Researchers at the Behavioral and Clinical Neuroscience Institute at Britain’s Cambridge University scanned the brains of 50 sibling pairs, one with a cocaine dependence and the other with no history of chronic substance abuse. These scans were then compared to scans of healthy individuals. While previous brain-scan studies have documented noteworthy differences in the brains of drug addicts, this research noted the siblings’ common abnormality in the part of the brain controlling behavior, suggesting that these brain differences could not only precede the onset of addiction but increase a susceptibility to addiction as well.

Although published in a peer-reviewed general-science journal, the findings hold value in a practical application manner too. The research provides a basis for beginning to assess how one sibling avoided or resisted dependence while the other sibling did not. The results also suggest another variable, beyond family history of drug abuse and occasional recreational use of drugs, that can influence the development of an addiction due to affected self-control abilities. That kind of information can assist in tailoring more effective treatment and relapse prevention plans.

As advocates of long-term treatment of drug and alcohol abuse, the addiction specialists at Burning Tree in Texas provide resources for individuals seeking treatment and their family members. Residential care is available at locations outside of Dallas and Austin for persons from all 48 contiguous states. An overview of services can be obtained online at www.burningtree.com or by phone at 866-287-2877.

Although Mueller’s treatment is ongoing and not conclusive, media reports revealed that she has ended a 10-year smoking habit during her stay. This result of her treatment to date can be an indicator of future progress related to maintaining abstinence regarding drug use. In fact, numerous studies link smoking and the failure to maintain drug or alcohol abstinence. A 2007 study from a team at the University of California at San Francisco was drawn from a telephone survey of clients five years after treatment, and concluded that smokers were more likely than non-smokers to return to alcohol or drug use (64.0% vs. 48.3%) in the 30 days before the survey.

Among the most important guideposts for evaluating treatment options is the success rate of specific program or type of program. While results may not be typical for all who enter a given program, a success rate is a helpful tool. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, between 40% and 60% of people relapse after a short-term drug treatment that lasts no more than 90 days. If Brooke Mueller remains in rehab one more month as expected, she will reach the 90-day mark.

The success rate of a long-term program is considerably higher, as evidenced by the clients who have completed a Continuum of Care at Burning Tree in Texas. In a four-year period ending in 2010, 73% of clients treated during that time remain sober today. In addition, 80% of clients who completed the Residential Treatment program remained sober continuously for a year or more, far higher than the 31%-53% of short-term rehab clients who did the same elsewhere.

The reason for long-term drug and alcohol rehabilitation’s higher success rate can be attributed to a few key factors. A well-designed long-term rehabilitation program offers a custom approach to each individual beginning with intake and the initial evaluation. This first step allows addiction specialists to determine a diagnosis and create a treatment plan that is appropriate for the patient’s addiction, history, cultural background, gender and other personal factors. In some cases, the evaluation may lead to a “dual diagnosis” in which an individual with a documented history of substance abuse has also been living with a mental health disorder that may be contributing to past failed attempts at recovery. During treatment, a variety of coordinated therapies, including psychological therapy and behavior modification, may be offered to the person with co-occurring disorders.

Since chronic relapse is an common occurrence among clients who have repeatedly tried short-term rehab programs, relapse prevention is an essential part of a long-term rehabilitation program. The long-term program staff treats a relapse as an inevitable part of the treatment and recovery process, while teaching the individual how to recognize warning signs and behaviors that lead to relapse. Relapse prevention also encompasses learning how to create a new support system that will help sustain a recovery attempt.

Burning Tree is a renowned long-term rehabilitation facility with two locations in Texas. Addiction specialists at residential facilities outside of Dallas and Austin treat people from all 48 contiguous states. To learn more about the drug and alcohol treatment services at Burning Tree, visit www.burningtree.com, or contact Burning Tree by phone at 866-287-2877.

Despite the pain killer’s direct or indirect relation to more than 11,000 deaths in 2007, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the popularity of OxyContin abuse has led to a sharp rise in criminal behavior to obtain the drug. An organization known as RXPatrol, which consists of pharmaceutical company Purdue Pharma and various law enforcement agencies, reported in 2011 that pharmacy robberies in the last seven years neared the 2,000 mark. Attempted robberies averted by law enforcement, security systems or the pharmacists themselves who may post signs that OxyContin is not available, are not included in that figure.

Judging by sales of the product, two different groups are benefiting from the growing market for OxyContin. One group profits from the illicit sales, enhanced by large quantities made available during pharmacy robberies, although smaller quantities obtained through theft of OxyContin from a family member’s prescription can also be profitable. In Seattle, for example, investigators report the drug is being stolen and resold for a dollar a milligram. That translates to a revenue of roughly $5,000 for a bottle of sixty 80-milligram pills.

OxyContin also has become more profitable than ever for large-scale dispensers, many of whom set up so-called “pill mills” and “pain clinics”, in numerous states including Georgia and Florida. This quick distribution of OxyContin in exchange for cash generally includes little or no physical examination of patients, often due to the lack of trained or licensed health care professionals. Even though these operations have drawn the attention of law enforcement agencies and municipality leaders, the ability to quickly move them from one locale to another or from state to state makes it challenging to shut down the operators entirely.

The continuous efforts to reduce OxyContin abuse are coming from two different directions. Newly created databases allow most states, except Missouri and New Hampshire, to monitor prescriptions, giving doctors a view of a patient’s records to see if multiple narcotics prescriptions have been ordered. Also, the databases help pharmacists recognize doctors or clinics that are dispensing an unusually high quantity of prescriptions, and the same records allow police to strengthen cases against so-called “pill mills.”

Addiction specialists are also taking aim at abuse of this highly addictive drug. In Texas, addiction specialists at Burning Tree recognize that dependence on OxyContin may stem from previous substance abuse and co-occurring mental illness. The success rate of treating an OxyContin-dependent individual is increased with a dual diagnosis approach that integrates treatment for both disorders, while in a long-term drug rehabilitation setting. Burning Tree operates two such facilities, outside of Dallas and Austin, treating individuals from all 48 contiguous states.

It’s making its way across America through legitimate prescriptions as well as through supplies diverted from hospitals and pharmacies and into the hands of those who take Opana to achieve a high. Combining it with other medications or alcohol makes it especially dangerous as does crushing the extended release version to maximize its impact all at once. A deadly outcome is possible due to abuse. In fact, more than 200 deaths in the first half of 2010 were attributed to Opana use, according to the United States Drug Enforcement Administration.

A lower price point than OxyContin may be contributing to Opana’s rise in popularity. At  $30 to $50 per pill, it’s roughly half the price of an 80 mg. OxyContin pill. But just like OxyContin, Opana’s addictive nature can be overpowering to those who become psychologically and physically dependent and reach the need to get it at all costs.

On the street, its known by a wide variety of names. The list includes blues, blue heaven, new blues, octagons, stop signs, pink, pink heaven, biscuits, pink lady, Mrs. O, OM, Pink O, The O Bomb and more. And it’s not restricted to availability in large metropolitan areas. Drug sweeps in small towns—including Beatrice, Nebraska with a population of 12,000 people—have netted Opana distributors.

Addiction to Opana for some may not be a first time experience with opiate abuse. For many users, access to this relatively new drug may be part of a succession of addictions. In the past, they may have even attempted to end the addiction through a medical detox and/or a treatment program. For the majority of them who have failed, help is still available.

Burning Tree provides recovery solutions for those who have experienced chronic relapse due to addictions to narcotics and any other type of drug. The long-term treatment program provides a dual diagnosis approach to determine if co-occurring mental health issues have inhibited past attempts at a full recovery. The 12-Step Program is also a fundamental aspect of treatment at Burning Tree’s residential facilities in Texas.

Burning Tree’s facilities outside of Dallas and Austin serve to provide drug and alcohol recovery solutions for individuals from coast to coast. Those with a dependence on Opana, or their family members, are encouraged to speak to an admissions representative today. The number to call is 866-287-2877 and more information is available online at www.burningtree.com.

Known by users through a variety of names—including Kratom, Ketum, Kakuam, Ithang and Thom—the plant is grown in Southeast Asia. In fact, Malaysia and Thailand are two hot spots for harvesting. The drug made from the Kratom plant can produce a high that lasts for several hours depending on the dosage of powdered extract or crushed leaf. The alluring aspect of Kratom abuse comes from its ability to produce feelings of euphoria at first, then reduce anxiety and/or provide a relaxing experience. Some reports suggest individuals suffering from opiate withdrawal may be turning to Kratom because of its opiate-like properties.

Users are getting access to Kratom through head shops and online stores. The drug is even drawing attention as a dietary supplement. Since it’s not a controlled substance, it’s legal to possess in the United States, although it is banned in Thailand. And users are finding out its not affecting drug tests because it doesn’t show up in standard drug testing at the moment.

Kratom is not considered a dangerous drug on its own as use generally leads to nausea, vomiting or prolonged sleep only. Yet mixing Kratom with other substances may be far more harmful. One documented case in Ireland reveals Kratom and other drugs were in the system of a 21 year old man who died of respiratory complications.

While attention is primarily placed on the resulting health risks associated with a particular drug, other concerns may be raised. In the case of Kratom, an individual abusing the drug may be negatively affecting his or her own financial independence, relationships and employment status. With ongoing Kratom abuse comes serious consequences that may even lead to criminal behavior. Recognizing the threat of these potential consequences may not be enough to stop an individual from abusing Kratom.

For Kratom abusers, there is help available at Burning Tree in Texas. This long-term drug and alcohol rehabilitation facility provides expert care in residential settings outside of Dallas and Austin. Addiction specialists guide individuals through the steps to enjoy life without substance abuse thanks to a program centered on a 12-Step recovery. The program is ideal for anyone who has experienced no progress despite multiple visits to short-term rehabs and other resources. Breaking the cycle of chronic relapse is a fundamental part of the program at Burning Tree, and more information can be obtained online at www.burningtree.com or by contacting an admissions representative today at 866-287-2877.

Chronic relapse has affects on family members as well as the addict or alcoholic themselves. This video talks about affects it has and what happens initially when families call Burning Tree for help.

Burning Tree’s family program focuses on both the client and the family system it is unique in the sense it has been designed for families that have been through numerous family programs at other drug rehabs.

Neurofeedback therapy is used at Burning Tree. It is even more effective when used in a residential treatment setting vs an outpatient basis.