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| ALCOHOL | OPIATES
- PAINKILLERS | | | CRYSTAL
METH | INHALANTS | |
| MARIJUANA | HALLUCINOGENS | |
| COCAINE AND CRACK | PRESCRIPTION
DRUGS | | | | |
| ALCOHOL | back
to top | | alcohol
is a depressant used in liquid form. Different types include beer, wine, and liquor.
alcohol is absorbed by the stomach and immediately enters into the bloodstream.
The first and most common side effect is the loss of inhibitions, allowing the
drinker to "relax" and feel "comfortable" in various social situations. When too
much alcohol is consumed, the user experiences dizziness, slurred speech,
nausea, vomiting, and most dangerously it impairs judgment and coordination. alcohol
is related to many traffic fatalities, as many users do not realize the full extent
of their loss of ability to operate a motor vehicle.
Frequent use of
alcohol over a long period of time can lead to addiction characterized
by extreme cravings. When alcohol use is suddenly stopped, withdrawal symptoms
can include anxiety, tremors, hallucinations, and convulsions. Long-term alcohol
use can produce severe damage to the brain and liver. When a pregnant mother consumes
alcohol, fetal alcohol syndrome can occur. The child may suffer
from mental retardation and physical abnormalities. | | | |
| CRYSTAL METH | back
to top | | Crystal
Methamphetamine is easily manufactured in homemade and unsafe labs. It is a seriously
addictive substance and has become a growing epidemic. A study published by the
National Association of Counties reports "Meth" users as typically 20 to 30 years
old, ranging from college students to blue-collar workers. It affects men and
women equally. Crystal Meth is now reported as the number one drug problem
in many counties across the nation. In addition, it has become a growing problem
in gay communities nationwide and is being linked to a recent rise in HIV infection
rates.
Methamphetamine is a powerful stimulant affecting the central
nervous system. The user experiences increased wakefulness, an increase in physical
activity, a loss of appetite, and a feeling of euphoria. Snorting, injecting,
or smoking may take the drug orally. Methamphetamine is known by many street
names, including meth, ice, chalk, crystal, tina, crank, and glass.
Long-term side effects of use include behavioral changes, insomnia, and paranoia.
Convulsions and death are possible. The drug can permanently destroy many
of the brain's neurotransmitters, resulting in "holes" in the brain.
Methamphetamine use is increasing drastically. Arrests for use or production in
so called "meth labs" have greatly risen. In response, the 12-step group Crystal
Meth Anonymous has spread throughout the United States, Canada, and New Zealand.
| | | | |
| MARIJUANA | back
to top | | | The
marijuana smoked in the United States consists of the flower and dried top level
of the flower and dried top leaves of the plant cannabis sativa. Unlike alcohol,
relatively simple chemical, marijuana contains over 400 chemicals, 60 of which
are unique to the marijuana plant. Marijuana, when lit, causes an additional 1,600
chemicals to be formed. As the pot smoker inhales, these chemicals invade every
cell of the user's body. The ingredient that creates the "high" is Delta-9-THC,
commonly referred to as THC. Like alcohol, marijuana is a central nervous
system depressant. Pot, like most other drugs, wears down the motivation of users.
It erodes the will to perform. Ambition is lost. The chronic marijuana user no
longer cares about success and achievement. In addition to the unknown short-
and long -term dangers of so many chemicals entering the user's body, THC has
a particular characteristic that increases its harmfulness. THC is soluble in
fat; THC is not soluble in water. Since our body gets rid of its waste through
a water system using urine, feces, sweat and blood, THC cannot escape. It stays
trapped in the body. In addition, THC finds it's resting place in fatty parts
of the body. The most sensitive and critical are: the brain, the lungs, the liver
and the reproductive system. | | | | |
| COCAINE AND CRACK | back
to top | | Cocaine
is a powerful central nervous system stimulant, creating a quick, intense euphoria,
accompanied by a decrease in hunger, indifference to pain and fatigue, and illusions
of great physical strength and mental capacity. Crack is an extremely addicting
form of cocaine that is smoked. Cocaine causes dramatic changes in the way brain
cells operate. As a powerful stimulant, it causes the activity of the brain to
speed up. The result can make the brain inoperative, unable to send its life supporting
messages to the heart and lungs. A violent seizure and death will follow. Cocaine
can also kill through heart attacks brought on by the extra strain forced on the
heart. Cocaine constricts the blood vessels of the user placing a tremendous stress
on the heart and circulatory system. Death can also occur by severe irregular
heartbeat, a stroke or a brain seizure. Cocaine is a profound producer of mental
depression. Cocaine causes other psychological problems including:
 | Anxiety
Attacks | | Intense
Irritability | | Acute
Paranoia | | Violent
Behavior o Suicide |
Other deaths are caused by suffocation
brought on by an unnaturally deep sleep or unconsciousness resulting from a cocaine
binge. The anesthetized tissues in the back of the throat may block breathing.
Cocaine is often mixed with other drugs, particularly alcohol, which increases
the user's risks dramatically.
| |
| | | | OPIATES
- PAINKILLERS | back
to top | | | Opiates
come from the juice in the unripe seedpods of the opium poppy. These drugs are
used medically to relieve pain, coughing and diarrhea. They also offer an intense
euphoric effect for people seeking a high. Opiates give a brief dream-like sense
of well being and relaxation. Their use results, very quickly, in addiction. Heroin
accounts for a large percentage of opiate abuse. However, medicines such as morphine,
meperidine, and cough medicines with codeine are also abused and can lead to addiction.
Side effects of opiates include drowsiness, dizziness, constipation, euphoria,
mood swings and mental confusion. Over time, opiate users may develop infections
of the heart lining and valves, skin abscesses and congested lungs. | |
| | | | INHALANTS | back
to top | | | Inhalants
are breathable chemicals that produce mind-altering vapors. They include amyl
and butyl nitrate, solvents such as glue and lighter fluid and aerosol products.
They produce effects similar to anesthetics. High doses can cause unconsciousness.
Inhalants can cause nausea, lack of coordination, loss of appetite, decreased
heart and breathing rate, and tiredness. Loss of self-control, violent behavior,
losing touch with one's surroundings and unconsciousness can result from deep
breathing of vapors or using a lot over a short period. Death from use is not
unusual. This can be caused by suffocation, depresses central nervous system response
or aspiration from vomiting. Long-term use can result in weight loss, nervous
system damage, liver, kidney, and blood and bone damage. | |
| | | | HALLUCINOGENS | back
to top | | | Hallucinogens,
or psychedelics affect a person's perceptions, sensations, thinking and emotions.
They include drugs such as LSD, mescaline, DMT and peyote. They are used in various
ways from tablets to smoking to eating mushrooms. They cause intense physical
and psychological effects on the body and mind. Heavy users develop brain damage
such as impaired memory and attention span and confusion. Other effects include
increased heart rate and blood pressure, sweating, tremors and sleeplessness.
Bad trips may result in panic, confusion, suspiciousness, and feelings of helplessness
and loss of control. Flashbacks of experiencing the effects without taking the
drug can occur. Mood swings and sense of time and self can change causing
panic. Mental or emotional problems that were not apparent can be unmasked with
use. | | | | |
| PRESCRIPTION DRUGS | back
to top | | Prescription
drugs cause a special danger to chemically dependent people. Often the abused
drugs are taken initially for legitimate medical reasons: for example, to assist
in reducing pain from chronic illness such as arthritis or headaches. Dependence
on prescription drugs can occur over a few weeks or several years. Denial, because
of the nature of the initial use, can be very high. When the patient attempts
to stop using the prescription drug, the initial problem appears to re-emerge
and new problems are often added. The addictive cycle has begun.
Chemically
dependent people in recovery must take responsibility for monitoring the prescription
drugs they use. Any mood-altering drug can lead to relapse and a return
to chemical abuse. Your chemical dependency must be stated to your physician and
pharmacist. Even then, a careful self-monitoring of prescribed medicines is important.
Here at Sunlight Recovery, we have specialized in treating prescription drug
abuse for many years. The growing accessibility to painkillers, tranquilizers,
sedatives and stimulants has significantly increased the number of individuals
seeking our assistance. We offer treatment to those abusing all medications
including OxyContin, Percocet, Vicodine, Methadone, Morphine, Valium, XANAX and
Ritalin.
Many of our clients became habitual users of prescription drugs
after being prescribed them for very legitimate purposes. The idea of using more
than prescribed or continuing use of the drug beyond that of medical necessity
can be very powerful. It is not hard to become seduced by their effects. Sometimes
quickly, sometimes over the course of many years, individuals can become completely
dependant on these drugs. Most of our clients that have sought our help have become
psychologically addicted to their medications. Others have become physically dependant
as well. They find that their worst fear is running out of the drug or
losing their sources of supply.
Regardless of your particular pattern
of use or the original reason for first taking the prescription drug, Sunlight
Recovery can help. It is not uncommon to find physicians, nurses, attorneys, teachers
and housewives being treated here. They have all fallen into the same trap and
now require our help in relieving their addiction. If you have found that the
use of prescription medications has become a problem for you or a loved one the
treatment professionals here at Sunlight Recovery can help.
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| For Additional Information, please contact an Admission
Coordinator today! | |
| *
2008 TOP DOCTORS *
Gold Coast Magazine,
June 2008 Vol.44/Number 6
Aldo
Morales, M.D.
Medical
school / ROSS UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF MEDICINE
Residency / UMDNJ- ROBERT WOOD
JOHNSON MEDICAL SCHOOL
Board certifications / PSYCHIATRY, ADDICTION PSYCHIATRY
Dr.
Morales has been in private practice in Palm Beach and Broward counties for the
past twenty years. His interest in psychopharmacology originated with an undergraduate
degree from Rutgers College of Pharmacy. After obtaining a Doctor of Medicine
degree he completed a four-year Psychiatry residency with the University of Medicine
and Dentistry of New Jersey.
With board certifications in both Psychiatry
and Addiction Psychiatry, Dr. Morales is an active voice in promoting the message
that addictive disorders do not result from moral failings, but rather from treatable
brain dysfunctions.
Dr. Morales is a consultant for various state agencies
and for Major League Baseball.
Dr. Morales is a consultant for various
state agencies and for Major League Baseball. | FLORIDA'S
TREATMENT
AND RECOVERY CENTER
NEWS FOR OUR CLIENTS AND FAMILIES
Sunlight
Recovery announces a new program with the "Powerhouse Gym Fitness Center."
In addition to our on campus work out center, our clients will now enjoy the facilities
at the Powerhouse Gym Fitness Center. The Fitness Center offers certified personal
trainers, free weights, aerobic classes, spinning, pilates and yoga. This program
is offered 5 days a week to all of our clients in Sunlight Recovery.
Sunlight
Recovery announces the anticipated opening of "JoJo's Clean and sober
Cafe" on the Deerfield Bach campus. The sober cafe will open prior
to the Spring of 2008. "JoJo's" will feature deli sandwiches and snacks,
soft drinks, coffee and the company of other individuals in Recovery. The sober
Cafe will compliment "The Room", a 12 step meeting room offered to clients
and the public at large. Sunlight Recovery believes that you can't treat the disease
of addiction in a 28 day program, rather treatment must be long term. Sunlight
Recovery along with Innovations, The Florida House and Graduate Housing
offers a long-term (6 or more months) of ongoing treatment and supervision.
Sunlight Recovery offers its programs, "JoJo's" and "The Room" all
on the Deerfield Beach campus.
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Insurance Accepted
Cash, MasterCard, Visa,
American Express, Discover
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