Addicted

Suboxone: Does it help withdrawal symptoms?

2014-06-17T20:09:00.001-07:00

Subxone is a drug prescribed to help the recovery process of those suffering from opioid dependence. But does it work? Is Suboxone for drug wthdrawal symptoms?

So what exactly is Suboxone?

It is a prescription drug medicine for reducing the symptoms of drug withdrawal including drug cravings.

It contains two medicines that work together to reduce cravings and the unpleasant symptoms of drug withdrawal that make it hard for drug users to quit.

Suboxone is a prescription medication prescribed by licensed doctors in a pill or film strip form that dissolves under the tongue. When taken as prescribed and combined with the recommended therapy or counseling reduce the chance of relapse and increase the chances of recovery with opioid dependence.

So my advice to you if you are struggling with pain pill or opioid addiction?

Start searching for relief from your constant daily battle as a drug addict. Suboxone doctors are in your area. Try the official website for Suboxone if you are trying to find a doctor in your area. That's how I found the doctor who saved my life. This will be one choice you won't regret,

Image showing statistical data on drug use that you may find of interest

2013-01-15T01:28:00.000-08:00

10 of the Harshest Sentences for Pot in the U.S. | Alternet

2012-11-02T02:35:00.001-07:00

10 of the Harshest Sentences for Pot in the U.S. from Alternet

11 Enemies of Marijuana Legalization | Alternet

2012-10-24T04:19:00.001-07:00

11 Enemies of Marijuana Legalization

Looks like we will not see weed legalized this election..

#10: Mitt Romney

The Republican presidential candidate believes pot should stay illegal.

“Marijuana is the entry drug for people trying to get kids hooked on drugs,” he said in New Hampshire in 2007.

“I'm not in favor of medical marijuana,”

“Aren’t there issues of significance that you’d like to talk about?”

Later, he tried to explain himself by saying it’s a “state issue.” Well… not exactly. Anyone who’s not clueless about it knows that the biggest problem for states legalizing medical marijuana is that cannabis is still a crime under federal law.

#11: President Barack Obama

Like many of us who grew up in the 1970s, Barack Obama enjoyed weed, but like so many other politicians, Obama’s stance changed as he pursued higher office.

“the word ‘legalization’ is not in our vocabulary.”

Obama won’t come out and say why he thinks pot should stay illegal.

Perhaps the most damning fact about Barack Obama is that his administration has indicted more than 100 people for distributing medical marijuana—and not prosecuted a single major Wall Street executive for fraud.

[original article can be found here - Alternet]

Why is it Americans who are poor are the people getting in trouble most often for marijuana?

2012-10-18T19:35:00.000-07:00

Stereotypes role in the punishment of drug users

When you think of marijuana smokers, who do you picture as someone who smokes all the time? Keep the picture of that person who uses marijuana regularly in your mind or write it down if you need to.

Stereotyping is a thought process that organizes beliefs about one group of people and assigns them to everyone in that group.

The following list is not meant to offend anyone - these are merely examples (NOT MY OPINIONS) of common stereotypes to illustrate what a stereotype is for those who don't have a clear understanding of the term.

Common stereotypes include:

All Black people are lazy.
All White people are Racists.
All Italians are in the Mob,
All Irishman are drunks.
All Republicans are against the "working man"
All southerners are rednecks and dim-witted.
All Chinese people are good at math.
All Jocks are stupid.
All Blondes are ditzy.
Women who dress provocatively are easy.
All women with really short hair are lesbians.
All truck drivers are on speed.
All Motorcyclists are Hells Angels.
All Hispanics are illegal aliens.
All Muslims are terrorists.
All judges are honest.
All Lawyers are crooks.
All homeless are that way by choice.
Anyone who has been convicted of a crime will never be rehabilitated and will always continue to commit crimes.

Understanding stereotypes and the role they play in our lives

Just because many people whom are also Chinese are good at math does not mean that every person whom is Chinese is good at math. You are drawing conclusions about a group of people that really has no facts to support it. The two may be correlated, but it is very unlikely they are 100% related.

So, when I asked you to picture who you saw as a person who smokes marijuana regularly it wouldn't surprise me if you said a black male. Or a college student.

Stereotypes are common and it's okay to have them - but you must realize why we have them and use them in appropriate ways.

Stereotypes of African Americans go beyond just words

Society today has cast such an ugly stereotype upon people of African American heritage - that they are either drug users or dealers and as a result they are the ones ending up in jails for even the smallest of crimes.

However 9% of all white Americans smoke marijuana regularly, and many are in the middle and upper class. (And they are not just college students either). But because many hold to common misconception that it is the black Americans who are smoking all the reefer, they are the ones targeted by law enforcement and thrown into correctional institutions.

More often than not if a white American gets in trouble for having some marijuana in their possession they are barely given a slap on the wrist. Put the same African American male in that position and he is either put in jail or has to attend court for his case, resulting in a large amount of fines that could wind up taking him years to pay off.

Whether you agree with me or not, this topic is just something to think about - I wanted to bring it up after reading an article on Alternet, "Class War: Why Poor Parents Are More Likely to Get Busted for Pot".

This is an issue we need to address in the near future - it is not fair for us to use stereotypes to punish people for crimes other groups of people are also committing. Next time you find yourself stereotyping someone because of their sex, gender, or heritage... stop and think about it. Is it really helping me any to judge someone just because of who they are or the way they look?

Marijuana withdrawal is real

2012-09-28T14:56:00.001-07:00

Study: Marijuana Withdrawal is Real from The Fix

Kicking pot has been found to cause withdrawal symptoms similar to nicotine in regular users.

Weed has always been said to not be physically addictive but a new study may contradict this notion, revealing that quitting marijuana can cause withdrawal symptoms as severe as withdrawal from nicotine.

Researchers studied 50 regular pot users and asked them to abstain from the drug for two weeks.

They found that many experienced withdrawal symptoms that interfered with their daily lives.

"It's very similar to what people experience with tobacco," says study co-author Alan J. Budney. "It makes you irritable. It makes you restless. It makes it hard to sleep."

Although withdrawal symptoms were not found to be life-threatening, the withdrawals were the worst for heavy users, many of whom ended up smoking after the study was over.

It is not enough to simply say, 'I want to quit,' but, instead, the person must be able to withstand the turmoil of going through withdrawal.

Nearly 7% of Americans over the age of 12 use marijuana, according to a 2009 report by the CDC.

Addicts are people too.

2012-09-23T13:38:00.000-07:00

Don't judge addicts.

They don't plan to be addicted.

They don't, as a child, say "hey! I wanna be a junkie when I grow up."

Watch These

2012-09-23T12:50:00.001-07:00

7 Sensational Drug Documentaries from Alternet

Marijuana Could Combat Cancer, Alzheimers, Parkinsons (If it wasn't illegall)

2012-09-20T15:38:00.001-07:00

Science has uncovered many significant discoveries that the medical world would benefit from - but those discoveries come from a plant that is currently illegal. It is a shame that such a harmless substance has been given such a bad name.

Will our country ever be able to accept marijuana?

Read all about the medical benefits and recent discoveries in the following article.

5 Marijuana Compounds That Could Help Combat Cancer, Alzheimers, Parkinsons (If Only They Were Legal) | Alternet

Good Read

2012-09-20T13:40:00.000-07:00

Smoke Signals: A Psychoactive Journey Through Marijuana's Fascinating History

The fact that she said those words when she was likely high on a cocktail of amphetamines doesn’t make them any less true.

2012-09-12T12:39:00.004-07:00

Why Does America Love Gossiping About Young, Drug-Using Women Like Cat Marnell?

Glad someone had the guts to say that. Women who use drugs are one of the most harshly criticized groups of people in society. Sure it may be their disruptive antics that shine them in the spotlight, but most are merely looking to have their unique (and often talented) voices heard.

Their roller-coaster lives make them unique, and they may seem like they are starving for attention, but maybe all they want is a real chance to be heard.

“They are out there, but they’re not talking.”, Greta Gaines wrote in a recent AlterNet article.

Women who use drugs are quickly scandalized in the tabloids as reckless party girls whose self-abandon is destroying both their personal and professional lives.

Says who?

Perhaps there's more to the story than meets the critical eyes of society...

"Don't put me in a box. Unless it's a hot box"

Maybe one day these unique voices will be heard and open up a few more peoples eyes to the diverse culture of talented women our nation. Drug users and sober females alike.

Weird Facts Drugs Quiz

2012-09-06T06:06:00.004-07:00

Weird Facts on Drugs Quiz

Overdose Awareness Day - August 31th

2012-08-15T09:52:00.000-07:00

On August 31, vigils will be held worldwide to mark Overdose Awareness Day, which provides parents, family members and others affected by an overdose a moment to unite and grieve the loss of a loved one.

Please take a few minutes and educate yourself.

Do you know what to do if someone is over dosing? Chances are you don't know much except to call 911. But by the time an ambulance arrives it may be too late. And fact of the matter is the difference between life and death is in your hands many times.

Even if you don't know someone who uses drugs (prescription medications included), you should still educate yourself.

Consider this: The average American is much more likely to die from a drug overdose than a violent crime. Drug overdose death count for more than 28,000 deaths per year, and are the number-one cause of accidental death for Americans aged 25 to 54.

The Centers for Disease Control considers it a new epidemic. Last week in Congress, Rep. Donna F. Edwards (D-MD) and Rep. Mary Bono Mack (R-CA) introduced the Stop Overdose Stat (SOS) Act to ramp up federal aid for lifesaving overdose prevention programs.

This type of program is highly effective and cost-effective including training and availability of life saving drugs to counteract overdose. Family members and law enforcement are among the many encouraged to get informed of the current options available if put in the situation where they witness an overdose.

These overdose prevention programs train people to recognize the symptoms of overdose and to properly administer first aid, including how to administer life saving drugs to counteract the overdose, such as naloxone.

The American Medical Association declared its support for overdose prevention programs, and earlier this year the Food and Drug Administration held a workshop to discuss making naloxone more available.

More than 180 overdose prevention programs across the U.S. have already saved more than 10,000 lives, according to a recent CDC report. In addition to saving lives, overdose prevention programs are also thought to reduce healthcare costs. Failure to secure medical intervention during an overdose can result in additional serious complications, including coma.

Unfortunately, many communities do not yet have these programs in place.

The pressure for government and health officials to bring an end to this epidemic will not cease until the tools to prevent deaths are in every community and being put to good use. The hundreds of thousands of friends and family members lost to overdose cannot be ignored.

Resource: Grant Smith via AlterNet
Read the full story by following the link above.

What do you know about "dope"?

2012-08-12T06:00:00.000-07:00

The Dope Dilemma

Every town has an epidemic. Towns full of overdoses, arrests, and senseless crimes. But when Wal-Mart stops carrying certain items and locks up the batteries you have reason for concern.

You see, where I live, my town, there is a huge drug problem. When I mean huge, I mean about 85% of the population is on drugs (currently using). If you haven't been to county yet, just wait because it's only a matter of time.

And you can get just about any kind of drug you want. Easily. Herion is not seen around much, but you could always substitute for some Florida Blue or Roxycotin, slammed, smoked, or snorted.

50% of the townspeople are dope heads. And by dope I'm referring to meth. It is everywhere.

There are stories of people making it in WalMart. I mean they have all the ingredients for it, or at least they did so it doesn't surprise me. I mean You might be minding your own business, counting the minutes til you get off work when you stumble across a 20 oz. bottle and empty boxes of cold pills on the floor in your local WalMart. This janitor did.

If this happens to you, or just stumble across a meth lab don't panic. The bottle won't just explode. However don't play around with it, it is considered a bomb. If I were you I'd leave the premises ASAP because the owner of that bottle is quite possibly a wide eyed version of Mickey Mouse and he will not be happy you have found what he has been looking for.

Before the bathroom stall bottle incident this lady spent six hours in WalMart stealing ingredients to mix up some meth before being caught. Six hours.

So what do we do? The governement and town officials seem to thinkthey can stop it by taking away what the cooks need or putting restrictions on certsin items. This is not effective. It makes the items high in demand so that the companies can raise prices and this stimulates the economy because the cooks will find a way to get what they need to make the drug. Trust me.

And Pseduo brand has shown no interest in making "meth proof" pills. I mean they are raking in a pretty penny off all the dope heads. The line at the pharmacy is spread out so far it's blocking aisles. The ones there for that box stick out like a sore thumb.

I've always been an advocate for drug treatment. We are avoiding the problem by punishing men and women with a medical illness. We don't throw diabetics in jail for eating chocolate, why do we put addicts in jail when we could do the country a favor and rehabilitate them? Sure, it wouldn't solve all our problems, but it's at least worth a shot.

Cooking @ Wal Mart

2012-08-12T01:46:00.001-07:00

Addicted America

2012-08-04T06:55:00.000-07:00

We’re a nation of addicts. Would you care to dispute it?

Despite a proliferation of treatment options in America, addictive behavior and unhealthy coping strategies are more common than ever. Here's why.

Recent studies confirm a shocking reality: When it comes to dealing with personal problems, we use an external fix. To establish equilibrium we use drugs - our first impulse is to seek out a quick and external source, which becomes both the cause of our problems, and the solution.

” Dopamine is the neurotransmitter triggered by “rewarding events.” These pleasurable moments may occur naturally, but they are also the direct result of specific drugs, such as cocaine, methamphetamine or nicotine.

While we may admire the American impulse to applaud hard work, innovation, and daring, the rewards of these labors aren't immediate. We’re an impatient nation; we seek more immediate gratification. We’ve come to accept an approach of “why wait?”, so we grab ahold of whatever it takes to feel better, to keep feeling better, to make it through the day.

In our addicted culture, we go for the artificially-induced dopamine spike—and not just one, but one right after the next.

Roughly one in ten Americans is currently an illicit drug user;
nearly one quarter of American adults engage in binge drinking, many on a regular basis; and many of those with problem drug or alcohol use do not seek treatment for their problems.

If we broaden the criteria that we use in thinking about addiction to include unhealthy coping mechanisms and other “ways-to-get-through-the-day”—we face staggering results. For one, most Americans have lost their ability to eat normally, with two-thirds of the nation’s adults meeting the definition of obese. As another example, approximately one out of every five American women is on an anti-depressant.

Image Source

How is it that we’ve wrapped ourselves in the fuzzy dopamine blanket of substance misuse, prescription medication, compulsive eating, celebrity worship, compulsive shopping, internet addiction, video gaming, and compulsive sexual behavior?

Here’s one reason: these external fixes are readily available, and every addiction fuels somebody else's craving—for cash. The alcohol industry takes in over $100 billion a year; Big Tobacco earns $35 billion. Gambling, pornography, prostitution, and texting all add fuel to our country's dopamine fire.

Using substance to "take the edge off" can slide into something more dangerous. Others end up in another kind of distorted dependence, finding that it's easier to move your onscreen avatar through the world than to actually navigate it on your own.

As a country we’re being instructed that continuous synthetic “adjustment” is the norm - in other words, there’s a pill for whatever ails you: ADHD, shyness, erectile dysfunction, fibromyalgia—you name it. Of course, abuse of these drugs is rising from anxiety medications to pain pills. But the problem is more insidious.

We’re so addicted to food that we literally have to seek surgical intervention to staple our stomachs in order to control our weight. Technologies allow us to seemingly be everywhere at once, but we’re never quite “right here now.”

These same devices create a state of continuous partial attention. We’re so busy attending to our screens and keys, so dependent on the next little dopamine surge that comes in the form of a text, that we turn our eyes from the road and accidents are growing in record numbers.

Dopamine is naturally generated from any number of physical and emotional sources. The accumulation of externally generated dopamine, however, creates a vicious cycle of relief- seeking that ultimately spirals out of control.

We need to start dealing with the real problems.

Original article from Richard Juman is a licensed clinical psychologist who has worked in the field of addiction for over 25 years, providing direct clinical care, supervision, program development and administration across multiple settings. A specialist in geriatric care and organizational change, he is also the president of the New York State Psychological Association. Email him here, and follow his tweets at @richardjuman.

Smoking weed may be healthier than depriving ourselves of the indulgance...

2012-07-24T04:40:00.002-07:00

Science says lack of weed is what's worse than weed itself. Say what?!

How Weed Can Protect Us From Cancer and Alzheimer's | Personal Health | AlterNet

AlterNet / ByClint Werner

Original article edited below ByJustineMuller

How Weed Can Protect Us From Cancer and Alzheimer's

Hardly the harmful intoxicant that many once thought it was, cannabis is a nourishing plant that actually improves and prolongs life.

July 19, 2012

Photo Credit: Pablo Evans

The following is an excerpt from MARIJUANA: GATEWAY TO HEALTH—How Cannabis Protects Us from Cancer and Alzheimer’s Disease.

For thousands of years cannabis has been used as a medicine for a remarkably broad range of ailments. Opponents of medical marijuana have claimed that nothing works on so many diverse illnesses and that the only relief offered was one of stupor from being stoned. But in 1988, the first cannabinoid receptor was discovered and since then researchers have learned that there are two types of cannabinoid receptors which are distributed throughout our bodies and that we make chemicals within our bodies—endocannabinoids—that are similar to the cannabinoids made by the cannabis plant. Both plant and human cannabinoids bind to and influence these receptors in order to discourage the rise and progression of numerous disease processes.

The discovery of the cannabinoid receptor system has changed our entire understanding of cannabis and its effects. In fact, from the inception of the anti-marijuana campaign of the 1930s and its subsequent prohibition until today, almost everything we believed about it was wrong. Hardly the harmful intoxicant that many once thought it was, cannabis is a nourishing plant that can improve and prolong life.

We have recently learned that cannabinoids can help bring our bodies and nervous systems into balance, but what happens when certain compounds block the interaction between endocannabinoids and their receptors, effectively depriving our bodies of sufficient cannabinoids?

It is well known that one of marijuana’s most notable effects is appetite stimulation, or what is colloquially referred to as the “munchies,” a compelling drive to eat and snack. Researchers studying the endocannabinoid system have found that this phenomenon is linked to the activation of the CB1 receptor in the part of the brain that regulates appetite. With the increasing incidence of obesity becoming a public health crisis, scientists have begun to explore the effect of cannabinoids on the regulation of appetite.

The suppression of the endocannabinoid system has been connected to numerous health-related problems, involving cognitive function, sleep cycles, digestion, sexual response, physical coordination, and overall happiness. In order to study the endocannabinoid system scientists have selectively bred mice with a specific genetic mutation that disables the CB1 receptors. Studies of these “CB1 knockout mice” have shown that an absence of activity at the CB1 receptor has devastating effects on the physical and mental health of these animals. These effects include:

Increased anxiety, increased susceptibility to the depressive effects of chronic stress
Reduced responsiveness to rewarding experiences
Reduced appetite and pronounced weight loss
Reduced ability to forget traumatic memories
Increased activity in the HPA axis, an area of the brain associated with stress and fear
Increased susceptibility to neurotoxins
Reduced ability to regenerate neurons in the hippocampus
Reduced amounts of trophic factors (biological compounds associated with cellular growth and healing) in response to damage

The side-effects of cannabinoid blockers and the results of experiments on CB1 knockout mice point to the existence of what we could call the “Cannabinoid Deprivation Syndrome.”
Cannabinoid researcher Ethan Russo, M.D., theorizes that endocannabinoid deficiency might well offer an “alternative biochemical explanation for certain disease manifestations.” It appears that a number of hard-to-treat diseases such as migraines headaches, fibromyalgia, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) may well be related to a lack of proper endocannabinoid activity—implying that supplemental cannabinoids derived from or based on marijuana could be of great value. Russo reasons that some people could be “endocannabinoid deficient” and has labeled the syndrome Clinical Endocannabinoid Deficiency (CECD).

Cannabis won’t kill you, but a lack of cannabinoids could.

Let’s re-examine the evidence. Taking a drug that inhibits cannabinoid activity—like rimonabant—can cause agitation, anxiety, depression, vomiting, sleep disorders, suicidal tendencies, and an increase in accidents and injuries. On the other hand, drugs that increase the activity of the endocannabinoid system—like marijuana—result in euphoria, laughter, suppression of nausea, better sleep, resistance to cancer and dementia, and increased brain cell production.

The implications are clear: When our cannabinoid receptors have an adequate supply of cannabinoids, we experience a heightened state of health. When they do not, we suffer from Cannabinoid Deprivation Syndrome. The rimonabant debacle and scientific studies have given us even more evidence that maintaining a well-nourished and active cannabinoid receptor system is vital to our health.

Clint Werner is a journalist and medical marijuana advocate, and is the author of Marijuana: Gateway to Health - How Cannabis Protects us from Cancer and Alzheimer's Disease.

05-13-2012

Addicts in Recovery - - The Treatment Process

2012-06-30T23:56:00.000-07:00

Addicted to drugs or alcohol and unable to stop?

If you can honestly admit that you cannot stop using, you have already taken a huge step towards recovery!

Please note: The following information is based on my own experience as a recovering addict. Everyone is different.This is a serious topic and should not be taken lightly.

It's hard to tell someone exactley where to go or what to expect from drug treatment. Every case is unique but the outcome is always dependent on the addict and whether or no they truly are ready to change. There are several ways to begin the process of treating your addiction.

Detox

- If you have become physically dependent on substance it is recommended to go through a medical detox while under supervision of a qualified doctor. This will not only ease withdrawal symptoms, but will ensure your safety. Quitting cold turkey can be dangerous, as it has the ability to cause serious health problems. This process will last anywhere from a few days to a couple weeks.

In-patient treatment

- Recommended course of treatment, but can be costly. Detox usually occurs on-site, along with a program tailored to personal needs. This type of treatment will take you out of the environment you are used to associating with drug use. This is cructial to your success. Every treatment center is different, so do your research and make sure you choose one you will be comfortable in. Your time here can be anywhere from fourteen days or a couple months.

This is just the beginning. You can continue your treatment with private therapy sessions, group therapy, and Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous. The important thing to remember is that you will need a strong support group in order to survive during the first few months of sobriety.

Whatever road you choose just remember that there is no cure for this disease. Recovery is an on-going process many people struggle with every day. Do not lose hope, for every day clean and sober is something to be proud of. Easy Does It.

Why Florida is more well known for drugs than Disney World these days.

2012-05-31T23:50:00.001-07:00

Florida has always been a haven for drugs. Bodies of water surround it on three sides, easy to transport at first (until the DEA catches on..) and the climate is perfect for outdoor growing year round. Mushrooms populate the many local cow pastures, farmers turning a blind eye. But, mushrooms arn't the issue. On any given day you're likely to have a line to wait in for your prescriptions. Oh oxycotin, that stuff was a huge deal a year ago. That's not what I'm talking about either. Although opium dirivitives are still in high demand there is something so easy to score, all the kids line up at the pharmacy to get their hands on a box of cold pills. Yes, if you don't know by now, there is a law in place stating how much cold medicine we may purchase every month. Understandable, if it is being abused. But the cold pills are only one of the half dozen needed to make the perfect shake n' bake. The way your redneck cousin from Alabama made his is a thing of the past. The kids these days wouldn't be able to read the first two sentences in Uncle Fester's recipes for disaster.

And in the wrong hands that's all this is. Basic chemistry is not something you can just learn overnight. And you would think if you're containing several highly poisonous chemicals you would want to know at least some chemistry. Nope. And if you think no one you know is making this stuff, you're seriously wrong. Law enforcement is just now learning the ingredient "chemists" use to make what they call "dope" - one slang word for it among the many. I live in the center of it. I learned quick all I could, drugs have facinated me since I was a young girl, sneaking up on my ***'s room to smell the sweat aroma of marijuana smoke.

I want you all to be aware, get educated. I'm not saying go do drugs, but there is nothing wrong with being well-informed. There are new articles almost daily it seems. A year ago you never really saw it in the news, you just knew why your neighbors kept their shades pulled down as the smoke boiled through a cracked front door.

Suspected Truck-Stop Meth Lab Busted

(ROBERTSDALE, Ala.) - Baldwin County investigators say a CB radio shop at a Robertsdale truck stop was cooking and selling meth out the back.

The two owners, Tina Musselwhite, 48, and Lyndon Musselwhite, 50, were arrested Wednesday after a search of All Pro CB Shop at the Oasis Travel Center at Exit 53.

Deputies found alleged meth lab equipment, methamphetamine, the ingredients to make meth, and handguns.

Investigators say a concerned customer tipped them off. Deputies with the Drug Task Force went to the CB shop without a search warrant and asked the Musselwhites if they could look around. Investigators say they were let in, but not before the suspects allegedly destroyed evidence and tried to wash meth down the drain.

Investigators speculate the Musselwhites were selling to truckers stopping through and meth users who live in the area.

“We feel like it was an operation that was trying to grow and get more customers in,” Cpt. Steven Arthur said.

Local 15 News spoke to one trucker from New Mexico who stops twice a month at the Oasis Travel Center.

“I’ve gotten my radio fixed there two times,” trucker Gail Granthum said. “They don’t look like no drug dealers, but now you just don’t know.”

Both suspects were released on bond and were at their shop Thursday. While they declined to go on camera, the Musselwhites are maintaining their innocence.

While Local 15 News was talking with the Musselwhites, the Oasis Travel Center served them with an eviction notice. The truck stop says the Musselwhites leased the building on their property, but they had no knowledge of any illicit activity.

Counting caffeine in coffee??

2012-05-23T18:56:00.001-07:00

Caffeined coffee is a food group in and of itself in most American's daily food pyramid.

Many of us crave it and can't function without our morning cup. It's no surprise why, but many of us often overlook the fact that it can actually be good for your health.

Caffeine may be a drug, but it improves mental and physical performance and is not a health issue unless it is overdone or you have preexisting conditions.

Research has shown that it not only improves overall performance, but improves mood as well which correlates to a relationship between improved mood and lack of depression. Caffeine has also been shown to provide physical health benefits such as prevention of gallstones and Parkinson's disease. Regular coffee drinkers develop a tolerance to the side effects for the most part, so they only experience the pleasurable effects of the drug - this data is conclusive on people who DON'T overdo it. Over consumption causes health problems such as risk of kidney stones and loss of calcium in bones. You should limit your daily consumption to 300 milligrams - about three cups of regular coffee.Other individuals will have to be more careful such as those with heart disease, anxiety, insomnia, headaches, and women who are pregnant.

The modern day era brings with it bigger, badder, and greater use among children. This is an issue which needs to be monitered closely because children should only consume at most 100 milligrams of caffeine per day. Educate those you can to prevent problems later on.

So how am I supposed to calculate my caffeine consumption?

Good question. Below is a list of common products containing caffeine, along with caffeine content. Remember: not all coffee is equal. Some types will contain 70% more caffeine than their competitor. AND DECAF DOES NOT MEAN NO CAFFEINE!

Here are some examples of a caffienate product alongside its caffeine content per serving:
[If you don't see what you're looking for ask me and I will find out for you! Please be specific!]

Coffee from:

Starbucks Bold Venti 20 fl oz - 415 mg [more than recommended daily!]
Dunkin Donuts Large 20 fl oz - 244 mg
Espresso 2 fl oz - 127 mg
Plain coffee 8 fl oz - 95 mg
Decaf coffee 8 fl oz - 2 mg

Teas:

Snapple Lemon Tea 16 fl oz - 62 mg
Lipton tea original orange pekoe and pekoe cut black tea 1 bag - 55 mg
Lipton green tea 1 bag - 35 mg

Energy drinks:

Rockstar 8 fl oz - 80 mg
Red Bull 8 fl oz - 76 mg
What I'm drinking now: Starbucks Refreshers 12 fl oz - no caffeine content listed, but contains 50 mg Fanax Ginseng.

It also lists green coffee bean extract as an ingredient which makes me question whether or not it indeed contain caffeine. I will need to investigate further... these yummy drinks are new additions to the Starbucks retail lineup to give those who want a non-flavored coffee drink. (Haha?)

Soda: (all 12 fl oz)

Pepsi MAX - 69 mg
Mountain Dew - 54 mg
Diet Coke - 46.5 mg
Pepsi - 38 mg
Diet Pepsi - 35 mg
Coke - 34 mg (the lowest on our list definately surprises me)

OTC Drugs:

Dexatrim Max & Vivarin 1 dose - 200 mg
Bayer Extra Strength Back & Body - 32.5 mg

Other "unlikely" sources:

Glaceau Vitaminwater Energy Tropical Citrus 12 fl oz - 30 mg
Haagen-Dazs Coffee Frozen Yogurt 1/2 cup - 30 mg
Dannon All-Natural Coffee Low Fat Yogurt 6 oz - 30 mg
Hershey's Milk Chocolate Bar 3 bars - 36 mg
Hershey's Special Dark Chocolate Bar 1 1/2 ars - 37.5 mg

And the list goes on...

This is not intended to encourage you to increase your daily caffeine consumption. It is meant for educational purposes only. All data is subject to change without notice. Read product label on product for most current information.

If you have any health issues, speak with your doctor to find out how much caffeine is appropriate for you.

And guess what? There's MORE good news.

Caffeine is not even technically addictive!

Say what?! Caffiene, as a drug, is something you can become physically dependent on, but that doesn't make it an addiction. If you stop cold turkey you may experience withdrawal symptoms such as headache and tiredness. A better plan is to cut back slowly over time and it will make the whole process a lot easier on you AND your body.

Interesting enough, there is a reason why some people crave it more than others. Recent research shows caffeine consumption is linked to two genes in the human genome. One gene controls the desire to consume caffeine and another gene that determines how it is metabolized. That is why your buddy is sleeping like a baby after his cup but you're up late reading this. Go figure.

** Thanks to Shop Smart magazine for the data on caffeine content in their May 2012 issue, included in the article "Caffeine Dreams". **