Category Archives: Integrative Cancer Treatment

Narcotics and Cancer Treatment

June 28, 2014

Narcotics Can Be Safely Used To Ease Pain in Cancer Patients

Narcotics and Cancer treatmentThe use of narcotic drugs is a scare to all and any mention of this draws mixed reactions, probably due to the well-known life threatening side effects that users of such drugs are exposing themselves to. However, in certain scenarios you may have to depend on these drugs to at least reduce your pain. In this case the narcotics are used with medical intentions having to be administered by a doctor who knows the right dosage as over-dosing may produce horrible side effects. To cancer patients, the narcotics are a necessity they can never run away from as they are very effective in reducing the intensity of pain they suffer, while ailing or undergoing certain treatments (chemotherapy for example)

The pain relieving drugs that are non-narcotics in nature are available, and include; Tylenol, Celebrex and Advil. These drugs are very useful in cancer treatment. However, they can only be effectively used for mild pains but cannot help much in reducing the great pains that most cancer patients have to go through. For this case, narcotic drugs become the only option for these patients. A lot of patients though, are scared of addiction to these drugs and thus repel the idea of the usage on them. But, legal narcotic pain medication can be used safely to reduce the pain in cancer patients without the risk of addiction.

The narcotics used in pain medication are all related to morphine but may come in different forms. The effects of these narcotic pain medication drugs vary in different patients and the different forms also have different side effects. Some of these drugs include; hydromorphone, roxicodone, codeine and fentanyl. These forms are also different in strength and while will take mere seconds to ease the pain, some may take up to an hour to reduce the pain. The drugs may come in forms of tablet, liquid or even as a suspension.

There is a known risk associated with misuse of these drugs and so it is important that the complex combination of these drugs be done by an authorized medical personnel who will be able to reduce the negative side effects of these drugs on the patients’ health while maximize on their benefits. In case of any unexpected side effects the patient is advised to seek the intervention of the doctor as the patient may react differently to the drug as other patients who had undergone the same treatment.

The doctor should monitor the progress of a patient on treatment and see if the patient is doing better with the medication. If the patient is still experiencing the intense pain, then the doctor will give a different combination of these drugs that will be able to reduce the pain and give the patient comfort. This calls for cooperation between the cancer patient and the doctor so that the patient can benefit from the medication.

The patient may at times have to use two different drugs, especially when the pain is continuous and sometimes becomes unbearable. The patient may use a narcotic drug that takes less time to ease the pain while still using the long term pain medication that is subscribed to her by her doctor. In most cases the patient will be in control of the other drug that he will use at certain times when the pain is intense to give her slight breakthrough from the pain. The narcotics that are entirely controlled by patients should not have adverse effects on the patient even if they take them beyond the recommended doses.

One of the discomforts that cancer patients on narcotic pain medication suffer most is constipation. It is therefore advisable that as you take narcotic pain medicines you should also take medicine that will help you evade constipation. If the constipation problem persist even after taking necessary measures, you should talk to your doctor about so that he may change your pain medicine for another that will least affect  your bowel movements. It is also important that you avoid other relaxants when you are using narcotic pain medication. You should not take alcohol without discussing with your doctor as that may work against your medication.

Cancer and narcotics

There have been controversies about the use of narcotic drugs to control pain in cancer patients with many critics saying that the patient’s risks suffering an addiction. The truth however is when narcotic drugs are used as pain medication the doctors give required dosage that will not addict the patients. A patient is different from strict addict that may use the narcotic drugs to suppress depression or simply to get high. When used for medication the patient is not in control of the drug unlike in the case of a street addict who is in control of the amounts he takes. He can overindulge but a patient cannot since he uses the doctor’s subscription.

The issue of affordability features when you want to choose the pain medication to use. Most of these narcotic pain medicines are quite expensive and are mostly paid for by insurance cover plans. If you do not have an insurance policy and you find your drug too expensive, it is advisable to tell your doctor so that he may find you a more affordable alternative that is also effective.

It is good to seek information about narcotic pain medication to cancer patients from experienced doctors so that you will know the best course of action to take in case you or your loved ones are victimized by this disease. For this purpose, Dr. Dalal Akoury (MD) has availed detailed information about cancer treatments on her website. If you are not suffering from this disease but you are affected in one way or the other. Get in touch with Dr. Dalal Akoury so that you may learn much on cancer management and be of help to this generation.

Narcotics Can Be Safely Used To Ease Pain in Cancer Patients

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Major effects of Addiction

June 9, 2014

Major effects of Addiction-Psychological and Physical

Addiction

Don’t let drug addiction break your family. The effects can be very painful not just for you but to the children as well.

Like many problems people go through addiction is one that has been associated to humanity for as long as you can imagine. It is interesting to note that addiction has no limit on whom it affects and does not choose when to strike. Anytime can be said to be appropriate for one to be addicted to anything that is addictive, because of this untimeliness of addiction we must make efforts to be ready when it comes and most importantly prevent its effects on us. We will be discussing the major effects of addiction in this article and for this reason we will categorize then into two segments:

  • Psychological effects of drug addiction
  • Physical effects of drug addiction

Major effects of Addiction-Psychological effects of drug addiction

While it is true that in both cases the specific physical and psychological effects of drug abuse and addiction is not consistent and varies based on the particular addictive substance involved, the general effects of drug abuse or addiction to any drug can be devastating.

Psychologically, intoxication with or withdrawal from a substance can cause everything from euphoria as with alcohol, Ecstasy, or inhalant intoxication, to paranoia with marijuana or steroid intoxication, to severe depression or suicidal thoughts with cocaine or amphetamine withdrawal. An individual who has been living with a condition of drug addiction for some period of time may begin to experience a number of serious psychological problems as a result of their dependence on the drugs. As mention these conditions can range from mild to serious but the common denominator is that all of them will impact to the life of the addicted person in a negative manner. Let us now take a look at some of the most common long-term psychological effects of drug addictions as mention above:

Depression

As an individual develops a tolerance to drugs, it will take ever-increasing amounts of the substance to get high. When the individual is unable to achieve their desired state of euphoria, they may become depressed. Chronic depression also occurs as the drug addict feels shame and remorse about their condition. This creates a cycle of addiction; the more depressed they feel, the more likely they are to continue using drugs.

Paranoia

People suffering from a cocaine or marijuana addiction often report a feeling of paranoia over the course of their dependence. The feeling that “everyone is out to get them” is heightened by the fact that buying or using drugs is illegal and the belief that law enforcement is waiting around every corner. Over time, drug addicts tend to get more and more paranoid.

Anxiety

Drug addicts get their supply from time to time and the waiting period of the next dose of supply causes many of the addicts to begin feeling anxious or unsettled. During this moment of anxiety it will be noticeable to the society that these people have a problem and do not stay focus to their activities. When one is not focused a lot of people are affected for instance the family members will feel neglected. The negative effects on their relationship can be very devastating because it can break a family. Besides this drug induced anxieties and lack of focus can cause them to fail in their employment responsibilities and become less productive which can cause them to lose their source of livelihood. The effects of anxiety can be many and these are just but a few.

Major effects of Addiction-Physical effects of Drug addiction

In terms of effects on the body, intoxication with a substance can cause physical effects that range from marked sleepiness and slowed breathing as with intoxication with heroin or sedative hypnotic drugs, to the rapid heart rate of cocaine intoxication, or the tremors to seizures of alcohol withdrawal. In addition to the numerous mental health issues that spring up as a result of long-term drug addiction, there are also a number of issues affecting the physical health of the person who is has been living with a dependence problem for many years. Some of the known physical effects include:

The kidneys

The human kidney can be damaged by habitual drug use over a period of time. Several studies have established that kidney failure is very much associated with long-time of drug abuse. Users of crystal meth, heroin and other dangerous drugs are a common testimony of this.

The liver

Liver failure is a well-known consequence of alcoholism but it can also be triggered by other substances like using vicodin and OxyContin over a period of time possibly years.

The heart

Drug addicts and in particular Cocaine addicts and stimulant users are doing causing damage to their heart each time they use these drugs. The most common conditions among drug addicts are heart disease and heart failure.

The lungs

Any individual who smokes the drug to which they are addicted is putting the proper functionality of their lungs in jeopardy. Smoking crack cocaine or crystal meth causes great damages to the lungs with a ferocity that rivals or resembles long-term nicotine habits. Besides all these regular use of marijuana also causes damage to the lungs. When one uses drugs over a long period of time they not only become drug addicts but will also begin to build a tolerance to drugs they use. Tolerance is dangerous as it causes the individual to use more and more of the drug in order to achieve the desired euphoric or stimulated state. This puts the individual at a constant risk for overdose and even death.

Major effects of Addiction-Conclusion

In conclusion we are privileged to live this life and we can only do so once. What you do with your life can either make you see many years ahead or shorten them. You need not to be in dilemma on this there is help around you and all you need is to get in touch with doctor Dalal Akoury who is an expert in addiction and has helped many people globally over the past decades is also the founder of AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center where addiction and obesity are treated in a friendly way by focusing on Neuroendocrine Restoration (NER) to reinstate normality through realization of the oneness of Spirit, Mind, and Body, Unifying the threesome into ONE. This is what you need my dear reader like I said we live this life only once take that step and call and live life to the fullest.

Major effects of Addiction-Psychological and Physical

 

 

 

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Risk Factors for an Addiction

June 5, 2014

Risk Factors for an Addiction-Drug Addiction

Addiction

The risk for drug addiction are many and known to many, precaution must be taken early

We all live in an environment where nearly everything is addictive and knowing the root causes and the risk factors that can lead to drug addiction so that we can take early precaution. Nonetheless it is also important to clarify that a risk factor is just an indicator for an addiction and not an actual cause of addiction.

Risk factors are contributors to the likelihood of someone developing an addiction. This doesn’t mean that they will become an addict rather that they are susceptible to doing so. These are used by rehabilitation centers, clinics and online sources as a means of determining the causes of a person’s addiction and planning their treatment.

Risk factors include:

  • Environment
  • Genetics
  • Personality
  • Social isolation
  • Injury, illness or disease
  • Type of substance

Environment

This includes family life, surroundings, friends, education and employment.

Risk Factors for Addiction-Family life/surroundings

If you come from a stable family background then there is probably less chance of you developing an addiction although drug addiction can affect any background. However, if you live in a place where drug addiction is seen as acceptable or happens on a regular basis then this can be a risk factor. Being brought up in a house in which drug addiction is prevalent and seen as the norm may encourage you to think the same.

Risk Factors for Addiction-Friends

Your friends often have a major influence over what you say and do and if they engage in drug taking then there is strong chance that you will do the same. Peer group pressure is difficult to resist and many people find themselves undertaking activities they may never have contemplated in order to be part of the group.

Smoking, drinking or taking drugs are often seen as forms of rebellion, growing up or as means of ‘proving’ yourself. This may be more of an issue for young men who traditionally have consumed large amounts of alcohol as a statement of masculinity. In other words, you are more of a man if you can hold your drink.

However, ‘binge drinking’ has become more of a problem amongst young women with the rise of the ‘ladette’ and the resulting behavior that goes with this tag. Young women are consuming more alcohol than before which may be storing up problems in the future.

Risk Factors for Addiction-Education

Young people like to experiment with drink, drugs or cigarettes but they may also feel compelled to do so especially if their group of friends already does so. Smoking behind the bike sheds was something that many people tried when they were at school but nowadays it is not uncommon for drugs or alcohol to be consumed on school premises. Many pupils will openly smoke on their way to and from school as well as during the day.

Risk Factors for Addiction-Employment

If you are employed in a company where drug use is common amongst employees or the nature of the job results in people using drugs or alcohol as a means of coping then it can be hard to resist. People under extreme stress or who work in physically and emotionally challenging roles can turn to alcohol or drugs as a way of relieving their stress. Ironically, doctors have some of the highest rates of alcohol and drug abuse.

Risk Factors for Addiction-Genetics

It has been suggested that our genetics play in part in whether we will become addicts or not. Experts claim that some people inherit genes which increase their vulnerability to drug addiction or their brain chemistry functions in such a way that they are drawn towards certain substances.

Risk Factors for Addiction-Personality

There are people with a particular type of personality who are more susceptible to addiction than others. This includes people who have a nervous or anxious disposition, lack confidence or find it difficult to control their temper. If you have low self-esteem, find it difficult to make friends or say no then you may be at greater risk.

Social isolation

An addiction such as alcohol or drugs can help someone who is lonely, feels isolated or who has withdrawn themselves from society. In this sense their addiction is seen as a ‘comforter’ or a ‘coping mechanism’ and in their own minds enables them to cope.

Injury, illness or disease

An addiction can develop from legitimate substances such as prescription drugs. These are prescribed to treat an illness or injury but people can become dependent upon these. It is only when the drug is withdrawn or the dose reduced that a problem comes to light.

Risk Factors for Addiction-Type of substance

Some drugs are more addictive than others. Drugs such as cocaine, heroin or nicotine can cause an addiction the first time they are used whereas others will lead to a dependency over a period of time, e.g. prescription drugs. Addiction is often the result of more than one factor. These risk factors plus a vulnerable personality can lead to an addiction. Having known these risk factors we as a society and as a nation extending to the world over must take appropriate measures to ensure that we stop this menace permanently. To effectively do this we need the professional opinion of expert. For instance doctor Dalal Akoury the chief executive and Founder of AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center is one of the best practicing doctor globally that has offered addiction treatment naturally offering her exclusive NER Recovery Treatment to other physicians and health care professionals through training, clinical apprenticeships, webinars and seminars. Anyone suffering for from whatever kind of addiction at whatever stage will get real professional touch from the expert and within no time you will be back on track living your life to the fullest.

Risk Factors for an Addiction-Drug Addiction

 

 

 

 

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Who is addicted to drugs

June 4, 2014

Who is addicted to drugs-Addiction Discussed?

Addiction

It matters most who is addicted to drugs. Today even very young people are addicts

Everyone would want to be free to enjoy all that life can offer without any unjust limits put to them. This is a worthy desire and failure to grant it would only mean that there is a problem somewhere that needs to be solved for people to live and enjoy life to the fullest. Those problems or hindrances can be physical, emotional or mental. One of those life hindrances is addiction. It can come in so many ways but the bottom line is that when it is present the addicted person and the people around him or her are not happy and so the full life enjoyment is affected. We want to understand this problem by discussing and answering the question who is addicted to drugs.

Many people suffering from addiction are always in self-denial making it difficult to help them and so the most important thing is that of recognizing you have an addiction. How then to you get to know that you are addicted to something? Having an addiction means that you are controlled by your need for a particular substance to satisfy cravings and prevent withdrawal symptoms. When things have got to the point that you are unable to get through the day without for example a drink, a cigarette then you have a problem.

Addiction is not about the quantity of drugs you take, it is not about the amount of cigarettes you smoke, the number of drinks you have it is to do with the effects of taking a particular substance. Basically, if your addiction is the focus of your life then you need to seek treatment.

Who is addicted to drugs-Is dependency the same as an addiction?

Differentiating these two is very tricky as some people see the two terminologies as interchangeable whereas others argue that they are separate conditions.

Addiction occurs when something you do on a casual basis becomes a habit which you are unable to break. So if you enjoy going out for a few drinks a couple of nights in the week but this becomes every night then it can be said that you have developed an addiction.

Dependency then occurs if you feel unable to cope without access to a substance or if you suffer from withdrawal symptoms if you do. This is often the case if your addiction has been present for a long period of time.

Some experts argue that you can be dependent on a substance without becoming an addict. But can one become an addict without having a dependency? This can be confusing sometimes, one explanation is that someone can be taking a prescription drug for a long period of time and have developed a dependency on that drug. In this situation they have been taking a legitimate drug but their body has adapted to the dosage and requires higher doses in order to achieve the same effect. But they do not achieve a ‘high’ or a feeling of elation (‘buzz’) or any other extreme reaction.

Dependency can occur with other activities such as shopping, internet use, chocolate, food, gambling etc. Nonetheless if these are withdrawn then the person concerned doesn’t experience any physical withdrawal symptoms. They might feel peeved or frustrated – for example not being able to indulge their taste for retail therapy, but it will not affect their health.

However, an addiction causes physical and psychological changes in the body and removing the source of this or going without results in withdrawal symptoms such as the shakes, nausea, insomnia, irritability and paranoia. Examples of this include cigarettes, drugs and alcohol. Another aspect is that many people consider an ‘addiction’ to be more severe than dependency.  Many people have a mental image of a ‘drug addict’ as someone who leads a sordid lifestyle, injecting themselves with drugs and generally, at rock bottom. They are often seen as a hopeless case and less worthy of help than someone with a dependency.

Who is addicted to drugs-Addiction v dependency?

If you are still confused between the two then consider this:

  • Do you need that substance to relieve pain due to a chronic illness or injury, e.g. painkillers, prescription drugs etc. This will enable you to function as normal but without any changes in mood or behavior. Or
  • Do you experience physical and mental cravings for that substance which you know will give you a ‘buzz?’ This substance will satisfy your cravings and give you that feeling of euphoria that you cannot do without.

If you considered the first then you could be said to have a dependency. But if you answered the second then you may have an addiction. If you are still wondering then have a look at some of the possible signs of addiction to help you have our question who is addicted answered

Who is addicted to drugs-Signs of addiction?

  • Reduced or loss of appetite
  • Weight loss
  • Headaches
  • Dry mouth
  • Nausea and/or vomiting
  • Tiredness
  • Insomnia
  • Mood swings
  • Anger
  • Irritability and frustration
  • Lack of patience with one’s self and others
  • Lack of concentration
  • Paranoia
  • Neglecting your appearance/poor personal hygiene

These are physical and mental signs of an addiction however there are also social changes to consider such as withdrawing from other people, lack of interest in what they do, not wanting to socialize or mixing with people who you might have considered ‘undesirable’ before now.

If you find that you are spending vast amounts of money on your addiction or other people consider you to have become unreliable or untrustworthy then this also indicates a problem.

Have your colleagues at work noticed a difference in you? Is timekeeping a problem? Do you find that you have trouble concentrating at work or are bad tempered or moody?

Finally, do you feel you are losing control? It is often the case that friends or family members will tell you if they think you have an addiction rather than you recognizing this for yourself. But it is important for you to admit that you have a problem and want to give up. This will be difficult but the first and most important step in the treatment process is realizing that you are an addict – whether that is caffeine, tobacco, alcohol or ‘soft/hard’ drugs. With the first step taken the second will be for the expert to take over and at AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center under Doctor Akoury’s care you will meet not just expert but caring ones who will focus on Neuroendocrine Restoration (NER) to reinstate normality through realization of the oneness of Spirit, Mind, and Body, Unifying the threesome into ONE

Who is addicted to drugs-Addiction Discussed?

 

 

 

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Treatments for alcohol addiction, abuse and dependency

June 4, 2014

Treatments for alcohol addiction, abuse and dependency-Part Three

Addiction

Surely our children can not be victims of alcohol abuse we can together do something

As I said in the last post effective treatment of alcoholism or alcohol addiction starts from within the addict. It is the most important step for the healing process to begin and it can only begin with the alcoholic acknowledging and admitting that they have a problem and that they need help. Once this is done then the next step is help and support and in this area we will bring onboard only real and experienced experts in this field of addiction.  Doctor Akoury has been in this field for over three decades and will be very instrumental is helping you get better the natural way. But before that let us get back to alcohol addiction as a medical condition which requires experts’ attention. Defeating an alcohol addiction is not simple as it may appear, it is a long and painful process which require more than sheer willpower of the patient.

When administering treatment to the alcoholic, it requires the patient to make several adjustments in their lives in nearly every aspect which may not be very easy to many addicts. The good news is that even though these adjustments may not be easy but you can be rest assured that help and support is readily available at AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center under Doctor Akoury’s care. We have to appreciate that treatments for alcohol addiction are quite varied because there are multiple perspectives for the condition itself. For instance those who approach alcoholism as a medical condition or disease recommend differing treatments than those who approach the condition as one of social choice.

Because alcoholism involves multiple factors which encourage victims to continue drinking, an all-inclusive approach must be put in place to address all the underlying factors in order to successfully prevent a relapse. For example detoxification is an ideal method of treatment followed by a combination of supportive therapy, attendance at self-help groups, and ongoing development of coping mechanisms. The treatment community for alcoholism typically supports an abstinence-based zero tolerance approach; however, there are some who promote a harm-reduction approach as well.

Treatments for alcohol addiction, abuse and dependency-Detoxification

Detoxification or ’detox’ for alcoholics is an abrupt stop of alcohol drinking coupled with the substitution of drugs that have similar effects to offset the withdrawal symptoms. Benzodiazepines are the most common family of drugs used for this, followed by barbiturates. Detoxes are performed in multiple ways some of which include:

  • The first takes into consideration the varying degrees of tolerance and in it, a standard dose of the benzodiazepine is given to the patient every half hour until light sedation is reached.
  • Once a baseline dose is determined, the medication is tapered over the ensuing 3-10 days.
  • Another option is to give a standard dose of benzodiazepine based on history and adjust based on withdrawal phenomenon.
  • A third option is to defer treatment until symptoms occur, which is safe only with relatively mild alcohol users.

It must be noted that detoxification only treats the physical effects of prolonged use of alcohol, but does not actually treat alcoholism. After the process of detox is complete, relapse is likely without further treatment. However detoxification may or may not be necessary depending on an individual’s age, medical status, and history of alcohol intake. For example, a young man who binge drinks and seeks treatment one week after his last use of alcohol may not require detoxification before beginning treatment for alcoholism.

Treatments for alcohol addiction, abuse and dependency-Group therapy and psychotherapy for alcohol addiction

The moment detoxification is done group therapy or psychotherapy can be used to deal with underlying psychological issues which are related to alcohol addiction, as well as to provide relapse prevention skills. The mutual-help group-counseling approach is one of the most common ways of helping alcoholics maintain sobriety.

Treatments for alcohol addiction, abuse and dependency-Rationing and moderation for alcohol addiction

Rationing and moderation programs do not mandate complete abstinence. Since one of the effects of alcohol is to reduce a person’s judgment, each drink makes it more difficult to decide that the next drink is a bad idea. Additionally, for those who are predisposed towards alcoholism, drinking in moderation can result in the strengthening of the endorphin-based addiction.

While most alcoholics are unable to limit their drinking in this way, moderate drinking works for some people, and it may avoid the physical, financial, and social costs of other treatments – particularly in the early phase of recovery. Professional help can be sought for rationing from AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center under the able leadership of doctor Akoury

Treatments for alcohol addiction, abuse and dependency-Nutritional therapy for alcohol addiction

Preventative treatment of alcohol complications includes long-term use of multivitamin as well as specific vitamins like B12 and folate.

While nutritional therapy is not a treatment of alcoholism itself, it treats the difficulties that can arise after years of heavy alcohol use. Many alcohol dependents have insulin resistance syndrome, a metabolic disorder where the body’s difficulty in processing sugars causes an unsteady supply to the blood stream. While the disorder can be diminished by a hypoglycemic diet, this can affect behavior and emotions, side-effects often seen among alcohol dependents in treatment. The metabolic aspects of such dependence are often overlooked, causing poor treatment outcomes.

So far we have been discussing the various treatments methods of alcohol addiction for a sober society. All that we have mention above are very essential for treating alcoholics however for they to be properly put into use we will need experts with vast experience in handling matters addiction and especially alcohol addiction. As mention in this article doctor Akoury is an expert who has been offering neuroendocrine restoration (NER) to reinstate normality through realization of oneness of spirit, mind and body unifying the threesome into one. This is a working treatment method that has helped many people globally and your appointment with doctor Akoury will be the best you can do to yourself and loved ones because by the time she is done with you, you will be up on your feet again only that this time you will be sober and fully recovered.

Treatments for alcohol addiction, abuse and dependency-Part Three

 

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