National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month

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By Nurse Diane

Being a nurse is a very tempting job when it comes to drug addiction.  Every few months I get a newsletter from the Board of Nursing and in the back it lists all the nurses who have had their licenses suspended or removed, and lists their violation.  Most of those listed are because of drug abuse.

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I went to school with a woman whose daughter also became a nurse.  She was a victim of drug abuse.  When she had reached the end of her rope, I helped my friend over the weekend sober up her child.  It was not a pretty sight.  We stayed locked in a room while her daughter screamed, cried, threatened and became violently ill.  In the end, she was able to remove the toxins from her body and with the help of her family has been able to stay off drugs.

I believe addiction to certain things are encoded in our DNA.  Some people are just immune to it, while others are not.  The same can be said for other addictions such as gambling, overeating, as well as drugs and alcohol.

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September is National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month. Below is part of the Presidential Proclamation:

Presidential Proclamation--National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month

NATIONAL ALCOHOL AND DRUG ADDICTION RECOVERY MONTH, 2011

BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

A PROCLAMATION

Recovering from addiction to alcohol and other drugs takes strength, faith, and commitment. Men and women in recovery showcase the power each of us holds to transform ourselves, our families, and our communities. As people share their stories and celebrate the transformative power of recovery, they also help dispel myths and stigmas surrounding substance abuse and offer hope for lifestyles free from alcohol and other drugs. This month and throughout the year, we must promote recovery and support the growth of healthy, resilient individuals and families in the United States. Today, alcohol and other drugs threaten the future of millions of Americans. Abuse of prescription medication has reached epidemic levels, drunk and drugged driving pose significant threats to public safety, and individuals in recovery continue to confront barriers to full participation in our society. My Administration is committed to reducing substance abuse, and this year we released our 2011 National Drug Control Strategy, which supports successful, long term recoveries through research, education, increased access to treatment, and community-based recovery support. As a Nation, we must strive to promote second chances and recognize each individual's ability to overcome adversity. We laud and support the millions of Americans in recovery from substance abuse, their loved ones, and the communities that help them sustain recovery, while encouraging those in need to seek help. As we celebrate National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month, we pay tribute to the transforming power of recovery, which will continue to heal individuals and communities across our country.

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Recovery from any substance is a long and difficult process and requires assistance from many.  For more information in ways you can help, click this site: http://www.recoverymonth.gov/ and encourage anyone you know who suffers from an addiction to seek help before it’s too late.

Drug Prevention Week

By Diane Forrest,

I remember a long while watching the Academy awards several of the stars had red ribbons on their clothes.    It was later learned that those ribbons represented Aids Awareness.  That started an explosion.  There are different colored ribbons for almost every disease.  Click here for a list of ribbons and what they represent: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_awareness_ribbons

While you may think of Aids when you see a red ribbon, this week is red ribbon week, and it is to make you aware of Drug Prevention.  You might say this was the pioneer of ribbon wearing.

Red Ribbon Week is the nation’s oldest and largest drug prevention program in the nation reaching millions of Americans during the last week of October every year. By wearing red ribbons and participating in community anti-drug events, young people pledge to live a drug-free life.

It all started in 1985 when Special Agent Kiki Camarena, who was an 11-year veteran of the DEA assigned to the Guadalajara, Mexico, was on the trail of the country’s biggest marijuana and cocaine traffickers. On February 7, 1985, he was kidnapped, brutally tortured, and murdered by Mexican drug traffickers. His tragic death opened the eyes of many Americans to the dangers of drugs and the international scope of the drug trade.

Shortly after Kiki’s death, Congressman Duncan Hunter and Kiki’s high school friend Henry Lozano launched “Camarena Clubs” in Kiki’s hometown of Calexico, California. Hundreds of club members pledged to lead drug-free lives to honor the sacrifice made by Kiki Camarena.  These pledges were delivered to First Lady Nancy Reagan at a national conference of parents, and in 1988, the National Family Partnership (NFP) coordinated the first National Red Ribbon Week with President and Mrs. Reagan serving as honorary chairpersons.

Ways to participate in red ribbon week include, sponsoring essay and poster contests; organizing drug-free races; decorating buildings in red; handing out red ribbons to customers; holding parades or community events; and by publicizing the value of a drug-free, healthy lifestyle.

For more information click here:  http://www.redribboncoalition.com/index.php/history

10/2 October is Talk about Prescriptions Month

By Diane Forrest, RN

"What time is it?" I would ask my dad.  He would answer" Why? You taking a pill?"  I said, "Yes".  He would reply, “What time is your next pill?"

I always had to work to get the time out of my father, and I can't tell you how many times we had that same conversation, but one thing is certain.  If you are taking medication, you must take it at the prescribed times.  October is Talk about Prescriptions Month, so today I would like to share with you a few rules about Medications.

First and foremost, only take medications that are prescribed for you.  Even if medications treat the same problem, they may work differently.  If you have an infection, and a friend offers you an antibiotic.  Don't take it, wait till you see or call your own doctor.

Take your medication at the prescribed time.  They have these doses for a reason.  This reason is very complicated, but in a nutshell, drugs have what is called a half-life.  What this means is the amount of time it takes for a drug to lose half of its effectiveness.  For example, you are prescribed a pain medication.  It is ordered to take one every 4 to 6 hours as needed for pain.  This medication will probably have its half- life in 6 hours, you will need to take another one if the pain is still present to keep the amount even in your body.  If you take the drug too soon, you will have too much in your body, and if you wait longer, it will take longer for the medication to work.  Your main objective is to keep an even amount of the medication in your bloodstream so it will be effective in relieving the problem.

Check all the rules for the medication.  There are so many different rules that come with each medication.  While some may not have any special directions, some include things like:

• Don’t take with another type of medication or certain type of liquid, like milk;
• Take on an empty or full stomach;
• Don't crush;
• Keep in the refrigerator;
• Keep out of sunlight;
• If you miss a dose, wait til the next scheduled time, do not take 2 at one time;
• Take first thing in the morning;
• Take at bedtime; and
• Take all the medication and Do not stop if you are feeling better.

There are many other rules.  These are in place to make sure the medication is working properly.  Some medications, if stopped suddenly can cause the body harm.  They are required to be tapered off.  Antibiotics, if stopped too soon, will allow the infection to return.

Side effects:

Always know what side effects are caused by your medication.  Some side effects are minor and can just be an inconvenience.  Others can be dangerous and life threatening and require immediate emergency treatment.  These days when you pick up your prescriptions at the drugstore, they will attach a sheet that covers all the special directions, and side effects, and precautions.  Make sure you are familiar with this information, and even if you have been taking the same medication for a long period of time, it is still a good idea to refresh your memory every now and then.

Other important information includes:

• Only take medications that are prescribed for you;
• Never share your medications with anyone;
• Check the expiration dates, and disposes of out of date medication; and
• Keep all medications away from children.

 Also talk with your primary physician about your medications, especially during your annual physical – to review the current medications that you’re own, and those you have been taking for an extended period of time. (Akindman)

National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recover

By Diane Forrest 

In August, 2009, President Obama issued a proclamation making September National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recover Month.  The Proclamation is as follows:

Every year, Americans across the country overcome their struggles with addiction. With personal determination and the support of family and friends, community members, and health professionals, they have turned the page on an illness and sought the promise of recovery. On this occasion, we recognize these brave role models and express support for those in treatment, applaud those in recovery, and encourage those in need to seek help.

As a Nation, we must work together to provide access to effective services that reduce substance abuse and promote healthy living. Without effective treatment, abuse of alcohol, illicit drugs, or prescription medications can devastate the mind and body. With treatment, substance use disorders can be managed, giving individuals the effective tools necessary to address their addiction. This year's theme, "Together We Learn, Together We Heal," calls us to unite and encourage drug-free living. Treatment programs, family members, and neighbors can all help assist those who experience addiction.

During National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month, we also pay special tribute to the dedicated professionals and everyday citizens who, with skill and empathy, guide people through the treatment and recovery process. Across America, they are offering a message of hope and understanding. These compassionate individuals remind us that the strength of our character derives not from the mistakes we make, but from our ability to recognize and address them. When we extend a helping hand to those in need, we reaffirm the American spirit and move our Nation towards a brighter tomorrow.

Overcoming an addiction is a very difficult task.  The process has been depicted in numerous television shows and movies.  These dramatizations however can't compare to actual events.  During my years as a nursing student, we would visit rehabilitation centers.  Watching as these patients went through the recovery process is excruciating.  Ways you can help with this process is to offer your support.  If you know someone who is going through recovery, or has been recovering for years, let them know that you support them, their strength and courage as well as their dedication.  Addiction is a disease that can't be cured with a pill.  It is a lifetime battle that is fought one day at a time.

For more information visit this site: http://www.recoverymonth.gov/