Prairie Ridge offers a comprehensive addiction prevention and education program designed to address rising concerns of substance use and gambling. This program covers a broad spectrum of topics, including alcohol, marijuana, opiates, methamphetamine, synthetic drugs, and gambling. Through a series of interactive workshops, educational seminars, and personalized counseling sessions, participants are provided with crucial information about the risks and consequences of addiction, strategies for making healthy choices, and resources for support and recovery.
Alcohol is a drug, which can be hard for people to understand. It is classed as a depressant, meaning that it slows down vital functions—resulting in slurred speech, unsteady movement, disturbed perceptions and an inability to react quickly. As for how it affects the mind, it is best understood as a drug that reduces a person’s ability to think rationally and distorts his or her judgment.
Alcohol is absorbed into the bloodstream. Within minutes of drinking alcohol, it travels from the stomach to the brain, where it quickly produces its effects, slowing the action of nerve cells. Approximately 20% of alcohol is absorbed through the stomach. Most of the remaining 80% is absorbed through the small intestine. Alcohol is also carried by the bloodstream to the liver, which eliminates the alcohol from the blood through a process called “metabolizing,” where it is converted to a nontoxic substance.
Depending on how much is taken and the physical condition of the individual, alcohol can cause:
Marijuana, or Cannabis, refers to the dried leaves, flowers, stems, and seeds from the hemp plant Cannabis sativa, which contains the psychoactive (mind-altering) chemical delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), as well as other related compounds. This plant material can also be concentrated in a resin called hashish or a sticky black liquid called hash oil. THC is believed to be the main chemical ingredient that produces the psychoactive effect.
People Blunt, dope, ganja, grass, herb, joint, bud, Mary jane, pot, reefer, green, trees, smoke, skunk, weed, hash, tea, cronic, loud.
People smoke marijuana in hand-rolled cigarettes (joints) or in pipes or water pipes (bongs). They also smoke it in blunts—emptied cigars that have been partly or completely refilled with marijuana. To avoid inhaling smoke, more people are using vaporizers. These devices pull the active ingredients (including THC) from the marijuana and collect their vapor in a storage unit. A person then inhales the vapor, not the smoke. This also does not produce the same identifiable smell of marijuana.
Users can mix marijuana in food (edibles), such as brownies, cookies, or candy, or brew it as a tea. A newly popular method of use is smoking or eating different forms of THC-rich resins.
Yes marijuana can be addictive. The myth about marijuana not being addictive stems from how the body processes it. Marijuana is fat-soluble and is stored in the fat cells. This is why it can be detected in a person’s system for about a month. Because of this, the withdrawal is very different than from other substances like alcohol. Marijuana withdrawal is very slow and experience symptoms similar to someone who is in the process if quitting smoking.
Marijuana extracts have high a concentration THC, up to 99% in some cases. Extracts can be referred to in several ways including:
These extracts can deliver extremely large amounts of THC to users, and their use has sent some people to the emergency room. Another danger is in preparing these extracts, which usually involves butane (lighter fluid). A number of people who have used butane to make extracts at home have caused fires and explosions and have been seriously burned.
Long-term marijuana users trying to quit report withdrawal symptoms that make quitting difficult. These include:
Behavioral support has been effective in treating marijuana addiction. Examples include therapy and motivational incentives (providing rewards to patients who remain substance free). No medications are currently available to treat marijuana addiction. However, continuing research may lead to new medications that help ease withdrawal symptoms, block the effects of marijuana, and prevent relapse.
State-level laws and policies on marijuana use (for recreational or medical use) have changed over the past decade; however it remains an illegal substance (Schedule I drug) under federal law. Therefore, a person can be charged with an OWI for marijuana use just as her or she can be charged with an OWI for alcohol use.
As state laws continue to change, the Department of Justice issued a guidance regarding marijuana enforcement – 2013 for federal prosecutors regarding marijuana enforcement under the Controlled Substance Act.
When a person smokes marijuana, THC quickly passes from the lungs into the bloodstream. The blood carries the chemical to the brain and other organs throughout the body. The body absorbs THC more slowly when the person eats or drinks it. In that case, the user generally feels the effects after 30 minutes to 1 hour, depending on the level of TCH in the strain.
THC acts on specific brain cell receptors that ordinarily react to natural THC-like chemicals in the brain. These natural chemicals play a role in normal brain development and function.
Marijuana over-activates parts of the brain that contain the highest number of these receptors. This causes the “high” that users feel. Other effects include:
Marijuana also affects brain development. When marijuana users begin using as teenagers, the drug may reduce thinking, memory, and learning functions and affect how the brain builds connections between the areas necessary for these functions. Marijuana’s effects on these abilities may last a long time or even be permanent.
Long-term marijuana use has been linked to mental illness in some users, such as:
While no one knows for sure how the issues related to marijuana will play out, we do know that we are entering a critical period in our country. The majority of Americans, as the votes have attested around the country, are in favor of increased access to marijuana. They support decriminalization, medical marijuana, and legalization. This is problematic when considered in the context of the major surveys of young people that are conducted annually. Data shows that use of marijuana in our young people is on the upward trend while use of every other illicit drug is on the decline. At the same time that marijuana use in our young people is on an upward trend, their perception of risk is declining.
Among illicit substance use, marijuana is the most commonly used substance in the US by a wide margin, with more than 47% (close to 5 out of 10) of Americans age 12 or older having used marijuana during their lifetime.
Data suggests that 9% (about 1 in 10) of adults and 17% (about 1 in 6) of adolescents who use marijuana develop an addiction to it.
Both sides of the debate typically choose not to acknowledge data that does not support their platform. Marijuana is neither harmless nor evil, but as long as both sides of the debate continue to distort the facts to their side, the real problems will never be addressed and misunderstandings will remain.
In this current environment related to changes in perceptions about marijuana, Prairie Ridge feels strongly that our position on use and legalization of medical marijuana needs to be based on solid evidence and a reliance on science and research as it relates to the dangers and potential benefits of medical marijuana use.
Prairie Ridge holds the position that current recommendations on changing policies related to marijuana are often ahead of the research into the effects of marijuana, both positive and negative. Our rush to legalize or medicalize marijuana ahead of quality research places our population at risk.
Cutting edge cannabinoid research is taking place on a daily basis.
Marijuana is made up of more than 60 different related chemicals called cannabinoids. The two main cannabinoids, or active ingredients, in marijuana are delta 9-tetrahydrocannabinol, also called THC, and cannabidiol, or CBD. THC and CBD are responsible for the effects we typically associate with marijuana.
There are many other cannabinoids, and some may prove to play important roles as medication. It is our hope that ongoing research will continue to focus on other cannabinoids that can be helpful without the dangers of smoking and psychoactive effects. Current research on cannabinoids has resulted in two receiving approval by the US Food and Drug Administration for treatment of nausea and appetite stimulation. There is also some evidence that they can be effective in treating chronic pain, long-lasting pain that does not respond well to treatment, and neuropathic pain, pain from specific nerves that often leads to coldness or burning. They have also shown promise in the treatment of muscle spasticity, or tightness, associated with MS. Research is currently ongoing regarding the use of cannabidiol oil in the treatment of seizure disorders, as well.
In several states, marijuana has been approved for a variety of debilitating illnesses, including cancer, glaucoma, HIV, Hepatitis C, ALS, Crohn’s, Parkinson’s and MS. Not all of these have evidence to indicate effectiveness. Additionally, physicians are not limited to prescribing medical marijuana to these 8 conditions.
An example of the above includes the following: While many people have spoken about the potential of cannabinoids as a treatment for ALS (also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease), and multiple states include ALS on their list of illnesses that can be treated with medical marijuana, there has only been one randomized clinical trial on using cannabinoids to treat ALS, and the results were not positive.
In instances where it may make sense to consider its use, no doctor would recommend smoking it. Since no FDA approved medication is smoked, medical marijuana should not be smoked. If a person is relying on medical marijuana for legitimate medical purposes, then they should be able to ingest the marijuana and wait to feel the effects in the same way we wait to feel the effect of ibuprofen.
Another problem with current medical marijuana laws is the amount of marijuana allowed. In Massachusetts, a doctor is permitted to recommend 10 ounces, or even more, per 60 days. This is an enormous amount. The heavy users in current clinical trials smoke an average of a half-ounce per week. One ounce of marijuana makes 56 joints. This amount of marijuana lends itself to heavy use, addiction and black market sales.
It is assumed having so much marijuana is a likely contributor in a recent study that found Colorado medical marijuana ending up in the hands of adolescents who are in treatment for substance abuse. It’s hard to resist selling the extra.
Where do we go from here? What we need is evidence-based public policy that is supported by, and not ahead of, the science.
While the science does not provide strong support for use of medical marijuana as it is used to date, medical marijuana programs are still feasible. Rather than having the distribution of medical marijuana blossom into a billion-dollar industry, a much smaller program should be the goal. Colorado passed an amendment allowing medical marijuana in 2000. By 2011 Denver had more dispensaries than it did Starbucks coffee shops.
In the book, Marijuana: The Unbiased Truth about the World’s Most Popular Weed, Kevin P. Hill, M.D. documents studies that he and his team are currently conducting that require approvals from the Food and Drug Administration, the National Institute on Drug Abuse, and the McLean Hospital Institutional Review Board, and they have to take numerous steps, both in the way they conduct the studies and with the paperwork they are required to complete, to reduce risk of harm to participants. They accept the extra steps because they understand the importance of them. These extra steps take time and slow the pace of research. Unfortunately, State after state has implemented medical marijuana regulations with serious flaws due to their rush to pass and implement these laws, putting people at risk.
Based on the above information, the position of Prairie Ridge on legalization and use of medical marijuana is as follows:
As with any other potential substance of abuse, Prairie Ridge believes that anyone struggling with addiction to marijuana deserves to be able to access treatment in a dignified and supportive environment. In addition, Prairie Ridge reserves the right to change and/or update this position statement as new research and evidence becomes available that would suggest the value of different options and responses.
For additional information on current research and policy, we would refer the reader to Dr. Kevin Hill’s book, Marijuana: The Unbiased Truth about the World’s Most Popular Weed.
Heroin is classified as an opioid drug that is made from morphine which is extracted from the poppy plant. Heroin comes in a white or brownish powder form as well as in a sticky black form also known as “black tar heroin”. A person can inject, snort, or smoke heroin. Other names for heroin include: horse, smack, junk, brown sugar, and dope.
After heroin enters into a person’s system, it travels very quickly to the brain and begins to have immediate effects. Even after using one or two times, a person can become addicted to this substance.
For many people, a heroin addiction can stem from prescription pain pill use. People who turn to heroin may be seeking a stronger or cheaper high.
Prescription opioids typically come in pill form and are given to treat severe pain that may stem from an injury or a chronic health condition. For most people, when pain medication is taken as prescribed by a physician, they are relatively safe and can reduce pain effectively. However, dependence or addiction are still possible even if taken as prescribed. Common types of opioids are oxycodone, hydrocodone, morphine, codeine, fentanyl, methadone, and meperidine.
These medications are typically prescribed for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHA), narcolepsy (a sleep disorder), and in some instances, depression if the person has not responded to other treatments. If taken as prescribed, these medications can boost alertness, attention, and energy. For most people, when this medication is taken as prescribed by a physician, they are relatively safe and effective. However, dependence or addiction are still possible even if taken as prescribed. Taking someone else’s prescription can have serious health risks. Other names for these stimulants are: skippy, bennies, speed, or uppers.
Depressants slow down the normal activity that goes on in the brain and the nervous system. Physicians typically prescribe these medications for those who are anxious, cannot sleep, have muscle spasms, or suffer with seizures. For most people, when this medication is taken as prescribed by a physician, they are relatively safe and effective. However, dependence or addiction are still possible even if taken as prescribed. Depressants can be divided into three different categories; barbiturates, benzodiazepines, and sleep medications. Other names for these depressants are: Barbs, Benzos, Downers, GHB, Georgia Home Boy, Roofies, and Liquid X.
Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT)
A treatment service that combines behavioral therapy and medications to treat substance use disorders. Common medication used in MAT are Buprenorphine, Methadone, and Naltrexone.
Inpatient and Outpatient Treatment at a Treatment Facility
Depending on a patients need, Prairie Ridge offers different levels of care. Please visit our Services tab for more information.
Methamphetamine, or meth, is classified as a stimulant. Meth has a high potential for abuse and is very toxic to the brain and body. Meth is manmade and is produced in many different forms. It can come in a pill form, powder, or as crystal meth. Depending on the form, meth can smoked, injected, snorted, or swallowed. To intensify or to feel the same side effects over time, a user may take higher doses, take it more frequently, or change how they use the drug. Other names for methamphetamine include: crank, tina, chalk, glass, speed, ice, poor man’s cocaine, and many more.
Methamphetamine affects the brain by releasing a chemical called dopamine. At the same time, it blocks the brain from absorbing the dopamine released. This creates damaging side effects to the body’s central nervous system.
Methamphetamine is manufactured across the United States and Mexico. Pseudoephedrine, which is an over-the-counter medication found in many cold medicines has been a common ingredient in the production of meth for years. Pharmacies and other retail stores are now required by law to keep logs of who purchases products containing pseudoephedrine. There is a long list of other toxic ingredients that are used to make meth that can have serious health effects for people living near meth labs.
Synthetic drugs are created using man-made chemicals rather than natural ingredients. There is a category of synthetic drugs known as designer drugs, which are a synthetic (chemically made) version of an illegal drug that was slightly altered to avoid having it classified as illegal. Due to the constantly growing number of chemicals that are developed, designer drug users have no way of knowing what the drugs they take might contain.
Most commonly known as Spice or K2, is a mixture of herbs and spices that are sprayed with a chemical with similarities to THC, the mind-altering ingredient found in marijuana.
Synthetic drugs such as Spice and K2 are often falsely advertised as “safe,” “natural” and “legal” highs. The truth is that they are technically not legal and are definitely not natural or safe.
Bath Salts don’t refer to any single drug, but rather a group of similar substances, chemically-made versions of a type of drug found in the Khat plant, an evergreen shrub from East Africa and southern Arabia. Bath Salts are referred to as synthetic stimulants and can also cause hallucinations like that of LSD. Bath Salts often contain a varied mix of chemicals, so even if the packaging looks the same, one never knows what the product actually contains.
N-BOMe, commonly referred to as “N-bomb” or “Smiles,” is a powerful synthetic hallucinogen sold as an alternative to LSD or mescaline (a hallucinogenic drug made from a cactus plant). N-bomb is so toxic that it requires a filter mask, gloves and glasses while handling it.
On the Mind:
On the Body:
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Gambling is defined as playing games of chance for money; bet or taking risky action in the hope of a desired result.
Common ones include:
***Note this is not an all inclusive list.
An individual struggling with gambling can often live day-to-day life normally. Eventually, gambling MAY spiral out of control as noted by some of the following warning signs:
Problem gambling treatment services are provided to individuals and families. Services include assessment, individual and group counseling. Individuals may qualify for up to four (4) initial free services. After four session, treatment is available on a sliding fee scale basis.
All services are continually evaluated to ensure they remain helpful to our patients, and may be increased or decreased as situations change.
Group sessions may provide education on a variety of topics ranging from effective conflict resolution to accurate information about the effects of gambling. Group sessions are very well received by patients as they offers a time for discussion with peers about challenges and successes as each pursues their individual goals. There is always a period of acclimating to groups, after which patients find many opportunities for assisting others while also receiving assistance.
Financial counseling is available through our partnership with Consumer Credit Counseling.
For situations where it is necessary or a patient requests, our staff are available to assist individuals in filing a Self-Exclusion (‘Self-Barring’) application.
In areas that have enacted self-exclusion policies, an individual who is aware that they suffer from a gambling problem can voluntarily request that their name be added to the self-exclusion list. If their application is accepted, the person in question becomes legally banned from all participating casinos within the self-exclusion coverage area. If a person who has been added to the self-exclusion list enters or attempts to enter a casino that participates in the self-exclusion program, they can be arrested and charged with trespassing. In addition, any chips, tokens, credits or other winnings in their possession at the time of arrest can be confiscated or invalidated.
The participant must complete the form voluntarily There is also self-exclusion as a responsible gambling tool in online casinos, with 85.63% of operators offering it.
Prairie Ridge offers a wide range of problem gambling prevention programs. Our staff are available to do presentations with any age group, policy work with community and business leaders, as well as education with youth and other at risk populations. With any of the activities and services facilitated by our prevention team, evidence based messaging is taken into account. Our staff are educated and proficient in prevention and risk reduction programs that are shown to reduce the prevalence of problem gambling.
We serve the following Iowa counties: Cerro Gordo, Floyd, Franklin, Hancock, Kossuth, Mitchell, Winnebago, and Worth Counties.
Prairie Ridge offers several trainings for businesses located within our seven county service area. These trainings include TIPS, our seller and server of alcohol training, as well as Raise the Bar which is a sexual assault prevention training. Additional trainings we can provide include workplace policy revision or creation, Hidden in Plain Sight demonstrations, and presentations on a variety of subjects.
The members of the prevention team love getting out into the community to educate members of the community and have a wide range of topic areas to choose from. Some topics include, but are not limited to: current drug trends, alcohol, marijuana, vaping, gambling, and addiction.
Whether it is at a school, a business, a church, or a club we would love to come speak with you!
Prairie Ridge Integrated Behavioral Healthcare is committed to providing services and programs anchored by the values of dignity and respect for our patients and staff.
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