Marijuana withdrawal Definitive Symptoms

September 18, 2014

Marijuana withdrawal Definitive Symptoms Cannabis withdrawal involves at least two psychological and one physiological symptom

Marijuana withdrawal

Marijuana Cannabis withdrawal involves the experiencing of at least two psychological and one physiological symptom after ceasing heavy and prolonged use of marijuana. Some psychological symptoms are being Irritable, Anxiety, Depressed mood, being Restless, insomnia, reduced appetite and weight loss. Physical symptoms include abdominal pain, shaking, fever and headaches. These withdrawal symptoms cause a person to be distressed and interference with school, work, or any other daily responsibilities. Many cannabis users agree that withdrawal symptoms make it difficult for them to quit or have contributed to relapse. Most symptoms normally begin within the first 24–72 hours of cessation, peaking within the first week, and lasting approximately 1–2 weeks. Sleep difficulties may last more than 30 days. However, Withdrawal tends to be more common and severe among adults, mostly because of the more persistent and greater frequency and quantity of use among adults.

Marijuana screening

A lawful and effective detection for cannabis can take lots of time, and tests cannot define an exact degree of impairment. Nevertheless, The focusses obtained from such analyses be helpful in differentiating between active use from passive publicity, time since use, and the degree or period of use. The Duquenois-Levine test is normally used as a screening test in the field, but it cannot confirm the existence of cannabis, as a large variety of substances have been shown to provide false positives. The Duquenois–Levine test is a modest chemical color reaction test originally established in the 1930s by Pierre Duquénois. these tests involve a police officer breaking the seal of a tiny micropipette of chemicals, and placing an element of the assumed substance; should the chemicals turn purple, this shows the prospect of marijuana. The color variations can however be subtle, and readings can also vary by the surveyor.

Cows Score Withdrawal(Clinical Opiate Withdrawal Scale)

Marijuana intake before and during treatment decreased the patients score on the Clinical Opiate Withdrawal Scale (COWS) According to the Thomas Jefferson University study .This measure is used to accurately define withdrawal symptoms in opiate-dependent patients. The lesser scores specify that cannabis plays a part in decreasing the symptoms of opiate withdrawal.

DSM-V Criteria And Its Relevance In Marijuana Dependency

(DSM-V) also known as Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders is used to eradicate the disease kinds for substance abuse and dependence and swaps it with a new “addictions and related disorders”

Eradicating the kind of dependence helps in better distinguishing between the compulsive drug-seeking behavior of addiction and ordinary responses of tolerance and withdrawal that some patients experience when using prescribed treatments that affect the central nervous system, Also new to the DSM-V are diagnostic criteria for “cannabis withdrawal,”. Outcomes in “clinically important distress or impairment in social or any other essential areas of working,” and is characterized by at least three of these symptoms: anger, aggression, irritability, anxiety or nervousness; insomnia, decreased appetite or weight loss; restlessness, sweating, fever, chills, and headache.

Screening

Quantity and frequency of joints per day

There is no known comparable portion of cannabis consumption, possibly due to encounters such as varied joint size, tetra hydro cannabinol content, and ways of delivery Cannabis-related problems, measured by smoking, the alcohol and Substance Connection Screening Test, were foreseen from cannabis use frequency and quantity controlling for gender and age. This sample included 665 participants between the age of 15-67. Cannabis use occurrence and quantity were clearly linked with cannabis-related difficulties. People who smoked cannabis daily were at the highest risk of problems. Controlling for occurrence, the effect of quantity remained important for disappointment to do what is expected due to cannabis use. Research advises that quantity, above and beyond frequency, is a vital predictor of cannabis problems

Urine THC can last weeks after stopping

Cannabis use can often be detected up to 5 days after exposure for people who don’t use it often but up to 15 days for people who use it heavily. People with high body fat can last up to 30 days^[, an occasional or on-off user would be very unlikely to test positive beyond 3–4 days since the last use and a chronic user would be unlikely to test positive much beyond 7 days. The maximum likely times are 7 days and 21 days, in that order. In extraordinary circumstances of extended marijuana use, detection times of more than 30 days are possible in some individuals. Nevertheless, one needs to remember that every person is different, and exposure times can vary due to other factors. Cases^]Common known pharmaceutical drugs which cause false positives in instant THC dip tests include: Ibuprofen, Dronabinol, ketoprofen e.t.c

“Spice” can be wide variety of substance

The word ”Spice” refers to a extensive variety of herbal mixtures that produce know-hows comparable to marijuana (cannabis) and that are labelled as “safe,” legal alternatives to that drug. Usually dispensed or sold under several names, including K2, fake weed, Yucatan Fire, Skunk, Moon Rocks, among others — and also usually labeled “not fit for human consumption” — these products usually comprise of some dried, shredded plant material and chemical spices that are accountable and responsible for their psychoactive (mind-altering) Labels on Spice products often claim that they contain “natural” psycho-active material taken from a variety of plants. Spice products do contain dried plant material, but chemical analyses show that their active ingredients are synthetic (or designer) cannabinoid compounds. Another selling point is that the chemicals used in Spice are not easily detected in standard drug tests.

Marijuana withdrawal Definitive Symptoms Cannabis withdrawal involves at least two psychological and one physiological symptom

Treating Cancer – Related Thrombosis

September 18, 2014

Assessing and Treating Cancer – Related Thrombosis

Cancer – related thrombosis has been one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in patients. Its significance has been underscored by the fact that the condition can actually affect patients regardless of the stage at which the disease is. In this essay, we shall discuss an integrative approach that can be used to inhibit this condition in cancer patients. Basically, the approach that is used seeks to do two important things: make the tumor host terrain conducive to optimal health while being non – conducive to the growth and development of cancer cells through metastasis. Our focus shall be on different ways by which this objective can be achieved.

How cancer cells use angiogenesis to grow

The growth and development of cancer takes place through a series of complex and interrelated steps. An important thing to understand, though, is that for cancer cells to successfully grow, they have to be provided by a regular supply of oxygenated blood. This calls for a rich supply of blood vessels in the body of the patient. In general, a normal human body has an inbuilt mechanism by which new blood vessels are generated and develop for specific functions. This process, called angiogenesis, is vital for different purposes such as general healing of a wound and even during the process of embryo formation. Unfortunately, it is this processes that cancer cells make use of to achieve what they need most: blood supply. The cells literally hijack the process of angiogenesis and use it as a basis to support their growth and possible metastasis in the future.

molecules involved in clotting and cancer

The process of metastasis

It is important to note that metastasis of cancer cells occurs in several interconnected steps. First, after apparently normal cells of the body have been changed into completely tumor cells, a heavy network of capillaries is built around the cells. This process, angiogenesis, is necessary for the cells to develop and grow further. Research has indicated that cancerous cells are able to hasten the process by producing factors that promote angiogenesis. This build up in supply is necessary for the cells to get to the next stage which is invading the body cells of the host. After invading local body cells the newly develop cancer cells then undergo a process of breaking free from the original mass and spreading to other parts of the body. Cancer cells, in singular or groups, break away from the original mass and get spread through the supply system of the body. Although some are destroyed, there is always a good amount of cells which survive. It is the surviving cells that move across the body, find a new organ or tissue upon which to base their growth and begin the process of getting a new supply of blood afresh. This sets a new foundation for the process to repeat itself.

The role of Angiogenesis

It is the role that angiogenesis plays in this process that has stimulated a lot of research in use of therapies that inhibit it. The thinking behind this approach is that once the process has been inhibited, cancer cells will be deprived of their most vital resource: blood supply thus being condemned to an early death. The crux of the matter, however, is that with the use of anti – angiogenesis drugs comes the risk of cancer – related thrombosis. The problem is complicated further when one considers that different types of conventional cancer therapies have also been known to increase the possibility of the occurrence of cancer – related thrombosis in cancer patients.

Integrative approach to treat cancer – related thrombosis

This, therefore, calls for an integrative approach to treatment that arrests the process of metastasis while at the same time promoting optimal growth and reducing the possibility of cancer – related thrombosis. There are several things that such an approach is made up of which include the use of botanicals, botanical compounds, enzymes, nutritionals, diet and life-style changes.

Lifestyle changes

It is important for cancer patients to carefully observe their lifestyles. Leading a healthy and active lifestyle plays a key role in reducing the possibility of one developing any of the different forms of cancer – related thrombosis. Furthermore, by using a diet that contains foods rich in different minerals such as vitamin E, omega – 3 fatty acids and polyphenol, it has been established that one would be reducing the possibility of such an occurrence.

Use of botanicals

There are several different botanicals that have been used to reduce angiogenesis and, by extension, occurrence of cancer – related thrombosis in patients. For instance, some herbs used in Traditional Chinese Medicine have been found to exhibit these properties. Also, green tea, which contains a relatively high proportion of polyphenols, can be a useful product. However, the bulk of research on this score has been on botanicals such as Chinese wormwood Curcumin. The research has been focused on how particular agents found in these plants can be used effectively to counter the effects of particular cancer therapies in promoting the process of angiogenesis upon which metastasis and cancer – related thrombosis are based.

For years, our focus here at AWAREmed, has been to use the best available practices to ensure that our patients are free from the possibility of cancer – related thrombosis. To achieve this, we use a sound approach that is completely personalized to the needs of our clients, thus guaranteeing them the best services in integrative approach to cancer treatment.

Assessing and Treating Cancer – Related Thrombosis

THC on Neurodevelopment of Fetuses

September 17, 2014

Long Term of THC on Neurodevelopment of Fetuses

The most vulnerable state in a woman’s life is during pregnancy. This is because at this time she not only has one life to take care of but also another young life that is even more vulnerable. This therefore calls for caution. A woman who is pregnant should be wary of what passes through her mouth and proceeds right into her body. This is because whatever she eats can either make her gestation period and life after a healthy affair or a nightmare. More often than note the life behaviors of a pregnant mother impacts on the life of the foetus as well and therefore it is important for a pregnant woman to distance herself from all drugs and other risky life choices that may impact negatively on the life of her offspring. Just as good nutrition and clinical visits are emphasized to pregnant women it is also good to encourage these women to stay away from harmful drugs like cocaine, bhang and even alcohol. Unfortunately pregnant women have not seen the need to quit indulging in these risky behaviors even when they are expectant. If current research findings are to be believed, about 4% of women in the USA use illicit drugs while pregnant. Seventy five percent of these cases report the use of marijuana. Despite the widespread use of this product, the public is not aware of the potential neurobehavioral effects of this drug on the fetus or the newborn infant. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the most effective compound found in cannabis sativa. Unfortunately it is effective for all the wrong reasons as it affects the neurodevelopment in fetus and newborn infants. Needless to say it has been used in few doses to avoid nausea and vomit in cancer patients. It has also been used to increase appetite in patients but when used for non medical reasons nothing good can come out of this compound.

THC

Effects of cannabis during pregnancy

Recent studies have proved that children who are exposed to marijuana prenatally encounter such problems as social and cognitive disturbances. One of these study suggested exposing children to heavy marijuana use prenatally increased the risk of giving birth to low weight babies and the reduced head circumference in teenagers is a proof to this argument. It is also exposing fetus to heavy marijuana use prenatally increased the risk of childhood leukemia. Exposing fetus to heavy use of marijuana prenatally also resulted in both long term and short term memory loss. Even as the infants grow into youths they become very poor in judgmental skills and mostly become very slow in learning and adopting new ideas.

In another study, 42 postmortem fetal brain samples from pregnant women at mid gestation (between 18 – 22 weeks old) who voluntarily underwent saline induced abortion, a decrease in dopamine receptor (D2) mRNA expression in amygdala with significant prevalence in male fetuses. 7 Extensive marijuana exposure in utero was associated with the lowest reported mRNA levels. However this study did not show whether this change is transient or permanent but still it was able to prove that exposure to heavy use of marijuana resulted in low mRNA levels.

Effects of Cannabis during breast feeding

When a woman continues to use marijuana, the THC compound in it will not quit causing the side effects it is known for to this infant but will still continue to hurt the life of the infant. The compound will not stay in the mother alone but will be passed to the infant when breast feeding since it is secreted in milk. This may cause side effects in the life of the infant as it will be absorbed and retained in the body of the infant. Researchers opine that at the point of intake into the infant the proportions of the dangerous compound in the milk is minimal to cause any clinical problems but it is sufficient enough to cause serious long-term effects in the infant. It may take time but in the end it affects the neurobehavioral functioning of an infant .Infants exposed to marijuana through breast milk will test positive in urine screens for about 2-3 weeks. One study of 16 women indicated decreased plasma levels of prolactin especially in the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle.

thc

THC decreases IQ in children

When you are pregnant but you choose to indulge in using marijuana during your pregnancy be sure to have a child that is not very well upstairs. The exposure of a child to THC prenatally will decrease their Intelligence Quotient. This problem affects the teens as that is the period that they try to accomplish things by themselves. Most of the dangers that THC cause to infants are seen during the teen. They become poor planners which make it rather difficult to keep the pace with their other fellows.

The use of marijuana in pregnant women is a cause for concern everywhere and it is advisable that women should stay away from using marijuana not only for their health but also for the life of their offspring. The effects of marijuana that they absorb in their blood during infancy end up affecting them during their entire lives. THC is a dangerous compound and so women should avoid interacting with it to save their children from long-term neurobehavioral anomalies.

Dr. Dalal Akoury (MD) is an experienced doctor that has helped many cancer patients in their fight against the disease. She is also dedicated to offer help to addiction patients. She founded AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center which is home to many people seeking health breakthrough. Call on her now and learn more on how to fight drug addiction.

Long Term of THC on Neurodevelopment of Fetuses

Methamphetamine and Pregnant Women

September 16, 2014

Methamphetamine Causes Health Problems to Pregnant Women

Methamphetamine is drug with many names, users have given it very many names but this is not strange as this is always the case with any illegal drug. This drug is illegal and users call it crank, ice, speed, crystal and meth just among the many tittles it has got just in a bid to conceal what it really is from concerned authorities. This drug is used as a stimulant. It works in such a way that it floods the brain with extra dopamine hence stimulating the entire central nervous system (CNS). Dopamine is a chemical that is known to stimulate pleasure and this has led to use of not only meth but also other illegal drugs that induce production of dopamine.

methamphetamine

The use of this drug is not good especially to the women who are on their way to being mothers. Pregnant women should avoid the use of this drug more than anybody else. This is because it affects pregnancy negatively in many ways and if a woman continues to indulge in the risky behavior of using this drug when pregnant then at least she should know the dangers she is exposing herself to.

Generally, Methamphetamine causes irregular heartbeat, insomnia, paranoia, anxiety, heart damage, stomach cramps and high blood pressure just among the many side effects it’s known to cause. These side effects are not good for a pregnant woman and affects them adversely here are some more was that this drug adversely affects the life of a pregnant mother.

Methamphetamine may cause Placenta Abruption

Placenta abruption is the case when the placenta prematurely gets detached from the uterine wall. When placenta gets detached from the uterine wall before labor has begun it is termed premature and it can cause even death of both the mother and the child if emergency medical attention is not sought. Normally, the placenta remains attached to the uterine wall until after delivery after which it gets detached in thirty minutes. If accidental abruption occurs, emergency cesarean procedure must be done without which the mother and the baby may be lost to death. Methamphetamine affects the placenta adversely as it constricts the blood vessels hence causing lack of oxygen and nutrients to the baby. This leads to long term effects on the baby as a result of lack of significant nutrients in early life. Placenta abruption is dangerous and therefore it is worth quitting the use of methamphetamine for.

Meth and Preterm labor

Naturally the body of a woman should be able to know the right time to give birth but women who are victims of drug addictions have their bodies disabled to sense this right time. This may lead to early labor. Scientists have not made it known what causes the contractions during the 9 month gestation periods but several research findings have found that women who continue to use meth during their pregnancy mostly fail to contain the pregnancy to the full nine months. In United States alone half of women who use this drug during their pregnancy fail to carry the pregnancy to full term. Most of women using this drug give birth to underweight babies if they are lucky enough to carry the pregnancy to the full term.

Methamphetamine causes high blood pressure

As scientists have proved, Methamphetamine increases catecholamine activity in the branch of the peripheral nervous system responsible for controlling heart rate and blood pressure. This is the basis of all the heart related problems caused by this drug; Excessive catecholamine activity. The high levels of catecholamine are cardio toxic hence causing constriction and spasm of the blood vessels, rapid heart rate (tachycardia), high blood pressure (hypertension), and rupture of heart muscles. It may also lead to increment in the sizes of heart muscle tissues which in turn narrows the heart muscles. In the end of it narrow vessels leads to high pressure building in the blood vessels. Possible death of the heart muscle.

methamphetamine

In pregnant mothers high blood pressure can cause serious complications, the foetus is still having most of its features being developed and its blood vessels are still very weak to put up with high blood pressure.

Methamphetamine and Growth retardation

A child who is born of a mother who is addicted to meth and continued to use it during the gestation period is exposed to myriad of health problems. To begin with it is known that the drug constricts the vessels through which oxygen and nutrients are transferred from the mother to the baby, this causes deficit in the nutrients that reaches the baby and this explains why most women who continued to use this drug end up giving birth to babies that are underweight. These nutrients that the baby has missed are very crucial for its growth and this is just one way through which the use of methamphetamine causes growth retardation in babies born of mothers addicted to this drug.

Generally, a pregnant woman should avoid the use of methamphetamine at all costs as it causes serious health problems to both of the baby and the mother. Among other problems that it can cause is stillbirth. This is when a baby dies in the uterus after being alive for the 24 weeks. No woman would be happy to have a stillborn baby and so all pregnant mothers should avoid methamphetamine.

Dr. Dalal Akoury (MD) is an experienced doctor that has helped many cancer patients in their fight against the disease. She is also dedicated to offer help to addiction patients. She founded AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center which is home to many people seeking health breakthrough. Call on her now and learn more on how to fight drug addiction.

Methamphetamine Causes Health Problems to Pregnant Women

Healing Sexless Marriage

September 16, 2014

When the flame goes out: healing a sexless marriage

The sparkle goes out of perfectly normal marriage every once in a while. It is unusual however to have continued months, or even years of celibacy in marriage. Conjugal relations can become ‘dead’ and unstimulating, becoming just another chore on a long to-do list.

Either way, it is frustrating and can really have one or both partners feeling unfulfilled or unwanted. How does a couple that couldn’t keep their hands off each other turn into ‘that’ couple? Well, focusing on an endless hierarchy of needs can cause a couple to get caught in the rat race. Career demands can interrupt a couple’s time destroying romantic intentions. Caring for children and elderly parents can also take their toll on the marriage. All that responsibility placed on a couple can cause them to feel overwhelmed and responsible for their comfort and happiness. Constant disagreements, bickering and not really listening to your partner can also drive a wedge between a couple that is reflected in the bedroom. All is not lost. There are a few things a couple can try to get things back on track in their sex life.

Physicality.

Go for a full body check-up. Make sure there is nothing wrong with either of you. Discuss the effects any medications and contraceptive methods may be playing into the situation. Confront any issues like vaginal dryness, premature ejaculation etc that inhibit your intimate time together. Get to the bottom of them and look for solutions with a qualified medic.

Keep fit

Maintain your fitness. A regular exercise regimen reduces stress, increases feel-good endorphins and makes you feel more alive. It might also make a couple look and feel more attractive besides, the more admiring looks a couple gets, the more desirable and passionate they feel!

Communicate sexually

Get a discussion going about what turns you on. There is a whole buffet of unexplored sexual territory that you may have overlooked. Find out how your partner’s needs have evolved and stay interested. It might be much easier to share erotic fantasies on an impersonal medium on email or private chat rooms. The idea is to find points of convergence, experimentation and no-go zones in a gentle non-judgmental way.

Flirt and tease

Married couples often assume marriage means consent, and so don’t bother seducing their beloved. They either ask for sex as if it were a business transaction or wait until they are propositioned. Make the most of small opportunities to make romantic gestures and always leave them wanting a little bit more. Cook your beloved breakfast in bed and surprise them with a stimulating massage.

Clear up any resentments

If there are any deep seated issues in the marriage, try resolve them as soon as you can. Don’t let things fester. They will eventually turn up in the bedroom. Matters of infidelity, in-laws and finances can cause strain on a relationship. Consider hiring outside help from a qualified psychologist, sex or relationship therapist to get to the bottom of deep seated issues. Your sex life will be hotter for it!

Be adventurous

Try some of the things on each other’s ‘maybe’ sex lists. It could surprise you to find that you enjoy them! It will be a great turn on to them and a romantic expression of love that can only fan the flames of love. The idea is to be playful, creative, sly demanding etc. Just let go and enjoy the freedom of being your lover’s chosen one.

Make sex a priority

There is no getting around it. Couples with a healthy intimate life make time for it. It doesn’t happen by accident. It is deliberate and requires a lot of dedication. Sometimes it is deciding to learn different techniques, sometimes it means forfeiting certain acts that feel unpleasant to your beloved. Whatever the case, take the time to learn more and more about each other’s bodies and erotic desires.

Find your passion

The fuel that causes great adventures between the sheets also creates excitement in many other areas of life. So if there is a lack of passion in a marriage, chances are there are other areas in life that need to be reignited. Find things that stimulate you and return that spring in your step. Take up mountain climbing, repair vintage cars, start a business, start a homeless shelter etc. You’ll know you’re on the right track when you can laugh at a silly joke for minutes on end.

Sexless seasons come and go, but they do not have to be permanent. Get out of that rut by trying one of these tips. Your spouse will become your lover once more.

When the flame goes out: healing a sexless marriage

Category Archives: addiction