Epidemic Drug Use Reported in Big Cities

As we begin to come out of the great recession -- slowly, but surely -- new reports are highlighting a different sort of fallout from the economic woes of the past few years. Drug use in large metropolitan cities have increased significantly. Previously seen in only the "lower-income" neighborhoods, these new figures show that violent, drug-related crimes are creeping their way into nearly every neighborhood in these urban cities.

While rate of income cannot truly set the borders of where drug use is contained, the lower incomes of those in even more expensive neighborhoods surely plays a small role in the growth of drug-use areas. Additionally, many of the families in these "richer" neighborhoods have endured the same stresses caused by the recession as the rest of the city has.

Stress, depression, and financial woes have long been attributed to drug and alcohol use. Therefore, the increase in these factors must be tied to the increase in drug use and chemical dependency.

Though the signs are beginning to turn, and hope is on the horizon, the problem is still lingering all over cities across America. While a clearer path to financial security is coming out of the haze, many of the people who recently got mixed in with drugs will also need a clear path to pull them out of the haze of addiction.

Drug Rehabs have noticed this trend as well, seeing more and more participants in 12 step addiction recovery programs that come from "well-to-do" backgrounds that never would have gotten into an addiction-situation if it weren't for their current financial situations.

Above It All Treatment in California stresses the point that these individuals can still rectify their situations and get help for their chemical dependencies before they enter into a dangerous or deadly situation.

Drug Rehab Treatment Outside of the Hectic City

A large part of drug addiction treatment is gaining an inner peace. Through spiritual healing, one can better fight off the temptations and negative side affects that come along with detox and cutting ties with chemical dependency. A common complaint from those seeking treatment for their addictions is that nothing in their life has changed while seeking therapy; all the worries and hectic life are still close at hand and will soon be back to haunt them, making a peaceful cessation from drugs and alcohol all the more difficult.

It is for this reason that so many popular chemical dependency treatment centers are located outside of the cities, in serene environments that are conducive to healing. New Dawn Recovery has four locations just outside of San Francisco's Bay Area that offer its patients a release from the urban lifestyle in-which to recover.

In addition to the rural setting, country activities such as horseback riding, rowing and hiking add to the country-life attitude of New Dawn. The point is to simplify life while recovering, and to show those in treatment that there are many simple activities that can aid them in their continued success and sobriety.

To learn more about the approach, amenities, and locations for New Dawn, visit their official website at:
http://www.newdawnrecovery.com/

Hurricane Sandy Affects the Biggest City and Smallest Towns

A massive storm that at one time in its short lifespan was nearly half the size of the United States, Hurricane Sandy ripped its way up the Eastern Seaboard in late October of 2012 and caused a lot of grief and wonderment at the same time.

What made this storm unlike any other hurricane seen in modern history was not only its massive size, but also its aim and the fact that it merged with another storm and created a tropical, warm water hurricane with several arms of blizzard activity.

The damage was extensive, especially in the New York Tri-State area where the storms path was directly aimed. What was interesting about the damage done, was that viewers -- and those who experienced it -- were privy to a view of what a monster storm does to the largest, most inhabited city in the United States, and also to rural areas populated with farmhouses that were sometimes three centuries old.

Interestingly enough, both Urban and Rural areas saw similar effects of the hurricane. Staten Island, which is not as urban an area as Lower Manhattan, took the brunt of the storm, somewhat shielding the towering skyscrapers of Manhattan.

Now that the storm has passed, the cleanup begins. Cleanup efforts have been slow in their early stages, mostly due to the lack of supplies, power, gas, and other necessities.

Companies and individuals in the states unaffected by Sandy have been quick to extend their help in any ways possible. Volunteering services, donating relief funds, sending supplies, sending building materials and sending roofing products to aid in the cleanup and construction efforts.

For more on Sandy's effects, rescue and cleanup efforts and other information, visit the official Sandy website at:

FEMA.gov/Sandy