Budget cuts in government are happening all over the country and the financial crisis is hurting drug courts and drug addiction treatment put in place to help those struggling with drug addiction. These changes not only affect the future of drug addiction treatment, the personal futures of those who need treatment for drug addiction but their families and the community as well.

Hawaii is one state where the budget crisis is having a big effect on drug courts. Right now, the treatment courts (drug courts and mental health courts) cost about $5 million of the $139 million budget for the state’s judicial system. That’s 4 percent of the budget and lawmakers are looking to cut it, according to the Honolulu Advertiser.

Public Defender Jack Tonaki is against the idea. He says: “I would hate to see this discontinued. Everyone is having to make tough choices.”

The short sighted nature of government and state budgets is leading some in Hawaii to forget what many other states have learned the hard way: cutting the budget for drug courts and drug addiction treatment programs may mean a little bit of savings now but quite a bit of lost funds later.

Incarcerating people for drug possession and addiction is an expensive proposition, a cost that calculates in the millions every year. When you add in the costs of domestic violence, health problems, the effect on children and increased juvenile delinquency, unemployment and other issues associated with continued drug abuse and addiction, the $4 million invested into the specialized courts is minimal in comparison.

Meda Chesney-Lind is a professor at the University of Hawaii and a criminologist and says:

“Obviously, in terrible times, everyone is constrained, and I would argue that money should come from other parts of the criminal justice system that are overused, like corrections. I wouldn’t support across-the-board cuts that tend to cripple small initiatives. We know that huge swaths of the current system are not functioning optimally, so they really need to have new ideas infused into the work they are currently doing.”

In some instances, the court system becomes a service of support for those trying to break free from drug addiction and their families. This is far more beneficial than the combative and confrontational role that the courts usually play in the  lives of drug offenders. By recognizing that drug addiction is a disease that is chronic in nature and requires continued treatment and support, the court can set itself up to help those in the grips of addiction rather than setting the offender up to fail by neglecting to give them the treatment they need while simultaneously incarcerating them with criminals who will only perpetuate their addiction when they get out.

Get Drug Addiction Treatment Before the Courts Get Involved

If you or someone you love would like drug addiction treatment before the courts get involved, Michael’s House can help. Whether you need inpatient cocaine addiction treatment, residential alcohol rehab, opiate detox, heroin addiction treatment, sober living or other drug addiction treatment programs, Michael’s House has what you need. Call 1-877-345-8494 for more information.

After Farrah Fawcett’s death last year, her ex-husband and long time friend and partner, Ryan O’Neal, is making a documentary about the star. His hope is to feature her son, Redmond O’Neal, who has famously struggled with drug addiction and is currently incarcerated for crimes associated with his addiction.

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 little bit of online research revealed some unhappy numbers for crack dealers and hopeful crack dealers. The lure of being in a gang and selling drugs or putting in other “work” in order to move up through the ranks and gain “respect” usually ends one of two ways: prison or death. Either way, drug addiction plagues those who sell drugs as well as those close to them, including their families.

Selling Drugs: How Much Money Do They Really Make?

It turns out, first of all, that the job isn’t quite as lucrative as the movies lead you to believe. It seems that a researcher who had access to a certain gang’s records and finances found out that the average crack dealer on the corner only makes about $3.50 an hour.

Second, the occupational hazards of the job are somewhat more harsh than those of, say, anything legal: the annual death rate was marked at about 7 percent, a number which increased to 25 percent after four years. (Why the increase? Perhaps disgruntled customers or competition tend to target those who have made a name for themselves?)

Even if you made $1300 a hour instead of $3.50, you can’t spend it from the grave.

The Myth of Drug Dealing and Sales

No matter how you add it up, being a crack dealer (or a drug dealer of any kind) isn’t going to do much for your financial standing. Unfortunately, kids are seduced by glamorous depictions of rich drug lords on TV, Hollywood and in their own communities. They think that if they put in the time that they, too, will one day be driving fancy cars, wearing lots of gold and buying houses for their mother. The fact is, that very few actually profit off of selling drugs and those are very, very high up in the chain and making it there alive is practically impossible.

Drug Addiction Among Drug Sellers

Perhaps the biggest issue that faces those who start selling drugs is the development of their own drug addiction. Ready access to large amounts of drugs and large amounts of money in the midst of high emotional stress (I doubt there’s a more stressful job) is pretty much the perfect storm for the creation of drug addiction.

Another issue is getting caught. Whether it’s for the crimes they have to do to supplement their income since they’re using their own supply or whether it’s for selling drugs, they are no longer eligible for drug addiction treatment through drug court. When selling or violence is an issue over and above possession charges, no drug court will give you drug addiction treatment instead of prison.

Healing Drug Addiction and Getting Out of Selling

If you or someone you love is struggling with drug addiction, the time to stop is now. Rates of death are as high among drug addicts as they are among drug dealers, if not higher. Don’t allow yourself to become a statistic. Call Michael’s House today: 1-877-345-8494.

With all the widely publicized marital problems and issues with sponsors that Tiger Woods has been having, people have been looking for a reason behind his actions. How could someone with so much skill, fame and money, a beautiful home and family, destroy it so quickly and so completely?

A couple of theories floating around include sex addiction and drug addiction.

Is Tiger Woods Living with Prescription Drug Addiction?

According to Golf.co.uk, reports are circulating that claim that Tiger Woods may be dealing primarily with prescription drug addiction.

More detailed reports claim that Elin Nordegren, Tiger Woods’ wife, gave two empty prescription painkiller bottles to police when he was taken to the hospital after running into a fire hydrant outside his home last month. The two prescriptions: Ambien and Vicodin.

Because Nordegren gave police these bottles, Woods was apparently listed as a possible overdose when he was admitted to the hospital.

Due to knee injuries in 2008, Woods could easily have developed a Vicodin addiction as a result. Very often, people who otherwise do not indulge in drugs and alcohol will develop a painkiller addiction after an injury or surgery.

Additionally, there have been a number of reports of people on Ambien doing things in their sleep that they don’t and even more who can’t fall asleep without the drug after a few weeks of regular use.

If left untreated, addiction to prescription drugs like Vicodin and Ambien can ruin your life, and many are saying that this is the root cause of Tiger Woods’ current problems.

Is Sex Addiction a Problem for Tiger Woods?

Even more people speculate that Tiger Woods is dealing with a sex addiction due to the continued nature of his affairs and the sheer number of mistresses that have come out of the woodwork. According to CBS, there seems to be more evidence that Tiger Woods may be dealing with sex addiction than with prescription painkiller addiction.

A number of celebrities, politicians and others in the spotlight are caught in affairs and scandals of infidelity. At what point does it become an addiction?

Quantity of people is one factor in sex addiction. More than 10 women have come forward to claim a sexual relationship with Tiger Woods.

Continuing a habit despite the negative consequences is another factor in determining whether an action or behavior is actually an addiction.

Dr. Drew Pinsky from the VH1 series “Sex Rehab with Dr. Drew” said: “You’ve got to wonder about addiction. That’s the process that has people doing things that don’t make sense.”

Pinsky went on to say that Woods’ sexual behaviors may be one small piece of a bigger issue:  “I wouldn’t be surprised if we find out there is a chemical addiction, as well. Sometimes, these sexual compulsions come out as part of an overall addictive process to a chemical.”

Treatment for Drug Addiction and Sex Addiction

It is not uncommon for addictions and other psychological issues to come in pairs. Many people who are struggling with drug addiction also struggle with depression, anxiety, eating disorders, gambling addiction and/ or sex addiction.

If you or someone you love is dually diagnosed, contact Michael’s House. We can help you get the treatment you need to recover.

A doctor in Fort Lauderdale recently had a patient’s family file a wrongful death suit against him when their loved one committed suicide after allegedly developing drug addiction while being treated by the doctor.

Dr. Michael Lazzopina advertises himself as a medical professional who treats both chronic pain and drug addiction, but the lawsuit filed against the doctor claims that he turned Benjamin Eiseman into an addict by prescribing him painkillers and anti-anxiety medication for about two and a half years. The Coral Springs, Florida, resident was an electrician and 30 years old when he died of a painkiller overdose using pills prescribed by Lazzopina.

The Accusation: The Creation of Drug Addiction That Led to Drug Overdose

How does Eiseman’s family claim that Dr. Lazzopina turned their loved one into a drug addict? By handing him an oxycodone prescription before ordering an MRI to confirm that he had an injury and then, later, for neglecting to lower the amount of his prescription when his back injury improved. Additionally, Eiseman’s family says that Lazzopina never provided Eiseman with a referral to a drug addiction specialist.

Dr. Lazzopina is 85 years old and a urology specialist, though he is board certified in pain management. Pain management and drug detox have been the focus of his practice of late, if recent newspaper ads offering drug addiction treatment and pain management treatment are any indication. Lazzopina is also certified by the federal government to prescribe certain medications to treat addiction.

The lawsuit filed against Lazzopina goes on to describe him as a part time employee at the Fort Lauderdale Pain Relief Center where he allegedly sees as many as 44 patients in a single day.

The Defense: Drug Addiction or Domestic Problems?

Lazzopina’s lawyer maintains that the doctor did nothing wrong and neither did the clinic. He puts the weight of blame for Eiseman’s drug addiction and suicide fully on Eiseman claiming that the electrician was “doctor shopping” to procure multiple prescriptions from multiple doctors in order to supplement his addiction. He also says that Eiseman was using illegal substances as well when he died.

Lazzopina’s lawyer further points out that Eiseman’s suicide came just days after his wife kicked him out of their home. The lawyer suggests that his suicide was more indicative of his emotional state over his domestic situation than his issues with drug addiction.

Who is Responsible for the Results of Drug Addiction?

This question is one that has been asked often in the courts over the past few years, but it’s not one that has uniformly been answered the same way. In some cases, teenagers and young adults who give their medication or any substance of addiction to a peer who ultimately ends up dying as a result of overdose or an accident have been given serious jail time for their choice. On the other hand, doctors who prescribe medications that ultimately result in the development of drug addiction for their patient and, in cases such as this, death due to overdose, aren’t always treated as harshly by the courts.

Who is responsible for drug overdose? The person who takes the pills and/or drugs or the person who gave them to him or her in the first place? What do you think?

Even those who rail the United States for being too soft on drug addiction and those convicted of distribution and sales of illegal drugs are pausing to think after the recent death by firing squad in China of Akmal Shaikh, a drug dealer caught with 4kg of heroin. Was the death penalty too extreme of a punishment for a nonviolent crime? Should he have been given drug rehab instead or a prison term?

The wide spectrum of views on drug addiction, drug abuse and drug dealing range from the very liberal view that everything should be made legal to the very conservative view that, if not the death penalty, then the first conviction should at least come with a harsh and swift penalty.

China’s Argument for the Death Penalty for Drug Distribution

China feels strongly about protecting its people from the harms and dangers of drug addiction. They point out that the amount of heroin that Shaikh was trafficking into China could have killed 27,000 people. Choosing the death penalty, however, says that there is no hope of rehabilitation and since the death penalty in the United States is usually reserved for a similarly violent crime, most Americans are somewhat taken aback by this hard line approach. China views the potential loss of 27,000 countrymen as more valuable than the life of one man and they make no apologies for their decision.

The Softer Approach to Drug Addiction

In the United States, many states have a program that offers drug rehabilitation for first time possession offenders, and often drug dealers get away with inclusion into this program if they are carrying small enough amounts that can be claimed is for nothing more than personal use. Many Americans view this as soft, saying that it sends the message that drug addiction and distribution isn’t that serious and that even if you get caught, you’ll have a few more chances before you get into any “real” trouble, a message that ultimately costs taxpayers millions in court costs, law enforcement, medical care, damage to property, loss of lives and more.

In Britain, drug addiction can get you a disability check for the equivalent of about $200 a week. Here and abroad, there are needle exchange programs and other harm reduction-oriented nonprofit organizations dedicated to assisting those who are living with drug addiction though not necessarily trying to help them break free from addiction. There is also quite a bit of anecdotal evidence in the form of rehabilitated addicts who say that these programs were invaluable in terms of helping them to recover and start a new life.

What Do You Think?

Whatever your view on the death of Shaikh, what is your opinion of the harder line against drug addiction and drug sales versus a more rehabilitative approach? Do you think that drug rehab works? Can it save lives and ultimately save money? Or is it better to send the message to anyone who considers abusing drugs and alcohol that there is a no tolerance policy?

Drug rehab is the only medically efficient way to treat drug and alcohol addiction, whether you are dealing with heroin addiction, cocaine addiction, alcoholism, or addiction to multiple drugs and alcohol. However, you can play a big part in determining just how effective your stay at drug rehab will be. With the right direction and a few good tips, you can use the days before you enter drug rehab to set yourself up for a successful treatment program. Take a look at the drug rehab success tips below:

Drug Rehab Success Tip #1: Don’t Overdose

It seems intuitive, right? Unfortunately, though, many people binge on their drug of choice when they realize that they are headed into treatment. Their thought is: “If I’m never going to do this again, I’m going to go out with a bang.”

Too often, “going out” is exactly what happens as a result of that overindulgence. Drug overdose is pretty common right before people head into treatment and the only way to avoid that is to avoid binging on any drug or alcohol.

Drug Rehab Success Tip #2: Don’t Stop Using Your Drug of Choice Suddenly

For much the same reasons, it isn’t recommended that you suddenly stop using your drug of choice before entering drug rehab. If you are entering a program that requires you to be free from withdrawal symptoms, you will need to go through a detox program before entering treatment. If you are entering a program that provides drug detox as a part of their drug rehab services, then wait until you arrive. The medical complications that may arise could be deadly and there’s no need to start early and take that risk without medical supervision.

Drug Rehab Success Tip #3: Pack According to the Rules

When you are accepted into a drug rehab program, you should be given some guidelines about what to pack and what not to pack. Follow this to the letter. It will save you a great deal of heartache and/ or anger when you arrive and the attendant goes through your belongings to make sure that you aren’t trying to sneak anything illegal into the program.

Drug Rehab Success Tip #4: Bring Something Personal

No matter how strict the drug rehab program, you are allowed to bring certain personal items. Don’t leave those behind! It will be these pictures, letters, books, et cetera that sustain you when the program gets a little bit more difficult.

Drug Rehab Success Tip #5: Rest and Relax

Though your focus during drug rehab will be on healing yourself and recovering, this can be exhausting work both emotionally and physically. It will serve you well to take good care of yourself before you head into treatment-get lots of sleep, eat right and drink lots of water-so that you are as physically prepared as possible to get the most out of your drug rehab program.

More Drug Rehab Tips

Would you like to learn more about how to make drug rehab work for you? Call us at Michael’s House today and get the answers to your questions.

Do you have a few tips of your own that you’d like to add? Leave us a comment.

Artie Lange is famous for being the comedic sidekick to the notorious Howard Stern on “The Howard Stern Show” on Sirius XM radio. Unfortunately, Lange was hospitalized this weekend. The reason for his hospitalization was undisclosed to the public, but rumors abound: most believe that Lange’s long struggle with drugs and alcohol either resulted in overdose or that he suffered an accident or illness that is drug or alcohol related.

Howard Stern Comments on Artie Lange, Addiction, and the Future of the Show

Despite rumors that Lange’s hospitalization and the issues that led up to it are serious enough to warrant his replacement on “The Howard Stern Show,” Stern himself disagrees, according to Gather.com. When asked about the rumors that Lange may be replaced by Jim Breur, Stern said that there was no truth to the story.

Stern made a public comment recently stating: “We all have our demons. Artie has given this show tremendous moments of great comedy. He’s a tremendous contributor. He is a good man. Don’t forget how great he is.”

Robin Quivers, a co-host on “The Howard Stern Show,” had nothing but good things to say about Lange as well: “[He] is the most loving guy, always giving.”

The Secret of Drug Addiction

None of Lange’s friends or family is commenting on the reason for his hospitalization, not even the usual “exhaustion” malady that so often seems to plague celebrities dealing with drug abuse issues. While Stern alluded to the well-known issues he has had, he is supporting Lange and Lange’s family by allowing them to keep their personal battle private.

While that is admirable, the issue of secretive drug addiction can often tear families apart. Too often, when a friend or family member is suffering from the disease, those who are close to them will cover up the issue, hiding their mistakes or “cleaning it up” for others. Some do it because they are embarrassed for themselves or for the addict in their lives. Others do it because they believe that, if given enough time do so privately, the addict in their life will be more likely to stop drinking and using drugs on their own. Still others are just in denial and don’t want to believe that the problem is as serious as it is. Whatever the reason, keeping secrets and hiding a family member’s struggle with something as deadly as drug and alcohol addiction isn’t doing anyone any favors.

Help Your Loved One Heal: Drug Rehab Intervention

A drug rehab intervention is a great way for you to take a proactive stand and help your loved one get the help they need to recover from drug and alcohol addiction. By confronting the addict in your life with concrete examples of how their addiction and actions under the influence have hurt them and those who love them, you can reveal to them an incontrovertible way just how serious their addiction problems are. By offering them the opportunity to immediately leave for drug rehab, you are also offering them a solution.

If you would like a professional interventionist to assist you in setting up an intervention for your loved one, contact us at Michael’s House today for more information.

Overindulgence and excess are the key words during the holiday season. Between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Eve, Americans are given permission to blow off their diets and their budgets and indulge to their heart’s content. Moderation is not encouraged at holiday dinners with endless bottles of wine, stocked bars at company parties, and the endless bowls of eggnog at friends’ homes. The question is, does all this overindulgence lead to addiction? Do stocked bars and Christmas cheer in the form of hot toddies and eggnog lead to alcoholism?

Alcoholism and Addiction: Environment and Access

It’s true that one of the factors that contributes to the development of alcoholism and addiction is availability. Nobody was addicted to club drugs before somebody developed them and started passing them out, right? You can’t become addicted to something that simply isn’t on the shelves or available to try. So, yes, the access to drugs and alcohol during the holidays can sometimes push people who were already alcohol abusers into a full blown addiction, and many alcoholics have stories about taking their first drinks at family holiday parties. Still others talk about discovering alcohol as a social lubricant at events such as these and applying that principle throughout the rest of the year.

Access Alone Does Not An Addiction Make

While the sheer quantity and availability of alcohol during the holidays can make it difficult for alcoholics to avoid the temptation to drink and it can be the “straw that broke the camel’s back” for those who were on their way there already, no holiday party or holiday season should bear the full brunt or responsibility for the development of a lifelong addiction. Many people overindulge on everything, including alcohol, during the holidays but manage to keep it together for the rest of the year without issue. Still others enjoy the same amount of alcohol as they usually would despite the abundance of alcoholic beverages.

The fact remains that other factors must be present to create addiction. For some, a genetic predisposition toward alcoholism can turn their first holiday party season into the beginning of a lifetime of addiction. For others, co-occurring psychological disorders push them to continue drinking long after New Year’s Eve has passed. Those who abuse alcohol and drugs regularly or have binged regularly in the past, a holiday season replete with indulgence may be the turning point into a life of addiction.

Teen Alcoholism: Family Tradition or Harmful Push Toward a Life of Addiction?

Most parents never conceive that one eggnog or a beer during the football game could be what starts their child on a life of addiction. Unfortunately, studies show that the earlier a child is introduced to alcohol and/ or other drugs, the more likely he or she will be to begin abusing them during their teens, which can evolve into teen or adult drug addiction. There is no such thing as a harmless amount of alcohol for a child, family traditions notwithstanding.

Is it worth the risk?

Drug addiction relapse during the holidays is exceedingly common and it’s not just New Year’s Eve that throws people for a loop. Even those who have been clean and sober for years find themselves heavily tested during the holiday season and the triggers or cravings can come from any number of sources. Here are a few of the most common issues that face those in drug addiction recovery during December and what you can do to fight back.

Drug Addiction Threats to Recovery: Financial Problems

The holidays are expensive. Gifts alone can throw a precariously balanced budget off its axis with just a few holiday sales. For many, there are also holiday parties at work that require a new outfit or that you bring yet another gift, holiday dinners and parties with family and friends that require the same things, more money for a tree, lights, and other decorations depending upon the holiday or holidays that you celebrate. Bills get forgotten due to the rushed schedule and late fees accrue and interest rates increase. Credit cards are maxed out and bank accounts are overdrawn to cover the extra costs of the season and suddenly “just one drink” doesn’t sound like such a big deal.

Drug Addiction Threats to Recovery: Family Issues

Many people make an extra effort to see their family during the holiday season, but unfortunately, there’s no moratorium on family drama. All the issues that you’ve been avoiding over the past months or more pop up in little passive aggressive ways or manifest loudly in huge arguments. It’s common, once again, to want to leave and go get loaded or throw back a few shots to make it through the emotional madness.

Drug Addiction Threats to Recovery: Stress and Guilt

Guilt and stress are everywhere during the holiday season. If it’s not religious guilt associated with the holiday, it’s stress over family guilt for past wrongs or just plain feeling guilty that you can’t do more for those you love or can’t go see family member who are important to you. The excess of the season can often make you feel unprepared: forgotten people on your gift list, cards that go out too late, too many events to attend. This on top of regular day-to-day stress can put you that much closer to relapse.

Fighting Drug Addiction Threats

Financial issues can be battled with a strict budget. Before you buy even one present, take a look at your monthly finances and see where you stand. Allot yourself an exact dollar amount, then divide it up amongst those you have to buy for and your other holiday expenses. Every time you buy something, write it down and stick to your limits.

Family issues are a common relapse trigger all year long. Relationships are wonderful but also stressful and you’ll need to utilize all your tools to get through it: remember your emotional boundaries, give yourself permission to say ‘no’ when others place inappropriate demands on you or your time, and call your sponsor or a supportive friend if you feel like you’re going to relapse.

Guilt and stress is just like family issues: boundaries are primary and it is not your responsibility to take care of everyone around you. Give yourself breaks if you’re feeling overwhelmed and take time to see your therapist or go to a meeting even if it means crossing something else on your list.

And remember: nothing is worth the risk of relapse. A life without drugs and alcohol is always better than a life of addiction.