VistaTaos

Santa Fe Police DWI Task Force Proves Successful

Tue, 03 Apr 2012 16:34:00 GMT

February 4th, 2012, proved to be a successful day for the Santa Fe Police DWI Task Force. The force, which is part of Operation Descansos, arrested four individuals in Santa Fe County who held outstanding DWI warrants for their arrest.

Although 42 individuals were listed in the warrant roundup, successfully arresting four individuals made a sizable dent in the list because warrant individuals are often difficult to track and arrest. Often, officers must target those on the warrant list early in the morning to catch them before they leave home for the day.

Operation Descansos began on September 26th, 2010. The operation targets outstanding warrants for DWI-related incidents, and it has been very successful. As of press, 898 warrants have been cleared.

New Mexico drunk driving has been a problem for years. In fact, New Mexico is one of the highest-incident states in the United States. The Descansos operation aims to impact the problem of drunk driving by targeting people who have warrants; getting these individuals off the streets and into alcohol treatment programs may heavily impact the numbers of drunk driving related deaths, injuries and accidents.

Alcohol treatment consists of detoxification and therapy, with a particular focus on the underlying causes for alcohol abuse. Centers like New Mexico’s own Vista Taos Renewal Center can help these individuals participate in an alcohol treatment program that could impact them for life, all in a positive way.

If you or someone you love is in need of alcohol treatment, contact New Mexico’s finest in alcohol treatment centers: Vista Taos Renewal Center. If you suffer from alcohol addiction and have yet to find out just how much a DWI arrest can change your life for the worse, get started on sobriety now, before you become a statistic in the Descansos operation.

Santa Fe New Mexico Meth Lab Evacuation

Tue, 03 Apr 2012 16:31:00 GMT

Santa Fe, New Mexico, police officers entered an apartment building on Friday, February 10th, in response to a call about a strong smell coming from a small apartment, never suspecting that they would encounter dangerous chemicals from a potential meth lab.

As soon as the officers walked in the apartment building’s front door, they were assaulted by the smell and chemical effects. Forced to withdraw because they were not properly equipped, the officers left the scene quickly. However, the withdrawal wasn’t quick enough; all of the responding officers felt the effects of the chemicals, which included headaches, dizziness, and nausea. Two of those officers had to be taken to the hospital for treatment.

A hazmat team was called in, and the police department and fire department have been carefully decontaminating the building. They now await a warrant to enter the small apartment, but two individuals have been arrested in connection with the case.

The entire neighborhood has been evacuated, including a total of four apartment buildings, numerous homes, and a teen center. The evacuation was ordered both because of the chemicals’ known dangers to citizen health and because of the increased potential for a fire.

Unfortunately, meth addiction is a serious problem in the United States, and it makes meth labs such as these a more commonplace danger to the general public. Thankfully, meth addiction can be overcome with the proper treatment, such as is available at Vista Taos Renewal Center; the center is located just 85 miles north of Santa Fe, where this took place.

If you or someone you love suffers from meth addiction, please let Vista Taos help them with tried and true 12 step inpatient programs and complimentary therapies.

“Real Housewife” Admits to Problem with Alcohol

Tue, 03 Apr 2012 16:28:00 GMT

The “Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” keeps its fans on their toes, but the drama hit home hard for Kim Richards. The 47-year old long-time costar of the reality series has battled alcohol addiction for seasons upon seasons, but she has never admitted to an alcohol problem. Until now.

Richards recently admitted to alcoholism in a reunion show that aired in a three part series on January 30, February 6 and February 13. The Bravo show recounts the star’s struggles in a face-to-face interview with host Andy Cohen.

Cohen bluntly asks Richards, “Can you tell us what you sought treatment for?” Richards answers with some difficulty, “Yeah, I’m an alcoholic. I’m an alcoholic.”

Thankfully, Richards has received the initial alcohol treatment she needed, and as costar Adrienne Maloof said, she is now one step closer to resolving her difficulties with alcoholism. Richards’ sister Kyle may also become one of her biggest recovery supporters, since Kyle has made comments in the past about Richards’ excessive drinking.

As stars begin to seek alcohol treatment, there is hope that fans who may also suffer from alcoholism will be inspired to seek alcohol treatment themselves. Richards’ very public admittance to alcoholism could be a turning point in the lives of fans as well.

For those living in New Mexico, Vista Taos Renewal Center can be the saving grace in alcohol treatment that these fans need. There, alcoholics can receive caring support from an understanding staff along with treatment for underlying issues that may have contributed to alcoholism in the first place.

Father Gets DWI with Infant in Vehicle

Tue, 03 Apr 2012 16:25:00 GMT

When the safety of his baby was at stake, one Oklahoma City man didn’t hesitate to drive while under the influence of alcohol. The man, 25-year old Ramiro Patino, was pulled over at 11 a.m. on Friday, February 17 in the 8100 block of SW 44. He was caught with a partially-drank six pack of beer.

Police received a call from a concerned citizen, who cited that Patino was spotted drinking a beer while driving with an infant in the back seat. Patino was reportedly swerving at the time.

When arrested, Patino shared with the officer that he did not have a license. He was taken to jail, where he called his sister to pick up the baby girl.

It is not clear if Patino was legally drunk at the time of arrest, but it does appear that the man was in fact drinking while driving and putting his daughter at risk.

These signs of alcohol abuse point to a potential alcohol addiction. Patino’s inability to put the safety of his daughter, himself and other drivers in front of his need for alcohol may be a huge indication of alcohol addiction. In addition, other factors may point to addiction.

In general, alcohol addiction is classified as: being unable to control the urge to drink or an inability to control drinking; an inability to stop or refrain from drinking; spending huge amounts of focus and energy on alcohol; and losing interest in other social activities.

Although not a lot is known about Patino’s extenuating circumstances, he could very well suffer from alcohol addiction. However, there is hope: rehabilitation centers like Vista Taos could help him—or anyone else who suffers from alcohol addiction – overcome alcoholism. For more information about Oklahoma alcohol treatment and inpatient treatment programs, please contact Vista Taos in New Mexico to learn about the many paths you can take to sobriety.

Demi Moore Checks into Rehab

Tue, 03 Apr 2012 16:22:00 GMT

When she collapsed and was hospitalized on January 23rd, 2012, the first reports of Demi Moore’s health indicated that the actress suffered from exhaustion. As the weeks went by, though, it became clear that Moore, 49, suffered from drug abuse and an eating disorder.

Moore sought help for both at a residential treatment center. She checked in to the center two weeks after being hospitalized.

At the January 23rd party that led to her hospitalization, Moore overindulged in nitrous oxide, also known by the street name: whip-its. She also reportedly smoked a substance similar to incense. Party attendees called 911, and Moore was immediately hospitalized.

Since late 2011, the actress has become more emaciated as well; she has battled an eating disorder since she announced her plans to divorce her unfaithful husband, Ashton Kutcher, in November 2011. The couple had been married six years and when Moore discovered Kutcher’s unfaithful behavior, she announced, "[T]here are certain values and vows that I hold sacred."

As Moore now struggles to regain her footing in life, the residential treatment center will hopefully help her battle the addiction to drugs and her eating disorder.

Residential treatment centers work with individuals to identify underlying causes to addiction and to disorders. Treatment for the underlying causes coupled with detox and therapy can all help people suffering from many forms of addiction overcome the holds of drugs, alcohol, prescription medications and other addictions. Vista Taos Renewal Center is a residential treatment program located in Taos, New Mexico; it’s just 85 miles north of Santa Fe. Catering to many in need from big cities like Dallas, Austin, Denver, Albuquerque and more, their inpatient treatment program can bring hope and change to those who have lost themselves within addiction. Please seek help today; don’t let addiction ruin your life.

Albuquerque Police Accidentally Stumble Across Heroin Den

Tue, 03 Apr 2012 16:18:00 GMT

Neighbors phoned the police about a parking dispute with residents of an Albuquerque 55th Avenue home. What they found next surprised them.

Ten adults were living in the home without heat, running water, or natural gas. The squatters had hacked in to the electrical box with a hacksaw to steal electricity, but without other services available, the house quickly dropped to deplorable conditions. Everyone in the home was under the influence of one drug or another.

According to Albuquerque Police Officer Joe Martinez, “(There was) no water to even flush a toilet or wash your hands with -- and you've got 10 adult people (at the residence)."

To add insult to injury, the squatters were heavy heroin users. When police entered the house, they discovered the home was overrun with used needles and with needles still loaded with black tar heroin. The conditions were so terrible that investigators had a difficult time investigating the crime scene; the dangerous needles, many uncapped, impeded their progress.

Three squatters were arrested on outstanding warrants when the police arrived, and the owner of the home has been contacted to perform a clean-up of his property.

Unfortunately, the heroin addiction that led these ten squatters to live in such deplorable conditions is all too common. Heroin addiction can be extremely difficult to break, but it is possible. With the help of drug treatment centers like Vista Taos in New Mexico, addicts can break free of their heroin addiction. Hopefully, with the help of a treatment center, the ten individuals found squatting at this residence can receive the necessary assistance to transcend heroin addiction.

When using needles to inject drugs, the user runs so many risks, not just the possibility of overdosing on the heroin. There is a chance that injection sites can become infected; this can be so bad that it results in amputation of the limb. Dirty needles and needle sharing is also how many users end up with auto-immune diseases like HIV/AIDs and Hepatitis C.

Heroin is a deadly drug, quite possibly the most dangerous drug being used at this moment. Please seek help immediately if you or a loved one needs assistance with heroin treatment. Inpatient treatment can save your life. Contact Vista Taos to learn more about the detox and treatment options for heroin.

A Sad Farewell to Whitney Houston

Tue, 03 Apr 2012 16:15:00 GMT

Tragically, Whitney Houston passed away on Saturday, February 11th, at the Beverly Hills Hilton. The singer was found submerged in the hotel bathtub not even an hour after she entered, and emergency responders tried to revive her before pronouncing her dead at 3:55 p.m. She was 48-years old.

Known best for her legendary role as a singer in “The Bodyguard,” Houston also had a long singing and acting career, which won her 415 career awards over her lifetime. Hits include: “I Will Always Love You”, “I Wanna Dance with Somebody”, and “So Emotional”, among several other top billboard hits.

Her success came with a price: Houston became addicted to drugs, including cocaine. Performances in the late 1990s and in the 2000s suffered after her marriage to Bobby Brown, a person believed to be an influence in Houston’s illicit drug use, and Houston fell from popularity.

After divorcing Brown in 2007, Houston made plans to complete a comeback tour, and in 2009, she finally admitted in an interview with Oprah Winfrey that she used drugs with Brown, sometimes daily. In May 2011, she checked in to a drug treatment center to obtain inpatient rehab.

However, it is known that she has battled an addiction to drugs and alcohol for many years, which included attempts at drug treatment and admissions of drug use to the press. There were prescription drugs found in her hotel room.

Moving forward through the aftermath of her death, we can look at Whitney Houston’s life as one filled with success; success in her career and success in attempting to complete drug treatment, an action that in and of itself proves a strength of nature. Please, find the courage to seek drug treatment if you have an addiction. This was likely an accidental death due to a combination of prescription drugs and alcohol; it can happen to anyone. Vista Taos Renewal Center in New Mexico is ready to help you take that first step towards sobriety.

New Mexico Man Convicted of DWI Not Given Proper Chance at Rehab

Tue, 03 Apr 2012 16:12:00 GMT

When 57-year old Steven Slevin was jailed for two years, he was never given a chance to attend a rehabilitation facility to conquer his alcoholism. In fact, he was not given a chance for many basic human rights.

Slevin was arrested in 2005 for stealing a car and driving while under the influence. Because he was depressed and potentially suicidal, he was tossed into a padded cell for three days and then sent to solitary confinement. He was never offered treatment for his mental health issues.

According to New Mexico’s Dona Ana County jail’s procedures, any inmate who is suffering from mental health problems is immediately sentenced to solitary confinement.

A doctor was assigned to Slevin at the beginning of his solitary sentence, and Slevin received medication without proper treatment. The doctor did not even see Slevin before dispensing the prescription drugs. When Doctor Zemek left the jail staff a few months later, Slevin’s care was assigned to a registered nurse, who continued to prescribe and increase the dosage of the “complicated psychotropic medications.”

Without proper treatment, Slevin’s health and mental well-being deteriorated over the two year stay. He was denied basic necessities, and sometimes his one hour of allotted time outside of the cell was not granted. Even basics like sanitary care were denied: upon release, his fingernails curled; his body weight had decreased to one-third of his original weight; and he had bed sores and a fungal infection.

Of course, without being granted basic care, it may be obvious that Slevin was also denied access to an alcohol rehabilitation facility. Had he been provided proper care and access to an alcohol rehabilitation facility like the nearby Vista Taos Renwal Center of New Mexico, Slevin may have become rehabilitated while in jail. Instead, he now suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder. It may be also safe to say his alcoholism, while suppressed during his jail stay, will return sometime in the future.

New Mexico Lawmakers Demand Stricter Drunk Driving Laws

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 17:03:00 GMT

Two men were arrested last month to the tune of a total 30 total combined DWI arrests. Todd Turrietta and Johnny Ignacio both were arrested 15 times each for DWI-related incidents, but their sentencing for the 15th arrest could be no more severe than the first under New Mexico law. How does this act as a deterrent to prevent further drunk driving offenses? Simply stated: it doesn’t.

Lawmakers want to make a change and are pushing to increase the severity for each punishment. Right now, by state law, New Mexico citizens can expect the same time for the crime, no matter if they are repeat DWI offenders or not. In Albuquerque, however, the laws are more severe. Many state officials and citizens would like to see New Mexico as a whole go towards the direction of Albuquerque’s drunk driving laws.

Albuquerque law allows courts to take away the DWI convict’s car and increased jail or prison time for a repeat offense. Each felony conviction of DWI would count against the newest charge, making 10- or 15-year prison sentences a possibility for those who have repeatedly driven under the influence.

According to Governor Susana Martinez, repeat offenders should be punished in a stricter fashion. “Obviously (repeat offenders) haven't taken advantage of the treatment that is being provided by law (and) need to stay off the streets,” Martinez said. The treatment she mentions is New Mexico substance abuse treatment that was more than likely part of their sentencing.

Treatment available to DWI offenders can include substance abuse treatment at an alcohol rehabilitation program. For many DWI convicts, New Mexico’s own Vista Taos Renewal Center is an excellent option for substance abuse treatment. It will only be a matter of time before the laws are brought into effect and those who are convicted will face greater sentences for their DWI crimes. Don’t wait until a judge orders you into substance abuse treatment; seek one out before you end up behind bars. To learn more about an alcohol rehabilitation program in New Mexico, contact Vista Taos Renewal Center to discuss how the program can help you.

Meth Manufacturers Costing Taxpayers Millions in Hospital Bills

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 17:01:00 GMT

A new, very dangerous method for making the drug methamphetamine, also known as meth, has begun to cost taxpayers millions of dollars. The drug-making method is known as the shake-and-bake method because producers must pour dangerous chemicals together in a plastic soda bottle and shake to mix the concoction. The chemical reaction bakes the drug within the bottle, but it means that a slight mistake can make the mixture blow up in the “chemist’s” face.

Although this method is so dangerous that thousands of meth cooks are harmed by brewing the chemical drug every year, it remains a method of choice for a number of reasons. First, the chemicals used in the concoction are quite common and readily available. Second, the method can be employed anywhere, from a car to a stall in a public restroom. And third, the drug can be made in minutes rather than hours using this new soda-bottle method.

Unfortunately, the dangers of disfiguration, chemical burns and death don’t outweigh the ease of operation for many drug-makers, and hospitals and taxpayers have had to shoulder the financial burden of meth injuries. Many meth cooks are uninsured, so when an accident does occur, the typical $130,000 cost of hospital treatment alone (not counting rehabilitation costs) often either forces hospitals to close burn units or forces the government to cover the cost.

Meth addiction does not appear to be ending soon, though. Many of those injured in meth accidents continue on the meth addiction path, since the drug is so addictive. However, when those suffering from meth addiction seek help at a drug rehabilitation center like Vista Taos in New Mexico, they are more likely to kick their meth addiction and begin life afresh. Contact Vista Taos today to learn about the meth treatment program they offer as well as the complimentary therapies that provide comfort and ease stress affiliated with drug detoxification.

Houston Texas Police Officers with DWIs

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 16:51:00 GMT

In the Houston Police Department, DWI-offending police officers, or those officers who have themselves received a Driving While Impaired charge, may receive a little more leniency in their jobs than may be expected.

The Houston Police Department has been giving a “last chance” to offending officers for around ten years – and possibly longer. The department consensus seems to be that if the officer has been on good behavior in the past, he should not be fired for receiving a DWI. Instead, the officer should be monitored.

Why would the police department take such a stance when they work so hard to keep drunk drivers off the roads? Well, police departments nationwide often spend more than fifty thousand dollars on training each officer. Spending the time and money to train these officers only to lose them due to an issue that may be resolvable doesn’t make much economic sense – not when alcohol rehabilitation programs can play a part in officers’ recoveries. Many police officers carry a lot of baggage with them. The job is very stressful and at some point may even be traumatic. Law enforcement officers are human; mistakes can happen.

Oftentimes, the police department looks at three factors when deciding the outcome of the offending officer’s job. The department determines the extent of injuries, the extent of property damage, and the actual conviction of the officers. A minor incident will often result in quick reinstatement with monitoring and potential alcohol rehabilitation. A major incident may result in a less lenient stance.

Alcohol rehabilitation is available in New Mexico at the Vista Taos Renewal Center, where the recovery program is altered to each case. This case-by-case treatment allows the center to address underlying issues that may influence alcohol addiction. Counseling and family therapies during the alcohol rehabilitation process can help the person to deal with those outside world triggers and learn to exist and resist while living a fulfilling and healthy life.

Deterring Drunk Driving: Ignition Interlocks on All Cars

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 16:47:00 GMT

Citizens caught driving drunk in 15 US states may face the issuance of a vehicle interlock system as part of their penalty, effective Jan. 1. On the first of January, Connecticut became the 15th state to require the interlock system for all drivers – even first time offenders – who are convicted of driving with a blood alcohol content (BAC) above the legal limit.

Other states also participate in the interlock program, to a lesser degree; 24 other states require that repeat offenders or highly drunk drivers (those with a BAC above 0.15) have the interlock system installed in their cars after conviction.

The interlock system is a device that is installed into the ignition of the car. When installed, the car cannot be started until the driver cleanly blows into a breathalyzer. A sober driver may drive; a driver influenced by alcohol may not.

Mothers Against Drunk Driving, the group that has most heavily pushed for the state-mandated interlock system, believes that the device can save lives. If a driver who is under the influence of alcohol tries to start his car, he will not be able to until he sobers up, meaning that fewer drunk drivers will be on the road to cause harm.

As more and more states join the current 15 who immediately issue interlock systems for any driver convicted of driving while drunk, more people speculate that other states will join the less lenient program – or even require the system be installed in all cars, regardless of a drunk driving conviction.

The interlock system is only one step to keeping drunk drivers off the roads. Helping alcoholics recover at a substance abuse treatment center is also integral to minimizing drunk driving. Substance abuse treatment centers can help alcoholics realize how much harm drunk driving can cause.

For more information about alcohol rehab, please call Vista Taos Renewal Center, a premier substance abuse treatment center located in New Mexico, one of the first states to require the interlock devices for drunk driving offenders.

Big Percentage of US Adults Binge Drink

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 16:42:00 GMT

Binge drinking isn’t just for college students anymore. According to a report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 17% of American adults binge drink, which means that they consume more than four (for women) or five (for men) drinks in one occasion. That’s about 38 million U.S. adults, but the percentage could be much higher because many people will not admit to exactly how much they drink.

The highest numbers of binge drinking still occur in the college-aged population (18- to 24-year olds), with 28% of the people in this age range admitting to binge drinking. Men are much more likely to binge drink than women.

Older adults, though, also admit to binge drinking. In fact, those aged 65 and older were more likely to binge drink more frequently. Although the majority of other binge drinking groups drank in excess about four times per month, drinkers aged 65 and older reported that they binge drink five to six times per month.

Binge drinking habits also vary by location. Wisconsin drinkers were most likely to binge drink, with 25.9% of the adult population bingeing. However, Kentucky drinkers were most likely to participate in binge drinking more often, with an average of six binge drinking occasions per month. Utah, West Virginia and New Jersey residents had the lowest levels of binge drinking.

Unfortunately, binge drinking can harm individuals’ health. It can increase the odds of liver and stomach problems, certain cancers, being involved in car accidents and can bring about many bad decisions during the intoxication phase. Many binge drinkers would therefore benefit from an alcohol treatment program.

At an alcohol treatment program like Vista Taos in New Mexico, program residents can participate in an alcohol treatment program that meets their individual needs. For more information, contact an alcohol treatment program near you today.

Anxiety and Mood Disorders Linked to Opioid Abuse

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 16:39:00 GMT

Anxiety and opioid abuse are linked, according to a study conducted by the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. It seems the link works two ways: researchers have found that those who suffer from anxiety and mood disorders are more likely to abuse opioids, and those who are given prescriptions for opioids, like Oxycontin, are more likely to become anxious or suffer from mood disorders after taking the prescription medications.

These two links can become a vicious cycle. Patients prescribed opioids for a purely medical reason may continue to take the medicine after the medically induced need disappears, this time to treat anxiety or mood disorders caused by the opioid. Additionally, patients with mental health needs could become hooked on an opioid prescribed to assist with anxiety or other disorders or opioids obtained on the black market.

Prescription drug abuse, particularly opioid use in America is on the rise. Opioids have become the second most-widely used illegal drugs in the United States, after marijuana. This new research could shed some light on why the drug has become so popular, since opioids can both cause and relieve feelings of anxiety, depression, and panic. This is a dangerous recipe for addiction.

While prescription drug abuse is on the rise, drug abuse treatment centers like the Vista Taos Renewal Center in New Mexico have been staying up-to-date on the newest research and treatment options. If you or a loved one suffer from prescription drug abuse, the best way to break the addiction is to attend a treatment center, where you can find the most current treatment options available. Let Vista Taos show you how to comfortably detox from opioids and learn to live your life without a dependency on prescription pain drugs. Vista Taos can also help patients with underlying reasons for addiction, such as mood disorders; the treatment process takes the entire person into consideration.

ADHD Medication in Short Supply

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 16:32:00 GMT

Hundreds of children and adults in need of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) prescription medication have been unable to fill them recently. Pharmacies across the nation are in short supply of the generic form of ADHD pills, the name brand of which are called Ritalin and Adderall.

This shortage is due in part to the drugs’ manufacturers trying to limit the supply of generic brands to maximize their profits in sales of the name-brand drugs. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is also to blame; the DEA must set limits on the numbers of drugs that each manufacturer may produce, in an effort to decrease the potential for misuse among adults and particularly among college students.

College students have taken to snorting the ADHD medications because when non-ADHD adults take ADHD medication, the pills often have the completely opposite effect from their intended treatment. Instead of becoming calmer from the drug, non-ADHD adults can become hyperactive, which can result in an almost super-human ability to accomplish tasks. For the college crowd, this hyperactivity can help them study – often late into the night with cram sessions before big tests.

For the DEA, the increase in the prescription pill misuse is difficult to control. The agency estimates that one in four adults who receive ADHD prescriptions may be faking symptoms. Once the non-ADHD adults have the prescription, they can abuse the pills themselves or sell them on the black market.

Unfortunately, the abuse of ADHD medication and the subsequent shortage of generic brands could continue for a while until the DEA can better police the misuse. Eventually, the DEA may be able to crack down on black market rings, but until then, users who need prescription pill treatment will have to seek centers like Vista Taos for assistance.

Reports are readily available with statistics to show that students who abuse these drugs in the name of getting better grades are actually doing worse in school before they starting using. There is no positive side to abusing ADHD medication. Don’t start. If you’ve already started, get help.

If you or someone you love is in need of prescription pill treatment, please seek out the assistance of a prescription pill treatment center like Vista Taos Renewal Center. Their expert staff can talk to you about their programs for prescription drug addiction; get the help you need before it destroys your life.