FAMILY, FRIENDS MUST HELP ADDICTS

It has been said that the solution to the ice epidemic on the Big Island is
five-fold: Prevention - fix our economy, improve our schools, strengthen family
and communities; education - educate our young (and old) people before they
start using; treatment: More local rehabilitation and substance abuse
treatment; law enforcement - needs more resources, and legislation -
coordinating private, county, state and federal efforts. The key is community
involvement. How can people who are the most directly affected by ice use - the
family and friends of the ice user - help to heal our island? They have an
unusual place in the "fight against ice."

Although ice is sold and bought on the streets, it is also obtained from
friends and acquaintances. The sale of ice is typically prearranged by
"networking" with those producing the drug. This closed or hidden sale makes it
difficult for the authorities to arrest the drug dealers. The distribution by
friends and acquaintances are small, intimate transactions which are hard to
detect. The circumstances on how ice use is promoted make it hard to control,
but family members and friends of the ice abuser can make a difference by
taking a different approach: They can support the drug user in his/her
recovery. To support the recovery of the addict we must understand the ice
addiction and how it can be treated. Then, we can begin to support recovery and
avoid unintentionally prolonging the addiction.

Ice is a crystal-like form of methamphetamine that is smoked. It is made using
very harmful chemicals including starter fluid, camping fuel, alcohol,
antifreeze, Lithium batteries, farm fertilizer, lye, and drain cleaner.
"Methamphetamine is a powerfully addictive stimulant associated with serious
health conditions, including memory loss, aggression, violence, psychotic
behavior, and potential heart and neurological damage." With all the dangers
involved in using ice, why do people start?

Some people start smoking ice because it helps to keep them awake; it gives
them energy and keeps them alert. It also increases work performance,
initially. The user quickly develops a tolerance for ice, so they need more and
more of it to get the feeling they desire. The adverse effects of the drug
quickly nullify any initial benefits it seems to provide. Methamphetamine seems
to alter the brain so that it misreads cues, and perceptions become altered.
Long-term effects of use include fatal kidney and lung disorders, possible
brain damage, depression, hallucinations, permanent psychological problems,
violent and aggressive behavior, weight loss, insomnia, behavior resembling
paranoid schizophrenia, malnutrition, poor coping abilities, lowered resistance
to illness, stroke, a liver damage. No one wants a loved one to become
addicted, but how do we identify an ice addict?

"Ice users display signs of agitation, excited speech, decreased appetites, and
increased physical activity levels. Other common symptoms include: Dilated
pupils, high blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, chest pain, shortness of
breath, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, and elevated body temperature. They may
have occasional episodes of sudden and violent behavior, intense paranoia,
visual and auditory hallucinations, and bouts of insomnia. They have a tendency
to compulsively clean and groom and repetitively sort and disassemble objects,
such as cars and other mechanical devices." Once an ice user is identified, how
can he be healed?

"Ice addiction can be treated with counseling. Several cognitive behavioral
interventions designed to help modify a patient's thinking and behaviors and to
increase skills in coping with various life stresses, have been found to be
effective. Unfortunately, there are currently no medications available to treat
addiction or overdose to amphetamine or amphetamine-like drugs such as ice.
Withdrawal from ice is typically characterized by drug craving, depressed mood,
disturbed sleep patterns and increased appetite." How can a family member or
friend help the ice addict?

If you are a family member or friend of a drug abuser, do not feel guilty about
your loved one's drug addiction. Remember, drug abusers have to want to change.
They need professional help. There are many places on this island that they can
get free, confidential assessments to determine what kind of help they need. Do
not ignore that they have a problem, but do not nag them. It is important to
give them your love and support but do not cover-up for them and do not help
them avoid their responsibilities. Where children are involved, take
appropriate measures to protect the children and put the child's welfare first.

It is important to help an addict recover, not help him/her stay addicted. To
help an addict, it is important to love and support him in his recovery, but be
aware: If he uses you or disrespects you, you are helping him stay addicted. If
you cover up for things he does or does not do, you are helping him stay
addicted. If you hide or switch his drugs, you are helping him stay addicted.
If you take over his responsibilities, you are helping him stay addicted. Do
not be afraid of losing him; users always threaten to leave. Do not say
anything that you do not intend to follow through on. If you are silent about
his addiction, you are helping him stay addicted. If you deny that he has a
problem, or minimize his problem, you are helping him stay addicted. Remember:
A drug abuser is living in denial; you must focus on reality. Help the drug
abuser seek professional help.

The following agencies offer free, confidential assessments for treatment: Big
Island Substance Abuse Council Waimea 887-2175, Hilo 935-4927, Kona 334-0266;
Waikoloa Community Based Substance Abuse and Recovery Program 883-0922; Drug
Addiction Services of Hawaii (Hui Hoola o na Nahulu o Hawaii) 982-9555; Hui
Hoola offers treatment free of charge and provides childcare for women in
treatment. Family members can get guidance and support from Al-Anon 935-097.

Remember, if you do nothing you are helping the drug abuser stay addicted.