Drug and Alcohol Relapse Prevention - Mark Houston Recovery Bloghttp://www.markhoustonrecovery.com/blogAddiction Recovery Weblogenhttp://wordpress.org/?v=2.61779772http://www.feedburner.comMassachusetts, New Homebase for Potheads?http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/MarkHoustonRecovery/~3/460510670/massachusetts-new-homebase-for-potheadsGeneral CategoryChristopherFri, 21 Nov 2008 02:00:40 -0600http://www.markhoustonrecovery.com/blog/?p=660Potheads of the US…Massachusetts may be the place you want to go after reading this article.  Recently Massachusetts has decided to decriminalize the possession of small amounts of marijuana.  The AP reports the current situation:


Until the new law takes effect, marijuana possession will still be considered a crime, Coakley warned.
Possession of small amounts of marijuana in the state is now punishable by up to 6 months in jail and a $500 fine.


Once the new law takes effect, those caught with an ounce or less of pot will face a civil offense punishable by a $100 fine. They will also have to forfeit the marijuana. Anyone under 18 will also have to give up the drug, but will face a stiffer, $1,000 fine unless they complete a drug awareness program.

This law is really nothing new.  In most cases, at least where I live, people found to be in possession of a very small quantity of marijuana are often let go with a warning, or at worse a ticket that will ultimately result in a small fine.
Massachusetts has long been a very liberal state, so it is not surprising that some loosening of restrictions would take place their.  I suppose I am left to wonder if this might have something to do with Ted Kennedy and “medicinal use.”  Just a thought!

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]]>Potheads of the US…Massachusetts may be the place you want to go after reading this article.  Recently Massachusetts has decided to decriminalize the possession of small amounts of marijuana.  The AP reports the current situation: Until the new law takes effect, marijuana possession will still be considered a crime, Coakley warned. Possession of small amounts of marijuana [...]<script type="text/javascript">SHARETHIS.addEntry({ title: "Massachusetts, New Homebase for Potheads?", url: "http://www.markhoustonrecovery.com/blog/general-category/massachusetts-new-homebase-for-potheads" });</script>http://www.markhoustonrecovery.com/blog/general-category/massachusetts-new-homebase-for-potheads/feedhttp://www.markhoustonrecovery.com/blog/general-category/massachusetts-new-homebase-for-potheadsTrooper Busted for Pothttp://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/MarkHoustonRecovery/~3/458133570/trooper-busted-for-potGeneral CategoryChristopherWed, 19 Nov 2008 02:00:54 -0600http://www.markhoustonrecovery.com/blog/?p=658A Maryland State Trooper may find himself in hot water soon.  It turns out that Tfc. Steven Spoonire and his wife Jennifer had recently been arrested when police uncovered a small drug operation being run from their home.

Suspended Tfc. Steven Spoonire and Jennifer Lynn Frazier were arrested in August by police who said they found a foot-tall marijuana plant growing outside the back door of the couple’s Woodsboro home.

Investigators said they also found pipes and rolling papers inside the residence.

The 36-year-old trooper and his 27-year-old wife both face misdemeanor charges of possessing marijuana and drug paraphernalia. (Source Baltimoresun.com)

In my Police training I remember them telling us that the line between those who want to protect the law, and those who want to break, it is razor thin-meaning that most cops are just one nice opportunity away from going to the other side.  With all the stories in the news about police involved in various crimes, I am starting to believe it more then ever.
I think that part of the problem is that Police work attracts a good deal of people who are mad at the world and looking to take their revenge out on people.  I certainly saw enough of this attitude in my day, and I think it is a main reason that bad cops often cross the line.

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]]>A Maryland State Trooper may find himself in hot water soon.  It turns out that Tfc. Steven Spoonire and his wife Jennifer had recently been arrested when police uncovered a small drug operation being run from their home. Suspended Tfc. Steven Spoonire and Jennifer Lynn Frazier were arrested in August by police who said they found [...]<script type="text/javascript">SHARETHIS.addEntry({ title: "Trooper Busted for Pot", url: "http://www.markhoustonrecovery.com/blog/general-category/trooper-busted-for-pot" });</script>http://www.markhoustonrecovery.com/blog/general-category/trooper-busted-for-pot/feedhttp://www.markhoustonrecovery.com/blog/general-category/trooper-busted-for-potDrugs Seized…In Surfboardhttp://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/MarkHoustonRecovery/~3/455712102/drugs-seizedin-surfboardGeneral CategoryChristopherMon, 17 Nov 2008 02:00:18 -0600http://www.markhoustonrecovery.com/blog/?p=656Drug dealers sure are cleaver sometimes.  They always seem to be one step ahead of the police.  Recently, however, Border Patrol turned the tables on some would-be drug smugglers and uncovered their stash of drugs…in a surfboard.  The board was holding approximately $30 thousand in marijuana.
The board itself had been abandoned, in all likelihood “dropped” for pickup near the border crossing only to be discovered by agents.  The board is said to have been hollowed out and filled with nearly 40 pounds of pot.  It just goes to show you how determined people are to buy and sell drugs.  Think about all the trouble it would take to hollow out a surfboard and glue it together!   If people showed have the passion for work, school, and self improvement that they show towards getting high, this world would truly be a utopia.

This also should show that the borders do need to be monitored and guarded.  I think that people often forget that the people that come across the border are not always good hardworking people, in many cases they are criminals and drug smugglers.  This is why many people do not like the idea of our borders being a revolving door for immigrants.  I think whatever your politics, we can all agree that criminals need not cross into our

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]]>Drug dealers sure are cleaver sometimes.  They always seem to be one step ahead of the police.  Recently, however, Border Patrol turned the tables on some would-be drug smugglers and uncovered their stash of drugs…in a surfboard.  The board was holding approximately $30 thousand in marijuana. The board itself had been abandoned, in all likelihood “dropped” [...]<script type="text/javascript">SHARETHIS.addEntry({ title: "Drugs Seized&#8230;In Surfboard", url: "http://www.markhoustonrecovery.com/blog/general-category/drugs-seizedin-surfboard" });</script>http://www.markhoustonrecovery.com/blog/general-category/drugs-seizedin-surfboard/feedhttp://www.markhoustonrecovery.com/blog/general-category/drugs-seizedin-surfboardEngland Tops List for Cocainehttp://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/MarkHoustonRecovery/~3/452688036/england-tops-list-for-cocaineGeneral CategoryChristopherFri, 14 Nov 2008 02:00:29 -0600http://www.markhoustonrecovery.com/blog/?p=651It never ceases to amaze me how much people want to get high.  The BBC has just released data that suggests that the EU, and most especially Britain, have some serious addictions.  The report states that almost 8% of Brits between the ages of 15 and 64 had used cocaine, the highest rate in the EU.  The BBC article states that:

The figures suggested 11.2% of Britons aged 15-24, and 12.7% of those aged between 15-34, had taken cocaine.

An estimated 12 million EU citizens aged 15-64 had taken cocaine at some point, 11 million had used amphetamines and 9.5 million had taken ecstasy.

I suggest reading the full article if you want to be weighed down by the rest of the stats.  What the article doesn’t explain is why Britain has lead the EU in cocaine abuse 5 years running.  Great Britain has had a good deal of economic prosperity since the 1980s and I am left to wonder if recreational drug use stems out of an era of “good feelings,” similar to the high life Hollywood drug scene.

So why does drug use not decline as people become wealthy?  I have heard one explanation that trumps all others, it was forwarded by Rabbi Harold Kushner.  Kushner said, in essence, that as people become wealthy and realize that money did not make them happy that they needed to turn to externals to bring them joy.  Drugs are without a doubt one of those externals.  Drug rehabilitation, in this way, is as much a spiritual quest as it is a physical one.

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]]>It never ceases to amaze me how much people want to get high.  The BBC has just released data that suggests that the EU, and most especially Britain, have some serious addictions.  The report states that almost 8% of Brits between the ages of 15 and 64 had used cocaine, the highest rate in the [...]<script type="text/javascript">SHARETHIS.addEntry({ title: "England Tops List for Cocaine", url: "http://www.markhoustonrecovery.com/blog/general-category/england-tops-list-for-cocaine" });</script>http://www.markhoustonrecovery.com/blog/general-category/england-tops-list-for-cocaine/feedhttp://www.markhoustonrecovery.com/blog/general-category/england-tops-list-for-cocaineGirl Smokes Pot After Child Killed by Doghttp://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/MarkHoustonRecovery/~3/450938969/girl-smokes-pot-after-child-killed-by-dogGeneral CategoryChristopherWed, 12 Nov 2008 02:00:01 -0600http://www.markhoustonrecovery.com/blog/?p=648I’m going to let you in on a little secret: People are nuts. 

Case in point, Linzy Earles.  Earles was 17 last year when her dog mauled her infant child to death.   Newsok.com describes the scene:

Police found [Earles'] infant dead in a bedroom lying on his back, wearing a sleeper and the remains of a diaper. His stomach and groin area and left leg were mutilated.

“The victim has what appeared to claw marks on his lower abdomen and around the main thigh wound,” the report states.

The puppy, a black Labrador mix, was about 8 weeks old and was euthanized. Linzy’s 16-year-old sister had been assigned to take care of the dog, police were told.

After discovering your dead, mutilated child, what might you as a responsible adult do?  Well Ms. Earles first inclination was apparently to “smoke a bowl” of marijuana.  Earles was given a drug test the day after her child was found dead by local police.  I suggest that you read the main article in all its disturbing detail. 

Earles has already found herself in and out of the criminal justice system due to her drug problem.  I find it amazing and sickening that after such a horrific accident that the first thing this girl could think to do was get high…simply amazing.  I suppose it shows how deep the roots of addiction are, and how desperately you shoud seek treatment if you find yourself addicted. 

For more information about drug and alcohol recovery, contact Mark Houston Recovery today!

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]]>I&#8217;m going to let you in on a little secret: People are nuts.  Case in point, Linzy Earles.  Earles was 17 last year when her dog mauled her infant child to death.   Newsok.com describes the scene: Police found [Earles'] infant dead in a bedroom lying on his back, wearing a sleeper and the remains of a diaper. His stomach and groin [...]<script type="text/javascript">SHARETHIS.addEntry({ title: "Girl Smokes Pot After Child Killed by Dog", url: "http://www.markhoustonrecovery.com/blog/general-category/girl-smokes-pot-after-child-killed-by-dog" });</script>http://www.markhoustonrecovery.com/blog/general-category/girl-smokes-pot-after-child-killed-by-dog/feedhttp://www.markhoustonrecovery.com/blog/general-category/girl-smokes-pot-after-child-killed-by-dogResults of New Heroin Studyhttp://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/MarkHoustonRecovery/~3/450922958/results-of-new-heroin-studyGeneral CategoryChristopherMon, 10 Nov 2008 02:00:44 -0600http://www.markhoustonrecovery.com/blog/?p=645A recent study conducted in Canada has shown that teens addicted to opiods (such as morphine) get the best results from extensive treatment.  The study found that for a better outcome when it comes to getting teens off their addiction, is to treat long term with buprenorphine and naloxone as opposed to shorter types of therapy.  The drugs work together to help prevent withdrawl symptoms, thus making it easier for teens to be successfully detoxed. (Source chattersmatter.com)

I suppose it doesn’t come as much of a surprise that a long term treatment plan will have the best results when dealing with such highly addictive drugs as opiods.  Since this long term treatment plan seems to work well with heroin I wonder if it will be tested with other classes of addictive drugs.  Will similar practices of treatment result in similar successes for drugs like cocaine and meth? 

The treatment involved the use of two drugs that were administered in the following manner:

The investigators conducted a study with 152 opiate-addicted patients, 15 to 21 years of age, who were randomly selected to receive buprenorphine-naloxone at up to 24 milligrams per day for 9 weeks, and then tapered off over 12 weeks. The other half were given the drug combo at up to 14 milligrams per day, and then tapered off for 2 weeks (detox group). (Source Reuters of India)

After 12 weeks both groups were only 8% different in terms of their relaps rate, yet hope remains that longer term treatment can be of help.

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]]>A recent study conducted in Canada has shown that teens addicted to opiods (such as morphine) get the best results from extensive treatment.  The study found that for a better outcome when it comes to getting teens off their addiction, is to treat long term with buprenorphine and naloxone as opposed to shorter types of therapy.  The [...]<script type="text/javascript">SHARETHIS.addEntry({ title: "Results of New Heroin Study", url: "http://www.markhoustonrecovery.com/blog/general-category/results-of-new-heroin-study" });</script>http://www.markhoustonrecovery.com/blog/general-category/results-of-new-heroin-study/feedhttp://www.markhoustonrecovery.com/blog/general-category/results-of-new-heroin-studyThe Irish are Recoveringhttp://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/MarkHoustonRecovery/~3/445248357/the-irish-are-recoveringAddictionAlcoholismGeneral CategoryaloeamphetamineanalgesicanesthetizebarbituratecocainedeadendesensitizedopedownerdruggingdullgenerichallucinogenhashishheroinhocusmarijuanamedicationmedicinenarcoticnumbopiateopiumpeyotepharmaceuticalpharmacologicalpillpoisonpotentprescriptionrelaxantsedativestupefacientcidstupefysurfeitupperChristopherFri, 07 Nov 2008 02:00:49 -0600http://www.markhoustonrecovery.com/blog/?p=436RTE News out of Ireland is reporting a rise in people seeking help for addiction problems. A recent article has shed light on the rising drug problem in Ireland, and says that:

Nearly 3,000 people in the five counties of the southeast covered by the report sought help for alcohol addiction, drug abuse or gambling problems last year. The Health Service Executive says there was an increase of 115 people on 2006.

Ireland has experienced an economic boom lately and I cannot help but wonder if some of the extra money is going towards drugs, alcohol, and gambling. Ireland has a notorious reputation for alcohol, but the number seem to suggest that illicit drugs may slowly be becoming more of a problem.

64% of people were treated for alcohol problems while cannabis addiction accounted for 12% of clients.

236 people, or 10.5%, were heroin users, while 154 people, or nearly 7%, had cocaine addictions.

The figures show that the number of people seeking treatment for alcohol and cannabis continues to be very high but has fallen slightly in recent years, whilst heroin and cocaine figures continue to rise.

The only glimmer of good in this story is that more people have started on a road to recovery. I tend to be a bit pessimistic about the rising numbers of drug users, but with the support of family, friends, and rehabilitation, these people can hopefully overcome their addictions.

For more information about drug and alcohol recovery, contact Mark Houston Recovery today!

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]]>RTE News out of Ireland is reporting a rise in people seeking help for addiction problems. A recent article has shed light on the rising drug problem in Ireland, and says that: Nearly 3,000 people in the five counties of the southeast covered by the report sought help for alcohol addiction, drug abuse or gambling [...]<script type="text/javascript">SHARETHIS.addEntry({ title: "The Irish are Recovering", url: "http://www.markhoustonrecovery.com/blog/general-category/the-irish-are-recovering" });</script>http://www.markhoustonrecovery.com/blog/general-category/the-irish-are-recovering/feedhttp://www.markhoustonrecovery.com/blog/general-category/the-irish-are-recoveringMan Steals Cans to Buy Crackhttp://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/MarkHoustonRecovery/~3/442986195/man-steals-cans-to-buy-crackGeneral Categoryalcohol rehabaloeamphetamineamy winehouse rehabanalgesicanesthetizebarbiturateblowbuy prescription drugscelebrity rehabcocainecoumadin prescription drugcrystaldeadendesensitizedopedownerdrug dictionarydrug interactions High timesdrug rehabdruggingdullgenerichallucinogenhashishheroinhocushomemade drugsillegal drug namesmarijuanamedicationmedicinemexican pharmacy prescription drugsnarcoticnumbopiateopiumpeyotepharmaceuticalpharmacologicalpillpoisonpot headpotentprescriptionprescription drugsprescription drugs zanexrehab centersrehab mp3relaxantrihanna rehabsedativespecial kstupefacientcidstupefysurfeituppervisual prescription drug identificationwalgreen drugwalmart drugsweedweight loss drugswetwhat is the drug reminyl used to treatChristopherWed, 05 Nov 2008 02:00:01 -0600http://www.markhoustonrecovery.com/blog/?p=601I recently read an article about a man who was stealing from outside of a 7/11 store in Michigan.  The story goes a little something like this: “Police say he opened the door to an outside storage room, grabbed a large bag filled with cans and put them in his car and drove away. Police say the man was stopped, the 247 cans recovered and the man was put under arrest.” (Source Mlive.com)  The reason the man was stealing cans…crack.  That’s right he wanted to hit the pipe.

This story just underscores the sad fact the drugs can bring you to some pretty low places.  Stealing cans so you can recycle them to get $20 so you can get high on crack.  If any parent thought their child’s life would end up like that, they would have probably remained abstinent.  What many people fail to realize is that the war against drugs isn’t just about catching people using, or even selling drugs.  A good deal of the war on drugs is fought by law enforcement on a day to day basis simply in the course of an average day.  The fact is that so many other crimes, such as our can stealer, related back to drugs.  Domestic violence, theft, murder; so often we come to find out that behind it all is a drug.

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]]>I recently read an article about a man who was stealing from outside of a 7/11 store in Michigan.  The story goes a little something like this: &#8220;Police say he opened the door to an outside storage room, grabbed a large bag filled with cans and put them in his car and drove away. [...]<script type="text/javascript">SHARETHIS.addEntry({ title: "Man Steals Cans to Buy Crack", url: "http://www.markhoustonrecovery.com/blog/general-category/man-steals-cans-to-buy-crack" });</script>http://www.markhoustonrecovery.com/blog/general-category/man-steals-cans-to-buy-crack/feedhttp://www.markhoustonrecovery.com/blog/general-category/man-steals-cans-to-buy-crackInvoluntary Detox for Addict Minors?http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/MarkHoustonRecovery/~3/440736447/involuntary-detox-for-addict-minorsGeneral CategoryChristopherMon, 03 Nov 2008 02:00:52 -0600http://www.markhoustonrecovery.com/blog/?p=599Kathleen Nickel and her husband recently kidnapped their daughter Alicia . The reason, Alicia had become addicted to meth. Alicia disappeared for a while and where her parents found her, they smuggled her into Alberta from their home in British Columbia. The reason is that Alberta has forcible rehab for minors where as Alberta does not.

“Kids are dying and they have to change some of the laws around being able to help your children,” said Nickel.(Source ctvbc.ctv.ca)

CTV is chronicling the stories of parents dealing with there meth addicted children. Another story relates how a 15 year-old girl was caught stealing a car, and her parents attempted to persuade a judge to imprison her so she would kick her addiction cold turkey. For many parents this is the only viable option in an otherwise loosing battle.

Is forcible detox really an option? Since these stories are about minors shouldn’t decisions like these be up to the parents? Of course we want to protect individual rights, but what good are those rights if the subject of which they refer is dead? If people under 18 can’t serve in the military, can’t vote, and are at the mercy of their parents decisions for their own good, then forcible treatment does indeed seem like a viable option. If the parents of these children don’t look after their well being, who will, and if no other options exist then forcible rehab seems like the only way.

For more information about drug and alcohol recovery, contact Mark Houston Recovery today!

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]]>Kathleen Nickel and her husband recently kidnapped their daughter Alicia . The reason, Alicia had become addicted to meth. Alicia disappeared for a while and where her parents found her, they smuggled her into Alberta from their home in British Columbia. The reason is that Alberta has forcible rehab for minors where [...]<script type="text/javascript">SHARETHIS.addEntry({ title: "Involuntary Detox for Addict Minors?", url: "http://www.markhoustonrecovery.com/blog/general-category/involuntary-detox-for-addict-minors" });</script>http://www.markhoustonrecovery.com/blog/general-category/involuntary-detox-for-addict-minors/feedhttp://www.markhoustonrecovery.com/blog/general-category/involuntary-detox-for-addict-minorsCan Your Inhaler Kill You?http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/MarkHoustonRecovery/~3/437811634/can-your-inhaler-kill-youGeneral Categoryalcohol rehabaloeamphetamineamy winehouse rehabanalgesicanesthetizebarbiturateblowbuy prescription drugscelebrity rehabcocainecoumadin prescription drugcrystaldeadendesensitizedopedownerdrug dictionarydrug interactions High timesdrug rehabdruggingdullgenerichallucinogenhashishheroinhocushomemade drugsillegal drug namesmarijuanamedicationmedicinemexican pharmacy prescription drugsnarcoticnumbopiateopiumpeyotepharmaceuticalpharmacologicalpillpoisonpot headpotentprescriptionprescription drugsprescription drugs zanexrehab centersrehab mp3relaxantrihanna rehabsedativespecial kstupefacientcidstupefysurfeituppervisual prescription drug identificationwalgreen drugwalmart drugsweedweight loss drugswetwhat is the drug reminyl used to treatChristopherFri, 31 Oct 2008 03:00:43 -0500http://www.markhoustonrecovery.com/blog/?p=592A recent study has come out that tells a pretty surprising story about certain inhalers.  Inhalers used from such ailments as emphysema and chronic bronchitis seem to carry an elevated risk of heart problems for their users.  According to a new randomized study inhalers have been linked with serious heart problems and even death.

Among about 7,400 patients on either inhaled drug, 1.8 percent or 135 people developed fatal or nonfatal heart problems over a period of several weeks to several years. By contrast, among about 7,300 patients on other drugs or dummy medicine, 1.2 percent or 86 had those problems.(Source Associated Press)

This translates to one extra death out of every 40 patients, but the companies that produce said drugs ” strongly disagree with the conclusion” according to the AP.

This latest prescription problem comes on the heels of new information regarding various drugs and possible side effects since the FDA has been obliged to have a higher level of transparency regarding drugs with possible adverse side-effects.  The tone of the information seems to relate the fact that this study is inconclusive and will require further study, however their is enough information present to suggest that these inhalers might indeed carry a greater risk of serious heart problems.

For more information about drug and alcohol recovery, contact Mark Houston Recovery today!

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]]>A recent study has come out that tells a pretty surprising story about certain inhalers.  Inhalers used from such ailments as emphysema and chronic bronchitis seem to carry an elevated risk of heart problems for their users.  According to a new randomized study inhalers have been linked with serious heart problems and even death. Among about [...]<script type="text/javascript">SHARETHIS.addEntry({ title: "Can Your Inhaler Kill You?", url: "http://www.markhoustonrecovery.com/blog/general-category/can-your-inhaler-kill-you" });</script>http://www.markhoustonrecovery.com/blog/general-category/can-your-inhaler-kill-you/feedhttp://www.markhoustonrecovery.com/blog/general-category/can-your-inhaler-kill-you