7 Dangers of Meth Addiction
 By Karl Benzio, MD
Stimulants, some with the same effects as methamphetamine, have been used and abused for almost 500 years, starting with nicotine since the early 1500s and progressing to cocaine in the 1800s. Although, knowing the curiosity of mankind and the need for an escape or quick high, stimulants were probably abused even earlier. In fact, Ma Huang, a Chinese herb whose main ingredient was the stimulant ephedra, was used as early as 5000BC, and evidence shows the “medicinal” use in the Middle East at similar time period, if not earlier.
Today, the most common stimulants are caffeine, the most common addiction in the world, nicotine, cocaine and crack cocaine, amphetamine, methamphetamine and crystal methamphetamine, MDMA or Ecstasy, and Pseudoephedrine, Phenylpropanolamine and Ephedrine—commonly used in over-the-counter decongestants and cough syrups and sometimes the precursors for home-brewed Crystal Meth.
There are 7 tragic dangers of Crystal Meth use:
- Spiritual: the most damaging effect of all
- Psychological: acute and chronic damaging effects of the stimulant chemical on brain circuitry
- Physical: acute death to chronic wasting
- Addiction: Meth is one of the most quickly addicting drugs of all
- Financial: quickly spiraling out of control
- Relational: many broken relationships stem from addiction
- Legal: problems abound with arrests,
Click here for more details of theses tragic consequences... |
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Utah Woman Who Killed Six Babies
Struggled with Meth Addiction
Lighthouse Network’s Dr. Karl Benzio Says Megan Huntsman is Viewed as a Monster but a Callous Society Accepts Abortion
The story of a Utah mother who killed six of her newborn babies over a decade outraged the world. After killing each of the infants, Megan Huntsman kept the bodies of the infants in her garage, where one was discovered by her ex-husband, leading to the investigation and her arrest.
Just last week, USA Today reported a possible cause for the tragedy—that Huntsman was addicted to methamphetamine and couldn’t cope with caring for the children.
Dr. Karl Benzio of the Lighthouse Network (www.844LifeChange.org) says that addictions combined with postpartum issues and financial stressors can sometimes form a tragic ‘perfect storm’ that leads to desperate behaviors.
“I won’t speculate the exact reason Ms. Huntsman killed her babies,” Benzio said, “but we know that meth addiction causes significant levels of depression and anxiety, lowers frustration tolerance, increases agitation levels and interferes with decision making and problem solving. Add in stimulant-induced decreased appetite, which leads to the brain not getting enough nutrition, and stimulant interference with sleep, and it’s a recipe for disaster. Unfortunately, we often see in the news that those struggling with addictions will do almost anything, regardless of morals or values, to save themselves and preserve their addiction.”
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Karl Benzio, MD, on the air!
In Touch Ministries Magazine "Help for the Hurting Soldier" When soldiers return from the front,
their most debilitating wounds are often invisible.By Tom Neven Read Online...
Check out other media interviews including TV appearances, radio programs, print features and articles here...
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Truth For Women Mentor Training
September 27 | Bethlehem, PA
This event will train ladies who mentor other women who are struggling. They will be trained in counseling and in teaching decision-making skills using the SPEARS decision-making model.
Moments of Change 2014 Addictions Conference
September 29-October 2 | Palm Beach, FL
Dr. Karl Benzio, MD will present on "Addiction: Sin, Disease, or Psychological Defect?" as well as his SPEARS decision-making model, which is key to real biological-psychological-spiritual treatment by integrating science and faith. He encourages people to practically apply the Bible in daily living to truly renew the mind.
Focus on the Family Physicians Resource Council
October 1-5 | Colorado Springs, CO
This is a meeting of Christian physicians who help guide and define Focus' position on various medical and psychiatric/psychological issues which affect individuals, families, society and public policy.
All Access ARC Conference
November 4-6 | Saddleback Church, Orange County, CA
Dr. Benzio will equip church leaders with his insights in decision-making and using science to squeeze the powerful life transforming juice out of the Bible for practical growth and maximal fulfillment.
National Association of Christian Social Workers National Conference
November 6-9 | Annapolis, MD
Lighthouse Network's Dr. Karl Benzio will lead a workshop on how to be a shining light through godly decision-making skills as he teaches his unique bio-psycho-spiritual model which actually rewires your brain circuits, thus renewing your mind as Romans 12:1-2 clearly states.
Click here to view all events. |
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Resources from Lighthouse Network
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Free Stepping Stones Devotional
Click here to receive The Stepping Stones Daily Devotional, which will encourage and challenge you while helping you grow in your daily walk with God.
If you or someone you love needs help, call our FREE 24/7 Lighthouse Network addiction and counseling helpline, 1-844-LIFE-CHANGE (1-844-543-3242). |
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Lighthouse Network is a Christian-based, non-profit organization that offers an addiction and mental health counseling helpline providing treatment options and resources to equip people and organizations with the skills necessary to shine God's glory to the world, stand strong on a solid foundation in the storms of their own lives, and provide guidance and safety to others experiencing stormy times, thus impacting their lives, their families and the world.
Lighthouse Network offers help through two main service choices:
- Lighthouse Life Change Helpline (1-844-LIFE-CHANGE, 1-844-543-3242), a 24-hour free, national crisis call center, where specialists (Care Guides) help callers understand and access customized treatment options.
- Life Growth and self-help training resources for daily life, including online and DVD series and training events to help individuals achieve their potential.
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