Category Archives: addiction

Are there any Remedies for Serotonin Disturbances And Addiction Treatment?

August 12, 2014

Natural Remedies For Serotonin Disturbances And Addiction Treatment

What is serotonin?

This is a chemical which acts as a neurotransmitter. It helps in relays of signals from one region of the brain to the other. Serotonin is normally created from a biochemical conversion process in which it combines tryptophan, a protein component, with tryptophan hydroxylase which is a chemical reactor. When combined together they form 55-hydroxyltryptamine (5-HT), the substance which is also referred to as serotonin. This compound is sometimes considered to be a hormone, though looking at its functionality it actually reassembles a neurotransmitter.

Where does serotonin originate?

Serotonin is normally manufactured in the brain and in the intestines. It can be found in platelets and the central nervous system though majority of them are found in the gastrointestinal tract. It is important to note that serotonin cannot cross the blood-brain barriers and hence the serotonin that is used in the brain must be produced from within the brain.

serotonin syndrome

Serotonin is believed to be an important chemical that plays role in the body psychological functions such as mood and social behavior, sleep, memory, sexual desire among many others.

What causes serotonin syndrome?

This is a potentially serious drug interaction which occurs due to excessive accumulation of serotonin in the brain. This condition usually occurs when a given medication is started or increased. In most cases it occurs when two medications are taken together.

Normally, serotonin is produced by mind to help in regulation of activities such as digestion, blood flow, breathing and body temperatures. Medication that is normally prescribed to the addicted persons especially those intended to treat depression, pains, headache etc. if taken together they have been proven to cause this condition. Due to these side effects, we need to use more friendly methods in the treatment of addiction as well as when restoring serotonin.

What are the natural remedies for serotonin syndrome?

The natural ways of increasing the levels of serotonin and hence causing balance and treating the symptoms of serotonin can be achieved naturally by use of supplements. There are a number of supplements which through researches have been proven to work effectively in the increasing of serotonin levels in the body. Let’s now look at some of these supplements:-

  • 5-HTP – our bodies manufactures 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) from tryptophan and then converts it into serotonin. A supplement of this compound can be taken directly into the body in the form of 5-HTP. This supplement is absorbed into the body easily and is able to cross the blood-brain barriers unlike serotonin, and where after crossing the barriers it gets converted into serotonin. 5-HTP has been confirmed clinically to have stronger serotonin support than the other related compound, (L-tryptophan). It can therefore be very effective in the treatment of sleep disorders, depression as well as eating and panic disorders.

How is it taken? This supplement works best when taken while the stomach is empty between 3:00 – 4:00pm and again during bedtime. The dose should be started at low, preferably at 50mg and then gradually increased with time, until the point that is most appropriate.

  • L-Tryptophan – this is an amino acid which is required by the body in the process of synthesizing serotonin. Conversion of L-tryptophan to serotonin is a two-step process and in the process, 5-HTP is synthesized as an intermediate step. When L-tryptophan is used as a supplement, it enhances the synthesis of serotonin and also increases the levels of serotonin in the body. This supplement is generally considered to be gentle on the body than 5-HTP. It has been therefore used in the treatment of un-depressed, healthy people to be able to process information in a more positive way.

serotonin syndrome

How is it administered? Since this is a more light supplement than 5-HTP, its dosage is higher than that of 5-HTP. For optimum dosage, 3000 to 6000mg of the supplement is recommended per day. Just like with 5-HTP, the supplement best works when taken while the stomach is empty and thus it should be taken when one has not taken food for the previous one or two hours. The dosage can be incremented but this change must be gradual starting from a low dose.

  • SAM-e – this refers to S-edenosyl methionine, which is produced from amino acids. It is present in all the body cells and it is an essential component in many reactions. One of these reactions in which it is required is in the synthesis of serotonin. This supplement has been used for over 30years in the treatment of depression.
  • Saint John’s Wort – this is a natural medication which is obtained from an extract of the plant know as Saint John’s Wort. The extracts of this plant are known to exert their anti-depressant actions through inhibition of the reuptake of serotonin as well as norepinephrine and dopamine. This makes more of neurotransmitters available in the brain. This play an important role in the well-being of the person.

How is it administered? Just like the other supplements it works better when taken with the stomach empty. The optimal dosage rate per day is 600 – 1200mg, of the standardized herbal extract which contains around 0.3% hypericin.

Natural Remedies For Serotonin Disturbances And Addiction Treatment

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Alcohol the substance of Early Death

August 12, 2014

Alcohol the substance of Early Death – Drug Addiction

Alcohol

The display in alcohol shops are very glittering but the effects of alcohol content in them is very fatal. Do i say it is the business of death!

The title of this article should not scare you in any way because it is not a fiction in any way. Alcohol is not only the number one addictive substance but also number one killer. It is leading because it does not only kill its abusers but also very innocent people who have never tasted alcohol in their entire life time. The magnitude of alcohol effects are so real and many that researchers have had difficult time determining exactly what are the consequences of drinking this substance which has been associated with earlier death. The health complications associated with alcohol consumption include heart attack, diabetes, heart failure and stroke or lung disease. Therefore those who drink regularly are subjecting their life into several risks including:

  • People who drink regularly have a higher rate of death from injury, accidents or violence triggered by alcohol consumption.
  • Alcohol overdose may lead to death. The danger is so particular with young people in the adolescence stage of life. Young people may want to impress their peers with their ability to drink alcohol, the feelings of belonging motivates them into taking alcohol even though they may not be able to gauge its effects. However it is important to note that alcohol overdose doesn’t only occur from any one heavy drinking incident, but may also occur from a constant infusion of alcohol in the bloodstream.
  • Severe withdrawal and delirium tremens. Delirium tremens occurs in about 5% of alcoholics. It includes progressively severe withdrawal symptoms and altered mental states and in some cases, it can be fatal.
  • Frequent, heavy alcohol use directly harms many areas in the body and produce dangerous health conditions like liver damage, pancreatitis, anemia, upper gastrointestinal bleeding, nerve damage, and erectile dysfunction.
  • Alcohol abusers who need surgery have an increased risk of postoperative complications, including infections, bleeding, insufficient heart and lung functions, and problems with wound healing. Alcohol withdrawal symptoms after surgery may impose further stress on the patient and hinder recuperation.

Alcohol the substance of Early Death – The Effects of Hangover

  • Although not traditionally thought of as a medical problem, hangovers have significant consequences that include changes in liver function, hormonal balance, and mental functioning and an increased risk for depression and cardiac events.
  • Hangovers can impair job performance, increasing the risk for mistakes and accidents.
  • Hangovers are generally more common in light-to-moderate drinkers than heavy and chronic drinkers, suggesting that binge drinking can be as threatening as chronic drinking.
  • Any man who drinks more than five drinks or any woman who has more than three drinks at one time is at risk for a hangover.

Alcohol the substance of Early Death – Accidents, Suicide, and Murder

Majority of deaths on our roads are facilitated by drink driving giving alcohol lead role in accidents, suicide, and crime therefore:

  • Alcohol plays a major role in more than half of all automobile fatalities across the globe.
  • Alcohol-related automobile accidents are the leading causes of death in young people.
  • When it comes to alcohol we do not have favorable limits for safe drinking because two drinks can impair the ability to drive and even one drink may double the risk of injury, and more than four drinks increase the risk by 11 times therefore the only safe way is not drinking at all.
  • Alcoholism is the primary diagnosis in a quarter of all people who commit suicide.
  • Alcohol is implicated in over half of all murder cases, with this ratio of one to one you can only desire to stop drinking.

Alcohol the substance of Early Death – Domestic Violence

If you have been to the alcoholic residence, you may have notice the elusiveness of peace and poor or no communication, conflicts and suspicion. The members of such households are not independent and expressive than non-alcoholic households or even recovering alcoholic parents. Domestic violence is a common consequence of alcohol abuse.

Effect on Women – women often are the victims of domestic violence, they incur serious injuries from their male partners who are abusing alcohol

Effect on Children – alcoholism in parents also increases the risk for violent behavior and abuse toward children. Children of alcoholic parents tend to do worse academically than others, have a higher incidence of depression, anxiety, and stress and lower self-esteem than their peers. In addition to their own inherited risk for later alcoholism, many children of alcoholics have serious coping problems that may last their entire life. Adult children of alcoholic parents are at higher risk for divorce and for psychiatric symptoms.

Alcohol the substance of Early Death – Other Addictions

Recent studies are finding some relationship between genetic factors in alcohol and nicotine addiction relationship which may explain partially why alcoholics are often smokers. Alcohol consumption combine with smoking can be life threatening some studies have established that people who are alcohol-dependent and also smoke at the same time are more likely to die of smoking-related illnesses than alcohol-related conditions. Abuse of other drugs is also common among alcoholics. For more you can make reference in our previous article mixing alcohol with other drugs-dual diagnosis

Alcohol the substance of Early Death – Liver Disorders

Alcoholic Hepatitis and Cirrhosis – Alcohol is absorbed in the small intestine and passes directly into the liver, where it becomes the preferred energy source thereby endangering the functions of the liver where alcohol is converted to toxic chemicals like acetaldehyde, which trigger the production of immune factors called cytokines when these appears in large amounts they can cause inflammation and tissue injury. Even moderate alcohol intake can produce pain in the upper right quarter of the abdomen — a possible symptom of liver involvement. In many cases, such symptoms may be an indication of fatty liver or alcohol hepatitis, which are reversible liver conditions. Many alcohol consumers often drink on an empty stomach this increases the risk for liver damage.

Hepatitis B and C – People with alcoholism may have lifestyles that put them at higher risk for hepatitis B and C. Chronic forms of viral hepatitis pose risks for cirrhosis and liver cancer, and alcoholism significantly increases these risks. People with alcoholism should be immunized against hepatitis B. There is no vaccine for hepatitis C. the dangers of not having a vaccine can only mean that if you are alcoholic then more health problems. You can recover from all these by visiting AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center. This facility is founded by doctor Dalal Akoury is well known for her commitment in eradicating addiction and other related health complications. She is an expert of several decades and administers treatment efficiently and naturally by focusing on Neuroendocrine Restoration (NER) to reinstate normality through realization of the oneness of Spirit, Mind, and Body, Unifying the threesome into ONE. The unity of these elements will be the much needed breakthrough for your addiction problem.

Alcohol the substance of Early Death – Drug Addiction

 

 

 

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Addiction Kills Robin Williams Addiction, Depression a Death Sentence

August 11, 2014

 

The Oscar-winning actor and comedian Robin Williams died this morning in California

Addiction Kills Robin Williams  Addiction; a Death Sentence; How long should it take for us to realize that addiction is a true crisis that is reaching an epidemic Level? How long should it take for us to realize that the current addiction treatment Programs are failing? How many talents and amazing souls should we lose before we know that addiction recovery need national attention?  Addiction Kills Robin Williams  Addiction; a Death Sentence, What are we waiting for

 

President Obama said in a statement on the Robin’s passing: “Robin Williams was an airman, a doctor, a genie, a nanny, a president, a professor, a bangarang Peter Pan, and everything in between. But he was one of a kind. He arrived in our lives as an alien – but he ended up touching every element of the human spirit. He made us laugh. He made us cry. He gave his immeasurable talent freely and generously to those who needed it most – from our troops stationed abroad to the marginalized on our own streets.”  Addiction Kills Robin Williams  Addiction; a Death Sentence

 Robin Williams death brings attention to drug addiction,  Addiction Kills Robin Williams

The sudden death of actor Robin Williams on August 11th is as sad as what caused the death, Narcotics, cocaine Addiction, depression and finally suicide. Robin battled addiction for many decades since 1978 (actually over 36 years), and then untimely dying of a addiction, depression, and suicide highlights the seriousness of alcoholism, cocaine addiction and relapse. Robin Just got in and out of rehab this past July, he was persistently trying to fine-tune and focus on his continued commitment to rehab.” Robin was such a darling to many people (me too) and passing on at only 63 years old even makes his death even more saddening. In his lifetime, Robin had won several prestigious awards including an Oscar and several nominations. His final relapse into using heroin- a narcotic, even after attending rehab centers for addiction recovery programs prompted me to share this piece of writing.

Addiction Kills Robin Williams.

Addiction Kills Robin Williams Addiction; a Death Sentence

Robin Williams relapse clearly shows the effects of not taking a proper recovery program, focusing a more complete holistic natural addiction recovery. It’s stated that Williams had resisted his addiction for 23 years. And even though he finally went back into using drugs, this period of time commands some appreciable thumbs up. Medical experts however conclusively say that it’s not a surprise that Williams fall into the trap of addiction once more. Narcotics Addiction is a chronic disease and if of one manages to recover from it for a few years, it’s still possible that person can experience a relapse. There are several triggers of relapse, and for the case of Williams, it’s believed that a pain killer could have played a part in his relapse. Furthermore other important possible reasons is that the current Narcotics Addiction Recovery system is far from being complete. Only a wholistic Narcotics Addiction focusing on complete natural recovery and neuroendocrine Restoration addressing a Total Restoration of Spirit, Mind and Body is the answer of this epidemic.

What Causes Relapse (from narcotics addiction recovery)?

Well as already stated, painkillers can induce the urge to go back to drugs in the midst of recovery program. Williams was readmitted to a rehab center after what he called a problem with pain medication. Relapse can also occur not only due to using painkillers, but also without consuming any physical item that induces the urge for an abused substance. Take for example a recovering addict who finds himself in a traumatic emotional event. Chances are that the addict will resort to drugs. Another probable relapse trigger is when a recovering addict finds himself/herself in a high stress situation and has no help from a friend or family. Furthermore, even very simple things we disregard can trigger relapse.  Hearing a song or meeting a person you used to abuse drugs can initiate relapse. Technically, when an addict finds himself in the same situation that led to him/her abusing drugs, he/she is likely to take drugs again.

Other medical experts also have the belief that relapse is inevitable. Once a physician treats the symptoms and not the underlying cause of addiction, the physicians sets the addiction into a motion of vicious circle of failure and the addicts hardly get well, feel ashamed and end up just going from treatment to treatment. This behavior clearly shows lack of a proper addiction recovery treatment, a holistic approach to addiction treatment putting in place approaches to target the mind, body and spirit of the addict.

Understanding How Addiction Kills?  Addiction Kills Robin Williams

Avoid drugs and stay safe

What are Cocaine and Narcotics Addiction? Addiction Kills Robin Williams

Narcotics are simply opioid drugs also known as opiates. Opium is a product derived from the white liquid product produced by poppy plant. Since the beginning of history, opium products have been used therapeutically in ancient cultures to bring on clam as well as to relieve pain. Furthermore, opium was used recreationally to initiate dream states. In our present times, narcotics are known for pain relief. Narcotics, be it from plant (plat derived) or synthetic, are still commonly referred to as opioids. Some of the common uses of narcotics are generally geared towards:

  • Bringing intense pleasure but Addiction Kills Robin Williams
  • Induce calmness- Sleepiness, and induce peace to the body and mind, feeling of well-being, Pain relief-analgesia, temporary euphoria; a “high”, but Addiction Kills Robin Williams

There are several narcotics that continue being used as drugs. Examples include codeine, morphine, heroin, opium, oxycodone, hydrocodone, methadone and meperidine. The way these drugs works in the brain is easily understood. They are prone to definite pain killing sites of the brain, and as they are consistently used, they build up in these areas of the brain. As a result, the production of endorphins is blocked.

Narcotics Addiction-How Narcotics Work? Addiction Kills Robin Williams

Have you ever wondered what makes these drugs addictive? Well for narcotic drugs, the biochemical nature of these drugs plays a big role in them being addictive. What’s known is that these drugs bind the painkilling sites all over the brain (these sites are called opioid-U receptors or the reward pathways). As a consequence, the uptake of neurotransmitters between neurons is slowed down. Consequently, immediate effects such as drowsiness, pain and feelings of well being linked with pain reduction start showing up. In extreme or chronic usage of these drugs, the brain may be forced to stop endorphin production as well as natural painkilling chemicals. In the end, the user develops tolerance and is forced to substitute endorphins lacking with the narcotic drugs in order to feel good. This is also done to avoid the painful withdrawal from narcotics. Overuse of the narcotic drugs makes the situation worse- and this can practically be attributed to death of Robin Williams. As time goes by, the user thus becomes reliant on increasing the levels of amounts of the narcotic drug in order to experience the good feeling. As evident, abuse then leads to dependence by the user.

It’s also important to stress that addiction is a chronic brain illness. And in as much as we would say one initially chooses or opts to use narcotic drugs (narcotics), addiction generally is not only a behavioral problem but is both psychological and physiological. Dependence on drugs brings with it a lot of behavioral complications such as compulsive use of drugs and relapse after recovery- as witnesses in the case of Robin Williams. Environmental cues invoke usage and relapse, for example specific cultural stimuli and peer influence. To break the addiction habit takes a holistic effort and detoxification, lifestyle changes as well as therapy are necessary.

What Risk Factors force people into Narcotics Abuse? Addiction Kills Robin Williams

Robin Williams talked of his addiction even in his early 20s. At this age, it’s possible to think of peer influence or the youth life but there are other risk factors that might lead someone into narcotics and I will highlight some here.

Both environmental and psychological factors combine or work independently to put someone in the state of addiction or drug abuse. These factors often include:

  • Experimental and antisocial attitudes at adolescence. Addiction Kills Robin Williams
  • Family history where people engage in drug and substance abuse/or are addicted
  • Low self-esteem
  • Environmental factors such as family problems, inner-city, poverty, wealth or disposal income and gang membership

Finally, to effectively and satisfactorily treat narcotics addiction like in the case of Robin Williams, there need to be the right treatment and the right personnel offering the treatment. Factually speaking, the right treatment for addiction needs to be a complete holistic natural addiction recovery, which focus on holistic individualized and customized addiction recovery model that is transforming addiction medicine and easing lives. Much more, the Narcotics Addiction treatment should also focus on restoring the individual towards his sober state, puts in place natural addiction recovery approaches, Neuroendocrine restoration and finally leads to the restoration of Spirit Mind and Body, Rest in Peace Robin

Addiction/ Suicide Kill Robin Williams.

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Treatment for Alcoholism

August 11, 2014

Treatment for Alcoholism – Drug Addiction

Alcoholism

Alcoholism treatment can be done in various ways. group therapy and support from family and friends is also very essential

It has been established that alcohol is one of the most addictive and abused substance the world over and the most surprising point is that despite its known dangers to human life, it is not listed among the illegal drugs thereby allowing its consumption freely. All the efforts the authorities are putting in place to put control to the usage of alcohol has not yielded much because today alcohol still remains the number one abused drug globally. Because of the magnitude of health complications associated with alcohol consumption, we will be discussing in our subsequent articles about various effects of alcohol to human life but for the purpose of this article we will look at the possible treatment available to those who have been considered to be alcoholics. There are many medical options for treating alcohol use disorders which generally depends partly on the intensity and the duration of the patient has been drinking. The treatment options may include:

  • Behavioral therapy like individual sessions with a health professional and support groups
  • Medications

In administering treatment for alcoholism your doctor will do a brief intervention to help the patient to reduce or stop their drinking. During this process your doctor will give you an action plan for working on your drinking. The action plan may include:

  • Keeping a daily diary of how much alcohol you consume
  • Setting targeted goals for your drinking
  • If you’ve reached alcoholism stage then anti-craving or aversion medication may be recommended.

Treatment for Alcoholism – Overall Treatment Goals

The ultimate goal for goal for alcoholism treatment is to secure patients total abstinence. When this is achieved it offers a better survival rates, mental health and sound marriages. Patients who attain this often become good and responsible parents, employees or employers compared to those who keeps relapsing. Achieving this may not be an easy task and therefore the patient will need to avoid high-risk situations and interchange the addictive patterns with much more useful and satisfying activities and behaviors. Many professionals may choose to treat alcoholism as chronic disease where patients will be expected to accept relapse even as they purpose for a long remission period as possible. Every step taken is an achievement because even very small reduction of alcohol intake is significant enough to lower the risk for alcohol-related medical problems.

It is highly regarded that achieving total abstinence and a voiding high risk situations are the optimal goals for alcoholics. This should also be supplemented by involving family members and friends by way of educating them on how to offer social support to the addicts. When it is approached from different directions like that then some level of success will be achieved.

Treatment for Alcoholism – Inpatient and Outpatient Treatment

Inpatient Treatment – this is usually a reserved for patients whose conditions of alcoholism places them in danger normally this is done in a general or psychiatric hospital or in any other facility dedicated to treatment of alcohol and other substance abuse. Factors that indicate a need for this type of treatment include:

  • Coexisting medical or psychiatric disorder
  • Delirium tremens (a neurological condition associated with withdrawal that involves uncontrollable trembling, sweating, anxiety, and hallucinations or other symptoms of psychosis)
  • Potential harm to self or others
  • Failure to respond to conservative treatments
  • Disruptive home environment

A typical inpatient regimen may include the following stages:

  • A physical and psychiatric work-up for any physical or mental disorders
  • Detoxification – this phase involves initiating abstinence, managing withdrawal symptoms and complications, and ensuring that the patient remains in treatment
  • On-going treatment with medications in some cases
  • Psychotherapy, usually cognitive behavioral therapy
  • An introduction to AA

Some studies have established better success rates with inpatient treatment of patients with alcoholism. However resent studies strongly suggest that alcoholism can be effectively treated in outpatient settings as opposed to the inpatient.

Outpatient Treatment – People with mild-to-moderate withdrawal symptoms are usually treated as outpatients. Basically treatments methods are similar to those in inpatient situations and may include:

  • Psychotherapy or counseling
  • Medications that target brain chemicals involved in addiction
  • Social support groups such as AA
  • Cognitive therapies
  • Involvement of family and other significant people in patient’s life

The current approach to outpatient treatment uses medical management a disease management approach that is used for chronic illnesses such as diabetes. With medical management, patients receive regular 20-minute sessions with a health care provider. The provider monitors the patient’s medical condition, medication, and alcohol consumption.

After-Care and Work Therapy – this kind of care uses services to help maintain sobriety. For example, in some cities, sober-living houses provide residences for people who are trying to stay sober. They do not offer formal treatment services, but the people living there offer each other support and maintain an abstinent environment.

The treatment of alcoholism is a process that involves many stages and serious commitment to the recovery process. When an addict makes the first and most important step of seeking for help the journey will be along one and a difficult one for that matter. Like indicated earlier treatment process may be complicated and fall back or relapsing may be the order of the day. But in all this you must take courage because you have chosen a worthy course for your life and that of people around you. Seeking for professional help along the way would be a good idea. For instance you may visit AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center a medical facility established by doctor Dalal Akoury who is a medical doctor of over two decades of practice. Doctor Akoury has been helping many people overcome their addiction problems across the state and the world over in the most natural and efficient way. Your addiction condition will be professionally handled in her care while focusing on Neuroendocrine Restoration (NER) to reinstate normality through realization of the oneness of Spirit, Mind, and Body, Unifying the threesome into ONE and you will have your life back and live it to the fullest.

Treatment for Alcoholism – Drug Addiction

 

 

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Drug Addiction and Suicide

August 11, 2014

Drug Addiction and Suicide – Addiction’s Hidden Risks

Addiction

Drug addiction is an indicator to suicide. It brings depression and painful stress that can only result in suicide, seek for help before it is too late

I love life and I strongly believe that you do too. Each person has his or her own peculiar reasons of being a live and there are so many set objectives that we want to accomplish while still alive. These objectives are either set to us by people around us or our own desired goals but the bottom line is that we have them. We may not be able to achieve these objectives if we are not sober in our minds. To be sober we must all desire to stay away from all kind of drugs and drug related activities or influences. We must make all efforts to ensure that our neighborhood is safe and free from any kind of substance abuse. Our children must be brought up morally sound and any element of depression avoided by all means. Doing this should be a collective responsibility to everyone because the consequences of drugs are fatal and suicidal. Therefore anyone who cares about an addict will have several concerns. For instance:

  • The fear of getting serious accident and other body injuries
  • The fear of losing a loved one
  • The fear of drug overdose
  • The fear of committing suicide

These are weighty concerns but for the purpose of this article we will dwell more on the suicide as a consequence emanating from drug abuse. To start us off suicide is a well-known risk for those suffering from mental health problems requiring special medical attention in the assessment and treatment of addiction. You must take keen attention on depression and other mood disorders because these are the primary indicators of risk factors for suicide. Besides this alcohol and general drug abuse are also influential in triggering suicide. As a matter of fact studies have established that alcoholism is a strong indicator even without being depressed and those suffering from drug use disorders are said to be about six times likely to commit suicide than the population not using drugs.

Drug abuse does not only increase the likelihood that a person will take his or her own life, but it is also used as a means for committing suicide. Statistics indicate that for every three people dying from suicide one will be as a result of drug influence and specifically opiates such as oxycodone or heroin, or alcohol. Poisoning is another leading method used in suicide deaths again drugs make up to 75 percent of suicide deaths due to poisoning.

Drug Addiction and Suicide –When Hope Runs Out

Have you ever wondered why suicide is the tragic fate of so many people struggling with addiction? There are a few possible explanations which may include the following:

  • When under the influence of drugs or alcohol, people may lose inhibitions and take risks they would not do when sober.
  • Many people abuse drugs or alcohol in an attempt to relieve the symptoms of depression, anxiety or other mental health conditions.
  • The rate of major depression is two to four times higher among addicts than the general population.

Although drugs may seem to help in the short term, they exacerbate problems over time. When attempting to stop using drugs, people may feel overwhelmed by the return of painful emotions that they had been medicating with drugs. They may also be clear-headed enough to carry out suicidal thoughts and plans. Transitions, such as entering or leaving treatment, relapse, and death, divorce or other major life changes, can be especially vulnerable times.

Abusing drugs, especially depressants such as alcohol or sedatives, can also trigger symptoms of depression, increasing the risk of suicide. As the consequences of addiction pile up, from legal problems and damaged relationships to financial ruin and job loss, individuals may lose all hope that things can get better and for some the feeling of impossibilities may take center stage where victims only see two possible ways of relief i.e. getting back into drugs use or death.

Drug Addiction and Suicide – Treatment and Prevention

The best way of solving the problem of suicide is to prevent it from taking place however treatment will be very fundamental if you are already deep into drugs. It is estimated that about 45% of suicide patients are those suffering from untreated drug abuse disorders. This great number is due to several factors like stigma. Many people often fail to seek for help because of the stigma besides luck of proper training in suicide prevention. It is important that individuals suffering from drug addiction owns up early and seek for immediate recovery process. This will go a long way in containing the situation and suicide can be prevented as a result of treatment.

There are very few primary care physicians trained to help identify and prevent suicide nonetheless the few in administering treatment must not shy away from establishing the genesis of the problem by asking turf questions that would not otherwise be asked. Such questions will be helpful is addressing suicidal ideation even when the patient is struggling or has in the past struggled with addiction, depression or other mental health disorders. It is important that someone ask the difficult question like;

  • Whether the patient has ever considered or attempted suicide
  • Whether they are currently think about or intend to commit suicide.

The patients need to be shown love and let them know that they are not alone and that they are cared for. Impacting the spirit of hope in them is very vital this can be a collaborative effort between them and their loved ones to help create a lasting recovery plan that guarantees their safety and then addressing the underlying issues in trust by a trusted health provider.

Drug Addiction and Suicide – Threats

We worry about the addicts in our lives for good reason. They are at high risk of death by a number of causes including:

  • Diseases
  • Accident
  • Suicide

Suicide prevention requires a multifaceted approach, but it all hinges on the person reaching out for help and effective treatment being available when they take that brave step of turning away from their behaviors. Finally a decision to seek for help is the best thing you can do for yourself. You may want to seek for expert opinion at AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center under Doctor Akoury’s care. Doctor Akoury is a medical professional with several decades of experience and together with her team of experienced experts they will focus on Neuroendocrine Restoration (NER) to reinstate normality through realization of the oneness of Spirit, Mind, and Body, Unifying the threesome into ONE

Drug Addiction and Suicide – Addiction’s Hidden Risks

 

 

 

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