Points of action when faced with alcoholism

December 14, 2015

Points of action when faced with alcoholism: How can I avoid drinking?

Points of action when faced with alcoholism will help you make the right decision towards your ultimate addiction recovery from your alcoholism problem.

Our children often find it very difficult to say no when offered a drink by their friends and this is not doing them any good in the fight against addiction. That is why it has become necessary for us at AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center to share with us some few points of action when faced with alcoholism and even other substances. Before we get to that, it will interest you to note that AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center is the brain child of doctor Dalal Akoury who is also the MD, President and founder of the same. Doctor Dalal Akoury is a veteran addiction expert who has offered quality and relentless addiction treatment to millions of people across the globe and is still delivering real time solutions to people to date. If you, your child or any one you know is struggling with any kind of addiction, then you can consult with her today by scheduling for an appointment right away. Otherwise for the young people we appreciate that if you are keeping friends who drinking or using drugs are, you may be willing and desiring to let go the drink but their influence won’t let you. That is why we are tailoring this article to suit your individual situation as follows.

Doctor Akoury agrees that even though you inner-self may be saying No, it can be very hard to say “no, thanks” boldly and openly. This happens because we always want to safeguard our relationships and to avoid the risk of feeling rejected or being left out. Even with those challenges, it is still important to stand firm and say no and stick to your No, this can be done in several different strategies. Like for instance you may want to turn down alcohol work for different people without letting them see you as being difficult or distancing yourself from them. For this reason, some people will find it helpful to say no without giving an explanation while others may think that detailing their reasons works better e.g. (“sorry I’m not into drinking,” “sorry I ‘am sitting an exam tomorrow,” sorry I am taking part in a very important game tomorrow,” or “my parents died from drinking and I am not following their footsteps” these are some of the example you can give and still remain relevant to your friends.

Besides the above points, If you still find it difficult to say no to your friends when they offer you alcohol, you can as well shift the blame to your parents or another adult for your refusal by saying that “I am sorry my parents are coming to pick me up soon,” “I ‘am sorry I have already gotten in serious trouble for drinking once with the authorities and I can’t do it again,” or “better still you may say that “my coach would kill me if I drink before the game,” these are some of the better ways of communicating your refusal to your friend and because they too (teen) experience the same challenges, they will surely excuse you without any form of victimization.

Points of action when faced with alcoholism: Marry making and outings

Marry making and outings are serious threats to sinking into alcoholism and therefore it is important that as an individual, each time you’re going to a party where alcoholic drinks will be served, it is important that you up your game plan by coming up with a working strategy towards escape in advance. You and a friend can develop a signal for when it’s time to leave. Besides that you can also make sure that you have plans to do something besides just hanging out in someone’s basement drinking beer all night. Plan a trip to the movies, the mall, a concert, or a sports event. You might also organize your friends into a volleyball, bowling, or softball team any activity that gets you moving. Self-esteem is a factor to consider it therefore means that girls or guys who have strong self-esteem are less likely to become problem drinkers than people with low self-esteem.

Points of action when faced with alcoholism: Where you can get help from?

If you think you have a drinking problem, getting help as soon as possible is very necessary. The best approach is to talk to an adult you trust. If you can’t approach your parents, talk to your doctor, school counselor, clergy member, aunt, or uncle. It can be hard for some people to talk to adults about these issues, but a supportive person in a position to help can refer students to a drug and alcohol counselor for evaluation and treatment. In some states, this treatment is completely confidential. After assessing a teen’s problem, a counselor may recommend a brief stay in rehab or outpatient treatment. These treatment centers help a person gradually overcome the physical and psychological dependence on alcohol.

Points of action when faced with alcoholism: What if I’m concerned about someone else’s drinking?

Because we owe one another the duty of care we must show concern to our friends who are strongly into alcohol and drugs. It is normal to be living in a home with one or both parents who are abusing alcohol and not just parents even other relatives. This can be annoying and in the process may make you angry, scared, and depressed. Even though this is a possibility it is important to appreciate that many people can’t control their drinking without help and that is why we all must show concern because alcoholism is an illness that needs to be treated just like other illnesses. One important point about alcoholism is that people with drinking problems many at times can’t stop drinking until they are ready to admit that they have a problem that needs to be sorted out professionally. During this period of denial, many family members and loved ones have a feeling of depressed and helpless. However the good news is that we have experts at AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center under the able leadership of doctor Dalal Akoury who can help you get well in the most human way with a lot of dignity and high standard of confidentiality. All you need to do is to schedule for an appointment with doctor Akoury and you will have your life back and live it to the fullest.

Points of action when faced with alcoholism: How can I avoid drinking?

Managing Forms of Fear in Addiction Recovery

July 20, 2015

Forms Of Fear And Addiction And How To Manage

Ever found yourself at a scene of accident? Ever watched a horror movie? Well many of us have.

It is indeed dreadful. These two however brings out different kinds of fear in many of us. One is the kind you never want to experience ever. The other is the kind that despite the fact it holds our breaths and makes our hearts beat a little faster we still mole around and find some fun in them. Or who enjoys accident scenes; trust me not even the corps. How about anaconda, or the vampire diaries, aren’t they some of your favorites? The answer is obvious. Now back to our subject, fear and addiction.

One of the greatest concerns of an addict on rehab is fear. The following are some of the most common forms of fear among the addicts.

Fear of recovery from addiction

As mentioned in many other reports, addiction is both rewarding and reinforcing. One major concern therefore is losing the very substances that gave them a sense of happiness and joy, losing their primary forms of pleasure and replacing the same with new ones that do not in essence give similar kind of pleasure quickly. Many addicts wonder whether really they are able to sustain recovery and their life after victory.

fear

Fear of Failure to Recover

It has also been mentioned a number times recovery is a long journey. In the course of it, there are several pitfalls and failures. There are times of doubt; there are those times the addict thinks s/he set her/his goals so high. At which point they think they do not have what it takes. And they attempt to fall back due to fear and addiction.

Fear of Victory over Addiction

Isn’t it ironical this comes after that of disappointment? Could be there are good reasons for this too. Naturally human beings are curious. They often wonder what it is on the other side. Usually they do not know. This develops into a form of fear similar to one of the most dreaded, fear of the unknown. Isn’t it true people fear walking in the dark? Similarly addicts may not know exactly what would happen once they recover. They may know the benefits yes, but they may not yet know a whole lot of other things including; how to deal with the past, and new identities.

Fear of Denial by Family and Friends

Many addicts are slow on coming to terms with reality. They fail to admit they have a problem. They go about recovery either discretely or normally and in total disregard of their situation. They find it hard in the face of mockery and or rejection by their old friends. It could be the ones who led them into the problem in the first place or the new recruits who are probably still blinded by the short-term benefits of addiction and are yet to face any real consequences. Many addicts fear being judged. However the worst form of fear under this category is the fear to seek support.

Fear of Falling Back

There are never assurances to recovery. They are never clear cut treatment. These make this form of fear very real. Recovery demands a lot of commitment. Many addicts therefore fail to take any steps concerned the whole process might fail they shall be right back where they started, states of both fear and addiction.

The road leading to addiction is straight and smooth. Addiction is both rewarding and repetitive, literally making the ride fun. But there are consequences, most of the time dreadful. This reminds us the way back to recovery. Unlike the road down to addiction, the one back to sobriety is rough and bumpy. Sometimes it is so rocky we get stuck, other times it’s so muddy and slippery we get back down to addiction and wait for another season. Faced with both fear and addiction, it is important to be bold and take the right steps back to recovery. What then must we do to manage such fear and addiction?

Based on Fear of Recovery

The first thing to do when faced with any form of fear is to recognize it. The other thing to do is to overcome. However the latter is never easy. It is advisable to take a step at a time. Also, it is advisable to share the same with a therapist who will be able to walk you through the steps. The other forum, rather one of the best is sign up in a support group where you will likely meet other addicts undergoing the process, probably harboring the same fears. Don’t they say always there is security in numbers?

Based on Fear of Failure

It is simple, first recognize the fact there are failures along this path. Second everyone is unique; it might be a simple straight path as so and so. Once these facts have settled drop a perfectionist kind of attitude and go through the process. When faced with difficulties, share the same with the therapist and try another approach. Also, persistence is crucial in managing this form of fear and addiction.

Based on Fear of Victory

How about try not resisting this kind of fear? How about identifying it and yet letting it be? Many however have found a secret in simply letting the future be and living in the present.

Based on Fear of Denial

This form of fear demands great support by trusted family and friends. It is overcome by signing up into support groups.

Based on Fear of Falling Back

This has been solved by the discovery of the brain’s ability to reorganize itself to a state of normal functioning, neuroplasticity. The secret here is in abstinence; this is so that the brain is able to remold back to a former state of sobriety. It also involves exposing yourself more to alternative forms of pleasure.

The above, very important, are a tip of the iceberg. There is a lot more to fear and addiction you may find very useful to you. Click on http://www.integrativeaddiction2015.com to find a whole piece of information on fear and addiction.

Forms Of Fear And Addiction And How To Manage

Hippocampus and addiction

January 3, 2015

The Hippocampus Is Central To Many Aspects of Addictive Process

During childhood the brain will naturally produce the adequate amounts of nerve cells known as neurons which work to power the main coordination and control functions of the central nervous system. In medical terms, the process of neuron production is known as neurogenesis. During adulthood, neurogenesis essentially comes to a halt in almost all areas of the brain except for a region called the hippocampus, which plays a primary role in certain functions related to memory and learning. According to findings reported in 2011 by the National Institute on Drug Abuse, use or abuse of the illegal stimulants cocaine and methamphetamine can interfere with adult neuron growth inside the hippocampus. In turn, disruption of neuron production in this brain region can increase overall risks for the onset of a stimulant addiction.

Neurogenesis is a crucial process in the brain as it helps to populate or re-populate the brain with neurons. These neurons form the core of the communications network that makes the brain the center of all nervous system activity within the rest of the body. The primary period of neuron production occurs before birth during the process of fetal growth and development. The process of neurogenesis also continues during childhood and adolescence in a less extensive form. However, by the time an individual reaches adulthood, the production of new neurons comes to a halt except inside the hippocampus and in a region called the subventricular zone, which is located near fluid-filled chambers in the brain known as the lateral ventricles.

Getting to know hippocampus

Hippocampus belongs to a pathway called the limbic system together with other crucial structures in the brain. The hippocampus is a paired structure that assumes a resemblance of bananas. The whole of the limbic system plays a prime role in the human ability to experience rewarding or pleasurable sensations. However, as a distinct structure, the hippocampus functions largely as the brain’s center for taking in new memories, arranging those memories and creating an index that makes the newly arranged memories easy to find in the future. Other vital tasks carried out by this brain region include coordinating emotion-based responses to internal or external situations, helping the body orient itself spatially to its surroundings and providing the ability to remember and navigate the details of previously encountered physical environments.

This part of the brain plays very important roles but it can be adversely affected by the use of stimulants and other drugs of leisure. Substances such as cocaine and methamphetamine produce their primary effects inside the brain by boosting the presence of dopamine which is a neurotransmitting chemical that activates the pleasure-producing neurons contained within the limbic system. As stated above the limbic system includes the hippocampus, along with several other brain structures. According to the results of two separate studies published in 2008 in the Journal of Neuroscience and Biological Psychiatry, the presence of either cocaine or methamphetamine alters normal adult neurogenesis inside the hippocampus and damages this region’s ability replenish its neuron supply. It has been found that stimulants as well as other drugs of pleasure interfere with the basic processes of neurogenesis at an early, critical stage known as proliferation. In particular cocaine also interferes with the ability of existing immature neurons to grow into their normal mature forms.

Owing to its vital roles, the hippocampus has since become an area of particular interest, as it is central to many aspects of the addictive process, including relapse to drug taking. A recently appreciated hippocampal neuro-adaptation produced by drugs as diverse as opiates and psycho-stimulants is decreased neurogenesis in the sub-granular zone (SGZ). Stem cell Adult-generated neurons and drug-induced alterations of adult neurogenesis advance our understanding of the complex mechanisms by which opiates and psycho-stimulants affect brain function.

How drugs addiction affects Hippocampus

In a research that was done by researchers from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in 2011, the results of this study that examined the addiction risks related to the disruption of normal neurogenesis inside the hippocampus indicated that cocaine abuse led to decreased production of neurons in the hippocampus. During this study, adult rat were deprived of their normal ability to produce new hippocampal neurons. These rats were then given free access to cocaine for four hours a day. When compared to adults rats not robbed of their ability to produce new neurons in the hippocampus, these neurogenesis-impaired rats consistently increased their cocaine intake by 60 percent. The neurogenesis-impaired rats also had a much greater tendency to seek out cocaine between the sanctioned periods of drug access; substance abuse specialists typically view this type of drug-seeking behavior as a critical indicator of a developing drug addiction.

Hippocampus These researchers also measured neurogenesis-impaired rats’ susceptibility to a drug relapse. During the first phase of this stage of testing, the rats were removed from the cages where drug use had taken place, blocked all drug access for a month, and let the rats go through withdrawal. At the end of the month, the rats were returned to their old cages but still received no access to cocaine. Compared to rats with normal rates of neurogenesis which also went through the same process, the neurogenesis-impaired rats showed more prominent signs of drug craving and a desire to continue drug use as often the case in relapse.

Finally, Drug abuse, addiction and independence are problems that people grapple with every day. These problems need to be treated effectively through integrative medicine. Dr. Dalal Akoury (MD) is an expert at this. Call her on (843) 213-1480 for help.

The Hippocampus Is Central To Many Aspects of Addictive Process

Weight Loss and Stress the Missing Link

October 23, 2013

Understanding Weight Loss and Stress

Weight loss and Stress are linked, it is hard to lose weight when– Stress…Is Everywhere! says Dr. Dalal Akoury

Understanding Weight Loss and Stress

Lets face it people, stress will always be in our lives… to a certain degree anyways. It is almost a way of life in the 21st century. Stress can be a major prohibiting factor to weight loss and can even contribute to weight gain. Chronic stress can be tied to an increase in appetite and ultimately stress-induced weight gain. It all starts in our neuroendocrine system. This system activates a hormones in response to stress or life threatening situations. The hormones released during this response is adrenaline, corticotrophin releasing hormone (CRH), and cortisol. Elevated levels of adrenaline and CRH cause a decreased appetite. This result is usually temporary. Cortisol on the other hand is there to support and replenish our body after the stressors have gone. This elevated level of cortisol remains for a long period of time and tends to increase appetite. For most people, increased appetite means increase in weight gain!

Weight Loss – Stress A Tyrannosaurs Rex or a Late Electric Bill?

This response from the neuroendocrine system is doing what it is supposed to do but it was not designed for the 21st century stressors. The increase in hormones was intended for life threatening situations such as, a tyrannosaurs rex trying to eat your entire family as it was in the time of cavemen. The calories or stored food in the body we would have used to fight off the tyrannosaurs rex in the beginning of time is not being expended in modern day. Now “we” mope around and fuss and dwell on our stressors and anger. Eating has become our stress reliever. At this point or neuroendocrine system is confused and has not received the necessary signals to know if we fought off that tyrannosaurs rex or not. This causes us to feel hungry because the hormones are still being released to restore calories lost and our depleted food stores.

AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center team and Dr. Dalal Akoury reminds us that – Weight Loss a ndStress – Cortisol and the Adrenals – are all connected

Cortisol is actually made in the Adrenal Cortex. It controls the strength of our immune system, normalizes blood sugar, and regulates blood pressure. This production is due to adrenal cortical stimulating hormone (ACTH) produced in the pituitary gland. If the adrenals are producing to much of the cortisol, the motions for increased susceptibility to infections and cancer will occur, along with weight gain around the belly area and your immune system can be compromised. Opposite of that, if too little cortisol is produced chronic fatigue can occur and so can exhaustion. An overactive immune system could develop as could autoimmune disease.

Dr. Dalal Akoury founder of AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center describes the Weight and Stress connection – Let’s Correct That Cortisol Level!!

Weight Loss and Stress the Missing Link

Stress reduction is an essential part of all efforts to normalize cortisol. Stress is the stimuli that caused the cortisol levels to get out of hand to begin with. Each individual should explore and find the stress reduction techniques that work best for themselves. Meditation, physical activities, attitude changes, just to name a few are good paths to explore. Without stress reduction, therapeutic and support measures will ultimately fail.

Get plenty of rest. Rest must be handled as a scheduled and straight forward strategy, choice, and course of action. That may sound obvious but how well do you really schedule your rest? Otherwise it gets lost and forgotten in the high strung pace of life.

A low glycemic diet is also important. Sugar handling stress increases cortisol levels. Elevated cortisol, then disturbs the sugar handling situation, contributing towards the development of high insulin levels and possibly diabetes. Diet alone without stress reduction will not help you lose weight because weight loss and stress are connected.

Understanding Weight Loss and Stress

Nutritional supplementation is highly recommended in restoring normal cortisol levels. We suggest a Integrative Therapeutic Cortisol Manager. Our product will support a healthy sleeping habit without using habit forming ingredients. Due to the more normal sleeping pattern, the stressors associated with the unhealthy sleeping pattern will disappear. Phosphatidylserine is the main active ingredient in our Integrative Therapeutic Cortisol Manager and is believed to facilitate the repair of the cortisol receptors in the hypothalamus. It is believed that the cortisol receptors get damaged by high cortisol levels reducing the ability of the hypothalamus to sense and correct high cortisone levels. Because Phosphatidylserine helps repair the feedback control apparatus, it is useful in correcting both high and low cortisol levels.

Another nutritional supplement that is necessary are adaptogen herbs. Adaptogens are an entire category of herbs that assist the body in coping with stress by restoring hypothalamic cortisol receptor sensitivity. A combination of these adaptogens are all researched for their effects on increasing stamina, mental alertness and work performance.

The AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center team and it’s founder Dr. Dalal Akoury describe that Weight gain is caused by Stress and Having Healthy SEX will help weight loss

The adrenals are a big deal in many people’s sex lives. People usually feel sexier on vacation when the stress level is down. They can relax and also make up their sleep deficit. Many couples complain that they are just too tired to be interested in sex. A great rule for rebuilding the adrenals is “rest is best.” I can guarantee that if one spouse is feeling fearful and anxious, he or she is definitely not feeling very sexy. Remember Weight loss and stress are closely linked.

All of the adrenal hormones, and all the sex hormones for that matter, are steroids. Steroids are made from cholesterol. You need good sources of cholesterol. Forget the margarine and only eat butter. Keep up a good protein intake, which will also provide good sources of cholesterol. Remember, healthy sex equals healthy adrenals!