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Articles by James Davis

Browse published articles attributed to James Davis, with full-archive search.

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By James DavisRecently published1 topic

What is Post Acute Withdrawal Syndrome?

Post Acute Withdrawal Syndrome is a debilitating condition that affects drug addicts and alcoholics in recovery. In fact, the symptoms of PAWS are widely considered to be the leading cause of relapse - especially in people who have been clean for several months or more. Understanding this condition is a critical part of mitigating the dangerous public health conce that is drug addiction and alcoholism.

Primary topic: Health Education

Health Education

3,721 views5/5 (1)

By James DavisRecently published1 topic

Sex and Drugs: Effects of Addiction on Sexuality

Substance Abuse has a Profound Impact on Sex Sex and drugs always seems like a hot topic in the media and in nearly all social circles, but the reality of the situation is that sex and drugs can pose serious, lifelong consequences to those who engage in such behaviors simultaneously. There are always inherent risks associated with drug abuse, and unfortunately there are also serious risks involved with sex. This is true of each behavior independently, and it is a significantly exacerbated truth when the two are combined.

Primary topic: Health Education

Health Education

1,977 views5/5 (1)

By James DavisRecently published1 topic

Post Acute Withdrawal: When will it End?

Many addicts in recovery wonder when symptoms of post acute withdrawal will end. In fact, it's the most common question related to this condition, but the answer is different for every person. Fortunately, there are a number of factors that a person can successfully influence that will help to reduce both the severity and duration of symptoms. This is especially important to learn considering that many addicts report post acute withdrawal symptoms for more than 2 years. The following will influence how long symptoms last, among other factors. *Type of Drug

Primary topic: Health Education

Health Education

3,828 views

By James DavisRecently published1 topic

The Most Difficult Drugs to Detox From - and Why

The hardest drugs to detox from depend on your perspective. If by "difficult" you're referring to the severity of dangerous medical symptoms that occur during withdrawal, then the obvious answer is alcohol and benzodiazepine. Both of these drugs could kill you during detox. But if you're referring to the severity of emotional, mental and spiritual symptoms that affect a person during drug detox, then most addicts will agree that opiates are the most difficult; especially opiates like Methadone that are designed to help wean an addict from other opiates like heroin.

Primary topic: Health Education

Health Education

2,996 views

By James DavisRecently published1 topic

Understanding the Differences betwee Acute and Post Acute Withdrawal

In simple terms, the primary difference between acute and post acute withdrawal is the severity and potential consequences of related symptoms. As the key words indicate, acute withdrawal is generally more severe than post-acute withdrawal. However, both conditions are in actuality different stages of the disease of addiction: first comes active addiction, followed by cessation and acute withdrawal and finally transitioning to post acute withdrawal. Although part of the same disease, these conditions should be made distinct to addicts and those in recovery and the people who support them.r

Primary topic: Health Education

Health Education

2,809 views

By James DavisRecently published1 topic

10 Ways to Manage Post Acute Withdrawal Symptoms

The symptoms of post acute withdrawal are often what lead addicts and alcoholics to relapse, but with the proper mindset and the right knowledge these challenges can be effectively managed. When severe but rare PAWS symptoms such as seizures and suicidal ideation occur, immediate professional medical treatment is required. However, most symptoms of post withdrawal can be treated at home. The following are 10 ways to effectively manage an onset or recurrence of PAWS related symptoms. 1.) Count to 10

Primary topic: Health Education

Health Education

2,459 views

By James DavisRecently published1 topic

Living with Dry Drunk

Dry drunk is a troubling condition that many people assume to be urban myth or legend. However, dry drunk is very real and for some recovering alcoholics it causes severe disruptions in their lives. Because many of these disruptions are related to the misunderstandings and assumptions of other people and poor outward appearance caused by dry drunk, creating awareness about this condition is critical to fostering an environment that no longer persecutes or harasses people with this symptom of post acute withdrawal syndrome.

Primary topic: Health Education

Health Education

2,177 views

By James DavisRecently published1 topic

Soaking Tampons in Vodka - the Facts

Soaking tampons in vodka or other liquor is an alleged trend that has been reported in numerous media outlets. However, most of the stories are unlikely to be true and a number of credible sources have debunked the practice entirely. Nevertheless, there are a few isolated cases where it's possible that some teens or young adults did actually try this disturbing process, and the stories will likely prompt more teens and young adults to try it in an effort to get drunk quickly while avoiding detection.

Primary topic: Health Education

Health Education

2,144 views

By James DavisRecently published1 topic

Can You Die During Drug Detox?

If you're an addict and you're wondering if you can die during drug detox, the short but honest answer is yes. However, deaths from detox and withdrawal are rare considering the number of addicts that undergo detox and the fact that many will detox and withdraw from substances a number of times in their life. However, the potential for life threatening complications during detox is frighteningly real for a small amount of people who are addicted to drugs or alcohol.

Primary topic: Health Education

Health Education

1,966 views

By James DavisRecently published1 topic

7 Habits of an Addict about to Relapse

Many addicts in recovery that are nearing a relapse episode exhibit predictable and identifiable habits and behaviors before the actual relapse occurs. Recognition of these habits is critical in order for people in recovery and their loved ones to take decisive and immediate action to prevent the relapse. This is especially important considering the potential consequences of each new relapse episode: prison, violence, bankruptcy, death. Relapse prevention isn't just about stopping someone from using again; it's about saving a life.

Primary topic: Health Education

Health Education

1,768 views

By James DavisRecently published1 topic

Drug Tolerance: The 7 Clinical Types

There are 7 types of tolerance to chemical substances, all of which have at least some impact on the processes of drug abuse and addiction. Tolerance invariably leads many addiction-prone people to use more and more of a substance in order to achieve the same results, but there's more to it than this alone. In fact, most people are unaware that there is more than one type of tolerance. The following are the 7 types and their descriptions. Acute

Primary topic: Health Education

Health Education

1,757 views

By James DavisRecently published1 topic

Constructive Sharing vs. Glorification of Drug Abuse

The line between constructive sharing and glorification of drug abuse or alcoholism isn't a thin one or one that is difficult to define. In fact, often one doesn't even need to listen to the specific words being said; the tone, cadence and inflections of constructive sharing are much different than those exhibited when glorifying substance abuse. However, during the early stages of recovery it can be challenging for some people to recognize the difference and consequently their recovery efforts may suffer from their unconscious support for past drug use.

Primary topic: Health Education

Health Education

1,709 views

By James DavisRecently published1 topic

Inpatient Rehab: What Really Happens During Drug Treatment

Daily Life in an Inpatient Rehab for Addiction or Alcoholism Daily life in an inpatient rehab program isn't much like the way it's depicted on reality television shows. While rehab certainly isn't "fun and games," it can be both enlightening and enjoyable when approached from the right perspective. If you or someone you love attends an inpatient program, you'll likely make lifelong friends, meet powerful therapists, learn a lot, cry a little, laugh often and most importantly, change your life forever by putting your recovery first.

Primary topic: Health Education

Health Education

1,635 views

By James DavisRecently published1 topic

The Paradox of Drug Abuse and Euphoria

One of the most significant reasons that people abuse drugs is for the euphoric effects they provide. While many might argue that people use substances to escape reality, to cope with stress and an unlimited number of other reasons, the fact of the matters is that euphoria makes these things possible: drugs cause people to feel good, even if they weren't necessarily feeling bad to begin with. Unfortunately, the neurological nature of addiction tells us that substance abuse actually makes it more challenging for people to feel euphoria, happiness and contentment.

Primary topic: Health Education

Health Education

1,517 views

By James DavisRecently published1 topic

What to do with Your Pets During Drug Detox

If you have pets and you need to undergo a drug detox program, there are a number of options for their care while you get the help you need. Unfortunately, many addicts and alcoholics delay treatment or avoid it altogether because they cannot make the proper arrangements for their pets. This article offers some tips and advice for pet care while you're attending detox - a critical medical need considering that unabated addiction invariably leads to death. Specialized Treatment Centers

Primary topic: Health Education

Health Education

1,516 views

By James DavisRecently published1 topic

Understanding Support Networks in Recovery from Addiction

Support networks must be made a critical component of an addict's recovery plan in order to prevent relapse and maintain and improve emotional, mental and spiritual health. Recovering addicts that do not have a support network often become depressed, withdraw from social interactions and eventually return to using drugs in order to self-medicate their emotional pain. Consequently, understanding how support networks can benefit a recovery program and what types of networks are available is essential for people who are battling the disease of addiction or alcoholism.

Primary topic: Health Education

Health Education

1,506 views

By James DavisRecently published1 topic

Post Withdrawal: Do I Need Medication?

Medication for Post Withdrawal (also referred to as protracted withdrawal or PAWS) is one of the most useful tools for people in recovery. Post withdrawal often comes with debilitating symptoms for some addicts, and considering that symptoms can last for as long as two years, medication can play an important role in the management of this condition. If you're suffering from post acute withdrawal symptoms and you think you need medication, ask yourself the following four questions to determine if pharmaceutical treatment is your best option:

Primary topic: Health Education

Health Education

1,317 views

By James DavisRecently published1 topic

7 No-Holds-Barred Reasons to Stop Using Drugs Now

If you or someone you love is addicted to drugs, you've probably been hearing lots of reasons that drug abuse should cease immediately. However, the very nature of addiction means that this message is often ignored. This is especially true for some addicts when the message is delivered from a position of empathy, or worse - sympathy. Some addicts need to hear things straight-up in order to have that fated epiphany that results in the first step toward cessation. This article is precisely that: a no-holds-barred description of the 7 inevitable results of drug addiction:

Primary topic: Health Education

Health Education

1,307 views

By James DavisRecently published1 topic

You could be Liable for Your Friend's Drug Related Death

Overdose deaths and drug-related suicides are all too common in the US, and prosecutors have often sought to make others pay the price if they are involved in a situation that ends with an overdose death. Even if you didn't directly contribute to the death, involvement in any way can merit a criminal charge that could come with a severe prison sentence - even if the person ultimately survives the overdose.

Primary topic: Health Education

Health Education

1,278 views

By James DavisRecently published1 topic

How to Pay for Detox for Meth

If you've been putting off detox for meth because you're not sure how to pay for it, you should know that there are numerous ways to fund treatment, even if you are not able to pay with cash and don't have insurance. This article discusses a number of ways to pay for detox for meth - a critical need considering the epidemic state of meth addiction in the US (NIH/NIDA Fact Sheets on Methamphetamine) and the fact that dependency on this drug leads to rapid and severe physical deterioration and health impairment. Employer Sponsored Insurance

Primary topic: Health Education

Health Education

1,220 views

By James DavisRecently published1 topic

Butt Chugging Trend Isn't a Trend at all

Butt chugging has been making the rounds in the news lately, causing fear and anxiety among parents, educators and healthcare professionals across the country. However, this supposed trend is based almost entirely on two reports of butt chugging; one of which is hotly disputed and may not have occurred. A trend by its very definition involves the participation of many people, which means that one verified case and one disputed case does not warrant the amount of hype and sensationalism that has caused some to think that young people all over the country are butt chugging.

Primary topic: Health Education

Health Education

1,203 views

By James DavisRecently published1 topic

Unraveling the Obscurity of Post Acute Withdrawal

Post Acute Withdrawal is the leading cause of drug and alcohol relapse but is still a relatively obscure condition in the addiction treatment industry. Consequently many addicts receive inadequate treatment that inevitably results in repeated relapse episodes - some lasting for months or years at a time. Despite the easy dissemination of information that is possible in today's instant-communications-enabled world, post acute withdrawal (PAWS) has yet to receive the public focus it deserves, and there are 4 primary reasons for this: 1.) Draconian Attitudes and Substance Abuse Concepts

Primary topic: Health Education

Health Education

1,137 views

By James DavisRecently published1 topic

Types of Drug Detox

There are 4 primary types of drug detox available for addicts and alcoholics to achieve the initial stages of sobriety. This includes the cold turkey method, specialized detox centers, medical detox facilities and rapid detox centers. Each type of drug detox has its own benefits and pitfalls that people seeking to recover from addiction should understand before they decide which treatment option is right for them. Cold Turkey Drug Detox

Primary topic: Health Education

Health Education

1,071 views

By James DavisRecently published1 topic

Why Going Away for Drug Rehab Works

Attending a treatment program or a drug rehab center located down the street from where you once used drugs is probably not an effective way to achieve sobriety. There are many convincing arguments to attend treatment in another city or state, not the least of which is the fact that if you attend treatment locally, you'll likely be airing your "dirty laundry" to other locals - people you know and encounter on a regular basis. The following are a number of other reasons why going away for drug rehab can be much more effective than staying near home. Fewer Triggers and Cues

Primary topic: Health Education

Health Education

1,055 views

By James DavisRecently published1 topic

How Opioid Replacement Therapy during Drug Detox Can Help You

Opioid Replacement Therapy is a powerful tool to help people who are addicted to opiate-based drugs like heroin, morphine or Oxycontin detox safely. While the ultimate goal of opioid replacement therapy is an eventual complete abstinence from all opioid drugs, it has a number of other features that benefit drug addicts and the communities where they live. This includes fewer instances of disease transmission, a reduction in crime related to drug-seeking behavior and fewer overdose deaths and suicides. Opioid Replacement Therapy: How it Works

Primary topic: Health Education

Health Education

1,053 views

By James DavisRecently published1 topic

The War in Your Brain - Understanding Drug Tolerance and Addiction

One neglected battlefield of the War on Drugs is the one that occurs inside an addict's head. This is because the physiological mechanisms responsible for our survival in the event of chemical infiltration are a seemingly double edged sword that may be more dangerous than beneficial in the long run. This survival mechanism is called drug tolerance - an addict's most wearisome enemy - but not for the reasons you might think.

Primary topic: Health Education

Health Education

947 views

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