Whether you love or hate or are ambivalent about our presidents from George Washington to the present White House occupant, we can all agree that when the President speaks, the topic is of some importance. President Trump revealed his policies about the growing opioid epidemic in a speech earlier this year. His plan is a threefold approach to dole out more severe punishments to drug dealers and traffickers, reduce the number of opioid prescriptions by one third and making addiction treatment programs more accessible.
Addiction Problem in Arizona
The first two points will likely be argued ad nauseum by politicians, law enforcement, the ACLU, the ABA, the pharmaceutical companies and of course the media but the benefits of making treatment available to a broader number of people is almost beyond argument (except by insurance carriers, perhaps). Arizona has been severely affected by the opioid epidemic with thousands of cases including the innocent elderly addicted to their pain medications.
America’s Rehab Campuses (ARC) was founded in 2016 by Michael Zipprich, a real estate and developer who recognized that more treatment centers would be needed to take care of the growing number of opioid-related cases as well as the continued needs of alcoholics and people addicted to other drugs.
Understanding Depressants
Addiction from the intake of ethyl alcohol in beer, ale, wine, whiskey, or any cocktail (non-alcoholic Shirley Temple excluded) ranks number one on the chemical dependency list, and this is the most well-known. Alcohol is considered a depressant. Other depressant drugs include marijuana, the opiates morphine, and heroin, sedatives like Valium and chemicals sold over the counter like glues, petroleum-based products and solvents like the acetone in fingernail polish remover.
As the name implies, depressants work to inhibit the functions of the central nervous system. Ironically, as the brain functions are inhibited, the user loses his or her inhibitions, and that is the “charm” of these types of drugs.
Understanding Stimulants
Cocaine tops the popularity list with its history as an early ingredient in Coca-Cola. Amphetamines, Ecstasy, Methamphetamine or Meth, prescription stimulants like Ritalin, Adderall and Dexedrine are other common stimulants. The list of commonly used prescription stimulants is too long to itemize in this short article, but there are some very recognizable brand names like Dristan, Sudafed, and Vicks Sinex that contain stimulant chemicals.
The usual effects of a stimulant are to raise the body temperature, increase blood pressure and dilation of the pupils. In the brain, the natural “pleasure” hormones like dopamine and norepinephrine are enhanced which creates the “high” and may lead to a false feeling of trust and closeness to others. Meth can produce erratic and dangerous violent behavior in some people. While some amphetamine will increase alertness and focus and keep the user awake, the unavoidable “crash” is what keeps addicts coming back for more and more.
At our detox centers in Tucson, our trained staff of medical doctors, psychiatrists, psychologists and licensed therapists will treat you in a non-judgmental and caring way. The detoxification might be difficult, but we will be there to hold your hand if that helps literally.
After that, ARC will create a treatment plan catered to your individual needs. The first step begins with you calling us at 1-888-782-4485 or gets an email to us at info@arizonarehabcampus.com to begin your recovery.
