NEW TREATMENT FOR DEPRESSION

I came across this article in the Daily Mail today, whereby low energy lasers are used instead of needles in acupuncture to alleviate the symptoms of depression. Unlike conventional drug treatment, where patients may suffer side effects, there are none with this form of acupuncture. It's useful too where people have a needle phobia and there is no risk of infection as the skin is not punctured

Beam of light that can help banish black dog

Antidepressants are the most common form of treatment for depression, and NHS prescriptions for the drugs are at a record high.
But latest figures suggest only 50 to 65 per cent of patients who take the pills notice an improvement in symptoms.
And there is a risk of side-effects such as nausea, poor sleep, diarrhoea, constipation and erectile problems.

Laser acupuncture involves stimulating the pressure points targeted in traditional acupuncture, but using low-energy lasers rather than needles

But could laser acupuncture be an effective way to treat the problem, without side-effects?
That’s the suggestion emerging from a small new Australian study, which found patients with depression reported fewer symptoms and better mood after 12 sessions of the treatment.
Laser acupuncture involves stimulating the pressure points targeted in traditional acupuncture, but using low-energy lasers rather than needles.
More than three million people in the UK use the ancient Chinese medicine as a treatment for everything from chronic pain to infertility.
It is also available on the NHS: under guidelines from NICE (the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence), acupuncture can be given for the treatment of lower back pain.


Western medicine is at a loss to explain the benefits of the needle therapy.
The most popular theory is that it stimulates the release of ‘feel good’ chemicals called endorphins, though there is only a small amount of evidence to back this up.
Using lasers could be safer and more popular than the conventional treatment, as they do not carry a risk of infection and are more acceptable to patients with a needle phobia.
To test the treatment, researchers at the University of New South Wales and the University of Sydney recruited 47 men and women aged 18 to 50 with a history of depression.
Half were given the laser therapy twice a week for four weeks, then once a week for another four weeks.
The beam was powerful enough to stimulate acupuncture points on the back, neck and trunk but not to cause burns or damage the skin.

Latest figures suggest only 50 to 65 per cent of patients who take antidepressants notice an improvement in symptoms

Acupuncture points are the areas on the body that, according to Chinese medicine, need to be stimulated in order to restore good health.
The rest of the group were given a ‘dummy’ laser, which shone a light on the skin but contained little or no laser energy.
The researchers, who were from the department of psychiatry at the universities, measured the response in terms of how much symptoms improved on a recognised depression register, the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale.
The lower the score, the better a patient’s mental health.
The laser group average score dropped from 14.14 to 9.8, while the placebo group saw hardly  any change.
The results, published in the peer-reviewed Journal of Affective Disorders, showed those given the real laser therapy were  still seeing the benefits three months later.
Professor Tony Cleare, a specialist in affective disorders at King’s College London, said some studies had shown a benefit from acupuncture but others had not.
He added: ‘There is little evidence that, in depression, acupuncture to specific areas of the body is any different from acupuncture in random areas.
'This suggests that if acupuncture is having an effect, it isn’t in the way that acupuncturists think.’
Beth Murphy, head of information at the mental health charity Mind, said: ‘We welcome news of any new therapies being developed for depression, especially those associated with fewer side-effects.’

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CAN A GOOD BOOK HELP BEAT DEPRESSION?

Can a good book help beat depression? It won't eradicate it but it sure will help, anything that takes your mind off anxieties, worries and sadness it sure to help and reading aids escapism. They don't necessary need to be novels, any book that interests you is aiding escapism and taking your mind of what is making you feel they way you do. Sometimes even reading about feelings as in poetry can help and it makes you feel you are not alone and it helps express how you feel. Anything no matter what it is, is worth trying, be it reading, listening to music, painting, where you can lose yourself is excellent.

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Article from the Daily Mail below

Can a good book help beat depression? GPs draw up list of 27 'mood-boosting' reads to help those with mental illness

• Therapeutic qualities of books hoped to help those with depression, anxiety and stress
• List includes Cider With Rosie, A Small Island and The Secret Garden 

It is the rural idyll that has given happiness to generations of book-lovers.

Now Cider With Rosie is to be recommended by GPs across the country, in the hope that its therapeutic qualities will help those with mental illness.

The book, which chronicles the Gloucestershire childhood of author Laurie Lee, is one of a new list of ‘mood-boosting’ books which experts hope will help those with depression, anxiety and stress.

Stress-buster: Reading can help you relax and escape and this is a good strategy for dealing with stress and anxiety

The list also includes Bill Bryson’s Notes From A Small Island, Frances Hodgson Burnett’s The Secret Garden and Salmon Rushdie’s Haroun And The Sea Of Stories.

It will be advertised on leaflets distributed by GPs from May as part of the ‘Books on Prescription’ scheme, supported by the Department for Health.

The official list of was drawn up by the Reading Agency via book groups, many catering to people with anxiety and depression.

And it may not be long before the likes of Fifty Shades Of Grey By EL James are also being recommended, as readers have been invited to submit their own suggestions.

The book is one of a 27-strong list of 'mood boosting' books which will help those with depression

It is hoped those with ‘mild to moderate’ mental health conditions will try out the idea before turning to prescription drugs - many of which can have unpleasant side effects.

Debbie Hicks, director of research at the Reading Agency, said: ‘Readers chose books which they thought had qualities that promote well-being.

‘We have funny and humorous titles and you also get books that have quite breath-taking experiences in them.

‘Reading is a really good stress-buster. It can help you escape to another world and get out of your everyday life.

‘There’s lots of evidence that reading can really help you relax and escape and this is a good strategy for dealing with stress and anxiety.’

The scheme was announced yesterday by the Society of Chief Librarians as part of a new national strategy for Britain’s libraries.

It will run alongside the ‘Books on Prescription’ scheme, which allows GPs to ‘prescribe’ self-help books stocked at local libraries.

On each prescription leaflet will also be a recommendation for the patient to dip into the ‘mood-boosting’ reading list.

Almost every library in the country has agreed to stock the approved list of self-help books and mood-boosting books.

In addition, the books will be distributed in colleges, hospitals and workplaces around the country.

Research by Mindlab International recently revealed that out of a range of activities, reading reduced stress the most - by 67 per cent.

Uplifting: Crime comedy The Big Over Easy and the heart-warming Home To Big Stone Gap

But experts warned it is intended to supplement any treatment a patient is undergoing - rather than acting as a fail-safe ‘cure’.

The suggestions for the 27-title reading list were submitted by more than a dozen reading groups, with a panel of judges at the Reading Agency selecting the best.

They said Bill Bryson’s 19996 book was chosen for its humour value, while the Secret Garden, published in 1910, was selected for its escapism.

Cider with Rosie, published in 1959, has stood the test of time as a favourite of the nation having sold over 6 million copies worldwide.

Also featuring on the list are Lucy Diamond’s 2011 ‘chick lit’ novel The Beach Café, E. H. Gombrich’s 1935 non-fiction A Little History of the World, and Jasper Fforde’s 2005 crime comedy The Big Over Easy.

Put a smile on your face: Bill Bryson's travel book and E H Gombrich's chronicle of human history

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BOOST YOUR MOOD WITH MUSIC

It's well known how music can affect us, it can cause us to cry, it can uplift and comfort and can touch our souls. You may well have your own playlist you use to good effect. The article below is from the Daily Mail and may give you a head start to boosting your mood and anything that can uplift us surely is worth trying.

Want to boost your mood? Try listening to the Prince, Bob Marley and the Beach Boys 

• Researchers say a fast pace, predictable melody and punchy beat are key to mood-boosting
• Claim acapella songs can also give us a boost.
  

 

Scientists have revealed why particular songs make us happy - and say those with a high-pitched voice are best at boosting our mood.

The research reveals the elements that go into making a song a happy one, such as a fast pace, predictable melody, and a punchy beat.

Now neuroscientist Dr Jack Lewis, who led the study, has created an 11-track 'prozac playlist', which includes hits by Prince, Beachboys, and Bob Marley.

Researchers say that listening to artists such as Bob Marley (pictured) can improve our mood. they also found Prince and the Beachboys can have a similar effect

THE 'PROZAC PLAYLIST'

• Prince - Sexy Dancer
• BB King - Let The Good Times Roll
• Beachboys - Surfing USA
• Curtis Mayfield - Victory -
• Norman Jay remix
• Bob Marley - Three Little Birds
• Muddy Waters - Got My Mojo Working
• Boney M - Sunny
• The Darkness - I Believe In a Thing called Love
• Scissor Sisters - Take Your Mama
• Outkast - Hey Ya
• Future heads - Acapella
• Harder Better Faster - Daft Punk
• M People - Moving on Up
  1812 - Tchaikovsky

Source: rara.com

Tunes sung without backing music - 'acapella' - and those that remind us of happy times in our life, such as a wedding, are also said to give us a boost.

Dr Lewis, who conducted the research for music streaming site rara.com, said it was essential to get the brain's 'reward pathways' firing.

He looked for music that stimulates the limbic and reward systems - areas of the brain responsible for generating emotions and sensations of pleasure.

And he claims certain musical styles stimulate all of these areas, producing a natural 'high' much like that created by good food and sex.

Dr Lewis said: "Even though it is typically seen as a 'sad' genre, early blues has all the hallmarks of music that can make you smile.

'Let the Good Times Roll' by undisputed King of the Blues, B.B. King is a good example.

'The simple, stripped-down style of his music with a punchy yet predictable brass and percussion rhythm get the brain's reward pathways firing.

'And his unparalleled string-bending and vibrato technique made the guitar sing with an emotional, vocal quality sure to get the limbic system cranked up.'

Dr Lewis said it was important for singers to connect with listeners on an 'emotional level' and revealed 'acapella' tracks were best placed to do this.

He said: 'Music is so ingrained into humans that it doesn't need instruments to have an effect on us.

'When we hear emotion in a human voice our brains are tuned to feel some of this emotion ourselves. 

'This is fundamental to empathy.'

Researchers say that listening to the Beach Boys can improve your mood - and fast paced, catchy songs are key

'The harmonisation between several voices will activate the reward pathways, and can make you feel on top of the world.

'Indie rockers The Futureheads have produced an entirely 'a cappella' album, 'Rant' - it's highly recommended to get the brain tapping.'

The doctor revealed any song that 'reminds you of a time when you were blissfully happy' has the power to put you back in that mood.

He said: 'Perhaps it's music from an unforgettable summer music festival, your wedding day, or the opening track of a set from your favourite concert back in your younger days.'

Music that gets the heart pumping and skin tingling is also said to trigger brain pathways of euphoria.

Dr Lewis said: 'Any music that gets your heart pumping and your skin tingling can enable the brain to cast worries away.

'One example is the thrilling climax of Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture.

'Such music does this by causing deactivation of the brain area that orchestrates the fear response - the amygdala - making us feel less anxious.'

He added: 'Singers often communicate the 'happy' emotion using the upper register of their voices.

'When this happiness rubs off on us, premotor brain areas - which control our vocal muscles - automatically become more active.

'That is why you can find yourself singing or humming along without even realising.

'Other songs in this vocal style include Mika's 'Grace Kelly', Scissor Sisters' 'Comfortably Numb', and most of Prince's output to date.'

Dr Lewis revealed that some songs are 'inherently happy'.

Songs played in a major key, at a fast pace with a simple, predictable melody combine to create a universally positive sound.

However, more melancholy tracks are often played in a minor key, at a slower pace and with a meandering melody.

Nick Massey, CEO of rara.com said: 'We all enjoy listening to music, but Dr Jack's findings prove it is genuinely good for us.

'That is true whether you want to beat the January blues, or just put a smile on your face anytime.

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STRESS IS AS DAMAGING TO YOUR HEART AS SMOKING FIVE CIGARETTES A DAY

Stress and how it affects us 

We need stress for without it we'd have no motivation to do anything. Imagine this scenario: you've suddenly acquired a vast amount of money on the lottery, riches beyond your wildest dreams. So what's the first thing you do? likelihood you give up your job, people often find their jobs as stressful. You've got enough money so you don't need to work. That makes you feel less stressed, or so you think. Of course you buy the big house, the cars, the boat, designer wardrobe and you party. You really think you have it made. There comes a point though when you can have anything you want, you don't have to work for it, there's no sense of achievement, no goal in sight. You don't have to cook or clean what do you do all day? eventually you will run out of ideas and you will become bored, you will have no motivation to do or achieve anything. Stress is a catch 22 situation if you have no motivation, you become depressed and bored, the days are long that equals stress. So a certain amount of stress is necessary to motivate us and stimulate us and give us a reason to be here and a sense of accomplishment this can be seen simply as this:

Stress = Motivation > Stimulation > Accomplishment = Satisfaction

Stress The dictionary definition of stress is: a constraining or impelling force, effort or demand upon physical or mental energy. A stressor is a person or situation that makes you become stressed. We are more likely to suffer stress in society today than that of our ancestors. 70% of all illness to day is now directly attributed to stress. Modern society with all its pressures traffic congestion, over-crowding, noise, fears and general uncertainties about work, mortgages and family life present situation after situation where the state of stress is ever present. Stress is an everyday part of modern life, everyone experiences at sometime or another and everyday stresses are not necessarily harmful. A certain about of stress keeps us motivated and stimulated to make life more enjoyable and interesting. It is the effect of long-term stress that can be positively harmful to our bodies.

When do stress levels become harmful? 

The factors that seem to make any situation dangerously stressful are:

• Lack of predictability

• Lack of control

• Lack of outlets for frustration

For when these elements are present even simple situations can become stressful and produce a reaction that is completely out of proportion to the cause. It is not the situation but our reaction to it that creates the stress in our lives. The problem with us humans we have this tendency to dwell on the past and worry about the future and this takes our attention away from the present. Yet it is in the present moment that we have the greatest clarity to deal with any situation. We should enjoy our life in the present for in holding on to the past and holding back the future we create fear and ultimately stress. Growth in our lives is usually preceded by change the problem is handling change can be difficult in the short term and life-changing events such as:

• Bereavement

• Moving House

• Debt

• Ill Health

• Difficult Relationships

• Stressful Work

• Family Problems Have been identified as the most likely to cause negative or harmful stress.

Even positive events such as:

• Marriage

• Pregnancy

• A child starting school or University May cause you stress and can ultimately lead to illness.

Your personality and coping mechanisms will largely determine how you deal with these daily stresses and strains.

WHAT HAPPENS TO US WHEN WE ARE STRESSED?

Well this goes way back to the times when we were developing as humans and in early periods in history. The body's chemistry was designed to protect us with "The fight or flight response". For example man sees a big bear approach what does he do? he either tackles it or he runs off. Nature is very clever and gives us the capacity to do this. However in 2011 we no longer have the bears, wolves, etc. (ok some of you may) like of yesteryear we have different stresses. Your work colleagues or your neighbours may annoy you but you can't fight them, nor can you run away, but you can learn to deal and dissipate your stress levels so that it doesn't impinge on your health.

But firstly we need to deal with the science bit for if we understand the physiology of stress we're half way there to solving the impact stress has on our lives.

THE SCIENCE BIT

Deep within the brain we have an area known as the Hypothalamus (1), its the home of our moods and emotions and a very primitive part of the brain. The Hypothalamus is also the area that maintains equilibrium in our bodies and it maintains and regulates every bit of our body's chemistry. It is the area that controls the Endocrine system, it forms part of the Autonomic Nervous System and part of the Limbic System. It is Hypothalmus  that is the key to managing stress and all its detrimental effects on our mind and body. It is directly through this area that the holistic therapy Aromatherapy works and is managed by other holistic therapies.

 Since the Hypothalamus is the home of moods and emotions anything that affects these will influence the Hypothalamus, thus will have an effect on the body's equilibrium.

Now if we are stressed and modern stressors are not the same as those stressors we had as we were evolving as humans, they still have the same effect resulting in "the fight or flight response"

(1)The Role of the Hypothalamus

The Hypothalamus is the part of the brain that controls the endocrine system.

The Pituitary gland lies beneath the Hypothalamus  and it is this that controls the other endocrine glands.

The Hypothalamus receives information about the Homeostasis (balance) of the body, this is achieved by two means:

• The blood circulation i.e. temperature, blood glucose levels and hormone levels
• The nervous system i.e. The Autonomic Nervous system i.e. the part of the nervous system that regulates automatic functions e.g. breathing, heart rate etc. and mental and emotional states, our feelings: these influence ‘automatic responses’ e.g. ‘The fear, flight response’

The Hypothalamus responds to these changes by:

• Secreting Hormones (chemical messengers) that regulate hormones to be released by the anterior lobe of the pituitary
• The hypothalamus also directly releases hormones via the Posterior Lobe of the Pituitary , Vasopressin (ADH) and Oxytocin
• And by stimulating a nerve response to the ‘Central Nervous System’ (Brain & spinal Cord)

SO WHAT HAPPENS IN THE FIGHT OR FLIGHT RESPONSE?

Moods/emotions affect the hypothalamus, the hypothalamus evokes a reaction on the anterior lobe of the pituitary gland. The pituitary gland produces Adrenocorticotropic hormone this in turn targets the adrenal glands causing them to secrete Cortisone, Cortisone in turn effects the kidneys causing a rise in blood pressure by causing changes in the amount of salt secreted, this hormone causes the body to retain salt. Now remember the Hypothalamus one of its jobs is to maintain the body's equilibrium, it detects a rise in salt levels in the blood so to keep balance it causes the body to retain fluid, it is this retained fluid that increases blood pressure. At the same time, the Hypothalamus being part of the Central Nervous System evokes what is known as the Sympathetic Nervous System this diverts blood away from the digestive system and to lesser important body structures such as the skin and concentrates the blood to the heart, lungs and muscles. Simultaneously this nervous response influences the adrenal glands to produce Adrenalin and Noradrenalin, it is these hormones that induces vasoconstriction (reduces the blood supply) to the skin and peripheral tissues, thus also raising blood pressure.

Now this is putting it simply there are a few other processes also going on to increase blood sugar to give the body fuel to either run off or fight, Corticotrophic hormones influence the pancreas to secrete glucagon this has the opposite effect as insulin.

When the stress is over the Parasympathetic Nervous reverses the process again it is the Hyptholamus that instigates this.

Obviously its much more complex than this and I have focused on a few key hormones as it the action of these hormones that affects our well-being, the ageing process and blood pressure.

The fight or flight response was not designed to last forever it was meant ti instigate an action to deal with an aggressor, be it a wild animal or in a fight with an attacker therein lies the problem modern stressors tends to be work, work colleagues etc. the stress becomes long acting, this kind of reaction is fine in the short term but very detrimental to the body in the long term.

Take Cortisone, it has a damaging effect on specialised cells within the dermis (the skin), fibroblasts, these cells produce collagen and elastin, it is collagen and elastin that gives our skin elasticity and support. Adrenalin reduces blood supply to the peripheral tissues, such as the skin and hair, therefore, these structures do not receive adequate nourishment from the blood. So the effect of long term stress affects the skin resulting in ageing of the skin

A SOLUTION FOR STRESS, YOU WILL FIND THIS IN THIS SECTION

All Holistic therapies are excellent at dealing with stress and since the choice is vast you can be sure to find one that will suit you

ARTICLE FROM THE DAILY MAIL BELOW

Being stressed is as damaging for your heart as smoking five cigarettes a day 

• People who reported feeling stressed were 27 per cent more likely to suffer a heart attack 
• Stress raises blood pressure and levels of 'bad' cholesterol
• Researchers liken the effect to smoking five cigarettes a day - and the effect gets worse as we age

Are you stressed? If so, your chances of heading to an early grave are significantly higher.
New research has found that people who reported feeling anxious and overwhelmed were 27 per cent more likely to suffer a heart attack.
The study, led by Columbia University Medical Centre researchers, was published in the American Journal of Cardiology.

American researchers found people who reported feeling stressed were 27 per cent more likely to suffer a heart attack

The researchers looked at six previous studies where people had been asked about their perceived stress with questions such as ‘how stressed do you feel?’ and ‘how often are you stressed?’.
The groups were separated into high and low stress scores and then followed for 14 years to track the number of heart attacks .

Those who were the most stressed were 27 per cent more likely to have a heart attack.
The effect of stress was so profound that the researchers compared it to smoking more five cigarettes a day.
It was also likened to a 2.8mmol/l increase in LDL cholesterol and a 2.7/1.4 mmHg increase in blood pressure.
The British Heart Foundation says that people who are at high risk of, or already have, heart disease should aim for an LDL cholesterol level under 2 mmol/l.

Stress has also been found to increase levels of 'bad' cholesterol and blood pressure, which are risk factors for heart disease

Therefore, it says the figures suggest a 2.8mmol/l rise is more than double the recommended cholesterol levels for heart and stroke patients.
A healthy blood pressure reading should be below 140/90mmHg.
LDL cholesterol is considered a risk for heart disease that can lead to heart attack because it contributes for narrowing of the arteries that supply blood flow to the heart from plaque buildup, or atherosclerosis.
Higher blood pressure puts stress on the heart and contributes to stiffening of the arteries, making them more susceptible to blockage. It is  thought to be responsible for 50 per cent of all heart attacks and strokes.
The researchers did further analysis to try to learn what might unpin the link between stress and heart disease. They found that while gender was not a significant factor, age was.
Among older people, the relationship between stress and CHD was stronger, suggesting the effects of stress compound over time.
They also noted that older people tend to have worse risk factors such as high blood pressure and raised cholesterol to begin with, and that stress may interact with those risk factors to trigger a heart attack.
‘These findings are significant because they are applicable to nearly everyone,’ said study author Safiya Richardson.
‘The key takeaway (message) is that how people feel is important for their heart health, so anything they can do to reduce stress may improve their heart health in the future.’
Her co-author, Donald Edmondson, assistant professor of behavioural medicine at CUMC added:  ‘This is the most precise estimate of that relationship, and it gives credence to the widely held belief that general stress is related to heart health.’
Heart disease is Britain’s biggest killer. Around 270,000 people in the UK suffer a heart attack every year and and nearly one in three die before they reach hospital.
www.bhf.org.uk

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DRUG ADDICTION~THE HORROR OF METH

I guess I am very lucky in all my years I was never tempted to try drugs or even smoke that's not to say I have had an easy life but I've always had my faith and it's that that has given me strength and comfort through bad times. I'm not here to preach religion (I am a Spiritualist) but in a way I can see how some people get lost, whether it's because they have no beliefs or whether it's because they felt they had no support or understanding or perhaps it was down to peer pressure that triggered them down the path of addiction. Some people think if I just try it, just the once it will be okay and there may be a few who get away with that, especially in adolescence as it's often a time for experimenting. Everybody's make-up is different so just the one trip is enough to unleash a craving, it affects the brain's chemistry so much so, they need to take the drug just to feel normal. Many young people don't think about ageing they see, their 30s and 40s far away in the future, but before they know it, time creeps up on them. Addiction is hard to understand but it is an illness, okay they were foolish to try it, but who in this world is perfect and doesn't make mistakes or has regrets. It's a difficult illness to cure but it can be done with the right help. Much better you don't go down this path in the first place. These pictures will shock they are designed to and if they help just a few to avoid the ravages of drugs its been worthwhile. 

If you are at a low point in your life, drugs and alcohol for that matter won't help, they only dull the senses for a short time, it will still be there when you sober up. There are many helplines, if you feel unable to talk to family or friends please use them and please don't waste your life. Life is not easy, it was never designed to be, but the bad times won't last forever and there is always help out there, please seek it, if you choose not to, look at the images below that could be you.

STORY FROM THE DAILY MAIL BELOW

The horror of Meth: Before-and-after pictures reveal shocking transformation in faces of users hooked on deadly drug

A new anti-drug advertisement shows the devastating physical transformation addicts experience after years of meth use.  

The photos, that show a shocking Dorian Gray-like deterioration, were compiled from mug shots of drug users that were arrested repeatedly over the years. 

The continued drug use caused horrific damage to the drug users' skin with sores and scarring - that can be caused by uncontrollable scratching during a hallucination when the addict imagines bugs are crawling under their skin. 

Scroll down for video.

Shocking: Over a period of just three years, this meth addict's entire face has become disfigured

Horrifying: From the age of 48 to age 53 this meth user's skin and teeth have significantly deteriorated

Additional changes seen in the ad, produced by Rehabs.com, include the so-called 'meth mouth' caused by decay and grinding.
Users also progressively began to look gaunt, brought on by malnutrition as the drug suppresses a person's appetite and the body can begin to consume muscle tissue due to the lack of proper nutrition.
The concept for this kind of ad was actually conceived in 2004, by Deputy Bret King from the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office in Oregon.
The officer began tracking mugshots of people who were brought in to police custody more than once.

Over the years he began to witness the physical transformation that occurred in methamphetamine addicts.
He decided to compile the photos for an anti-drug campaign in December 2004 - to educate children on the realities of the drug.
'I've made it my business to go through the mug shot system every day. I'll admit it: I'm looking for the most extreme faces,' he told The Oregonian in 2004 about the project.

Time lapse: This man's skin severely deteriorated after years of use

Altered: From the age of 31 to 34, this woman's face shows the impact of the drug

The recent video and pictorial from Rehabs.com comes after a 2011 photo spread from the Oregon police, 'From Drugs to Mugs,' that shows the impact of all hard drugs including cocaine, heroin and meth.

'Everyone experiments at college or school and I want From Drugs to Mugs to show kids that everyone in those pictures started on cannabis, they didn't just dive head first into heroin.'

'So I ask the students at schools to look at these people and think about their actions, otherwise that could end up being you,' Deputy King said in 2011. 

The Multnomah Sheriff's Office has also produced a heart-wrenching educational documentary to aid in its fight against young people turning to drugs.

Gaunt: This user aged considerably and showed severe weight loss that occurred from the drug's side effect as an appetite suppressant

'I want to be able to illustrate the connection between that first decision to use drugs and then down the road when it's a horrible mess,' King said.

Expanding their presentation, which is to be aired in high schools across America, the law enforcement officer and his team interviewed 300 adult inmates at Multnomah County's Inverness Jail.

In the 48-minute video, Drug Enforcement Administration officers are interviewed about how they find and arrest drug abusers.

Deputy King added testimony from Multnomah County jail inmates who had been arrested in burglaries and other crimes that have been linked to drug use.

It is Deputy King's hope that the video will show teens how easy it is to fall into drug habits.

Acne appears or worsens. Obsessive skin-picking often causes meth users` faces to be covered in small sores and scarring - the result of a common sensory hallucination of bugs crawling beneath the skin.

Meth, like other stimulants, suppresses appetite and can lead to undernourishment due to long periods without eating. Over time, the body begins consuming muscle tissue and facial fat, giving users a gaunt, hollowed-out appearance.

"Meth Mouth" is caused by several factors; tooth enamel is dissolved by the harsh chemicals of the drug, the blood vessels contained in healthy gums and teeth shrink, increasing the rate of decay, the production of saliva diminishes, allowing harmful acids to further damage the mouth, cravings for sugary foods increases with meth use, oral hygiene is typically neglected while high, and heavy tooth-grinding is an additional side effect of the drug.

The combination of skin issues, facial fat and muscle loss, hygiene neglect and increased oral decay lead to the appearance of exaggerated aging, sometimes shockingly so.

Addiction touches nearly every family, ravaging physical and mental health, relationships, and personal finances. Mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, daughters and sons. No one is immune to the frightening long-term impact of hard drug abuse. What follows is a sobering depiction of REAL individuals who`ve fallen victim to the temptation of drug use - in this case, Methamphetamine - whose devastating effects are all too apparent.

WARNING: Disturbing images 

Read more:

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