DANGERS OF CODEINE USE

Codeine is a short-acting narcotic prescribed by physicians most often used for the treatment of pain relief. Codeine can be highly addictive and provides the user with an overall sense of calm and feelings of pleasure. When codeine is used it enters the brain and causes the release of neurotransmitters that stimulate the reward center of the brain, leaving the user feeling intense feelings of wellbeing and pleasure. This kind of pleasure can lead to both psychological and physical dependence.

Some individuals use Codeine for legitimate medical purposes, but over time develop an addiction problem. After prolonged use, an individual develops a tolerance for this substance and needs to take  more of the drug in order to feel the effects. Someone who is addicted to codeine can begin to feel symptoms of withdrawal if they go even a short time without using the substance.

Other individuals become addicted to codeine and begin to use it to manage other problems in their lives, such as emotional pain or stresses due to the euphoric feelings it causes. Many who become addicted to codeine will use it with other substances – polysubstance abuse – such as benzodiazepines or alcohol to increase the calming sense of wellbeing these substances cause. This can lead to major health risks such as respiratory depression and coma if taken in high quantities. Other people may take codeine with stimulants like cocaine or methamphetamines in order to reduce the severity of unwanted side effects of the stimulants. This combination of uppers and downers can lead to cardiovascular failure and myocardial infarction (Heart Attack).

As codeine is one of the less concentrated narcotics, individuals who develop an addiction to codeine may seek out more powerful prescriptions narcotics such as OxyContin so that they experience even greater feelings of euphoria. If prescription narcotics are not available, an individual may opt to use heroin (a morphine derivative and illegal narcotic) to achieve an even more powerful high.

CAUSES OF CODEINE ADDICTION

Addiction to codeine and other substances is thought to be a combination of a number of factors working together. These include:

Genetic: Individuals who have relatives – especially a parent – who are addicted to substances are more likely to develop an addiction problem later in life.

Brain Chemistry: Codeine works by interacting with the neurotransmitters in the brain. One theory is that individuals who abuse codeine do so in order to make up for a lack of the naturally-occurring neurotransmitter. Codeine may be used as a form of self-medication in order to make up for the deficiency.

Environmental Effects: Another hypothesis is that children who grew up in an unstable home environment may be exposed to drug abuse by watching their parents or older siblings use. Through modeling, they learn that drug abuse is an acceptable way of coping with emotional problems and stressful life events.

Psychological: Sometimes individuals who become addicted to substances such as codeine are self-medicating in order to deal with an untreated mental disorder. Codeine is used in an attempt to control unpleasant side effects of the underlying mental disorder.

CODEINE ABUSE SYMPTOMS

Symptoms of codeine abuse will vary among users depending upon the amount used and the length of drug abuse. Symptoms of codeine abuse include:

Mood symptoms:

·         Euphoria

·         Calm

·         Depression

·         Anxiety

·         Mood swings

Behavioral symptoms:

·         Drowsiness

·         Increase in amount of sleeping time

·         Decreased appetite

·         Apathy

·         Increased hospital visits

·         Prescription forgery

·         Stealing prescriptions or opiates from friends and family

·         Lying to cover-up amount used

Physical symptoms:

·         Constipation

·         Blue tinge to lips and fingernails

·         Muscle twitches

·         Dizziness

·         Fainting

·         Nausea and vomiting

·         Dry mouth

·         Itching

·         Rashes

·         Urinary retention

·         Hypotension

·         Seizure

·         Respiratory depression

·         Decreased libido

·         Seizures

EFFECTS OF WITHDRAWAL

Someone who is physically dependent upon codeine should not attempt to stop using without the supervision of a trained medical professional. The immediate cessation of codeine can cause a number of withdrawal effects. These effects may include:

·         Craving for the drug

·         Runny nose

·         Intense sweating

·         Chills

·         Goosebumps

·         Stomach cramps

·         Nausea and vomiting

·         Spasms of the muscles

·         Agitation and irritability

·         Psychosis

·         Suicidal thoughts

·         Homicidal thoughts

·         Racing thoughts

·         Hallucinations

Constant use of Codeine is dangerous to health and should ONLY be used based on Doctors or a qualified medical practitioners orders.

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DRUG ABUSE AND ADDICTION

Many people don't understand why or how other people become addicted to drugs. They may mistakenly think that those who use drugs lack moral principles or willpower and that they could stop their drug use simply by choosing to. In reality, drug addiction is a complex disease, and quitting usually takes more than good intentions or a strong will. Drugs change the brain in ways that make quitting hard, even for those who want to. Fortunately, researchers know more than ever about how drugs affect the brain and have found treatments that can help people recover from drug addiction and lead productive lives. The use of drugs to cope with life’s problems only makes the existing problems worse and likely causes new problems to develop, leaving feelings of isolation, helplessness, or shame.

People experiment with drugs for many different reasons. Many first try drugs out of curiosity, to have a good time, because friends are doing it, in an effort to improve athletic performance or ease another problem, such as stress, anxiety, or depression. Use doesn’t automatically lead to abuse, and there is no specific point at which drug use moves from casual to problematic. Drug abuse and addiction is less about the amount of substance consumed or the frequency, and more about the reasons people turn to drugs in the first place as well as the consequences of their drug use. If your drug use is causing problems in your life—at work, school, home, or in your relationships—you likely have a drug abuse or addiction problem.

WHAT IS DRUG ADDICTION?

Addiction is a chronic disease characterized by drug seeking and use that is compulsive, or difficult to control, despite harmful consequences. The initial decision to take drugs is voluntary for most people, but repeated drug use can lead to brain changes that challenge an addicted person’s self-control and interfere with their ability to resist intense urges to take drugs. These brain changes can be persistent, which is why drug addiction is considered a "relapsing" disease—people in recovery from drug use disorders are at increased risk for returning to drug use even after years of not taking the drug.

HOW DRUG ADDICTION AND ABUSE DEVELOPS

There is a fine line between regular use and drug abuse and addiction. Very few addicts are able to recognize when they have crossed that line. While frequency or the amount of drugs consumed do not necessarily constitute drug abuse or addiction, they can often be indicators of drug-related problems.

A WAY TO SOCIALLY CONNECT: Commonly, people try drugs for the first time in social situations with friends and acquaintances. A strong desire to fit in to the group can make it feel like doing the drugs with them is the only option.

YOU MAKE DRUG A VALUABLE NEED: You may find yourself increasingly relying on it. You may take drugs to calm or energize yourself, or make you more confident. You may start using prescription drugs to cope with panic attacks or relieve chronic pain. Until you find alternative, healthier methods for overcoming these problems, your drug use will likely continue. If you are using drugs to fill a void in your life, you’re more at risk of crossing the line from casual use to drug abuse and addiction. To maintain a healthy balance in your life, you need to have positive experiences and feel good about your life without any drug use.

AS DRUG ABUSE TAKES HOLD: You may miss or frequently be late for work or school, your job performance may progressively deteriorate, and you may start to neglect social or family responsibilities. Your ability to stop using is eventually compromised. What began as a voluntary choice has turned into a physical and psychological need.

IS ADDICTION CURABLE?

As with most other chronic diseases, such as diabetes, asthma, or heart disease, treatment for drug addiction generally isn’t a cure. However, addiction is treatable and can be successfully managed. People who are recovering from an addiction will be at risk for relapse for years and possibly for their whole lives. Research shows that combining addiction treatment medicines with behavioral therapy ensures the best chance of success for most patients. Treatment approaches tailored to each patient’s drug use patterns and any co-occurring medical, mental, and social problems can lead to continued recovery.

TREATMENT

Successful treatment has several steps:

·         detoxification (the process by which the body rids itself of a drug)

·         behavioral counseling

·         medication (for opioid, tobacco, or alcohol addiction)

·         evaluation and treatment for co-occurring mental health issues such as depression and anxiety

·         long-term follow-up to prevent relapse

A range of care with a tailored treatment program and follow-up options can be crucial to success. Treatment should include both medical and mental health services as needed. Follow-up care may include community- or family-based recovery support systems.

 More good news is that drug use and addiction are preventable. Education and outreach programs are key in helping people understand the possible risks of drug use. Teachers, parents, and health care providers have crucial roles in educating young people and preventing drug use and addiction.

FOR ASSISTANCE, SEND A MAIL: richmondmez@gmail.com for counseling services.

NEED TO KNOW ABOUT MENINGITIS

Meningitis is an inflammation (swelling) of the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord known as the meninges. This inflammation is usually caused by an infection of the fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord.

Meningitis is usually caused by bacteria or viruses, but can be a result of injury, cancer, or certain drugs.

It is important to know the specific cause of meningitis because the treatment differs depending on the cause.

WHAT CAUSES MENINGITIS?

Meningitis is generally caused by infection of viruses, bacteria, fungi, parasites, and certain organisms. Anatomical defects or weak immune systems may be linked to recurrent bacterial meningitis. In the majority of cases the cause is a virus. However, some non-infectious causes of meningitis also exist.

BACTERIAL MENINGITIS: Bacteria that enter the bloodstream and travel to the brain and spinal cord cause acute bacterial meningitis. But it can also occur when bacteria directly invade the meninges. This may be caused by an ear or sinus infection, a skull fracture, or, rarely, after some surgeries.

Several strains of bacteria can cause acute bacterial meningitis, most commonly:

·         Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcus). This bacterium is the most common cause of bacterial meningitis in infants, young children and adults in the United States. It more commonly causes pneumonia or ear or sinus infections. A vaccine can help prevent this infection.

·         Neisseria meningitidis (meningococcus). This bacterium is another leading cause of bacterial meningitis. These bacteria commonly cause an upper respiratory infection but can cause meningococcal meningitis when they enter the bloodstream. This is a highly contagious infection that affects mainly teenagers and young adults. It may cause local epidemics in college dormitories, boarding schools and military bases. A vaccine can help prevent infection.

·         Haemophilus influenzae (haemophilus). Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) bacterium was once the leading cause of bacterial meningitis in children. But new Hib vaccines have greatly reduced the number of cases of this type of meningitis.

·         Listeria monocytogenes (listeria). These bacteria can be found in unpasteurized cheeses, hot dogs and luncheon meats. Pregnant women, newborns, older adults and people with weakened immune systems are most susceptible. Listeria can cross the placental barrier, and infections in late pregnancy may be fatal to the baby.

VIRAL MENINGITIS:

Viral meningitis is usually mild and often clears on its own. Most cases in the United States are caused by a group of viruses known as enteroviruses, which are most common in late summer and early fall. Viruses such as herpes simplex virus, HIV, mumps, West Nile virus and others also can cause viral meningitis.

CHRONIC MENINGITIS:

Slow-growing organisms (such as fungi and Mycobacterium tuberculosis) that invade the membranes and fluid surrounding your brain cause chronic meningitis. Chronic meningitis develops over two weeks or more. The symptoms of chronic meningitis — headaches, fever, vomiting and mental cloudiness — are similar to those of acute meningitis.

FUNGAL MENINGITIS:

Fungal meningitis is relatively uncommon and causes chronic meningitis. It may mimic acute bacterial meningitis. Fungal meningitis isn't contagious from person to person. Cryptococcal meningitis is a common fungal form of the disease that affects people with immune deficiencies, such as AIDS. It's life-threatening if not treated with an antifungal medication.

OTHER CAUSES:

Meningitis can also result from noninfectious causes, such as chemical reactions, drug allergies, some types of cancer and inflammatory diseases such as sarcoidosis.

SYMPTOMS:

Early meningitis symptoms may mimic the flu (influenza). Symptoms may develop over several hours or over a few days.

Possible signs and symptoms in anyone older than the age of  2 include:

·         Sudden high fever

·         Stiff neck

·         Severe headache that seems different than normal

·         Headache with nausea or vomiting

·         Confusion or difficulty concentrating

·         Seizures

·         Sleepiness or difficulty waking

·         Sensitivity to light

·         No appetite or thirst

·         Skin rash (sometimes, such as in meningococcal meningitis)

Signs in newborns

Newborns and infants may show these signs:

·         High fever

·         Constant crying

·         Excessive sleepiness or irritability

·         Inactivity or sluggishness

·         Poor feeding

·         A bulge in the soft spot on top of a baby's head (fontanel)

·         Stiffness in a baby's body and neck

Infants with meningitis may be difficult to comfort, and may even cry harder when held.

RISK FACTORS:

·         Skipping vaccinations: Risk rises for anyone who hasn't completed the recommended childhood or adult vaccination schedule.

·         Age: Most cases of viral meningitis occur in children younger than age 5. Bacterial meningitis is common in those under age 20.

·         Living in a community setting: College students living in dormitories, personnel on military bases, and children in boarding schools and child care facilities are at greater risk of meningococcal meningitis. This is probably because the bacterium is spread by the respiratory route, and spreads quickly through large groups.

·         Pregnancy: Pregnancy increases the risk of listeriosis — an infection caused by listeria bacteria, which also may cause meningitis. Listeriosis increases the risk of miscarriage, stillbirth and premature delivery.

·         Compromised immune system: AIDS, alcoholism, diabetes, use of immunosuppressant drugs and other factors that affect your immune system also make you more susceptible to meningitis. Having your spleen removed also increases your risk, and patients without a spleen should get vaccinated to minimize that risk.

COMPLICATIONS:

Meningitis complications can be severe. The longer you or your child has the disease without treatment, the greater the risk of seizures and permanent neurological damage, including:

·         Hearing loss

·         Memory difficulty

·         Learning disabilities

·         Brain damage

·         Gait problems

·         Seizures

·         Kidney failure

·         Shock

·         Death

With prompt treatment, even patients with severe meningitis can have good recovery.