Do you or someone you love need help with drug abuse or alcohol abuse in Iowa? Are drugs or alcohol causing problems in your life or or someone close to you? Then you have come to the right place for help. This web site was created to help assist you in locating treatment for alcohol abuse and drug abuse.

Drug abuse and alcoholism can have devastating effects often accompanied by feelings of hopelessness but there are solutions and one should not give up. Whether it is alcohol abuse, cocaine abuse, heroin abuse, methamphetamine abuse, prescription drug abuse or any other drug, recovery is possible if you recieve the effective help for your specific abuse problem. First and foremost, it is important to understand that an addiction to drugs and alcohol abuse are not diseases, they are habits (bad habits). A habit is defined by the dictionary as,

"A recurrent, often unconscious pattern of behavior that is acquired through frequent repetition.
An established disposition of the mind or character.
An addiction, especially to a narcotic drug."

With this in mind, one can help change their habits from bad to good with time, determination, and accurate information about drug and alcohol recovery.

Drug-help.com is dedicated to finding the correct help for your specific drug abuse or alcohol abuse problem. Our referral network encompasses the following treatment categories. You can overcome drug or alcohol abuse and we can help. Contact us today for free consultation.

Alcohol help is something needed by hundreds of thousands around the world. Many of these people may not realize it or do not want to admit it. For many, what began with casual alcohol use can develop into alcohol dependence. This can happen quickly or slowly, over a period of weeks or over a period of many years. Note that an individual who uses alcohol occasionally doesn't intend to go on and become dependent on it. This is not a voluntary process. There seems to be a line somewhere in any individual's personality and alcohol use. Once this line is crossed, it's too late. The individual is very likely to be powerless to reduce or stop his or her alcohol intake by their own efforts. Using alcohol does not always bring problems, but when it does they can be very devastating. Alcohol misuse can hurt all aspects of an individual's life by bringing havoc to their work, money, relationships, as well as their happiness.

Just cutting down on drinking alcohol doesn't work. Sooner or later, the user's consumption level always goes back up again. The most important thing is to get help for problems with alcohol use now. Don't put it off or nothing will change. For those who have been using alcohol for an extended period of time it is important to seek medical help during withdrawal. Additionally, the individual will probably experience cravings for alcohol for a short time. This is normal. These feelings will pass, so don't act on them. It can be very difficult for anyone who has a problem with alcohol to get clean and stay clean on their own without help from a professional. That is why you will find the resources you need for alcohol help on this website.

There has been an enormous increase in the number of people seeking help for cocaine abuse since the 1980s. Drug abuse programs in most areas of the country report that cocaine is the second most commonly cited drug of abuse among their clients. The majority of individuals seeking treatment smoke crack cocaine and are likely to be poly-drug users, or users of more than one substance. The widespread abuse of cocaine has stimulated extensive efforts to develop treatment programs to help with this type of drug abuse. Cocaine abuse is a complex problem involving biological changes in the brain as well as a myriad of social, familial, and environmental issues. Therefore, help for cocaine abuse is complex, and must address a variety of problems. Like any good treatment plan, treatment strategies need to assess the psychobiological, social, and pharmacological aspects of the individual's cocaine abuse.

Attempts to stop using cocaine can fail simply because the resulting depression can be overwhelming, causing the individual to use more cocaine in order to help overcome their depression. This overpowering effect that cocaine can have on an individual may cause them to do anything to get cocaine. During periods of abstinence from cocaine use, the memory of the euphoria associated with cocaine or the mere exposure to cues associated with cocaine use can trigger tremendous cravings causing the individual to relapse even after long periods of abstinence. Through the use of sophisticated technology, scientists can actually see the dynamic changes that occur in the brain as an individual takes the drug. They can observe the different brain changes that occur as a person experiences the "rush," the "high," and, finally the craving for cocaine. They can also identify parts of the brain that become active when a cocaine addict sees or hears environmental stimuli that trigger the craving for cocaine. These studies help us by pinpointing specific brain regions associated with cocaine abuse. These regions are critical to identifying targets for developing treatments to help with cocaine abuse.

Crack cocaine abuse is usually not recognized at a point when help could have easily been given and something done about the problem. The problems of crack cocaine abuse tend to mount up and become more difficult for the individual to face, making the problem worse. The first line of defense or offense in winning against crack cocaine abuse is education. When crack cocaine abuse is already a problem, you need to find answers that confront the true sources of the difficulty. Disorders, imbalances, and hostilities are the products of ignorance, not genes. Depression, guilt, and drug cravings are the three biggest causes of crack cocaine abuse. The solution is to fully detoxify and rehabilitate the individual so they feel better without the help of drugs.

Just cutting down on crack cocaine use doesn't work. Sooner or later, the user's consumption level always goes back up again. The most important thing is to get help for problems with crack cocaine abuse now. Don't put it off or nothing will change. For those who have been using crack cocaine for an extended period of time it is important to seek medical help during withdrawal. Additionally, the individual will probably get cravings for crack cocaine for a short period of time. This craving is normal. These feelings will pass, so don't act on them. It can be very difficult for anyone who has a problem with crack cocaine to get clean and stay clean on their own without help from a professional. That is why you will find the resources you need for crack cocaine abuse help on this website.

Ecstasy abuse help involves a multi-part solution for the treatment of ecstasy abuse. First the individual goes through a detoxification process, eliminating the ecstasy residue from their system. Secondly, they need to follow their ecstasy detoxification with treatment such as therapy. This two part process to help ecstasy abuse ensures that the individual has a greatly reduced chance at relapse than with other methods.

Residential, as well as outpatient treatment programs, have proven to be effective in handling problems from ecstasy abuse. The most important aspect in getting help for ecstasy abuse is correlating the appropriate treatment option with the individual. One treatment method that is gaining ground as a positive approach to ecstasy abuse is cognitive-behavioral therapy. This approach provides rewards for remaining clean during the initial stages of treatment. This option can help the individual who is trying to overcome ecstasy abuse assimilate back into society with healthy activities that promote a drug free lifestyle.

Heroin abuse help is often necessary for those who have become dependent on heroin. Heroin is a highly addictive substance and can produce dependence within a few days of regular use. Because mild withdrawal symptoms are similar to the flu, users often don't realize their "sickness" is actually withdrawal. Using heroin always brings problems. These problems can be very serious as heroin abuse hurts all aspects of the user's life. Heroin abuse brings havoc to their work, money, relationships, and their happiness.

The first step to help an individual who has a heroin abuse problem is to educate them about the drug itself and help them come to an understanding of why they began to use heroin. There are many steps that follow to help an individual who has a heroin abuse problem. Each treatment program will go through them at a different pace and hit unique points that are of importance on the road of heroin abuse recovery. Keep in mind that there are no quick fixes for heroin abuse. The knowledge and life skills one learns can help but must be integrated into everyday life to truly be effective.

There are many individuals who find that they need help for their marijuana abuse problem. In order to help yourself or someone you care for, it is important that the reason one started using marijuana is understood. There are many reasons why people smoke marijuana. It is often helpful to identify the reasons why an individual gets "high" because it will help in providing ideas of how to achieve a similar result through other activities after they stop. For example, some people abuse marijuana to help them relax. There are many other ways of relaxing without smoking marijuana, such as meditation and exercise. Others smoke to enhance conversation and social interactions. However, many people find that after several years of smoking, the quality of relationships and social life in general can deteriorate. Another reason that some have for their abuse of marijuana is to avoid having to deal with life's problems. However, the problems don't seem to go away by themselves.

To help stop a problem with marijuana abuse, the individual must confront their desire to get "high". They will essentially be going into battle against a part of themselves that they no longer wish to exist. Getting help for marijuana abuse, especially if the individual has been using regularly for some time, is a bit like losing an old friend. Giving up should not feel like a funeral, but a beginning of a new life.

There are many individuals who find that they need help for their meth abuse problem. In order to help yourself or someone you care for, it is important that the reason one started using meth is understood. There are many reasons why people use meth. It is often helpful to identify the reasons why an individual gets "high" because it will help in providing ideas of how to achieve a similar result through other activities after they stop. For example, some people abuse meth to help them relax. There are many other ways of relaxing without using meth, such as meditation and exercise. Others use to enhance conversation and social interactions. However, many people find that after several years of using meth, the quality of relationships and social life in general can deteriorate. Another reason that some have for their abuse of meth is to avoid having to deal with life's problems. However, the problems don't seem to go away by themselves.

To help stop a problem with meth abuse, the individual must confront their desire to get "high". They will essentially be going into battle against a part of themselves that they no longer wish to exist. Getting help for meth abuse, especially if the individual has been using regularly for some time, is a bit like losing an old friend. Giving up should not feel like a funeral, but a beginning of a new life.

Alcohol abuse help is something needed by hundreds of thousands around the world. Many of these people may not realize it or do not want to admit it. For many, what began with casual alcohol abuse can develop into alcohol dependence. This can happen quickly or slowly, over a period of weeks or over a period of many years. Note that an individual who abuses alcohol occasionally doesn't intend to go on and become dependent on it. This is not a voluntary process. There seems to be a line somewhere in any individual's personality and alcohol use. Once an individual crosses that line, it's too late. The person is very likely to be powerless to reduce or stop his or her alcohol intake by their own efforts.

Just cutting down on drinking alcohol doesn't work. Sooner or later, the user's consumption level always goes back up again. The most important thing is to get help for problems with alcohol abuse now. Don't put it off or nothing will change. For those who have been using alcohol for an extended period of time it is important to seek medical help during withdrawal. Additionally, the individual will probably experience cravings for alcohol for a short time. This craving is normal. However, these feelings will pass, so don't act on them. It can be very difficult for anyone who has a problem with alcohol to get clean and stay clean on their own without help from a professional. That is why you will find the resources you need for alcohol abuse help on this website.

Drug abuse help is important in preventing or stopping individuals from making the wrong choices about drug use. If the individual has already made the choice to use drugs, they may need help from a professional or a drug intervention service. If they have not yet made such a choice, you need to do the best you can to prevent unwise choices about drug abuse. You can't follow them everywhere or monitor their every move. Fortunately, there are other ways to help keep them safe from drug abuse.

Research tells us that individuals who have good communication skills have a better chance of avoiding drug abuse. Families with good communication skills can talk honestly and openly about their feelings and about such problems as peer pressure and drug abuse. Individuals who do not use or abuse drugs usually feel that their family and friends love them and trust them. To help an individual who may have a drug abuse problem you do not want to nag them or make unfounded accusations. This may make them feel like you don't care about them or trust them. Another way to help an individual regarding drug abuse it to obtain clear and factual information about the numerous drugs that are being abused in today's society. Share your concerns and values, but let your friend or loved one know you believe they can make healthy choices in their own best interest.

Drug help is important in preventing or stopping an individual from making poor choices about drug use. If the individual has already made the choice to use drugs, they may need help from a professional or a drug intervention service. If they have not yet made such a choice, you need to do the best you can to prevent unwise choices about drugs. You cannot follow them everywhere or monitor their every move. Fortunately, there are other ways to help keep them safe from the pressures of drug use.

Research tells us that individuals who have good communication skills have a better chance of avoiding drug dependence. Families with good communication skills can talk honestly and openly about their feelings, and about such problems as peer pressure and taking drugs. Individuals who do not use drugs usually feel that their family and friends love them and trust them. To help an individual who may have a drug problem you do not want to nag them or make unfounded accusations, This may make them feel like you don't care about them or trust them. Another way to help an individual regarding drug dependence it to obtain clear and factual information about the numerous drugs that are being abused in today's society. Share your concerns and values, but let your friend or loved one know you believe they can make healthy choices in their own best interest.

Help for substance abuse is on the increase as more and more individuals are becoming dependent on various types of drugs. Years of research have shown that abuse of any substance can be effectively treated. However, there is no one form of substance abuse help that is appropriate for everyone. When getting help for substance abuse, one must take into account the type of drug used and the needs of the individual.

What do you do if you or someone you care about has a substance abuse problem and the decision is made to quit? You or your friend might feel the need to talk to someone about getting help but are too embarrassed. Perhaps you or your friend may be scared, or worried about getting in trouble. The good news is that there are ways to get help for yourself or for a friend. The best place to start is by talking with someone you trust. Finding someone to listen is one of the first steps in getting help for substance abuse. Even though it might be hard getting started, people who care will know how to help.

Getting help for drug abuse may be one of the most important things you ever do for yourself or for someone you care about. The compulsion to use drugs can take over the individual's life. Their drug abuse often involves not only compulsive drug taking but also a wide range of dysfunctional behaviors that can interfere with normal functioning in the family, the workplace, and the broader community. Without help for drug abuse the user may also place people at increased risk for a wide variety of other illnesses. These illnesses can be brought on by behaviors, such as poor living and health habits that often accompany life as a drug abuser, or because of toxic effects from the drugs themselves.

Take action now if you or someone you care about has a drug abuse problem. Do not leave it for another day or no changes will be made. Once the individual has begun to make changes in order to stop their drug abuse problems, it can be very difficult for them to quit on their own and stay clean. That is why the help and support of others is important. There are many resources available to individuals seeking help for themselves and/or others for drug abuse. These resources include numerous books and websites.

Getting help for drug addiction may be one of the most important things you ever do for yourself or for someone you care about. The compulsion to use drugs can take over the individual's life. Their drug addiction often involves not only compulsive drug taking but also a wide range of dysfunctional behaviors that can interfere with normal functioning in the family, the workplace, and the broader community. Without help for drug addiction the user may also place people at increased risk for a wide variety of other illnesses. These illnesses can be brought on by behaviors, such as poor living and health habits that often accompany life as a drug addict, or because of toxic effects of the drugs themselves.

Take action now if you or someone you care about has a drug addiction problem. Do not leave it for another day or no changes will be made. Once the individual has begun to make changes to stop their drug addiction problems, it can be very difficult for them to quit on their own and stay clean. That is why the help and support of others is important. There are many resources available to persons seeking help for themselves and/or others for drug addiction. These resources include numerous books and websites.

Help for prescription drug abuse is on the increase as more and more individuals are becoming dependent on the various forms of "legitimate" medication. Years of research have shown that abuse of any drug, illicit or prescription, can be effectively treated. However, there is no one form of prescription drug abuse help that is appropriate for everyone. When getting help for prescription drug abuse, one must take into account the type of drug used and the needs of the individual.

What do you do if someone you care about has a prescription drug abuse problem and they make the decision to quit? You or your friend might feel the need to talk to someone about getting help but are too embarrassed. Perhaps you or your friend may be scared, or worried about getting in trouble. The good news is that there are ways to get help for yourself or for one of your friends. The best place to start is by talking with someone you trust. Finding someone to listen is one of the first steps in getting help for prescription drug abuse. Even though it might be hard getting started, people who care will know how to help.

Depending on the extent of drug and alcohol abuse, there are many different types of treatments available. For severe drug and alcohol problems, there are detoxification and treatment programs that require the patient to stay either in a hospital or treatment center. Also, there are programs that are administered at a clinic. This is the type of program that an individual can attend daily. Treatments for less severe problems include individual, family, or couple's therapy. Also, there are many support groups available for alcohol and drug abusers and their family members or loved ones.

• Drug and alcohol use and abuse is preventable.
  • Get educated. Know the facts. Once you do, you will realize that it is not worth endangering your career, your health, your relationships, and your future.
  • Avoid peer pressure. Think ahead about how to say "no."
  • Avoid situations where people will be drinking and using drugs. Get involved in non-drinking activities.
  • Confront your problem if you have one.
  • Get help for the underlying problems of family, relationships, anxiety or depression.
  • Educate others.
• How do I know if I need help with my drug or alcohol problem?
  • increased frequency of use
  • loss of control over frequency, duration and/or amount of use
  • drinking or using when you don't intend to
  • substance use interferes with life activities (i.e. school, relationships with family and friends)
  • increased spending money on substance of choice
  • personality changes noted by self and others
  • getting into risky/dangerous behaviors
  • other people express concern about your use/ your behavior
  • missing appointments
  • legal trouble (i.e., DUI)
• When drug and alcohol use becomes severe you may experience:
  • loss of friends (except perhaps other alcohol and drug users)
  • negative changes in appetite with possible weight loss
  • possible reduction or loss of libido (sex drive) …and/or only able to perform when using
  • extreme mood swings, including anger and depression
  • obsessions about using or procuring drug when not under the influence
  • lying about drug to use to friends and loved ones
  • loss of memory for times when under the influence
  • uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms when not using
  • involvement in crime to support habit
  • loss of energy and general health
  • you are increasingly unable to believe your own denial and excuses
• How can getting treatment help?
  • help clarify your pattern of abuse
  • help identify how your life has been affected
  • help create strategies to decrease your use
  • help identify related issues that may contribute to your abuse

At times you may wonder if you have a problem with alcohol and or drugs. The following questions are intended to help you determine whether your use pattern should be of concern. Here are some questions to explore:

1. What are the effects you hope to get from 'using'? e.g. to be more sociable, to be liked and 'fit in' with your friends, to relax, to forget about painful experiences, feelings or thoughts, to be more creative, express what is on your mind, etc.
2. Are you 'using ' by yourself?
3. Has your pattern of drug use changed since you first started?
4. Has your tolerance changed? e.g., does it take more alcohol now to feel a buzz?
5. Do you have trouble with your memory?
6. Do you use on a regular basis?
   1. during every party/ social gathering
   2. every weekend
   3. several times a week
   4. daily
7. If you are using alcohol, is it difficult to stop after two or three drinks?
8. When you attend a social gathering, is it the availability of alcohol and/or drugs that "makes the party"?
9. Did you use to have personal goals that are now hard to get motivated for?
10. When under the influence, do have great plans to write, compose or do something special, but somehow never follow through?
11. Have your leisure activities become more limited? e.g. you no longer play tennis, hike as much, read for leisure, etc...
12. Have you changed your circle of friends based on their 'using 'habits?
13. Do you feel annoyed when others remark on your 'using' habits?
14. Do you put yourself at ease by thinking your substance use is no different from that of your friends; that using is part of partying which is part of being an adult....etc....
15. Do you at times think about 'cutting' back, but never get around to it?
16. Did you previously enjoy your work and now have trouble attending your job?
17. Do you participate in risk-taking behaviors, at times even after experiencing negative consequences? e.g. having unprotected sex, driving under the influence etc...
18. Do you have financial difficulties as a result of your substance use?
19. Do you ever feel guilty/ ashamed about your behavior when under the influence?
20. Do you have alcoholism or addiction in your family history?

If any of your responses to the questions raise concerns, further exploration of your drug use would be of help for you. Your concerns deserve your attention regardless of what the final assessment might be.

If you fear that you are creeping too far in to drug use, or one of your friends is, seek help or talk to your friend about what you see happening. Consulting with a trained professional in either case is a good idea; some valuable information and support becomes available once you take that step. And if you vehemently deny, or your friend denies, that drug use is a problem that often indicates there is a problem. To get one's life back under control requires using less (or not at all); if you can't do it on your own, seek help.