Category Archives: Obesity

Drug Addiction

May 4, 2014

Drug Addiction-Common Signs and Symptoms

Drug

It doesn’t matter how it gets into your system but one common denominator is that drugs and drug addiction is harmful to you.

Most drug addictions start with casual or social use of a drug. For some people, using the drug becomes a habit, and its use becomes more and more frequent. As time passes, you may need larger doses of the drug to get high. Soon you may need the drug just to feel good. As your drug use increases, you may find that it becomes increasingly difficult to go without the drug. Stopping may cause intense cravings and make you feel physically ill (withdrawal symptoms).

Drug addiction symptoms or behaviors include:

  • Feeling that you have to use the drug regularly this can be daily or even several times a day
  • Failing in your attempts to stop using the drug
  • Making certain that you maintain a supply of the drug
  • Spending money on the drug, even though you can’t afford it
  • Doing things to obtain the drug that you normally wouldn’t do, such as stealing
  • Feeling that you need the drug to deal with your problems
  • Driving or doing other risky activities when you’re under the influence of the drug
  • Focusing more and more time and energy on getting and using the drug

Drug Addiction-Recognizing drug abuse in teenagers

It can sometimes be difficult to distinguish normal teenage moodiness or angst from signs of drug use. Possible indications that your teenager is using drugs include:

  • Problems at school. Frequently missing classes or missing school, a sudden disinterest in school or school activities, or a drop in grades may be indicators of drug use.
  • Physical health issues. Lack of energy and motivation may indicate your child is using certain drugs.
  • Neglected appearance. Teenagers are generally concerned about how they look. A lack of interest in clothing, grooming or looks may be a warning sign of drug use.
  • Changes in behavior. Teenagers enjoy privacy, but exaggerated efforts to bar family members from entering their rooms or knowing where they go with their friends might indicate drug use. Also, drastic changes in behavior and in relationships with family and friends may be linked to drug use.
  • Spending money. Sudden requests for money without a reasonable explanation for its use may be a sign of drug use. You may also discover money stolen from previously safe places at home. Items may disappear from your home because they’re being sold to support a drug habit.

Drug Addiction-Recognizing signs of drug use and dependence

The particular signs and symptoms of drug use and dependence vary depending on the type of drug. You might be able to tell that a family member or a friend is using or abusing a drug based on the physical and behavioral signs and symptoms associated with the drug.

Drug Addiction-Marijuana and hashish

It’s possible to develop a psychological addiction to cannabis compounds including tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) found in marijuana and hashish. People who have a marijuana addiction generally use the drug on a daily basis. They don’t actually have a chemical dependence on the drug but rather feel the need to regularly use the drug.

Signs of use and dependence can include:

  • A heightened sense of visual, auditory and taste perception
  • Poor memory
  • Increased blood pressure and heart rate
  • Red eyes
  • Decreased coordination
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Increased appetite
  • Slowed reaction time
  • Paranoid thinking
Drug Addiction-Barbiturates and benzodiazepines

Barbiturates and benzodiazepines are prescription central nervous system depressants. Phenobarbital, amobarbital (Amytal) and secobarbital (Seconal) are examples of barbiturates. Benzodiazepines include tranquilizers, such as diazepam (Valium), alprazolam (Xanax), lorazepam (Ativan), clonazepam (Klonopin) and chlordiazepoxide (Librium). If you’re prescribed these drugs, take them exactly as ordered. If you feel your need for these medications is increasing, talk to your doctor.

Signs of use and dependence can include:

  • Drowsiness
  • Slurred speech
  • Lack of coordination
  • Memory problems
  • Confusion
  • Slowed breathing and decreased blood pressure
  • Dizziness
  • Depression
Methamphetamine, cocaine and other stimulants

This class of drugs includes amphetamines, methamphetamine, cocaine and methylphenidate (Ritalin).

Signs of use and dependence can include:

  • Euphoria
  • Decreased appetite
  • Rapid speech
  • Irritability
  • Restlessness
  • Depression as the drug wears off
  • Nasal congestion and damage to the mucous membrane of the nose in users who snort drugs
  • Insomnia
  • Weight loss
  • Increased heart rate, blood pressure and temperature
  • Paranoia

Methamphetamine, also known as “meth,” is a particularly dangerous drug. It’s highly addictive and causes a number of short-term and long-term health consequences. Methamphetamine is relatively inexpensive and widely available.

Drug Addiction-Hallucinogens

Use of hallucinogens produces different signs and symptoms depending on the drug. The most common hallucinogens are LSD and phencyclidine (PCP).

Signs of LSD use include:

  • Hallucinations
  • Greatly reduced perception of reality, for example, interpreting input from one of your senses as another, such as hearing colors
  • Permanent mental changes in perception
  • Rapid heart rate
  • High blood pressure
  • Tremors
  • Flashbacks, a re-experience of the hallucinations — even years later

Signs of PCP use include:

  • Hallucinations
  • Euphoria
  • Delusions
  • Panic
  • Loss of appetite
  • Depression
  • Aggressive, possibly violent behavior

Drug Addiction-Inhalants

The signs and symptoms of inhalant use vary depending on what substance is inhaled. Some commonly inhaled substances include glue, paint thinners, correction fluid, felt tip marker fluid, gasoline, cleaning fluids and household aerosol products.

When inhaled, these products can cause brief intoxication and a decreased feeling of inhibition. Long-term use may cause seizures and damage to the brain, liver and kidneys. Inhalant use can also cause death.

Drug Addiction-Narcotic painkillers

Opioids are narcotic, painkilling drugs produced naturally from opium or made synthetically. This class of drugs includes heroin, morphine, codeine, methadone and oxycodone (OxyContin). If you’re prescribed these medications by a doctor, take them exactly as directed. Don’t increase your dose without first talking to your doctor.

Signs of narcotic use and dependence can include:

  • Reduced sense of pain
  • Sedation
  • Depression
  • Confusion
  • Constipation
  • Slowed breathing
  • Needle marks (if injecting drugs)

Drug Addiction-When to see a doctor

If you think your drug use is out of control or is causing problems, get help. The sooner you seek help, the greater your chances are for a long-term recovery. Your family doctor may be a good place to start and also seek help from line professionals, for instance Dr. Dalal Akoury, Founder of AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center, is an expert offering her exclusive NER Recovery Treatment to other physicians and health care professionals through training, clinical apprenticeships, webinars and seminars. Your condition will be safe in her care and you will in very short time limit get well and live your life to the fullest.

Drug Addiction-Common Signs and Symptoms

 

 

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Overcoming addiction by healing energy

April 17, 2014

Overcoming addiction by healing energy-Good health for wealth

Energy

In order to overcome addiction, healing energy would be necessary.

Have you ever imagine life without any form of illness? If you picture this and try to visualize it in your mind then what you’re likely to see is what I will call sustainable wealth. If your body is free from any kind of disease then you’re wealthy than anyone ranked in the top 100 of the wealthiest persons in the world. You may be wondering ware I’m heading to with this wealth direction in relation to the title of my article. This is my point, the study of addiction indicate that nearly all things we do, eat or desire in life when not done properly may lead us into becoming addicted to them and eventually cause health complication.

Let us take food for example, we all need food to live and in fact it’s one of the most important basic needs in the globe, yet food can be serious problem to your health and mine. It’s very interesting that our bodies need energy which comes from food to move around yet some of these sources of energy can be harmful to you and me. For this reason, it will be very important that we overcome addiction by all means possible and that includes healing energy.

Addiction is usually the result of a larger problem. Stress, depression, anxiety, low self-esteem and even some mental disorders are usually the underling factor in addiction, which is a symptom and not in itself an illness.

Overcoming addiction by healing energy-Types of Addictions

Chemical addictions and process addictions are two general categories of addiction.  We often assume that because the initial stages of addiction begins with voluntary behavior and is expressed in the form of excess behavior, people should just be able to use self-medication to stop their addictions, and this may not be true. The brain of an addict has been altered by choices they make over a period of time and so you and I need to know some of the common elements of addiction which include the following:

  • Alcohol
  • Tobacco
  • Drugs – cannabis, cocaine, heroin, steroids, etc.
  • Exercise
  • Sex
  • Eating
  • Computers
  • Work
  • Gambling
  • Shopping and many more…

Overcoming addiction by healing energy-Characteristics of Addiction

Addiction has control mechanism to addicts, once addicted you will be under the influence of addiction and not vice versa. You become driven by its forces and you think you cannot live without it.  Boredom, grief, frustration, sadness, rejection and failure are just few emotional issues that you try to escape from with use of your choice of addiction. Addiction is costly and takes your money and time. The more you focus on control it the more you feel your energy is depleted. It often disrupts your social life, family, love, and work life, as well as damages your mental and physical health.  While addiction may bring short term pleasure, it can bring long term harm and therefore must not be taken lightly.

Withdrawal Fear of Addiction

Fear of withdrawal is one of fundamental forces at play in the power of addiction. After long use of choice of addiction, not just brain but body tissue develops dependence. The physical signs and symptoms of withdrawal usually associated with abrupt stop of usage can be: tremors, sleeplessness, diarrhea, anxiety, sweating, loss of appetite, up to hallucinations and seizures in severe cases.

Substance Dependency and Relapse

Trigger-induced craving is one of the most frequent causes of drug use relapses, even after long periods of abstinence. Environmental triggers help explain why re-entry to one’s community can be so difficult for addict leaving the controlled environments of an addiction treatment Centre.

Overcoming addiction by healing energy-How Energy Healing is Beneficial in Addiction?

Energy healing helps to increase the level of energy in the body, and leaves you feeling relaxed, energized and in positive state of mind. It unblocks energy and re-establishes energy flow in internal organs which stimulates, nourish and replenish them. In doing so it improves the state of internal organs, assisting everything from digestion, absorption, blood circulation and energy production activities.

In order to truly help someone who is suffering from addiction, energy healing involves seeking the tools that will help you attract your desires and find your personal power to manifest wellbeing on all levels and help you overcome the underlying problem that is causing addiction. Energy healing is therefore beneficial in addiction control and elimination by executing the following:

  • Increasing feeling of relaxation
  • Reducing intensity of withdrawal symptoms
  • Improving sleep patterns
  • Freeing blocked energy in the body

How Many Treatments Will One Need?

The number of energy healing treatments required to treat addiction will differ between individuals patient.

Overcoming addiction by healing energy-Guided Meditation

There are indications from new research that meditation can help decrease substance use and relapse. Meditation will allow for a reflection on all repressed feelings and events, providing the space for them to come to surface, enabling healing process to take place by shifting brain activities from the stress-prone brain to more calming. Turning off your brain may be hard especially for someone in recovery process. Meditation will be effective when learned from the instructor/teacher than from the book, tape or just sitting and focusing on your breath. By learning to meditate correctly, the increased awareness and mindfulness of meditation helps you avoid thoughts of substance usage, which can surface during recovery. Other benefits of meditation in the treatment of addiction include:

  • Decreased feelings of anxiety
  • Decreased feeling of sadness
  • Decreased moodiness and irritability
  • Heightened concentration levels
  • Enchanting memory
  • Increased feeling of stability
  • Increased feelings of well-being and vitality
  • Increased self-awareness

In making effort to get well you will certainly meet obstacles, it will not be a smooth flow all the way. Nevertheless you need not to worry of the possible challenges since doctor Dalal Akoury who is an expert in addiction and at professional in training trainers (physicians) globally will be of great help for you. I strongly recommend her for you and your relatives and friends who may be going through addiction problem. It doesn’t matter what kind of addiction you may be going through or what stage you’re in, with doctor Akoury you shall have started the meaningful journey to your full recovery and comfort living thereafter.

Overcoming addiction by healing energy-Good health for wealth

 

 

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Food that inspire food addiction

April 9, 2014

Food that inspire food addiction-They cause physical and emotional dependencies

Food

mind much a bout the kind of food you eat, you may be feeding on food that cause addiction

In many cases overweight people are often seen or believed to be either lazy or just don’t have the will power to actively operate normally. The choice of food you eat, when you eat and frequencies of exercise you do affect your weight significantly. The previously ignored element may be food addiction; this does not necessarily mean that we are desperate for a candy bar. By the way some of the food that causes addiction are:

  • Chocolate
  • Sugar
  • Cheese
  • Milk
  • Meat

Food that inspire food addiction-Chocolate

Experts have found out that chocolate stimulates the same part of the brain that opiate drugs do, that is to say chocolate acts like a drug producing food addiction which causes us to crave for more and more of it.

Before we know, we are on the road to being addicted to chocolate. Emphasis should be made to the public that food addiction is not a laughing matter. Chocolate as food contains other stimulant drugs like caffeine, theobromine and pheylethylamine, according to expert’s chocolate is not just a drug but a whole drug store wrapped up in one.

Food that inspire food addiction-Cheese

But chocolate’s not the only food addiction studies have established that when people who were consuming meat and other dairy products are stopped from consuming the same, the yearning for cheese was described as a “deep seated craving” that stayed with them much longer than their compulsion for other foods. Researchers also found a chemical in cow’s milk similar to morphine, and after testing it repeatedly, they discovered that it was, in fact, morphine. It was only a trace amount, and not all the samples contained the chemical in recognizable levels, but there was indeed a small amount of morphine in cow’s milk.

Assuming that the morphine must have come from the cows’ diets, they were shocked to find that the cows actually made traces of it within their bodies, along with codeine and other opiates that were produced in their livers. They were also surprised to learn that cow’s milk (and the milk of any species) contains the protein, casein that breaks down during the digestion process, and releases other opiate-like compounds called casomorphins. What does this have to with cheese? Casein is concentrated in cheese. So we have the makings of another possible food addiction.

Food that inspire food addiction-Milk

Why are there traces of morphine in milk? (Actually, it’s not some environmental problem.) Scientists believe that the mother’s milk has a relaxing effect on the baby, and this drug-like effect on the brain is responsible for the bonding that is necessary, for the baby to get the nutrition he needs. Researchers gave volunteers yogurt and skim milk, and found that the casein (milk opiates) not only acted within the digestive tract, but some of the fragments actually entered the bloodstream, with direct access to the brain. The effect was greatest about 40 minutes after eating. As mentioned before, cheese has more casein than other dairy products. (Recent studies have found that meat also stimulates the brain’s pleasure centers.) To further prove their theory, researchers found that when volunteers were given naloxone, (a drug that blocks opiates, used in the treatment of heroin and morphine overdoses), their desire for cheese, meat, chocolate, and other addictive foods was greatly decreased.

Food that inspire food addiction-Sugar

In addition, scientists have discovered that fast foods, like hamburgers and fries, may also be responsible for food addictions. The high fat and carbohydrate content causes changes in the brain that are normally correlated with drug addiction, (and the result is food addiction.) Sugar and fat stimulates the release of natural opiates in the brain, and may be triggering the same response as heroin. After giving rats a diet that was one quarter sugar, he abruptly withdrew the sugar, and the rats went into high anxiety mode, experiencing trembling and teeth chattering, similar to the effects that occur during morphine or nicotine withdrawal. So, in review, the sugar produced the same withdrawal effects that highly addictive drugs do.

Food addiction plays an enormous role in our eating habits, when we’re depressed, tired, lonely, anxious, worried, fearful, etc. We run to the addictive food of choice. For me many people, it is chocolate and sugar, with carbohydrates following close behind, which is particularly bad and that explains why diabetic is rising. Certain foods act as drugs, because our body responds to the natural opiates in them, just as it would to drug opiates. As we experience these effects over and over, we may develop a food addiction.

Medical scans have even been able to document these findings about food addiction. Researchers compared the brain scans of drug addicts with chronic over-eaters, and found startling similarities. If you think about it, many of the behaviors are the same–the obsession, compulsion, and preoccupation with drugs, is often also experienced with food. The overwhelming guilt, the tendency to use drugs to relieve emotional problems, and even the secrecy that is often involved in drug use, is also a part of compulsive overeating. While none of the researchers are suggesting that the physical and emotional drive is as strong with food, as it is with heroin, what they have found is that some of the previously mentioned food addictions are a part of the overall problem of obesity or overeating. Food addiction is real, according to scientific research.

So how do we kick the habit of food addiction? Interesting unlike coming off of drugs, we can’t just stop eating. Nutritionist suggests starting your day with a good breakfast that will help you keep food cravings at a minimum. Try to keep blood sugar levels normal by staying away from white sugar, white flour, white bread, and other starchy foods such as white potatoes, rice, and pasta. Instead substitute low-fat protein, vegetables, beans, low-sugar fruits, and whole grains. Eat enough healthy foods to satisfy your hunger, and don’t go on starvation diets. You’ll just end up binging sooner or later, because your body feels so deprived.

Take a break from some of the more addictive foods, and you will soon experience less of a craving for them. Food addictions are just one component of overeating, and obesity. There are often metabolic issues, genetic variables, and complex physical and emotional reasons why we overeat. But learning about the addictive nature of some foods, can enable us to understand the powerful cravings that we sometimes experience, and help us on our path to healthy food choices.

Food that inspire food addiction-They cause physical and emotional dependencies

 

 

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Nutrients and addiction recovery is Vital

March 21, 2014

Food Nutrients and addiction recovery-Natural way

Food

Food Nutrients offers the best natural way for addiction recovery

The life style of the society today is surrounded with different kinds of food which are either beneficial to the body or otherwise. Whereas food is need for the growth of the body some of these are addictive hence the term addiction. It encompasses almost all imbalanced and self-destructive behavior. Substance abuse can create an illusory sense of well-being, but in the end it severely damages physical, psychological, and spiritual health.

There are many degrees of addiction. Some people are mildly addicted to one or two cups of coffee or a few teaspoons of sugar. Others consume two to three quarts of caffeine drinks with more significant amounts of sugar. Then, at the other end of the spectrum, are addicts drinking pints of alcohol daily, shooting heroin, and doing large amounts of other “hard” drugs. This leads us to history.

It has been shown that individuals with substance addictions may very likely be suffering from an assortment of one or more metabolic disorders such as hypoglycemia, hypoadrenia and depression. Serious maladaptive patterns, such as heart disease, cancer, diabetes, hypoglycemia, and candida albicans, have always been common among drug addicts and alcoholics.

Because of this continual nutritional support is instrumental in gaining real and lasting recovery from addiction. It is not uncommon for those who remain drug or alcohol-free to simply substitute their chosen substance with excessive use of another addictive substance, such as sugar, caffeine, or nicotine. This behavior is often indicative of some metabolic disorder that the individual is trying to self-correct.

Food Nutrients and addiction recovery is a reality, check it out!

It is a good idea when beginning a nutritional program to include a clean diet: lean proteins, complex carbohydrates, plenty of vegetables and fruits, low fat, and little or no refined sugars. Here are some nutrients that address common problems from which many recovering addicts may suffer:

Food Nutrients and addiction recovery-Detoxifying and strengthening the liver and digestive tract

  • Vitamin C. Vitamin C is considered to be one of the primary nutrients useful in the treatment of addiction. It helps to eliminate toxins from the body as well as lessen withdrawal symptoms. In 1977 and 1982 Libby and Stone reported that large doses of ascorbic acid combined with B vitamins and protein allowed heroin addicts to quit with minimal withdrawal symptoms. A dose of 10 grams daily prevented cravings from returning. The preferred form of C is buffered with calcium and magnesium or ester C.

    Food Nutrients and addiction recovery means stock up on healthy minerals:

  • Selenium. This important antioxidant plays a role in the body’s utilization of oxygen. Studies have shown that mice live longer without oxygen if they have been previously supplemented with selenium. Alcoholics, as well as patients with candidiasis, chronic fatigue syndrome, and ARC, have all shown low levels of selenium. In addition, heart disease and cancer are higher in people with diminished selenium levels. Selenium also has a role in detoxifying poisonous phenols, formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, hydrocarbons, and chlorine. Many people with allergic reactions to these substances have found relief through the use of selenium. However, selenium can be toxic in large amounts. A safe therapeutic dose is about 100 mcg daily. Green leafy vegetables and several herbs, such as American and Siberian Ginseng, have bio-available forms of selenium.
  • Zinc. The mineral zinc plays an important role in carbohydrate metabolism. If one uses excessive amounts of sugar, caffeine, drugs, or alcohol it is more than likely that a zinc deficiency will develop. Low zinc levels can cause liver deterioration and diminished functioning of the reproductive organs, immune system, and skin. Zinc picolinate is probably the most bio-available form, with a safe therapeutic dose between 15 – 20 mg, once or twice daily.

Food Nutrients and addiction recovery-Relaxing and strengthening the nervous system

  • Calcium. Calcium is one of the most important nutrients for strengthening the nervous system. Caffeine, sugar, alcohol, and other drugs often cause the body to eliminate calcium. Caffeine, for example, has been shown to double the urinary excretion of calcium. Several studies have demonstrated low serum calcium levels in alcoholics. Depressed calcium and magnesium levels are often the root of irritability, muscular spasm, and pain experienced by alcoholics and drug addicts. A recovering addict should consider 1000 mg of elemental calcium per day in divided doses, preferably at the beginning of meals.
  • Magnesium. Magnesium and calcium are partners in keeping the nervous system strong and healthy. Most abused substances contribute to diminished magnesium levels in the blood. A recovering addict should consider taking 500-1000 mg of elemental magnesium daily in divided doses, preferably at the beginning of meals.
  • DL-Phenylalanine (DLPA). DLPA is composed of two amino acids, D-Phenylalanine and L-Phenylalanine. It is the raw material that the nervous system uses to make PEA (Phenylethylamine) which increases the body’s ability to utilize endorphins.

Food Nutrients and addiction recovery-Nutrients associated with enhancing energy

  • B Complex. The B vitamins are usually seriously deficient in people who use excessive amounts of sugar, caffeine, alcohol, or other drugs. It is not even uncommon for these people to have B complex deficiencies prior to establishing their addiction. As a result, it is believed by some that part of the physiological draw to addictive substances has to do with B vitamin deficiencies. A supplement with 25 to 50 mg of the basic B vitamins is usually sufficient, taken one to three times daily.
  • Potassium. A low level of potassium is one of the most common nutritional deficiencies found today. Excessive use of salt, caffeine, alcohol, and sugar, as well as an unbalanced diet, all tend to lower your level of potassium. Even commonly used pharmaceutical drugs such as cortisone and prednisone can create low levels of this important electrolyte. Decreased potassium levels are associated with depression, heart disease, and high blood pressure. Perhaps the best source of potassium can be found in fresh fruits such as oranges and bananas, and in vegetables such as leafy greens and potatoes. Numerous herbal extracts, including Nettle and Alfalfa, can provide bio-available forms of potassium.

Food Nutrients and addiction recovery-Herbs that detoxify the liver and digestive tract

  • Milk Thistle. Milk Thistle has displayed remarkable healing properties for the liver. European research has shown that it is effective in treating cirrhosis, chronic hepatitis, and alcohol induced fatty liver. Milk Thistle extract actually has hepato-protective properties; it protects the liver cells from damage by environmental and internal toxins. This herb can be used as a liquid extract, tablet, or capsule in most cases. However, the more serious recovery case should consider the standardized extract. Milk Thistle use is a proof that Food Nutrients and addiction recovery go hand in hand.
  • Goldenseal. The American herb Goldenseal is a superior liver and blood detoxifier. A natural antibiotic, it is known to help reverse liver damage and effectively treat a variety of infections. It is not a good idea to take this herb by itself in large amounts for an extended period of time.
  • Dandelion. It’s known throughout Europe as an excellent liver detoxifier and mild diuretic. It increases the flow of bile and encourages both the transformation and transportation of nutrients. It has been used historically to treat liver disorders, arthritis and gout.

Food Nutrients and addiction recovery-Herbs relaxing and strengthening the nervous system

  • Scullcap. It’s a broad spectrum nervine tonic. This herb has been used successfully in cases of depression, anxiety, insomnia, and headaches. Scullcap is considered one of the preferred herbs to help ease withdrawal symptoms during recovery. During the first 72 hours of withdrawal, it may be taken every couple of hours. Scullcap contains large amounts of flavonoids which act as natural anti-inflammatory agents.
  • Valerian. This is another strong nervine. Extracts of Valerian have been used for centuries in Europe to resolve cases of insomnia, nervous disorders, anxiety, and depression. It is known to be beneficial for individuals who have a history of cocaine and/or alcohol use and also suffer from nervous disorders.
  • Passion Flower. Passion Flower is another great nervine. Milder than Valerian, it is excellent for relieving tension and for insomnia. Rich in flavonoids, Passion Flower is probably most effective when combined with Valerian and other nervines.

As you can see there are many nutrients and herbs which can assist the recovering addict. It is important to consider carefully which ones are appropriate for any given individual.  At AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center under Doctor Akoury’s  you will be given the most you can ever ask for while focusing on Neuroendocrine Restoration (NER) to reinstate normality through realization of the oneness of Spirit, Mind, and Body, Unifying the threesome into ONE.

Food Nutrients and addiction recovery-Natural way

 

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Buprenorphine for the treatment of addiction

March 15, 2014

Buprenorphine for the treatment of addiction-Is it the best

Buprenorphine

If you are suffering from addiction seek treatment but remember Buprenorphine may not be a better option.

Buprenorphine is used to help you keep off street drugs such as heroin. It can prevent or reduce the unpleasant withdrawal symptoms when you stop using such drugs. It is a medicine that is similar to heroin and works as a replacement treatment. Many people choose to stay on buprenorphine long-term, although some people gradually reduce their dose and come off it.

The effects of buprenorphine last longer than heroin so it is usually prescribed as a once-daily dose. To begin with, you will usually be asked to take it under the supervision of the pharmacist who dispenses the buprenorphine to you. This means there can be no doubt about how much buprenorphine you take at each dose. This supervision may be relaxed after a few months of your taking a regular maintenance dose.

Buprenorphine is also available combined with another medicine called naloxone (the tablet brand name is Suboxone). Naloxone blocks the action of buprenorphine and the effect of the combination is that, if you are tempted to crush the tablet and try to inject it, you will start to get withdrawal effects.

Buprenorphine for the treatment of addiction-Can buprenorphine cause problems?

As with all medications, Buprenorphine (Suboxone) drug treatment also has some disadvantages. It is still a medication and if you prefer to break free from any kind of addiction immediately, then Buprenorphine may not be the way to go. Also, you may not be completely Buprenorphine-free by the time you leave drug treatment, even if you opt for an inpatient drug rehab program.

Some may consider these disadvantages while others consider them well worth the advantage of avoiding opiate withdrawal symptoms. Also, some initial studies on long-term use of Buprenorphine suggest that there are anti-depressant effects of the drug as well. The dosing schedule is also relatively easy to maintain as most don’t even have to take it every day. Additionally, you can’t abuse Suboxone, get high off of it or overdose on it like you can with some other opiate addiction maintenance or detox drugs, like methadone. Much as this may offer treatment for addiction, it is in itself addiction and should not be encouraged. Its demerits far much out ways the merits just have a look at the conditions lined below before and during its usage.

Buprenorphine for the treatment of addiction-Before taking buprenorphine

Some medicines are not suitable for people with certain conditions, and sometimes a medicine may only be used if extra care is taken. For these reasons, before you start taking buprenorphine it is important that your doctor knows:

  • If you have liver or kidney problems.
  • If you have prostate problems or any difficulties passing urine.
  • If you have any breathing problems, such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
  • If you have been told you have low blood pressure.
  • If you have any problems with your thyroid or adrenal glands.
  • If you have epilepsy.
  • If you have a problem with your bile duct.
  • If you are pregnant or breast-feeding.
  • If you have been constipated for more than a week or have an inflammatory bowel problem.
  • If you have a condition causing muscle weakness, called myasthenia gravis.
  • If you have recently had a severe head injury.
  • If you have ever had an allergic reaction to a medicine.
  • If you are taking any other street drugs or medicines. This includes any medicines you are taking which are available to buy without a prescription, such as herbal and complementary medicines.

Buprenorphine for the treatment of addiction-Getting the most from your treatment

  • Some people feel uncomfortable during the first 2 to 3 days of taking buprenorphine. Do not be tempted to take heroin on top, and do not take more than the dose your doctor has prescribed for you.
  • It is important that you keep your regular appointments with your doctor or clinic so your progress can be reviewed. You will be asked to give a urine sample from time to time.
  • Buprenorphine cannot be supplied to you without a prescription. You will not be able to ask for any changes to be made to your supply, as your pharmacist can only dispense the prescription exactly as your doctor has directed.
  • There are several different brands and strengths of buprenorphine tablets, so each time you collect a supply, check to make sure it contains what you are expecting.
  • You are more likely to succeed in staying off heroin if you have support and counseling in addition to taking buprenorphine. Local drug community teams, self-help groups and other agencies may be of help. It is much harder to ‘do it alone’, so go for counseling and help if it is available in your area.
  • You should not take any street drugs or drink too much alcohol while you are on buprenorphine. This is because other street drugs such as benzodiazepines (benzos) and alcohol can affect buprenorphine and increase the chance of unwanted effects.
  • You should tell the DVLA that you are taking buprenorphine if you are a driver. You are likely to be banned from driving at first, although you may be allowed to drive again later, subject to an annual medical review. Your doctor will tell you when you can resume driving.
  • Do not stop taking buprenorphine without discussing this with your doctor or drug-team worker first. It is important that buprenorphine should be taken regularly to reduce the risk of withdrawal symptoms occurring. When you are ready to consider becoming drug-free, your doctor or drug-team worker will be able to help you decide on the best way to do this in order to keep withdrawal effects to a minimum.
  • If you are planning any trip abroad, you should carry a letter with you from your doctor to explain that you have been prescribed buprenorphine. This is because buprenorphine is classed as a ‘controlled drug’ and is subject to certain restrictions.
  • If you buy any medicines, check with a pharmacist that they are suitable for you to take with buprenorphine. Many other medicines have similar side-effects to buprenorphine and taking them together will increase the risk of unwanted effects.
  • If you are having an operation or dental treatment, tell the person carrying out the treatment that you are taking buprenorphine.

So many side effects and so many conditions attached making buprenorphine not to be right for addiction treatment not now and certainly not ever.

Buprenorphine for the treatment of addiction-Is it the best

 

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