Sharing needles is one of the quickest ways to transmit contagious diseases like HIV and hepatitis C, making intravenous drug use (IDU) of drugs like heroin one of the most dangerous types of drug addiction. Up until now, it has been believed that heroin addicts who use needles would not benefit from HIV therapy. More specifically, it was generally believed that IDU addicts had a lower chance of successful HIV therapy and treatment than non drug users. “Similar Immunologic Responses to Modern HAART Among IDU and Non-IDU in a Populational Setting” [Abstract 516] was recently published that turned that notion upside down.

What the Study Says About HIV Positive Heroin Addicts and Treatment

Viviane Lima, PhD, at the British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS in Vancouver, British Columbia, was one of the medical professionals involved in the study that looked at the results of 402 IDU patients with HIV and 1231 non-IDU patients with HIV. After six months of treatment, about 74.6 percent of the IDU patients with HIV achieved undetectable viral loads and 89.8 percent of non-IDU patients achieved the same.

Says Lima: “Our study demonstrates that those patients having a history of injecting drug use are as likely as those without such a history to benefit from antiretroviral therapy.”

The differences between the patients extended beyond whether or not they had a history of illegal drug use. For example, the IDU patients were more likely to be younger and more likely to be women.

Lima says: “Because of the volatility in the life of HIV-positive individuals with illicit drug addiction, some healthcare providers believe that these individuals will not derive the full benefits of highly active antiretroviral therapy.”

The results of this study, according to Lima, prove those theories wrong.

Drug Addiction Treatment for Those Who are HIV Positive

Just like HIV therapy is successful for heroin addicts, heroin addiction treatment is successful for HIV positive patients, as well. Intravenous drug use and HIV decrease the immune system and the body’s ability to fight off illness and other diseases. When other medical issues develop, complications can occur especially when drug addiction and HIV are present. Too often, death is hastened when both drug addiction and HIV are allowed to continued unchecked by therapy and treatment.

Though both HIV and heroin addiction are chronic diseases and no cure is in place for either issue, both are treatable with high rates of success for those who stick to their treatment. For those who are addicted to heroin, heroin addiction treatment starts with a medical heroin detox that allows you to stop taking the drug right away. Some may opt for slow heroin detox that utilizes methadone or Suboxone in order to mitigate the withdrawal symptoms and this is a viable option for those who are HIV positive. When you are physically stable and no longer taking heroin, you can turn your attention to the addiction counseling and therapy that will provide you with what you need to remain heroin-free after you return home.

Heroin Addiction Treatment at Michael’s House

If you would like to learn more about our heroin rehab here at Michael’s House, contact us today at 1-877-345-8494 for more information.

Iran is located on an important heroin trafficking route from Afghanistan, which means that the number of drug addicts in the country rise every year. In fact, according to Reuters, it is estimated that there are about 130,000 new drug addicts every year in Iran. Of the 70 million residents in Iran, 930,000 are addicted to heroin and opium. Another 70,000+ are addicted to other drugs. Every year, these numbers increase making drug addiction due to heroin trafficking one of the biggest social issues in the country.

Afghanistan: The Cause of Iran’s Heroin Addiction Problem

Afghanistan produces more than 90 percent of the opium that is used throughout the world, and opium, of course, is used to make heroin. One of the major trafficking routes to distribute the opium across the world goes through neighboring Iran and Iran’s population suffers as a result through skyrocketing numbers of drug addictions.

A recent United Nations report stated that Afghanistan’s opium supply supports a worldwide heroin and opium market that brings about $65 billion per year. About half of Afghanistan’s supply goes directly to addicts in Iran, Europe and Russia.

Iran and Drug Addiction: Not Without a Fight

It’s not as if caravans of opium are openly driving down the streets of Iran unblocked by law enforcement of any kind. Just the opposite. The eastern borders of Iran are often the scene of gun fights and arrests as security forces and heavily armed drug traffickers collide. Despite the vigilance of local security, a great deal of opium still gets through and addicts abound, especially in the streets of Tehran.

Treatment options are available to those who have already fallen victim to heroin addiction in Iran. It is estimated that about 500,000 people have been treated and rehabilitated over a six-year period. This does not keep up with the 100,000 estimated new addicts every year and the numbers on how many remain rehabilitated versus relapsing and when are not available. But it’s a start and it shows that Iran is not ignoring the problem.

According to Reuters, “Iran has won praise from the U.N. crime agency for its efforts to curb smuggling of heroin and keep it off Western streets. In the 1990s, Iran began to build physical barriers to make it more difficult to slip narcotics into the country. More than 3,700 Iranian security personnel have been killed fighting drug smugglers since Iran’s 1979 revolution. Drug trafficking is punishable by death in the Islamic state. ”

Solutions for Iran’s Drug Addiction Problem

Unfortunately, if there were a magic bullet that fixed drug addiction, it would be employed all over the world. Iran’s situation is a little bit different due to the high rate of drug trafficking through the country, but drug addiction is just as serious here in the United States. Time has shown that a two-pronged approach works best: treatment for those who are already struggling with drug and alcohol addiction and education for those who would otherwise consider experimenting with drugs and alcohol. Iran has already begun to fight heroin addiction on both fronts. Do you have any suggestions?

There are a number of serious risks associated with heroin use, most famously AIDS/HIV transmission among those who share dirty needles, but the biggest threat to health of those with a heroin addiction is still taking a dose that is either too powerful or has been mixed with a dangerous toxin.

Take recent heroin overdose deaths in Atlanta.   Police found two men dead after using heroin the night before.   Forensics experts agreed that these men did seem to take enough of the drug to warrant death - and that the cause was likely to be an unusually strong form of the drug that had come up from Mexico.

More and more, people are dying from a heroin overdose because:

• They bought a package of heroin that was cut in such a way that was very potent.
• The drugs were cheap and therefore mistaken to be “weaker” in quality
• The heroin was mixed with poisonous chemicals when cut by dealers or suppliers.

Regardless of the reasons, hundreds of people each month are dying as a result.   Heroin, like current crops of marijuana, is much stronger than it used to be.  But unlike powerful marijuana, heroin that is too much for the individual can be lethal.

In the past, police have been able to trace dangerous shipments of heroin by visiting emergency rooms in the days after the drugs hit the streets.   The result was always a fascinating cross section of people - most of whom would never have been linked together were it not for their shared heroin substance abuse.

There are just too many risks involved with heroin to continue using.  If you, or someone you know has developed a heroin addiction, contact a drug rehab program that knows how to treat opiate addiction.   With the powerful, potentially deadly heroin hitting our streets, every time you use is like playing Russian roulette.

Recently, an individual with a Vicodin addiction relayed the following harrowing story about his experience trying to buy Vicodin online via an Internet pharmacy.

Having purchased Vicodin and OxyContin online in the past, this individual (who will be referred to as “Paul”) had his name and phone number on the call lists of several online drug suppliers.

One day, Paul got a call from one of the companies offering him 90 Vicodin ES for $400 shipped via overnight carrier no questions asked.

It was a lot of money, but Paul needed the pills.  His other online vendor had recently closed up shop and hadn’t been heard from in weeks.

Paul was suspicious, as always, of the “hard sell” attitude of this new pharmacy, but his mind was put as ease when they told him that he could simple pay COD when the medication arrived.  If the package didn’t come, or wasn’t what he wanted when it arrived, he could simply send it back and keep his money.

It seemed to be a no-risk situation, so Paul placed his order.  He was told to expect the package in two days, so he went down to the bank and purchased a cashier’s check for $400.

The days passed and Paul’s order didn’t arrive.  He tried to call the company several times, but was unable to make contact.  He was disappointed, and stressed because his supply of Vicodin would soon run out, but at least he didn’t LOSE any money.

Then, a week later, he got a call from the pharmacy.  They told him that there had been some problems with the FDA and that they could no longer process C.O.D. orders.   The representative told Paul however, that if he was willing to send a wire transfer via Western Union that they could arrange for the package to arrive the next evening.

This event gave Paul pause.    He didn’t have a relationship with this company, and for the most part, once money has gone through a Western Union transfer (especially to the Dominican Republic as the company had requested) there is no way to get it back.  But Paul was almost out of Vicodin, dreading the inevitable withdrawal symptoms when he ran out and willing to take the chance.

He sent the money and immediately could not track down the company.  He was in a panic for two days when the representative finally called him.  They explained that the wrong package was sent out and was being held at an undisclosed location.  There were actually over 300 pills in the order instead of the original 90.   As a way to “make good” on the problem, the rep said that if Paul would wire another $300 to the company he could have ALL the pills at a low price.

Now all kinds of warning bells were going off in Paul’s head.  This had to be a scam, right?  But the customer service rep swore up and down that it was legitimate - and that he SO appreciated the faith he had put in them and that he knew full well how important this medication was to him.

Again yes, once again, Paul trusted them and sent the money.  He had now spent $700 plus the Western Union fees.  He waited for his package the next day.

But the next day came and went and no Vicodin arrived.  Paul called and called but could reach nobody at the company.  He left kind messages and rude messages.  He simply BEGGED for someone to contact him!

Then he received a remarkable call.  An “FBI Agent” called Paul and told him that his package had been confiscated and that he was placing charges.  Paul was terrified.  The agent said he was going to jail.  Then, almost by accident, Paul looked at the phone number on the caller ID.  The area code and prefix seemed so familiar….and then it hit him.  This was a representative of the pharmacy!   They never planned to give him his medication - and this was their out.

Paul began to notice all kinds of holes in the agent’s story.  He couldn’t mention what department he worked for or provide a badge number.  Paul decided to play along for a bit.   Then the “agent” delivered the final insult:  he told Paul that all charges would be dropped if he could send a Western Union of $3,800 to settle his case out of court.  The only other choice was jail.

So not only had these people stolen $700 from him, they had the gaul to run another flimsy scam hoping to prey upon his fear of going to jail and never seeing his family again.

Once Paul had heard enough he hung up. He had lost his money and his dignity and that was enough for one day.

Have you had a similar experience?  Let us know.  And if you’re struggling with Vicodin addiction, contact a drug rehab program in your area and get the help you need today.

OxyContin was introduced to the market several years ago with initially positive results.  But soon, emergency rooms began filling up with OxyContin overdose cases involving those who were overwhelmed by the power of this prescription painkiller.

For parents, addicts or those suffering from chronic pain - consider the following important facts about OxyContin and OxyContin addiction:

6 Things to Know about OxyContin Addiction

1. OxyContin was created to help those in pain.  The idea behind OxyContin was a noble one, provide a time-release medication so that individuals suffering from high pain levels did not have to take repeated doses of their drugs.

2. OxyContin can be very dangerous.  When OxyContin is crushed or snorted, the individual receives ALL of the active ingredient at once - making them highly susceptible to overdose.

3. The Internet is fueling the OxyContin addiction epidemic.  Right now, there are thousands of illicit pharmacies operating on the web that offer OxyContin without a valid doctor’s prescription.  Internet savvy kids are, in particular, finding their drugs in this manner.

4. Kids are the fastest growing demographic in terms of OxyContin Addiction.  The highest growth rate in terms of teen drug addiction in United States are for prescription drugs such as OxyContin and Vicodin.

5. OxyContin is nicknamed the “hillbilly heroin”.  As offensive as the first part of this moniker is to some, the second word holds more than it’s fair share of truth.  Many of those suffering from a heroin addiction turn to OxyContin because of the powerful euphoric effect it provides.

6. Individuals with an OxyContin addiction experience strong withdrawal symptoms.   Among all opiate drugs, OxyContin withdrawal ranks with Heroin in terms of drug cravings, depression and anxiety that occurs when the individual is not using.

If you know someone who has become addicted to OxyContin, or developed a similar prescription painkiller addiction, it is important to help them find a quality drug rehab program.    Drug rehab offers individuals a chance to break free from the bonds of addiction - and steer their lives down a more positive path.

One of the most serious issues pertaining to medical treatment in the United States concerns doctors who have developed a drug addiction, yet continue to provide care to their patients without receiving proper treatment themselves.  For years, this problem went unchecked in the medical community, as doctors were allowed to the patients’ lives at risk - while falling deeper and deeper into the cycle of addiction.

Hope came in the form of a new treatment approach to drug addicted doctors - one that focused on long-term care and high levels of accountability should the problem persist.

As a result of this unique approach (not quite punishment, not quite drug rehab), the percentage of doctors who are addicted to drugs has begun to decrease for the first time in many years.

According to a recent survey published in the Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment, over three-quarters of all doctors who entered this long-term treatment program have remained drug-free for over five years.   That speaks volumes for a non-traditional treatment style that combines counseling with a zero-tolerance approach to drug use on the job (physicians can lose their licesnse if testing positive during the program).

One of the more positive aspects of the survey was that the numbers held true across a wide variety of addictions - including crystal meth, cocaine, prescription painkillers and alcohol.

If you, or someone you know has developed a drug addiction, it is important to contact a drug rehab program immediately.  Through detox and counseling, drug rehab helps treat drug addiction at the core - and helps individuals discover the strategies needed to live a sober life.

Commonly, individuals with a drug addiction see their problem get worse because they live with it in isolation.  They are too ashamed or unwilling to reach out for help from the very people who can help them get things turned out.  The following represent the important people who can help provide support and information at a time when drug addiction has left you at your lowest point.

#1.  A member of the clergy.  People of faith often turn to their local clergyman for support and guidance when suffering with a drug addiction.  Most priests, rabbis, pastors or other religious leaders are well-versed drug addiction recovery and can not only help the individual find strength during this difficult time- but also advise them on a number of faith-based initiatives that help recovering addicts.

#2.  A member of the family. While many individuals turn to drugs as a means of coping with family problems, parents and siblings are still the best support structure an individual can have.  Family offers unconditional love and support - and can be the missing link between the individual and the addiction treatment program they so desperately need.

#3. A doctor.   If there’s one person from whom you cannot hide the symptoms of a drug addiction it is your personal physician.  Even if your doctor does not specialize in detox or other forms of drug-related care, they are still an invaluable resource in terms of how to improve your physical health during recovery and addiction treatment programs that may be appropriate.

#4. A psychiatric professional.  Certainly the most logical choice in terms of speaking with someone about an addiction.  Psychiatrists and therapists not only maintain a strict confidentiality with their patients, but they are also most likely to be “in the know” about the latest treatment modalities and the best programs in the area.

#5. Yourself. Individuals with a drug addiction are often unwilling to admit that they have a problem.  This deep state of denial keeps them from reaching out and seeking help.  It keeps them from finding the perfect drug rehab problem.  And most importantly, it keeps them slipping further and further down into the addiction cycle.

The bottom line:  as isolating an experience as drug addiction is, you are not alone!  There are a number of people ready and willing to listen and help steer you towards a life-saving drug rehab program.

Beyonce Knowles went to great lengths to research her role as Etta James in the upcoming movie Cadillac Records. To capture the essence of James’ lifelong battle with addiction, Beyonce spent time with recovering addicts from the Phoenix House rehab center in New York City.

Knowles was moved by their stories of recovery and redemption so much that she donated her entire salary from the film to aid in their recovery.

Etta James was a natural talent but one who also battled demons throughout her life. Her heroin addiction landed her in an out of drug rehab in Southern California throughout the 1970’s For the next decade she was in and out of trouble with the law until she attended the Betty Ford Clinic in the early 1980’s. Since that time James claims to have been completely drug and alcohol free.

Individuals who try and fail at drug rehab need the love and support of those closest to them. It is important to remain supportive even if it takes longer than expected for the individual to break the cycle of drug addiction.

Lillo Brancato Jr., a promising young actor who played roles in HBO’s hit The Sopranos as well as opposite Robert DeNiro is his film A Bronx Tale is living a nightmare that could have come straight out of the scripts of one of his movies.

In 2005, Brancato was involved in the death of the New York City police officer during a robbery where he and an accomplice were attempting to steal drugs from their dealer.

During the robbery, the drug dealer who owned the house fired at the men breaking into his house, but also killed his neighbor, police officer Daniel Enchautegui who heard the commotion and had come over to investigate.

That leaves Brancato accused of burglary and murder and could face life in prison as a result.  His trial in New York City began this past week.

The story of Lillo Brancato Jr., is extreme, but is also indicative of a lifestyle where easy access to drugs and alcohol can lead to addiction and criminal behavior.  Heroin addiction and cocaine addiction were constant issues with this obviously troubled young man, but because of his fame - and ironically, the types of tough guy roles he portrayed - few were there to say NO and reach out with help.

Famous or not, if someone you know is struggling with drug addiction, help them find a drug rehab facility that can provide the life-saving treatment they desperately need.

Look, if someone you know has become addicted to heroin, they’re probably NOT going to come right out and tell you themselves.   But the problem is that, they need help!   So that means you are going to have to figure it out for yourself and that means knowing the signs and symptoms of heroin use.

The top ten signs of heroin use are:

1. Constricted pupils

2. Euphoria

3. Shallow breathing

4. Abscesses or scars on the arms (or other areas where heroin might be injected)

5. Often seems confused or disoriented

6. Has contracted Hepatitis B/C or HIV/AIDS

7. Poor performance at work or school

8. Has withdrawn from friends and family (and begun hanging out with a new, “sketchier” set of friends)

9. Has asked to borrow from you (and has been secretive about the reasons why they need it) or has stolen from you.

10. Has had run-ins with law enforcement - after never having encountered any before.

If a friend or family member is exhibiting one or more of the signs and symptoms above, they may be using heroin - and if so, need your help! Contact a drug addiction treatment facility in your area to learn how you can get that special person the professional assistance they need to get well.