Distinction between substance abuse and addiction

December 1, 2015

Distinction between substance abuse and addiction: Eliminating the confusion and getting facts right

The distinction between substance abuse and addiction

Distinction between substance abuse and addiction is often very confusing, nonetheless knowing the distinction marks the beginning of proper healing from the scourge of addiction

We are all familiar with the terminologies addiction and substance abuse from our common knowledge through the various sources including the media and information we get from our friends who in one way or another have been addicted or cared for an addict. But we may not know is the finer details of the distinction between substance abuse and addiction. Even though from our common knowledge we may have an idea, it is always very important that the distinction comes out clearly. This is what we want to discuss through this article with a view of placing to its rightful position. Putting aside what you already know doctor Dalal Akoury who is a veteran addiction expert of several decades is registering that there is a very slim difference between substance abuse and addiction and this may be the reason why many people often think that they are the same. The fact is when we make reference to substance abuse, it would mean using or consuming an illegal substance or even using a legal substance or element but in the wrong way whereas addiction begins as an abuse, or using a substance like marijuana or cocaine in a way that in their absence life stops until you have an access to the substance of preference.

With that explanation, doctor Dalal Akoury (MD) President and founder of AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center is saying that for sure one can actually abuse any drug or alcohol without being addicted to it or them. To illustrate that let us take as an example, just because an individual is smoking or smoked pot a few times doesn’t necessarily mean that he or she has an addiction to the pot, in the same way it does not also mean that by this single act of abusing a drug then it is automatic that this will lead to an addiction. This is not always the case and in fact people can get addicted to all sorts of substances. It is always the norm that when we think of addiction, we usually think of alcohol or illegal drugs yes this is true however the scope of addiction is wide and vast and people can become addicted to a number of substances including medications, cigarettes and even glue among many others.

These addictive substances also come in different ways and intensities. Like for instance some substances are more addictive than others, and that is why drugs like crack or heroin are so addictive that they might only be used once or twice before the user loses control. Therefore when we talk of addiction we must be careful to note that it is a condition that will cause and individual to lose the ability to be in control over their lives. And in fact with addiction the person has no control over whether he or she uses a drug or drinks alcohol. Therefore what that communicates id that anyone who is addicted to drugs like cocaine has grown so used to the drug that he or she must to have it by all means and at all cost. In other words you became the slave of that drug when addiction set foot in. There are two types of addiction which can affect anyone and that is to say that addiction can either be physical or psychological and sometimes and individual can suffer both.

Distinction between substance abuse and addiction: Physical addiction

Being physically addicted means a person’s body actually becomes dependent on a particular substance (even smoking is physically addictive). It also means building tolerance to that substance, so that a person needs a larger dose than ever before to get the same effects.

Someone who is physically addicted and stops using a substance like drugs, alcohol, or cigarettes may experience withdrawal symptoms. We have actually discussed in details some of the most common symptoms of withdrawal in the previous postings, however for the purpose of this article we can mention a few including: diarrhea, shaking, and generally feeling awful.

Distinction between substance abuse and addiction: Psychological addiction

Speaking to the experts from AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center under the able leadership of doctor Dalal Akoury, Psychological addiction often happens when the cravings for a drug are psychosomatic or emotive. People who are psychologically addicted feel overcome by their desire to have their drug of choice and they will do everything including telling lies or stealing just to get the drug. It therefore means that a person is deemed to have crossed the line between abuse and addiction when he or she is no longer trying the drug to have fun or get high, but has come to depend on it. At this point his or her whole life centers on the need for the drug. An addicted person whether it’s a physical or psychological addiction or both no longer feels like there is a choice in taking a substance.

Distinction between substance abuse and addiction: Signs of addiction

The most obvious sign of an addiction is the need to have a particular drug or substance. However, many other signs can suggest a possible addiction, such as changes in mood or weight loss or gain. These also are signs of other conditions too, though, such as depression or eating disorders. The following are some of the indicators that you or someone you know may have a drug or alcohol addiction:

Psychological signals

Use of drugs or alcohol as a way to forget problems or to relax
Withdrawal or keeping secrets from family and friends
Loss of interest in activities that used to be important
Problems with schoolwork, such as slipping grades or absences
Changes in friendships, such as hanging out only with friends who use drugs
Spending a lot of time figuring out how to get drugs
Stealing or selling belongings to be able to afford drugs
Failed attempts to stop taking drugs or drinking
Anxiety, anger, or depression
Mood swings

Physical signals

Changes in sleeping habits
Feeling shaky or sick when trying to stop
Needing to take more of the substance to get the same effect
Changes in eating habits, including weight loss or gain

Finally having got the distinction between substance abuse and addiction, you can now make a self-evaluation on you or your loved ones and if you notice any indication of addiction, you must chose to take prompt decision towards getting help by scheduling for an appointment with doctor Akoury today for a more in-depth professional treatment today.

Distinction between substance abuse and addiction: Eliminating the confusion and getting facts right

Celebrities are vulnerable of drug addiction

November 30, 2015

Celebrities are vulnerable of drug addiction: Alcohol programs and celebrities?

Celebrities are vulnerable of drug addiction this concern is closely associated with the demands of their lives and the pressure on them to deliver and keep to the top

The demands of life are increasingly becoming overwhelming to everyone. People of all races are waking up early and retiring very late in the night all to make ends meet. Target set by employers is even making life even more stressful and if this is to be compounded by drugs, life can become even more unbearable. All this is happening to people in equal measure and the sooner something is done, the better to everyone. Looking at different personalities across the globe, one group is always quite common with substance abuse reports almost every day. We are talking about the celebrities and their lifestyle. From the information we get in different media channels one will not be wrong to wonder why celebrities are vulnerable of drug addiction? I am almost certain that you have come across this question somewhere and so that now forms the basis of our discussion even as we develop this to understand why this is becoming the norm. It is no longer a secret that life is full of stress and pressures and especially in this day and age where people gauge everything they do in terms of success that comes from their products. To be precise and to the point success has become one of the prime importance giving rise to extreme competitiveness. With the strength with which drug addiction is making inroads to our societies, every one including celebrities must have a very strong mind in order to survive in this world intoxicated with substances.

Doctor Dalal Akoury MD, President and also the founder of AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center, is reiterating that it is important to note that even individuals with strong commitment and will, can still often break down due to the increasing pressures, and look for alternatives that would help them seek temporary relief. In many instances people often make adverse mistakes of turning to misuse of alcohol and drugs in order to deal with their stress which is not productive by all standards. While they are hoping to get better on account of these substances, unfortunately, they don’t always realize the dangers that are associated with turning to alcohol and drugs. And that introduces us to our next question that why do celebrities get addicted to alcohol and other substances?

Celebrities are vulnerable of drug addiction: Why do celebrities get addicted to alcohol?

There is no doubt that celebrities often live a very stressful and busy life, they are normally at the center of attention to their supporters and to the societies and with very little time for themselves in quiet and solitude. In the nature of their live, attending parties can be a frequent occurrence and drinking is in most cases the rule rather than an exception. Surprisingly and without knowing the pressures and stress these people bear with them every day many people may envy celebrities for their lifestyles that appear flashy and attractive from the outside. However, these people live very difficult and tough lives to the little knowledge of many. The truth is that celebs are under constant pressure including the competitiveness of the glamorous world is enormous, and it is always extremely difficult to survive unless one knows how to get things done and done right. Sometimes if not most of the times, celebs often turn to alcohol and drugs to cope and to get relief from constant stress and pressure. Doctor Akoury expresses the most unfortunate situations in the lives of most celebs is that quite often drinking and drug use get out of hand and becomes a major problem impacting on both of their personal lives, career and social life in the public. Hence, many celebs end up having to get enrolled to different rehabilitation centers for drug addiction treatment.

Celebrities are vulnerable of drug addiction: Do celebrities get treated specially during alcohol programs?

At AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center under the able leadership of doctor Dalal Akoury, all persons are passionately treated equally with dignity, respect, reverence and care. We take this as a condition in life that needs to be attended to medically and professionally as opposed to seeing it as a moral failing. Keen interest must be taken to note that alcohol addiction is a disorder and curing it is a process which is uniform for people from all walks of life. Therefore AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center is a great place with qualified and highly trained professionals not just for celebrities in need of treatment but also applicable to all people across the globe that are struggling with any kind of drug addiction. Up on scheduling for an appointment with doctor Dalal Akoury, special consideration will be taken on all individual client including, celebs and high profile people who will be expectant to receive, strict confidentiality throughout the treatment and even after the treatment period.

Celebrities are vulnerable of drug addiction: Challenges faced by celebrities during their stay at treatment programs?

When attending to clients at AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center, we are always keen on tailoring the treatment to suit the individual client’s needs and specifications. We understand the different needs of our clients and that is why when celebs visit our facility we take keen interest in their individual lifestyle while considering that generally time, concentration and dedication to the program are the key factors that pose challenges to the celebrities in their pursuit of freedom from addiction and dependence. We understand that celebrities may not want to spend an extended period in a rehab; they are often worried about what will happen to their career when the rehabilitation takes long. We look at all these and give to our client treatment that will be most desirable to their needs even as we advise then on the consequences of certain decision they may choose to take owing to the fact that addiction treatment is a process and not just a note time treatment agenda. Therefore as we come to the conclusion of this discussion, if you are struggling with any kind of addiction, you may want to consider scheduling for an appointment with doctor Dalal Akoury today for a one on one treatment and advice for the situation you have found yourself in.

Celebrities are vulnerable of drug addiction: Alcohol programs and celebrities?

Ruined careers due to alcohol and drug abuse

November 30, 2015

Ruined careers due to alcohol and drug abuse: How celebrities recovered from drug and alcohol abuse

Majority of ruined careers globally are as a result of alcohol and drug abuse. We are losing very good brains on account of substances and this must stop.

It is every ones dream to become somebody in life as they grow and make progress from one level to another. Meeting the challenges of life is such an uphill task in the current generation and so people have to work extra hard, smart and be consistent to realize the desired objectives. While this is a noble thing to do, it is always not a smooth sailing and many people have fallen along the way due to various reasons including misuse of alcohol and substance abuse. These substances have actually ruined careers, integrity, families, education, businesses, religion, health and many aspects of life. Because of the adverse effects of this, we want to seek the expert opinion of the professionals from AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center under the able leadership of doctor Dalal Akoury to help us understand certain facts under the topic of “ruined careers due to alcohol and drug abuse.” Even though drug addiction and alcohol abuse does not discriminate on who to affect, we want to focus this discussion on the effects these substances has had on the celebrities and how they have overcome or recovered from the jaws of drugs and alcohol abuse. From the available statistics, it is evident that alcohol and drug abuse has claimed several lives of many talented musicians and artists across the globe. These are people in the society that have contributed immensely in the development of our social fabric and even in our economic live yet at the mentioned of alcohol and drugs, we are losing several of these young talented brains to addiction.

It is true that a lot is being done to contain the scourge of addiction and because of that and despite the enormous challenges that come with drug addiction we have quite a number of celebrities that have it into successful journey of recovery. And without mentioning names of some of the celebrities who recovered from alcohol and drug abuse, we want to focus on some of the applications they relayed on as strength to be consistent and to keep motivated without stopping until they could finally live an alcohol and drug-free life. That now brings us to the worthy question that we all need to find answer to and that is “how did they or how were they able to change their lives?” doctor Dalal Akoury and her team of experts in addiction treatment are going to share with us some of the steps that are applicable into the journey of substance abuse recovery:

Resilient commitment to stop substance abuse
Objectives to motivate change
Support from people around you

The three may not be conclusive but for the purpose of this discussion, we want to seek the experts’ opinions of doctor Dalal Akoury and her team of expert about these three guidelines as follows:

Ruined careers due to alcohol and drug abuse: Resilient commitment to stop substance abuse

Before one can consider this as a problem in their lives, there will be a lot of push and pull, denial and hiding and secretiveness on the part of the direct victims. Many would not want to come to the realities of the problem at hand for the commencement of treatment in good time. Nonetheless today many celebrities have acknowledged their problems and have not just considered this a big stepping-stone for change, but have also appreciated the consequences of their former habits and choices. And even as this great step is made, the most challenging part of this journey however, squarely lies in the individual commitment of the victim to the journey of recovery. This is because even with this resolution to seek for help, there may still be some traces of denial even after admitting the drinking or drug problem. Doctor Akoury explains that because of this it is important that the victims take time to learn and to be motivated on how to accept the problem and do something about it. Therefore is necessary that you assess your choices and weigh the benefits to strengthen your commitment to stay sober and be drug-free for the rest of your life. If you find this an obstacle, then you need to schedule for an appointment with doctor Dalal Akoury for further professional direction.

Ruined careers due to alcohol and drug abuse: Objectives to motivate change

Setting goals play a big role in quitting substance abuse and it is always very important that you work within some frame work in everything you do. Drug addiction and misuse of alcohol is no different. Therefore recovered and recovering alcoholics didn’t just make a big change overnight or stepped into rehab and got out after just a few hours, NO it is a process. Remember that the process is gradual and revolves around goals and objectives set to recover from substance abuse. According to the experts from AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center, the more realistic and specific your goals are the better and greater chances of your fast recovery. Because of that is only fare for every addict that they remain focus on these goals and document all the ideas you want to apply on how you can achieve the set goals. It’s also important to remain upfront about your limits so you can better accomplish them says doctor Akoury.

Ruined careers due to alcohol and drug abuse: Support from people around you

Finally in this journey of recovery we must always appreciate that alone we may not move far. Therefore emotional and mental support will always be very necessary as they play a big role in substance abuse recovery. It is also true that you can recover on your own however the chances of relapse may be greater without proper supervision and support. That is why letting your family members and friends know that you’re recovering from substance abuse is necessary. Doing this may also mean that you distance yourself from people who don’t support your effort your resolve to live a drug and alcohol-free life. And remember that this is only the beginning of your recovery journey. It’s also important to create a new purpose in life where drug and alcohol have no place. We appreciate that this is not easy and that is why we are always ready to help you anytime at AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center, on making that very important appointment with us, will make sure that you undergo the best treatment for an optimum recovery that will leave you enjoying your life objectively thereafter.

Ruined careers due to alcohol and drug abuse: How celebrities recovered from drug and alcohol abuse

Healing addicted brain from cocaine abuse

November 28, 2015

Healing addicted brain from cocaine abuse: Why is this necessary?

Healing addicted brain from cocaine abuse is not only essential for addiction recovery but also a must do if this scourge of addiction is to be eliminated from our societies.

The adverse effect of drug addiction in human health is increasingly becoming a global disaster yet very little is being done to bring this to a stop. Many of the illicit drugs have been licensed for consumption and both the various governments and the business enterprises are reaping the profit of death every year at the pronouncement of the annual returns. Our streets are equally saturated with all manner of illicit drugs to the satisfaction of our hopeless and jobless youths and teens. Families are broken because of the consistent abuse of drugs by their bread winners and the grief is overwhelmingly destroying the moral fabric of our societies. This article alone is not enough for me to address all the issues and complications associated with drug use and therefore, we are going to zero in on one segment of this wide topic. I therefore want to welcome you to the discussion bout healing the addicted brain from cocaine abuse. If this is your first time being on this link, I want to encourage you to stay on the link and receive healthy tips of healing addicted brain from cocaine abuse straight from the experts at AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center. This is one of the best addiction recovery facilities with highly trained and qualified professionals of our time and they are up to the task if only you can schedule for an appointment with doctor Dalal Akoury MD, President and also the founder of the establishment.

Healing addicted brain from cocaine abuse: Cocaine users

Cocaine is one of the most dangerous opioids commonly used by many addicts to attain certain high feelings and for cocaine users, every high is often not enough even if the effect will cause them to pass out. This is so because these are stimulants which have greater effects on the brain thereby making each unit consumed a little less great to the intended user. Because of that they will continue to go back for another dose high intensity not withstanding in order to try and match their last high. According to the experts from AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center, doctor Akoury is registering that the horribly tragic thing about that quest of using more and more of cocaine is that they will never reach those highs again meaning that every next high results in lower highs and higher lows. And that now brings us to the focus of our discussion about healing the addicted brain from cocaine abuse. When there is a problem, the only logical thing to do is to seek and find solution to the problem and that is what we want to address progressively.

Healing addicted brain from cocaine abuse: Seeking for solutions

Over the past decades there has been a great deal of discussion about healing the addicted brain and whether or not true healing of an addicted brain is possible. This discussion is still on today because each day people are being lured into drugs and someone is also dying of the same. Experts are working around the clock and actually some progress is being realized. Studies have revealed that brain scans findings have established that in the short term, the revival of dopamine transporter (DAT) binding is not good. In one of the studies it was established that one month of discontinuance still shows an unambiguous drop in DAT binding. Nonetheless, in their further illustrations and in just fourteen months of abstinence there was clear evidence of an almost full return of dopamine transporter binding. It therefore means that when cocaine is first used, the dopamine levels in the brain will abnormally increase or skyrocket by two or three times. However, it is important to note that the moment this short high normally lasting approximately 12 hours, wears off, then dopamine levels will be depressed to lower than normal levels. Doctor Akoury explains that it is because of these occurrences that make the cocaine users to continually seek for more and more of the substance to satisfy the next high and to get their dopamine levels back above normal; just never quite as high as previous.

Healing addicted brain from cocaine abuse: Serotonin the neurotransmitter

Professionally and according to the experts from AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center under the able leadership of doctor Dalal Akoury, serotonin is another neurotransmitter that is very significant in playing the motivational role in the addicted brains inclination towards continued cocaine use. For better understanding of this fact, doctor Akoury is registering that it is important to appreciate the fact that serotonin is involved in a variety of physiological states impacting sexual behavior and even being culpable for things like depression. It therefore means that each time drug users indulges in the habit of alcohol drug abuse, serotonin will automatically be elevated and that implies that when they (drug users) makes an attempt of stopping their habit of drug use, their serotonin levels get depressed.

Finally and in relation to this discussion, doctor Akoury is reporting that there has been a lot of pharmacological use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) to raise a depressed individual’s serotonin levels without the use of the drugs that first elevated their high, like cocaine. She adds that professionally that has been helpful for many people, but besides that it is still very important that users’ needs to have their addicted brains treated for a complete healing. This is very essential if any meaningful and permanent solution is to be arrived at. Studies have actually established that it’s really the behavioral effects of the addicted brain that never fully return to normal, in some cases. However while the brains serotonin can be regulated through the use of SSRIs, and DAT binding returns to quasi-normal levels after prolonged discontinuance, there is always the X factor of whether or not these users will return to their prior behaviors. And that explains why it will always be necessary that recovering addicts continually consult with the experts on any new development that may crop up in their recovery process. This service must be done by qualified, trained and experienced professionals in all matters of alcohol and drug addiction. If you are wondering where to run to, then you now have a solution because doctor Dalal Akoury and her team of experts are always ready and willing to help on demand. All you need to do is to schedule for an appointment with her today and you will have a life time experience.

Healing addicted brain from cocaine abuse: Why is this necessary?

Brain detox for successful addiction recovery

November 27, 2015

Brain detox for successful addiction recovery: The genesis of addiction treatment

The reason why brain detoxification is essential for mental health is because the brain is the coordinator successful of all bodily functions. It is therefore important that drug abuse be treated across all age groups.

In life if you want to be successful in anything you do, you must be in good health for it to come to pass. When the brain is ailing the whole body will be ailing too and that is why when dealing with the complications of alcohol and drug addiction, the health of the brain is very essential. That is why we want to focus our discussion on the possibilities of brain detox for successful addiction recovery. Experts from AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center under the able leadership of doctor Dalal Akoury says that detoxing from drugs or alcohol can be a grueling experience but all the same it must be done because it is actually the genesis of addiction treatment whose primary goal is breaking the cycle of addiction and saving the value of life. And because we are talking about life we must emphasize that the successful detox will mark the beginning of the recovery process and mental health plays a significant role in determining the outcome says doctor Dalal Akoury MD, President and founder of AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center.

Brain detox for successful addiction recovery: The dynamics that fuel complications related to addiction

Still on the role of mental health in successful detox, it is important to note that this will always come with certain challenges because addiction itself is not only a problem but also a serious mental health disease. It is important to note that the very dynamics that fuel the disease of obsession, compulsion, stress, depression and poor judgment just to list a few examples are laid bare during the detox process, this should therefore challenge the patient to withstand the discomforts of withdrawal as and when they come. That actually means that one of the key elements of success in early recovery is the individual attitude. Doctor Dalal Akoury in her over two decades in administering addiction treatment to people across the globe registers that having the wrong attitude can be a primary determinant in the outcome of a course of treatment. Patients are therefore encouraged to remain focus and to fight any signs of denial by all means so that together this problem can be defeated in tis entirely.

One very fundamental fact that we must stay focused on is that withdrawal is a process that can actually kill when not properly managed. This is a condition in which addicts can suffer severe damages and actually when in its most severe form, alcohol or any substance withdrawal can cause complications including but not limited to fever, extreme nausea, delirium, tremors and seizures. Long-term use of anesthetics, especially Benzodiazepines, requires medical intervention in order to successfully eliminate dependency which can effectively be done at AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center up on scheduling for an appointment with doctor Dalal Akoury anytime any day of your choice. It is however important to note that the after-effects of withdrawal can last up to six months. Similarly, withdrawal from heroin or other opiates can cause extreme discomfort, and in the case of Methadone, can cause death. Meanwhile, detox from stimulants such as cocaine and methamphetamine poses fewer medical risks but can cause severe psychological discomfort.

The mental health component that treatment professionals hope for is the willingness to be compliant to cooperate in the brain detox process and hopefully have a goal in mind of long-term recovery. If this component is operative, then treatment can address both addiction and the underlying mental health issues. These underlying issues lie at the heart of addiction problem and are the key to solving it on a continuance basis. When these are identified and successfully addressed, the addict is less likely to feel that he or she must self-medicate in order to feel relief from an intolerable condition and that explains why brain detoxification is very essential in the whole process.

Brain detox for successful addiction recovery: Understanding drugs as one of the dark side of addiction treatment

Several drugs are administered in the treatment of addiction but this too can sometimes pose certain challenges. Like for instance just as an indicator of the scope of the current opioid addiction crisis, we can consider the following:

A single drug, intended to treat addiction, accounted for over one and a half billion dollars in sales annually. Originally billed as a safe alternative to methadone, buprenorphine primarily sold as Suboxone has a mixed history of success and unintended consequences in the world of addiction treatment.

Like methadone, Buprenorphine is an opioid. Opioids are substances that are classified as drug that includes any chemical that resembles morphine or other opiates in its pharmacological effects. The implication of that is that it produces a high besides causing dependency. This also appears to obey the law of diminishing returns in that using more of it does not produce a stronger high and the plateau effect is what makes Suboxone an attractive substitute for addicts seeking to manage their addiction. The inherent dangers of overdose, side effects from adulterants, and exposure to a criminal element when acquiring illegal drugs are all mitigated by taking a prescribed substance designed specifically to offer “harm reduction.” Alternatively, Suboxone is used to shift addicts’ primary addictions, after which a monitored tapering is employed with the ultimate goal of abstinence-based recovery.

Doctor Akoury is registering that although Suboxone, both as a maintenance drug and as an intermediary to abstinence, has had many successes it has its own dark side. The drug is often diverted from legitimate channels, and the profit motive has created a growing niche market. Clinics of dubious respectability dole out the drug with minimum restrictions, and people who don’t require or even like the drug personally buy it at the clinics and sell at a premium. There is enough of a euphoric high that there is a demand for Suboxone as a recreational drug, and now the safety of its use is being called into question. Those are just but a few dark sides of the drugs we often use and therefore we must all be on the look out to ensure that when looking at the role of mental health in successful detox, we do not slip into the dark side of the drugs we use. We all ore one another the duty of care by ensuring that drugs are only used for their intended purpose. You may want to get more clarifications from the experts at AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center, by scheduling for an appointment with doctor Dalal Akoury today.

Category Archives: addiction