drop in criminal activity among patients
involved in the study. Full-time employment was also increased by 24%.
In another study conducted in California in 1994, regarding the overall
benefits of methadone treatment, researchers found that the incidence of
illegal drug use, criminal activity, and hospitalization for overdoses,
were lower for methadone patients than for heroin addicts being treated
in other types of drug treatment programs.

Methamphetamine, a thrill-drug, known on the street as “speed”, “meth”, “chalk” or, in crystal form, “ice”, “glass”, and “tina”, has become the low-cost drug of choice in many communities, supplanting even crack cocaine and heroin for cheap thrills. It is relatively easy to make, broiled in saucepots and cookers, from readily available items. All one needs is the reckless will to do it, and presto.

Why would a person take the risk? Well, according to the National Institute of Drug Abuse, the user, “experiences an intense sensation, called a ‘rush’ or ‘flash,’ that lasts only a few minutes and is described as extremely pleasurable.” The downsides to this precipitous spike in mood are: long bouts of wakefulness, frenetic behavior and restlessness, a decrease in appetite, hypothermia, and insomnia. There are other effects: users may experience confusion, anxiety, paranoia, tremors, and even seizures. Methamphetamine also leads to an increased heart rate and can cause high blood pressure. Use of the drug can also damage brain cells, potentially causing strokes. Often damage to the brain is not immediately detectable, only becoming manifest months later. In fact, Meth causes damage to the brain similar to that caused by Altzheimers or epilepsy The long and the short of it is – one way or another, Meth hastens death.

With such information out there, one would imagine people staying away from the drug in droves, but, in fact, recent studies showed upwards of 6 percent of all high school seniors had tried Meth at least once, with upwards of 5 percent of juniors trying the drug. The drug seems to be particularly popular in the American Southwest. In Phonenix, over 40 percent of arrestees tested positive for Meth. In Los Angeles, over 28 percent tested positive. It has also caught on in the urban gay scene, doing the work that used to be done by amyl nitrate “poppers”; except people are doing it in injectable form, putting themselves at increased risk for HIV and a host of other blood-borne pathogens.

The production of Meth is itself a dangerous habit. People are often burned, even blinded, when the household materials they are using to cook Meth, such as ammonium chloride, explode. Because it is cheap to make, and is made with available household items, user desperate for the drug will often try to concoct it themselves. This is only one of many tertiary horrors associated with the drug.

Once, outlaw motorcycle gangs controlled the production and trafficking of methamphetamine in America. Nowadays, Mexico-based operators dominate the current market. They are aided by the accessibility of the chemicals needed to cook Meth, as well as their access to elaborate smuggling routes and clandestine border town drug rings. They also run a number of “super labs”, which can produce Meth in enormous quantities over a short period of time. It has become virtually impossible to keep up with the rapid production of Meth by these groups south of the border. DEA agents are getting more and more vigilant, however, and initiatives are now in place to stop the smuggling rings which had gone unrecognized for years as more attention was directed to traditional sources of the drug such as biker gangs.

Authorities have woken up in recent years to the precipitous climb in Meth production, as well as use. The institution of Meth as a “party drug” is particularly alarming to drug enforcement agents across the county. First-time users have no realistic idea of how the drug will affect them, making the casual use and ease of availability even more frightening.

In a ten year span, from 1994 to 2004, the number of people admitting themselves to treatment programs for methamphetamine addiction increased from 33,443 in 1994, to the astronomical figure of 129,079 in 2004. This is both alarming and encouraging, for people – including the users themselves –are waking up to the need for treatment.

September, 2006, was National Recovery Month. Although that attention is welcome, Sunset Malibu would like every month to be National Recovery Month, and we encourage individuals experiencing the torment of Methamphetamine addiction to seek treatment in our luxurious and beautiful facility overlooking the Pacific Ocean.

Contrary to popular opinion, there are long-term effects to short term use of any drug. Meth is particularly potent, even more so in liquid form; and it is now more important than ever to address your use of the drug. We are a private facility, and you need not be ashamed to walk through our doors. We respect confidentiality. Meth use, as crack did in the ‘80s’s, has a particular stigma nowadays, and we fully understand the embarrassment people often feel at the thought of their addiction to the drug. At Sunset Malibu we know Meth use cuts across all race and class lines. We encourage you to take the step of entering our facility, and make a positive change in your life.