Views of the Drug Problem in the UK

In 2014 an anonymous survey was done across 1,080 adults in the UK, representing a cross section of society, regarding their drug use. Though the amount surveyed is not that high, it gives an interesting view on some facts and figures here in the UK. 

Here were some of what was found:

• 
  
  I think something that can be taken from that last statistic is a change in the slant of drug education. Often the reasons discussed and focused on are things like peer pressure or feeling bullied but clearly, that is not what needs to be addressed here. 62% of people are only taking it out of curiosity! Curiosity is not a negative characteristic, so something in the education needs to change so that curiosity can be channelled elsewhere or at least the drug information can satisfy that curiosity enough! Food for thought…One-third of those surveyed had taken an illegal drug at some point, and of those that said yes, 21% were still taking them.
• 13% of those who had ever taken an illegal drug believed they had had, or still have, a problem with drugs.
• 23% of those currently using take drugs every single day.
• The most common age for first ever trying an illegal drug was between 16-18
• Marijuana is the most often taken drug at 93% followed by amphetamines (34%), cocaine (29%), Ecstasy (25%), magic mushrooms (22%), LSD (20%), ketamine (8%), mephedrone (7%), heroin (6%), crack (6%), crystal meth (3%), anabolic steroids (2%).
• Marijuana is the most common first tried drug by a long way at 82%.
• 62% of people first tried drugs purely out of curiosity, this is followed way behind by wanting to fit in with friends (14%), peer pressure (10%), unhappiness (3%) and other miscellaneous reasons.

The full report is available for viewing here:

www.theguardian.com/society/2014/oct/05/-sp-drug-use-is-rising-in-the-uk-but-were-not-addicted

For more information

or help regarding drug problems, please get in touch on

00800 802 1375 

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How to Have Fun Without Drugs or Alcohol

Many people feel that drugs or at least alcohol are needed to have a good time. That life would be boring without them. Though at first this may seem like a truth to someone trying drugs or alcohol, look at any of the thousands of people stuck in the cycle of addiction and you won’t see a fun, happy time being had there.

For those that never got into drugs and alcohol you will find it easy to hang out with a group or friends and do different activities that keep your life fun and rewarding. But for those just starting a sober, drug-free life, it isn’t so simple. Probably the old group of friends is still out there at the parties and raves surrounded by drugs and alcohol… yet staying at home alone is not an appealing prospect either.

Everyone has to find out what works for them but here are some ideas of things that can be taken up alone or with friends to begin a life that can be sober yet fun, happy and even adventurous too. Useful links provided!

• Learn to do something you have always wanted to do, it could be cooking or playing the guitar, learning a new language, taking acting classes or whatever ideas you have.Something that you always wanted to do but never quite made the time for.

• Go for a hike or long walk, England is lucky to have its public right of way maintained and there are paths just about everywhere that can be explored and enjoyed. Or you have places like theNational Trust scattered all over the country.
• Take up some exercise or learn a sport. Whether it is as simple as the gym or an aerobics class or as adventurous as skiing, surfing or skydiving or all of the things available in between like football, cricket, rugby or snooker, there is sure to be something that you can get into.

• See a movie, a gig or show. Going out to these types of places can be fun and not necessarily saturated by drugs. If you are in London there are thousands of things on offer, if not then look into what is available near you.

• Take a road trip or go on holiday. Find some drug and alcohol-free friends and hit the road and explore a new area. It could be a day trip, a long weekend or a week-long adventure but whatever it is there is always joy indiscovering new places. 
• Take up some art form whether it’s painting, drawing, sculpting or photography. Or if you truly don’t feel you have the artistic skills, you could always do something as simple as adult colouring books! Being creative is a great and soothing experience!
• What about volunteering? You probably have skills and abilities or at least time and attention that could be put to good use helping others. Helping another can be an extremely rewarding experience.
• Get involved in some local activity, whether it is a Zumba class, or a night of cards, arts and crafts, book club, or pulling out the old Magic cards there is definitely something happening near you that you can get involved in.

I hope that some of these are appealing to you and give you some ideas of how to meet new people if you need to, or get into activities without the drugs or alcohol of the past. If you do stick to it I am sure you will see that a sober lifestyle is not a boring one, but rather filled with fun and energy to direct whichever way you choose.

For more information on our rehab centre and the Narconon programme contact us on 

00800 802 1375

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Drug-Free Life Sober Life Fun without Drugs Tips to Stay Sober

British Adults Use Plenty of Drugs
but Much Smaller Number are Addicted

According to a new survey published by The Guardian, nearly one in three British adults has used drugs but not nearly as many consider they have a problem with drugs. Only about 13% of those surveyed think they have ever had a problem with drugs. That equates to about two million people.

In most countries, more men than women use drugs. But in Britain, the numbers are nearly equal. And those using drugs are older than drug users in other countries. In Britain, the age group most frequently using drugs is 35 to 44. Compare that to the ages of the biggest users in the U.S. – young adults aged 18 to 24.

The British preference for stimulants showed up in this survey. More than one-third of British drug users had used amphetamines and slightly less had used cocaine. Heroin is used by fewer people but of course is a riskier drug to use because of the potential for overdose. Even with a smaller pool of users, the number of people succumbing to the drug is growing by leaps and bounds. Since 1993, this number has almost tripled, reaching 2,248 in 2014.

Scotland Suffers Even Higher Rates of Drug Abuse

Scotland’s problems are even more pronounced than those of Britain. In 2014, a startling photograph summed up the country’s growing heroin problem. A young man and woman in Dundee who had lowered their jeans so they could inject heroin passed out before they could even let go of their needles. Fortunately, they were taken to the hospital and revived. The photograph served as a wake-up call to the entire country.

Scotland also struggles with abuse of synthetic drugs. In a short time period, drug squad officers seized more than 250 different types of these drugs, many of the type referred to as “bath salts.” The manufacturers of these drugs continually modify their formulas so as to circumvent laws that try to keep these drugs out of users’ hands so there’s an ever-increasing number of drugs on the illicit market.

Narconon Drug Rehabilitation in the UK

The UK is under assault by drug dealers of all types. Only an effective rehabilitation helps individuals put a dangerous, drug-using life behind them. For fifty years in locations all around the world, the Narconon drug rehabilitation programme has been helping bring about this change. Now, from an East Sussex location, Narconon offers this restorative programme to all UK residents.

Narconon UK is a place where those who are addicted are helped to overcome the cravings that repeatedly drive them back to more drugs. That healing is accomplished without the use of other addictive substances like methadone. Instead, healthy methods like thorough sauna-based detoxification, an education in sober living skills and a unique method of recovering from past trauma are used.

It takes longer than 30 days to bring about a lasting recovery from an addiction that could have lasted decades. At Narconon UK, each person progresses to sobriety at their own rate. What is important is that the skills to guide one’s life down a sober path are learned.

In this beautiful country manor, someone you care about can find a new and lasting sober life. Call Narconon UK to learn more about this healthy alternative to drug-based treatment programmes.

If you need help or advise on talking to your loved one, 

then call us on

00800 802 1375

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http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/drug-deaths-statistics-highest-ever-recorded-heroin-crack-cocaine-ecstasy-a7162766.html

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/scotland/11823685/Scottish-drug-deaths-reach-record-levels.html

http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/crime/picture-shocked-nation-experts-say-4132482

addiction bath salts England Heroin Scotland synthetic drugs UK

How to Talk to a Loved One About Addiction

It is important to be open and communicative about addiction with your loved one. Sometimes this can be difficult if you are unsure on how they are going to act, respond or deal with it. This shouldn’t stop you though. The first step for maintaining your relationship and perhaps helping the person through addiction is to be able to talk about it.

You should make sure that you are in a safe comfortable environment for both of you and that you have enough time and limited distractions to allow you to truly have the whole conversation. It could be tough during parts and you don’t want to be called away and leave something like this unfinished.

Next you should be open and honest but without being accusative or judgemental. This is important because you don’t want them to go on the defensive, but rather you want to open them up to be willing to share too. Share your feelings, what has been happening and how you feel affected by the situation.

Sometimes the person won’t fully have faced how bad their drug habit or drinking has gotten, so it is good to be able to draw some comparisons, maybe compare the quantity of drugs or alcohol taken or the fact that ‘now they drink in the morning’ for example. You can show how behaviours may have changed or goals or purposes have gone by the wayside.

You will have to analyse what particularly has changed and what may be real to them about the changes as a first step for them to be able to see that there is a situation. Don’t be put off if you don’t achieve something major, just having the conversation is an excellent first step.

If you need help or advise on talking to your loved one, then call us on

00800 802 1375

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How to talk about addiction First step on helping with addiction

Cocaine and Crack Cocaine

Cocaine is extracted from coca leaves and was originally developed as a painkiller.   Cocaine is known as one of the most dangerous drugs out there because once you have taken it, it has proven extremely difficult to get out of its physical and mental grip.

It has many names, a couple of common ones are coke or nose candy.  It is also commonly known as dice or jelly beans, and there are many, many other names. 

When it is in powder form it is known as cocaine and when in crystal form it is known as crack cocaine.

Crack cocaine comes in blocks or crystals and varies between yellow, pale pink and white. It is heated and smoked and gets its name from the cracking sound it makes as it is heated. Crack cocaine is usually 75% to 100% pure which is drastically stronger than normal cocaine, because of this, and the fact it is smoked, it is a lot more potent. Smoking it allows the drug to reach the brain faster and therefore bring about a more intense, though shorter, high. For this reason, people often get hooked after only one try.

The physical and mental effects of coke and crack cocaine are the same, however in crack they can be stronger or more immediate.

Some of the short-term effects are bizarre, erratic, violent behaviour, hallucinations, mood alteration, including euphoria and paranoia, depression, panic, convulsions, increased heart rate, disturbed sleep and the list goes on.

In the long term it is just as bad, effects can include high blood pressure, heart problems, stroke, liver, kidney and lung damage, respiratory failure, sexual dysfunction, hallucinations, disorientation, exhaustion, psychosis or death.

If you need any more information about the 
true effects of other drugs or help with someone you know addicted to cocaine or crack, then 

please call us on 00800 802 1375

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Cocaine Crack Cocaine Cocaine addiction

Some Facts about Mood Stabilisers

What 

What are the risks associated with taking mood stabilisers?

“Mood stabilisers” is a generic term for the class of drug that is prescribed to handle a range of mood disorders. These can be heightened moods such as mania or hypomania, or depressed moods such as Major Depressive Disorder or Clinical Depression or, lastly, moods which bounce in between, called “Bipolar.”

These symptoms can be an actual emotional problem, substance induced symptoms or the result of a medical condition. Mood stabilisers can be prescribed for any of these three reasons. The second two situations can be particularly dangerous as these drugs then cover up the underlying problems and situations.

Emotional

To determine if your problem is truly emotional it is vital that you get a very thorough medical check done first. This is because certain physical problems have emotional side effects. If you don’t handle the medical problem and instead start taking mood stabilisers you can only worsen the existing physical situation.

Result of Other Drugs 

This is a particularly dodgy area. It can be a chain reaction of one drug being taken to handle the symptoms of another drug, onwards and onwards until you are totally addicted and dependent on drugs. Rather than taking another drug, look at coming off of the drug causing you problems. Do not look for alternate drugs or remedies to handle the original problem.

Medical Condition 

Once you have determined that you have an actual physical problem going on, (that the emotions are just a side effect to) it gives you something real that you can tackle. Doctors should be able to address the underlying physical cause without prescribing mood stabilisers.

Just one of the reasons for avoiding mood stabilisers is that they have many, many side effects of which I can only list a small percentage: Blackouts, loss of bladder and bowel control, confusion, stupor, hallucinations, seizures, thyroid problems, coma, drowsiness, birth defects (when taken by pregnant women), diabetes, vertigo, dizziness, muscle weakness, thirst, slowed intellectual function and the list goes on….

So think first before asking or taking mood stabilisers. If you know someone who has become addicted to mood stabilisers, contact us and find out how we can help. 

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0800 808 5749   

drug rehab help mood stabiliser Facts about Mood Stabilisers Bipolar Mood disorder

After Narconon New Life Detox

“I feel very positive about living again.”

Early on in the Narconon line-up is the New Life Detox component: a combination of exercise, sauna, a healthy dietary intake and a specific nutritional supplement regime.

We are all exposed to toxins on a daily basis, but for those who have become addicted to drugs or alcohol, the toxicity level can be significantly greater. In many cases, students report that the results are not just physical. The advantages in mental and emotional health are also evident, as described here by one Narconon student:

“The New Life Detoxification has been a big step forward for me because now I feel like a different person and I feel very positive about living again. I feel I have great control in everything I will do now. This has made me a very happy person overall. Thanks for everyone’s help in getting me through—it has been great.” K.S.

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