Thursday, April 5, 2012

Dr. Feelgood and Legal Drug Dealers

“Dr. Feelgood” was arrested this month in California, charged with murder for allegedly writing prescriptions to tens of thousands of patients who didn’t need them after three young med overdosed and passed away. After a long investigation by the DEA involving undercover work where agents acted like patients and tried to get prescriptions for various prescription pain medication and anti-anxiety medication.

Dr. “Lisa” Hsui-Ying Tseng is charged with overprescribing amongst other drugs, “Xanax” and oxycodone. Reports on file stated that young men went to the physician’s office complaining of back and neck pain, were given brief exams and given drugs.

Her medical office has been open since 2005 and in 2008 was reported by a pharmacy for having problems with the doctor’s scripts. Over a three-year period Dr. Tseng wrote an average of 25 prescriptions a day with three patients dying as a result of overdose and 14 others who survived, all men. Besides the three murder charges, Dr. Tseng was charged with 21 felony counts for prescribing addictive substances without legitimate medical purposes and using fraud. Four of these were for prescriptions written to undercover DEA agents. Locating an effective prescription drug abuse rehab is essential for someone struggling with this type of addiction.

Her prescription writing privileges were suspended in 2010 and she voluntarily gave up her medical license. Her husband, also a doctor, has continued to run the practice.

Dr. “Lisa” Tseng claims she did nothing wrong stating she followed all guidelines and she was strict with her patients. In a statement to the Los Angeles Times she said “If my patient decides to take a month’s supply in a day, then there’s nothing I can do about that.”

The Good Doctor is facing a maximum term of 45 years to life in prison.

This “Dr. Feelgood” is a primary example of the serious substance abuse problem in America where physicians are over-prescribing addictive medications unnecessarily and without cause. These Doctors are paid tremendous amounts of money to write prescriptions with no legitimate medical situations. “Those victims die while the doctor gets rich,” Cooley (the District Attorney for Los Angeles County) said in a written statement.

Murder charges are hard to prove in court, doctors are not necessarily able to “control” what patients do with the prescriptions and this offers these physicians some deniability. Although most doctors are not held liable for their actions, the doctor of Michael Jackson was convicted for involuntary manslaughter for the king of pops death.

Substance Abuse is a nationwide problem and continues to have the attention of the US Government and the President. There are many treatment options available for those who lose themselves to this terrible addiction.

Tuesday, March 13, 2012

Heroin Drug Addiction Rehabilitation

Before going to substance abuse treatment I was using heroin everyday. I couldn’t keep a job, I was in serious legal trouble and my family wouldn’t speak to me. I didn’t care about my friends, my family or even myself. All I cared about was getting high and getting my next fix. It was my entire life and I was miserable.

Even though I knew I needed help I couldn’t imagine the pain of coming off of everything and I didn’t want to admit to my family or friends that I couldn’t do it by myself and needed treatment for substance abuse.

When my mom presented me with the chance to go to substance abuse treatment the first time I told her no. I told her no over and over and over again. She would ask me when I would see that I had hit rock bottom and I honestly didn’t know the answer.

Eventually I was homeless, I didn’t have anything and was out of ways to get money. I had burnt every bridge I had and did not know what to do. I knew I needed help or I was literally going to die, out of pure desperation I called my mom, she dropped everything to help me get into substance abuse treatment and I will always be so thankful for that.

I was so scared when I entered treatment, the counselors at the facility made me feel so welcome and comfortable. Going through the process was so hard, it was difficult for me to have to take a look at different actions that I had done to estrange my family and friends. It was hard to face all of the horrible things that I had done and what led me into a life of addiction. Although I experienced good days and bad days I know that going to substance abuse treatment saved my life. Apparently, some of the best drug rehabs are listed on drugrehab.org so if you are looking for a center we would recommend locating one here.

At a certain point in treatment I knew that I didn’t need drugs and not only that but I didn’t want them anymore. I realized I didn’t need people’s approval of me and I got my self-confidence back and more.

Now that I have completed treatment for substance abuse I know I will be clean and sober for the rest of my life. My relationships with my friends and family are better than they have been since I was a little girl. My legal problems are better and I am focused on the future and happier than I have been in a long time. I have hope and I can’t remember the last time I could say that and I am excited to live my life.

Tuesday, February 28, 2012

What Makes Narconon A Good Rehab

Founded in 1964 by a habitual criminal and heroin addict named William Benitez, from the writings and works of humanitarian L. Ron Hubbard, the Narconon drug treatment program has been considered controversial in some circles. Whether it is from sensationalized information from the media or special interest groups with their own ideals and protocol for how to treat drug addicts, Narconon has been a program that has received much attention. There is one thing, however that cannot be argued about the non-traditional program; it gets results.

With a closely watched and monitored 76% success rate Narconon is among one of the top drug and alcohol treatment programs in the country. The organization now runs over 150 centers in 50 different countries and is one of the largest non-profit groups in the world in regards to drug treatment. They are one of the facilities that use a biophysical treatment.

So, what is the recipe that makes Narconon a good rehab? Some of the following will explain:

1. The Narconon program is 100% drug free. It does not handle addiction with replacement drugs, nor does it give clients drugs during the detox process. This eliminates the dangerous replacement drug side effects as well as the potential for addiction to these drugs.

2. Narconon uses a process called The New Life Detoxification Program that is used only through their program that removes drug toxins from the body that cause physical cravings. The program is described in full on the but uses specific doses of fast release Niacin or B3, exercise, a specific vitamin and mineral regimen, plenty of water and intermittent sweating in a dry heat sauna. The outcome is drastic reductions in physical drug cravings and a new sense of energy and vigor for life for those formerly addicted.

3. Processes to help get the individual into the present time environment and out of the past drug-using memories call Objectives are used as well as tools to cope using confront, control and communication through drills called Training Routines.

4. The second half of the Narconon program deals with all the underlying issues and problems that lead to the drug use in the first place and the facility uses Life Skills Therapy to allow each individual to specifically address and handle these issues. Clients are able to let go of past misdeeds and make up the damage for the negative effects they have created for themselves and others because of their addictions.

Tuesday, January 24, 2012

Insurance Coverage For Drug And Alcohol Rehab Programs

Are you looking for a drug rehab that insurance will cover or an affordable treatment center that can help your loved one overcome their addiction to drugs or alcohol? This is a common question that can be extremely confusing to find information from especially from the insurance providers themselves. This blog is here to help you better understand insurance coverage when it comes to drug and alcohol rehabilitation, and what to expect in your out of pocket expenses.

The first thing you should realize when trying to figure out if your drug treatment program is covered is whether or not the actual facility works with insurance companies. Many treatment centers bill for insurance and are cash pay only. If you are specifically looking for information regarding your insurance coverage for drug rehab then you need to have the actual treatment center get your insurance information and they will find out the exact coverage.

Remember don’t discouraged if it looks like your insurance for alcohol treatment does not look good. There are rehabilitation programs that can assist you in finding some sort of coverage or financing as well. Most of the drug rehab programs available have staff that are allocated to solely bill insurance and figure out ways for families to afford to pay for their treatment center. We certainly understand how frustrating it can be in this desperate time of need which is why we have written this blog. We hope this information regarding financing for drug rehab, and insurance for addiction treatment programs can help you find the right program.

Tuesday, November 8, 2011

Florida Drug Rehab For Prescription Drug Addiction

The drug problem in the state of Florida is on the rise, especially with prescription drugs. Drugs like Oxycontin, Percocet, Loritabs, Methadone, and Roxys are now passing street drugs like heroin, cocaine, and marijuana. The access to these prescription drugs are easier and corrupt doctors are finding it to be more profitable to sell these drugs illegally. These doctors, or lets call them “legal drug dealers” are now under pressure because Florida police and Florida DEA are cracking down on pain clinics and online shipping of prescription drugs. Some of these prescription painkillers are being shipped from countries like Canada and Mexico as well.

If you or someone you know is abusing these prescription drugs in Florida then a common question is what should I do? Many people want to call the police but honestly, getting police involved with an addiction matter is usually not helpful. Finding an effective treatment center that specializes in prescription drug addiction is the best route. Our counselors and treatment specialists can help locate the best Florida drug rehab available online. Whether it is a holistic drug rehab or a dual diagnosis treatment center, call and speak with our counselors to help you find the right program.

Remember, prescription drug abuse can be overcome. Finding the right program is essential. Don’t settle for some outpatient program or sending the addicted individual to a therapist or psychiatrist. Long term residential treatment can provide an effective rehabilitation modality to almost guarantee a successful recovery from prescription drug addiction. Call or email our addiction counselors today to start on the road to recovery.

Thursday, August 18, 2011

Amy Winehouse and Drug Rehab

It is very sad that such a talented singer did not go to drug rehab. Amy Winehouse’s drug and alcohol abuse and addiction were featured regularly in the news since 2007. She sang a song about people trying to make her to go drug rehab and she said no. It was no secret that she and her ex-husband, Blake Fielder-Civil struggled with addiction. Through the course of their combined addictions they faced legal trouble and he ended up in prison.

It is tragic that Amy had booked herself in a drug rehab center in London. She had planned to go for 2 weeks and was scheduled to check into the drug rehab on July 18th. She did not show up and instead, per reports, went on a bender that included vodka, crack cocaine and heroin. On July 23rd she was found dead in her home. It is suspected the cause of death is overdose, but it has not yet been determined.

Her death comes less than months ago she was released from a drug rehab program. Heroin addiction is very hard to beat and takes not only a drug rehab program that is long term but also the kind of program that suits the needs of the addict. Aftercare is also an important step. If the person leaving drug rehab goes right back to the type of environment where people are doing drugs and alcohol or condoning drugs and alcohol it will be very hard to stay sober. When someone goes in and out of rehab similar to Amy Winehouse, they usually still associating with the wrong kind of people.

Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin and Jim Morrison and now Amy Winehouse all died at the age of 27 of drug overdoses. Kurt Cobain also committed suicide at the age of 27 shortly after leaving a drug rehab.

It is also reported that they plan on turning her home into the Amy Winehouse Foundation Headquarters. Giving help to other addicts that struggle with drug addiction.

If you or someone you know needs substance abuse rehab and struggles with addiction it is important to get them into treatment right away. There can be disastrous consequences if you delay treatment. Amy Winehouse is one example of too many where checking into drug rehab was delayed.

Sunday, July 17, 2011

My Daughter Overcame Addiction

My daughter arrived to her first rehab a scared 22 year-old girl. She had been convinced by us to go into treatment and she really wasn’t convinced that it was the right thing to do. She didn’t feel that she had hit rock bottom but after a failed suicide attempt and a serious addiction to pain killers and heroin she really didn’t know how to make it on her own. Her heroin addiction was so bad that she began shooting it in her ankles and neck.

During the course of her drug and alcohol treatment she had ups and downs. Things about herself and her life that she didn’t want to face and had even talked herself into believing they never happened. But she faced them and she dealt with her issues and her problems.

After going through and completing a full long term residential treatment program she felt empowered. There were definite points where she wanted to leave and didn’t want to do it anymore, but with the help of her friends and her family she persevered. Upon completion of the program she knew that she could handle any of life’s problems and would never resort to drugs or alcohol again. She was proud of herself and she was ready to face the world.

3 years later I am proud to call Emily my daughter. She is clean and sober and happy and most importantly I have my daughter back.