Causes of Painkiller Addiction: Early Relationships?

The search for the cause of drug addiction is one of the driving forces in substance treatment research. Why do some people use drugs and develop an addiction while others can use addictive substances a few times or experimentally and walk away?

Some say it’s a genetic predisposition, but what about the cases in which parents and other close relatives have never suffered from alcoholism or addiction? Tammy Wynette, for example, did not grow up with addiction but she did have one foundational issue that bothered her for her whole life: the loss of her father before she was a year old.

Hollis Pugh, Tammy’s father, died of brain tumor complications and Tammy had no memories of the man, but the topic of his early death bothered her throughout her life. The depression caused by the failure or lack of strong early relationships with parents is a possible contributing cause of drug addiction. Depression itself is a huge factor in drug addiction as many choose to self medicate their feelings with drugs and alcohol; because parental relationships or the lack thereof plays such a big part in mental stability and self esteem, it stands to reason then that the loss of a parent could indirectly contribute to the development of addiction.

Drug Addiction: Even Fame and Money Can’t Fight It

Like happiness, money and fame can’t buy you safety from drug addiction either, as Wynette found out. With three daughters and a failed first marriage under her belt, Wynette went off to Nashville with the hope of becoming a country singer. She ran into the right people who put her on the radio and got into the study and made a splash right away.

McDonough writes: “Tammy Wynette had gone from nobody to somebody in a flash. In 1967 alone, four of her singles would go top ten, three of them to number one, and her debut album would make it to number 7. She was also voted Most Promising Female Artist by Country Song Roundup, Music City News, and Record World. Plus she’d win a Grammy for ‘I Don’t Wanna Play House.’ ”

It was after the fame and money that her painkiller addiction started, demonstrating that even success can’t fight off addiction if the underlying causes aren’t treated.

Drug Addiction Cause: Bad Relationships?

Perhaps bad relationships are actually a secondary cause of drug addiction, born as they are from depression and poor relationships with parental figures. Tammy’s life is certainly evidence that multiple bad marriages do nothing to heal drug addiction.

For example, it wasn’t until her second marriage ended right around the time that “D-I-V-O-R-C-E” was released and she met and married the infamous George Jones that the painkiller addiction took hold. He was an alcoholic and she was popping pills; the marriage ended about 6.5 years later.

Over the next three marriages, each one was successively worse for Tammy and her addiction was never treated. Isolated and sick with addiction and illness in her last years, Tammy continued to record but never created anything nearly as successful as her early work.

What are some other causes of addiction? If the causes (i.e., depression, family relationships, etc) are treated during drug rehab, does that increase the chances of a successful recovery?

Drug Addiction as a Focus of Farrah Fawcett Documentary

Because so many have made TV specials and written books and articles about the former Charlie’s Angel, Ryan O’Neal’s documentary will focus on what happened after Farrah died of cancer in June of 2008. He outlined the plans for his project and said, “We plan to focus on three main areas of her legacy: her art – namely her films and her sculptures – her inspirational battle with cancer; and the light of her life, our son Redmond, who is now fighting to reclaim himself in honor of his mother.”

The “reclamation” of Redmond that Ryan refers to his attempts to let go of his drug addiction and get his life back on track. Currently, Redmond is in a residential drug addiction treatment facility in Pasadena due to a court order transferring him from a prison to drug rehab.

Ryan also says that the documentary will include “an original, never-aired 2005 interview with never-before-seen footage from our private collection of home movies.”

A Family’s History of Drug Abuse and Addiction

Ryan and Redmond have had a rocky father-son relationship. The two of them were arrested in 2008 when crystal meth was found in Ryan’s home. Ryan claimed at first that he had no knowledge or the drugs in his home but later pled guilty to drug possession. He was given 18 months of drug counseling and treatment. Redmond went back to jail, though he was allowed out to visit his dying mother.

Redmond writes from prison: “My plan is to go back with a new attitude and leave my old ideas behind. I am committed to doing this thing.”

Helping A Family Member Break Free from Drug Addiction

Though it is possible to interpret Redmond’s interest in his son’s wellbeing as mercenary since it comes with a desire to create a documentary, one can also see the benefit this attention and exposure might bring to Redmond. Many who are living with drug and alcohol addiction feel abandoned by their families and, depending upon the personal relationship between the two men, this could actually be the catalyst that brings them closer.

Additionally, when we are held accountable for our actions and announce our goals publicly, no matter what they are, we tend to do better as we work to achieve them. Failure in private is far less scary than public failure, and with cameras following him around, Redmond may be less inclined to slip or relapse, which may ultimately benefit him and help him remain clean and sober.

If you would like to help your loved one break free from drug and alcohol addiction, Michael’s House is a drug rehab located in southern California. Call us today at 1-877-345-8494 for more information about our addiction treatment programs.

A Stepchild’s Drug Addiction: Assessing the Situation

First of all, you will want to make sure that the issue your stepchild is dealing with is truly drug addiction and not, for example, drug abuse or bad behavior meant to get your spouse’s attention. Acting out against a new marriage or a divorce they didn’t want or ask for may be the starting point for addictive behavior, but it’s also a cry for help and one that, if heeded early, can help your stepchild bypass drug addiction.

Full blown drug addiction can be identified by a general and long lasting pattern of behavior that includes lying, stealing, hiding drugs and paraphernalia, mood swings and depression, a decline in hygiene and self-care as well as lost interest in former friends who are more “straight,” hobbies and school work.

A Stepchild’s Drug Addiction: Talking to Your Partner

When you have ascertained that your stepchild is either abusing drugs in an attempt to get your spouse’s attention or dealing with a serious drug addiction that requires drug addiction treatment, your next step should be to talk to your partner. He or she may not want to hear what you have to say and may argue with you over the existence of the problem or whether or not it is serious enough to do anything about, but you have to voice your concerns.

If your partner doesn’t seem receptive to the conversation the first time you try, give them some space and try again later. They may already recognize the problem but just not be ready to deal with it yet. While that’s a fair response, it is a serious issue and after a bit of time has passed, it’s important that you bring it up again. If you or your partner wishes, it may be an issue to discuss with a family therapist so that you can keep the conversation productive and focus on a plan.

Getting Drug Addiction Treatment for Your Stepchild

If you and your partner agree that your stepchild needs drug addiction treatment, the next step is an intervention. Here, you and your partner will be able to confront your stepchild on his or her drug addiction with two goals in mind: to help him or her to understand the serious nature of the disease and to invite them to enter drug rehab immediately. Before you begin, you should speak with a drug rehab center and secure a spot for your stepchild.

If your loved one is over the age of 18, Michael’s House can provide your stepchild with the drug and alcohol addiction treatment he or she needs. Call 1-877-345-8494 for more information.

Drug Rehab: Is it Necessary?

In most cases, if you are seriously contemplating drug and alcohol rehab, there is a need for it. A medical treatment, it is necessary in cases where you have a psychological and physical dependence upon a particular drug or drugs. If you have tried to quit using your drug of choice and have not had any success maintaining abstinence for any length of time, drug rehab is necessary. If you have health problems and your doctor has told you that you need to stop using your drug of choice and yet you cannot, then drug rehab is necessary. If you know that your opportunities, your future and your reputation are being impaired by drugs and alcohol and you want to stop but can’t do it alone, then drug rehab is necessary.

Drug Rehab: How To Help a Loved One

If your concerns are not for yourself and your use of drugs and alcohol but the abuse of addictive substances by a family member or someone you love, then the same “tests” listed above apply. If you are having a hard time telling whether or not your loved one is having issues with drug abuse or drug addiction, apply the parameters listed above to their circumstances. If they are often under the influence or choose where or what they’ll do based on their ability to remain under the influence, if they lie about their drug use or deny the problem, if they have tried to get clean and sober or promised to stop using without success multiple times, then it is likely that drug rehab is a good new year’s plan for them, too.

The difference in this situation is that you may need to perform an intervention in order to help them understand that drug rehab is necessary. If you would like help staging an intervention for someone you care about, a professional interventionist can help.

Drug Rehab: Is Now the Time?

If you or someone you love is living the life of an active addict, then now is the time for drug rehab. Like any medical treatment for other chronic diseases, the sooner you get treatment and the more comprehensive that treatment is, the more likely you will be to succeed. If you would like to learn more about the drug and alcohol detox and addiction treatment programs at Michael’s House, contact us today for more information.

Janet on Michael Jackson’s Drug Addiction

Janet told Robin Roberts that she knew that Michael Jackson used prescription drugs but not that he was using Propofol, the drug that caused Michael’s overdose the night that he died. She said: “That was a shocker to me and it just – that’s serious. That’s heavy. That’s heavy. None of us knew to that extent.”

Propofol is a highly addictive hypnotic agent that is usually used for sedation. Michael Jackson depended upon it to sleep and the night that he died, his doctor reportedly gave him a dose of Propofol after a cocktail of other painkillers and sedatives. The combination proved too much for him.

Janet took care to point out that though she and others in her family were well aware of Michael’s issues with drugs and addiction, they were not reticent. All of them at one point or another reached out to him and Janet, herself, tried to talk to him multiple times.

Says Janet: “Of course, that’s what you do. Those are the things that you do when you love someone. You can’t just let them continue on that way. And we did a few times. We weren’t very successful. You can’t make ‘em drink the water. It’s something that you can’t do for them. Something they have to do for themselves.”

Janet on Michael Jackson’s Prescribing Doctor

Dr. Conrad Murray was Michael’s well publicized prescribing doctor and the man that Janet blames for her brother’s death. She says that it was Murray’s fault because “he administered Propofol to Michael and it was named as the primary cause of his premature demise.”

For his part, Dr. Murray went into hiding immediately after Michael died and remained out of sight for several days. After he was charged and the police began to scrutinize his behavior in the weeks and months prior to Michael’s death, he released a video apologizing and explaining his position. It did little to exonerate him in the public eye and apparently impressed Janet not at all.

Michael’s death due to drug overdose was ruled a homicide, and Dr. Murray is currently the only person under investigation in the case, but he has not yet been charged.

Avoid Drug Overdose

If you or someone you love is struggling with drug addiction or overusing prescription painkillers and anti-anxiety medications to help them sleep, don’t wait to get help. Drug detox and rehab is the only safe and recommended way to break free from addiction. Without it, drug overdose is a constant risk, even among those who have been using prescription drugs for a long period of time. Call Michael’s House today for information about our prescription drug rehab.

Currently clean and sober, Mackenzie details her long history with drugs as well as her trek into sobriety. She tells stories about her father, as well, including details about how the two used drugs together and revealing that he was the one who shot her up for the first time. It is clear that drug addiction had a profoundly destructive effect on her life as well as the lives of her family members, and even after years of sobriety, she’s still dealing with the consequences of her actions under the influence.

Mackenzie’s Family Responds to Her Drug Addiction and Book: Chynna Phillips

Chynna Phillips is Mackenzie’s sister and she has been in the press recently discussing Mackenzie’s books and the allegations within. For the most part, the focus has been on the incestuous relationship between Mackenzie and their father, John Phillips. It is the drug addiction that casts a shadow of doubt on the story, but Chynna is supportive of Mackenzie.

Chynna says, “”I cannot say that everything is just as it is written in the book. Because she admittedly was on drugs. So there’s no way for me to be able to corroborate.”

When Chynna first found out about the 10-year affair 13 years ago, she says she shut down. Now, she says: “I’m still struggling with it. It’s going to be a lifelong journey for me. It’s a terrible, terrible thing.”

Mackenzie’s Family Responds to Her Drug Addiction and Book: Michelle Phillips

Michelle Phillips is Mackenzie’s stepmother. She’s not nearly as supportive of Mackenzie as her sister, Chynna. Michelle recently released a statement to “The Insider” on the subject of Mackenzie. She says: “Mackenzie’s drug addiction for 35 years has been the result of many unpleasant experiences. Whether her relationship with her father is delusional or not, it is an unfortunate circumstance and very hurtful for our entire family.”

Healing After Drug Addiction

Clearly, the actions taken and the decisions made under the influence of drugs do not end even when addiction does. During drug rehab, we begin the process of acknowledging what we’ve done and why, often confessing it during 12-step meetings, therapy and support groups. We find that we’re not alone, that our actions, even when reprehensible, are never worse than anything others have done in the same circumstances.

After drug rehab, we are faced with the task of healing, which is always far easier said than done. How have you learned to move on after drug addiction? What steps have you taken to heal during drug addiction recovery?

DJ AM: Why Was His Drug Overdose Possibly a Suicide?

Those close to DJ AM (or Adam Goldstein) said that he had been depressed recently. Others noted the number of prescription drugs that were found around the apartment and assumed that if Goldstein was using again-when he had been extremely proud of his long-term sobriety-then he must be depressed.

When Goldstein was discovered dead in his New York City apartment, his body was on top of a crack pipe with an empty bag with crack cocaine residue nearby. Prescription pill bottles were found on the kitchen counter, as well. There were six OcyContin pills in his stomach and one that was undigested in his throat.

The Official Autopsy Report

The New York Medical Examiner performed the autopsy and confirmed that DJ AM’s death has been ruled an accident due to substance abuse. Technically called “acute intoxication,” Goldstein had ingested cocaine, OxyContin (or oxycodone), Vicodin (or hydrocodone), Ativan, Klonipin, Xanax, Benadrl and Levamisole, which is commonly used to cut cocaine.

Ellen Borakove is a spokesperson for the New York Medical Examiner’s office. She says, “Our investigation is completed.”

Drug Overdose: No One is Immune

DJ AM was no stranger to the drugs he was using or to their effects. He had used drugs regularly for years and was scheduled to host a show on interventions for MTV in the fall of this year. The opiate painkillers he was in possession of and using when he died were mostly prescribed to him for anxiety disorder, and he had been taking them for some time. So at what point did his use of prescription pills as medication turn into abuse and then drug addiction? And when did he start supplementing his prescription with illegal drugs like crack? If DJ AM didn’t overdose on purpose and had a long history with these drugs and he still died using them, then no one is immune.

Is Drug Overdose a Risk for You?

If you are abusing prescription opiates, crack, coke, crystal meth, heroin, over the counter drugs, club drugs and/ or alcohol, then you are at risk of overdosing. A drug overdose hits new and experimental users just as easily as long-term veterans of addiction and it can be deadly. Don’t take the risk. If you are addicted to drugs and alcohol, don’t wait to get the help you need. Contact Michael’s House for information about how you can free yourself from the risk of drug overdose.

The research doesn’t show this, however. Some studies show that drug rehab can be successful even for those participants who have no desire to be there at first. Success, according to these studies, depends more on the length of your stay. In short, it doesn’t matter if you want to be there; if you choose an immersive, residential drug rehab program and stay there for as long as possible, your chances for success are extremely high. If you are considering outpatient drug rehab, however, those statistics no longer apply and your attitude towards drug treatment will significantly change your outcome.

You Have to Need Drug Addiction Treatment

Maybe this idea of “hitting rock bottom” is true for some people, but not all. I don’t even think that you have to want to get clean for an inpatient treatment program to have some impact. Drug and alcohol addiction, is after all, a chronic disease and everyone has to start somewhere. However, I do think that if you’re going to attempt an outpatient drug addiction treatment or day treatment program, you not only have to want it, you have to need it. You have to equate getting (and staying) clean with the other human needs (air, food, water, shelter). It’s that basic and that necessary. If you’re not on that level, if you’re still qualifying your choices and justifying “just one…” then you’re not ready for an outpatient drug rehab. You need an inpatient, residential drug and alcohol addiction treatment facility.

You Have to Be Done With the Life That Comes With Using Drugs

If you’re still enamored with “the life” of using, if you’re still nostalgic about “getting high,” if you’re still interested in the drama that goes along with chasing a bag or getting roaring drunk at the club, then you’re not ready for an outpatient drug treatment. Don’t get me wrong: even those who have been clean for years, even decades, are tempted sometimes. You may even have a few funny or good memories of getting loaded. But if you don’t also remember how sick the drugs make you when they wear off, how miserable you were on the roller coaster of chasing a high, how miserable everyone around you was while you destroyed your relationships and yourself, then the nostalgia will win and you’ll end up relapsing without the 24-hour support of a residential drug and alcohol rehab.

You Have to Have a Plan During Drug Rehab

Just saying you want to get clean isn’t enough, especially during outpatient treatment. You have to commit to your program and to the therapies, fully applying yourself to your treatment goals and really trying. You have to have a support system to help you through the hard times when you are outside of the facility. You have to have coping skills and relapse prevention skills almost immediately.

What’s your plan?

Granted, OxyContin is still considered an addictive, highly dangerous drug if used improperly, but when taken as directed, the chance of “accidental addiction” would appear to be fairly rare.

Consider the following reporting from STATS, a non-partisan organization:

The consensus of all of these sources was, broadly, that Purdue had knowingly pushed a dangerously addictive product, and that thousands of people – most famously Rush Limbaugh – had become accidental addicts and hundreds had died, often through careless prescribing by doctors. As Geraldo Rivera raged on Fox news, Purdue’s “corporate vultures”

“…are the most insidious drug pushers, forcing their addictive junk on millions of unsuspecting victims, with the same disregard for their health and wellbeing as any demon doper.”

There was only one problem with all of this: the consensus, the moral outrage, the muck-raking investigative journalism wasn’t supported by reliable evidence.

STATS goes on to site the American Journal of Psychiatry, that studies 27,000 drug addicts across the United States and found that only a small number became accidentally addicted to OxyContin.

This report, however, should do NOTHING to undercut the importance of OxyContin rehab treatment for those who take the drug in any manner other than how it was intended.