Tag Archives: Awaremed Health

Exploring the journey from alcohol abuse to alcoholism

August 17, 2015

Exploring the journey from alcohol abuse to alcoholism: Alcohol dependence

Exploring the journey from alcohol abuse to alcoholism

Exploring the journey from alcohol abuse to alcoholism with a view of finding the true root cause of alcohol addiction and its effects

While discussing the in depth understanding of alcoholism complications, we elaborately introduced ourselves to the knowledge of alcoholism and how it develops from a social friendly consumption to a very intoxicating health problem. We also found out that due to the addictiveness of the substance, users often find themselves to have drunk beyond what is considered to be moderate drinking into problematic drinking. With those findings well understood, we now want to focus our discussion on this article to exploring the journey from alcohol abuse to alcoholism. We are aware that the alcoholic drink is not illegal and therefore when it brings some complications in the lives of its users, it concerns all of us. Therefore what exactly is the path way from alcohol abuse to alcoholism? We spoke to the experts at AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center. This facility was established by doctor Dalal Akoury a renowned veteran in addiction treatment solution for over two decades now. Professionally doctor Akoury registers that ordinarily not all alcohol users or abusers will become full-blown alcoholics. Even though this is an indication of a big risk factor, it may not always be true. Majority will progress into alcoholism but in many instances some alcoholism develops suddenly in response to a stressful change in life like for instance if one is declared breakup, retirement or any another losses. Other times, it gradually creeps up on you as your tolerance to alcohol increases. If you’re a binge drinker or you drink every day, the risks of developing alcoholism are greater.

Exploring the journey from alcohol abuse to alcoholism: Signs and symptoms of alcoholism

Alcoholism is the most severe form of problem drinking. Alcoholism involves all the symptoms of alcohol abuse, but it also involves another element: physical dependence on alcohol. If you rely on alcohol to function or feel physically compelled to drink, you’re an alcoholic.

Exploring the journey from alcohol abuse to alcoholism: Tolerance

Tolerance is the first major warning sign of alcoholism and when this is noticed both the users and their loved ones must take the initiative of remedying the situation before it gets out of hand. Therefore in handling such situations, you must be ready to respond to some of these questions like for instance ask yourself if you are compelled to drink a lot more than you are a costumed to in order to get  buzzed or to feel relaxed? Or alternatively are you that person who will drink the largest number of bottles without getting drunk? If your answers to these questions are yes, then you have a greater risk of being a candidate of alcoholism. Doctor Akoury is confirming that these are the known signs of tolerance and a serious pointer to early warning signs of alcoholism. Remember that tolerance means that, with over time the user of alcohol will consistently need more and more alcohol to feel the same effects and this is therefore forms the first significant journey from alcohol abuse to alcoholism and must be dealt with the seriousness it deserve professionally.

Exploring the journey from alcohol abuse to alcoholism: Withdrawal

The 2nd major warning sign of alcoholism is the withdrawal effects. The questions you need to ask yourself in this would be, “do you need a drink to steady the shakes in the morning?” Doctor Akoury confirms that drinking to relieve or avoid withdrawal symptoms is a sign of alcoholism and a huge red flag into the journey from alcohol abuse to alcoholism. When you drink heavily, your body gets used to the alcohol and experiences withdrawal symptoms if it’s taken away. The following are therefore some of the consequences that may result from the sudden withdrawal of alcohol: anxiety, trembling, sweating, nausea and vomiting, insomnia, depression, irritability, fatigue, loss of appetite, and headache among many more not mentioned. Nonetheless in very severe cases, withdrawal from alcohol can also involve hallucinations, confusion, seizures, fever, and agitation. It must be noted that these symptoms can be dangerous, and doctor Akoury suggests that timely action must be taken to remedy the situation. Therefore if you are consuming alcohol and you noticed some of these signs, then it is very crucial that you talk to your doctor immediately irrespective of your degree of drinking.

Exploring the journey from alcohol abuse to alcoholism: Other signs and symptoms of alcoholism

You’ve lost control over your drinking – This happens when you often drink more alcohol than you wanted to, for longer than you intended, or despite telling yourself you wouldn’t.

You want to quit drinking, but you can’t – Despite your persistent desire to cut down or stop and quit your alcohol use, all your efforts to quit have been unsuccessful.

You have given up other activities because of alcohol  – You’re spending less time on activities that used to be important to you (hanging out with family and friends, going to the gym, pursuing your hobbies) because of your alcohol use.

Alcohol takes up a great deal of your energy and focus – You spend a lot of time drinking, thinking about it, or recovering from its effects. You have few if any interests or social involvements that don’t revolve around drinking.

You drink even though you know it’s causing problems – This is often the common practice with many users like for example, you recognize that your alcohol use is damaging your marriage, making your depression worse, or causing health problems, but you continue to drink anyway.

In conclusion in exploring the journey from alcohol abuse to alcoholism, there will be times when you will be completely lost not knowing what to do. During such times it is very important that you step out and face the reality of what is happening in your life. We do appreciate that with the addictiveness of alcohol, you may not know where to start from and that is why doctor Akoury made a decision to create a medical center whose main objective is to transform each individual’s life through increasing awareness about health and wellness and by empowering individuals to find their own inner healing power. I strongly recommend that if this describes your situation, then this is the right professional to reach out to for help. Remember that Dr. Akoury’s practices focuses on personalized medicine through healthy lifestyle choices that deal with primary prevention and underlying causes instead of patching up symptoms. You can therefore call her on telephone number 843 213 1480 to schedule an appointment with her for the commencement of your recovery program today.

Exploring the journey from alcohol abuse to alcoholism: Alcohol dependence

 

 

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Dopamine the neurotransmitter role in drug addiction

August 13, 2015

Dopamine the neurotransmitter role in drug addiction: Risk and reward that trigger for the release of dopamine

Dopamine the neurotransmitter role in drug addiction

Dopamine the neurotransmitter role in drug addiction must never be ignored since it forma part of finding the solution

Dopamine is neurotransmitter in the brain that plays vital roles in a variety of different behaviors. The major behaviors dopamine affects are movement, cognition, pleasure, and motivation. Dopamine is an essential component of the basal ganglia motor loop, as well as the neurotransmitter responsible for controlling the exchange of information from one brain area to another. However, it is the role that dopamine plays in pleasure and motivation that attracts the most neurobiologists attention. And that is why our discussion is focusing on dopamine the neurotransmitter role in drug addiction in this article. We would appreciate if you can stay with us on the link so that together we can learn and take action where necessary in order to defeat addiction. Nonetheless for a better understanding of this topic, we are going to be relying on the expert opinion of doctor Dalal Akoury (MD) who is also the founder of AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center. This is a facility that she founded primarily to make a difference in the life of people who are suffering from the various forms of drug addiction which is very rampant in the current societies we live in.

For better understanding of this point doctor Dalal Akoury says that in certain areas of the brain when dopamine is released it gives one the feeling of pleasure or satisfaction. These feelings of satisfaction become desired, and the person will grow a desire for the satisfaction. To satisfy that desire the person will repeat behaviors that cause the release of dopamine. For example food and sex release dopamine. That is why people want food even though their body does not need it and why people sometimes need sex. These two behaviors scientifically make sense since the body needs food to survive, and humans need to have sex to allow the race to survive. However, other, less natural behaviors have the same effect on one’s dopamine levels, and at times can even be more powerful. Often these behaviors can result in addiction due to their effect on dopamine, and that addiction can have negative effects on a person’s well-being.

Dopamine the neurotransmitter role in drug addiction: Cocaine

Cocaine is by far the more severe in relation to other substances in terms of addiction. Cocaine chemically inhibits the natural dopamine cycle. Normally, after dopamine is released, it is recycled back into a dopamine transmitting neuron. However, cocaine binds to the dopamine, and does not allow it to be recycled. Thus there is a buildup of dopamine, and it floods certain neural areas. The flood ends after about 30 minutes, and the person is left yearning to feel as he or she once did. That is how the addiction begins and with time adaptation builds up due to the fact that the person is consistently behaving in the same way that he or she had the first time. However, the individual cannot, because dopamine is also released when something pleasurable yet unexpected occurs. During the first time, the person expects the effect, thus less dopamine is released, and the experience is less satisfying. This cause explains why gambling releases dopamine.

Many studies have been done which targeted neural response to rewards. The findings were in agreement that when one performed an action repeatedly, and is given a reward randomly, the dopamine levels rises. If the reward is administered for example every four times the action was performed, the dopamine levels remained constant. Whereas when no reward is given dopamine levels dropped. These random rewards can be seen in gambling and since the outcome is based on chance, one may not know prior if he or she will win. Therefore, if he or she wins, dopamine levels increases. However, unlike cocaine, gambling causes addiction in relatively low levels of participants. This is because Cocaine’s chemical input is much more influential on dopamine levels than gambling’s behavioral input meaning that only people whose dopamine levels are low, become addicted to gambling.

Dopamine the neurotransmitter role in drug addiction: Variance in dopamine levels

This is may be due to genetics, environment related or a combination of factors. A study concluded that pathological gamblers most often experienced traumatizing experiences when they were younger. Since most people who became addicted to gambling have low dopamine levels, and also that same group usually has endured a traumatic experience, it was concluded the overall dopamine levels can change due to environmental factors. This supports the opinion that both the mind and the brain can change due to environmental factors. However in yet another study it was established that a gene related to dopamine is sported twice as often in pathological gamblers than non-gamblers. To this effect, doctor Akoury says that this view seems to supports the observation that dopamine levels are genetic. We can therefore come up with two possible observations. Either both genetics and environmental factors affects ones brain anatomy and mind simultaneously, or that environmental factors can affect genes which in turn affect ones brain and mind.

Dopamine the neurotransmitter role in drug addiction: Why is risk and reward a trigger for the release of dopamine?

It’s scientifically logical that sex and food release dopamine, because they are essential for the life of human beings. Risk and reward are not.  It is believed that everything happens for a reason; meaning, there must be a scientific explanation for the increase of dopamine levels as a result of risk and reward. Like for instance the human race is different from other species on this planet not only by its ability to reason, but also its ability to create and be innovative. Therefore nature dictates that humans are creative and innovative, and for this to happen a person should have some level of satisfaction when one accomplishes an innovation. Doctor Akoury agrees that for one to accomplish an innovation he/she must take certain risks. It is risky to try to do something that no other being on earth has ever accomplished. Therefore, there must be a reward other than material that one gets when he or she accomplishes the innovation, otherwise that person would not take the risk. The reward here is the release of dopamine and the feeling of satisfaction. The problem with this process is that not only can one be satisfied after a major risk and accomplishment, but that one can also be satisfied through constant minute risks and accomplishments.

The feeling of satisfaction that dopamine exhibits are so strong that one can often lose his or her ability to reason in order to achieve satisfaction. It is that unconscious state of mind that takes over and begins to make certain decisions. The brain develops neural circuits that unconsciously assess reward. Since dopamine plays an active role in these circuits, people will act in what they think is in their best interest, when in fact the only interest it satisfies is the release of dopamine. This can be exemplified in gambling where one insists on gambling even though he or she knows that the odds are against them. Finally we appreciate that there is a lot of scientific explanations in this topic which may not be very clear to many people and if you are one of them then we are more than ready at AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center to listen and help you be on the know. All you have to do is to call doctor Dalal Akoury (MD) who is also the founder of the facility for an appointment and all your concerns will be addressed professionally.

Dopamine the neurotransmitter role in drug addiction: Risk and reward that trigger for the release of dopamine

 

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Understanding the substance Cocaine and Adderall Ritalin

August 12, 2015

Understanding the substance Cocaine and Adderall Ritalin: Why Ritalin can be addictive

mesolimbic dopamine system

Understanding the substance Cocaine and Adderall Ritalin is very crucial if we are to defeat all the elements of addiction that are associated with it.

Understanding the substance Cocaine and Adderall Ritalin begins by first appreciating their roles into the brain. These drugs can be very addictive if taken in higher doses. In fact Ritalin works by increasing the dopamine output in the brain, which helps to improve concentration. Dopamine is also the neurotransmitter very much associated with reward and pleasure in the brain, and for this reason when Ritalin is taken in higher doses than the recommended amounts it can result in euphoria. Anything that causes a psychotropic reaction (a high) can result in a psychological addiction, and Ritalin is no different. Patients with ADHD who require Ritalin therapy are given the medication in gradually increasing dosages to slowly and steadily build up base levels of dopamine in the brain, and when this process occurs over time and in a controlled manner, there is no intoxication, and there is no risk of addiction.

Understanding the substance Cocaine and Adderall Ritalin: Addictive if abused

When people take the medication for non-clinical reasons, they tend to take a higher dosage, do get high, and with prolonged abuse do find themselves addicted. Adults and children taking the medication for a legitimate medical condition, and following a doctor’s recommendations for dosage amounts and frequency, have little to worry about. Adults prescribed Ritalin sometimes do experiment with higher doses, and there have been thousands of cases where parents may also take and abuse their children’s medications. Although not as potent as a strict amphetamine, the abuse of Ritalin can be quite pleasurable, and is also associated positively with weight loss, and as such can be quite tempting.

Understanding the substance Cocaine and Adderall Ritalin: Ritalin withdrawal symptoms

Doctor Dalal Akoury says that once a person becomes addicted to Ritalin, when they try to stop taking the drug, they will experience a syndrome of withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms of withdrawal include: Tiredness, anxiety, depression, lethargy, hunger, cravings and many other symptoms.

The withdrawal and detox off of Ritalin presents very similarly to other psycho stimulants like crystal meth and cocaine, and the symptoms are predominantly internal and psychological in nature. Detox can best be accomplished in a facility away from access to the drug, and with the prescription of appropriate psychiatric medications that can take the edge off the depression and anxiety.

Understanding the substance Cocaine and Adderall Ritalin: Adderall

Adderall is commonly prescribed to patients who have difficulty controlling their actions, maintaining focus, or staying awake. It contains the active ingredients dextro-amphetamine and levo-amphetamine, both of which are psycho-stimulant amphetamine molecules. Adderall was first introduced into the public in 1996 as an instant-release (IR) drug by Shire Pharmaceuticals. In 2006, a new version, Adderall extended release (XR), was made available as well. While the instant-release drug requires 3 hours to reach its maximum plasma concentration after consumption, the extended release version takes up to 7 hours to do so. Some of the known side effects of Adderall include insomnia, loss of appetite, nausea, and hallucination. Adderall has been found to be addictive and dangerous to the health of some patients. Several withdrawal symptoms include panic attacks, seizure, fatigue

, and depression.

Understanding the substance Cocaine and Adderall Ritalin: The Chemistry and Mechanisms behind Adderall

The structure and action of Adderall resembles that of recreational drugs such as methamphetamine and MDMA (3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine) (also known as ecstacy). Adderall is a phenylalkylamine, consisting of a phenyl ring and nitrogen group. The molecular resemblance of Adderall to catecholamine neurotransmitters underlies the similarities in physiological function between Adderall and these natural neurotransmitters.

The amphetamines in Adderall can bind to receptors that are normally activated by specific catecholamines produced by different glands in the body (including the hypothalamus and adrenal medulla). Amphetamine can also result in the release of more neurotransmitters that can activate sensory regions throughout the nervous system. When these psycho-stimulants activate receptors in the brain, the emotional response consists of euphoria, insomnia, increased alertness, and, sometimes, anxiety or psychosis. Peripherally, the binding of amphetamine compounds to catecholamine receptors can result in a physical response that may include the vasoconstriction of blood vessels, tachycardia, and hypertension.

In addition to stimulating the release of catecholamines, the amphetamines in Adderall also inhibit the function of monoamine transporters, which function in the re-uptake and recycling of catecholamine neurotransmitters in order to terminate the neural signal by removing the neurotransmitters from the synapse. In effect, Adderall stimulates sensory systems by maintaining the concentration of neurotransmitter in the synapse. Adderall also partakes in a “reverse-transport” or efflux process in which the amphetamines are transported from the synapse through the transporters into the presynaptic neurons and the catecholamines are simultaneously transported from the presynaptic neurons through the transporter into the synapse. This leads to an increased concentration of neurotransmitters in the synapse, allowing them to trigger receptors and activate the neuropsychological effects mentioned above. Finally, amphetamine and its analogs also enhance the synaptic neurotransmitter concentration by acting as competitive inhibitors of monoamine oxidase (MAO), an enzyme that breaks down monoamine neurotransmitters. In all these if you want to be safe, it is necessary that you keep in constant consultation with the experts from AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center under the able leadership of doctor Dalal Akoury and you will not be caught an aware.

Understanding the substance Cocaine and Adderall Ritalin: Potential for Abuse

Adderall has high risk for dependence and addiction. It is hypothesized that the addictive characteristics of Adderall are due to the activation of the mesolimibic dopaminergic pathway, in which the amphetamine in the drug binds to the transporter of the neurotransmitter dopamine to prevent removal of dopamine from the synaptic cleft. By prolonging the presence of dopamine in the synapse, amphetamine produces the long-lasting side-effects of euphoria, pleasure, and concentration. In addition, the highly connected neural circuits in the central nervous system can transport dopamine from one part of the brain to another, resulting in the proliferation of the chemical signal.

Adderall abuse can also cause dangerous physiologic effects such as hypertension, seizures, and mydriasis (dilation of the pupil). Increase in blood pressure is thought to be caused by the continued release of norepinephrine. The constant stimulation of nerve receptors is the mechanism behind Adderall addiction. With continued use over time, a tolerance is developed to Adderall, as seen with other addictive drugs as well – the more frequently these drugs, including Adderall, are used, the greater the amount that is needed to supply a response. The reinforcement behavior produced by Adderall can eventually cause long-term dependence.

Research has found that under some circumstances, Adderall can induce psychosis in adolescents comparable to schizophrenia. Though the precise mechanism is not clear, it is possible that this effect is due to an increased amphetamine-induced dopamine release. The symptoms cleared in patients who withdrew from using Adderall. The chemical similarity between natural neurotransmitters in the body and Adderall increases both the likelihood and degree of abuse. Thus, until the risks of psycho-stimulants are understood in more detail, it is advisable to remain cautious about prescribing Adderall to those with ADHD.

Understanding the substance Cocaine and Adderall Ritalin: Why Ritalin can be addictive

 

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The association of sexual dissatisfaction with addiction

August 10, 2015

The association of sexual dissatisfaction with addiction: The devastation of drugs on sexual life

The association of sexual dissatisfaction with addiction

The association of sexual dissatisfaction with addiction can be addressed by focusing on the measures to discontinue the cycle of addiction

One of the reasons why people and particularly those in marriages suffer in silence is because of cultural practices surrounding sex and other matters rotating around sexual relationships. Over the years sex was not spoken about for various reasons and this has escalated to even this century where there is a lot of embarrassment in some places. Even though people are now days deviating from the old practices where discussions about sex was almost a taboo, the inferiority that was there then about discussions on sexual matters still live with us. I don’t know what is happening in your community if you’re still not able to talk freely about sex or things have changed, but one very important fact is that there are a lot of frustrations in relationships and families because of sexual dissatisfaction from or by either party. It is regrettable that most relationship that feels the pain most is those whose sexual partners are misusing drugs and alcohol. And because sex is supposed to be enjoyed by the people (male and female) who have mutual agreement to do so there must be no limitations from whatever direction. And having identified alcohol and drugs as some of the impediments to sexual satisfactions, we want to focus our discussion on the association of sexual dissatisfaction with addiction.

Sex is supposed to be enjoyed by the people who have mutually agreed to have it done. The feelings must be mutual and the parties to it must be sober and in good state of mind for the action. Much as these are supposed to be the primary procedures quite often many people are going into sex intoxicated with alcohol and drugs beating the whole essence of mutual understanding begging the question as to whether in such circumstances sex will be fulfilling or not. And in addiction to that both the print and electronic media have reported on drugs, sex and rock and roll to appear to be attractive and glamorous yet addiction is fatal and can take serious tall on people’s sexual health. In many cases says doctor Dalal Akoury, sexual dysfunction or promiscuity will drive people to self-medicate with alcohol, across the counter prescription drugs, and other dangerous substances. Addicts who complete drug rehab are also prone to developing new addictions to sex and unhealthy relationships which is hazardous to the society. Coupled with all these reasons, it is very important that we take time to address the issues surrounding sexual relations and drug addiction explicitly so that we anyone who is struggling with an addiction can benefit through professional treatment that delivers total recovery and a more fulfilling life thereafter.

The association of sexual dissatisfaction with addiction: Drug abuse and sexual health

Despite their euphoric effects that are commonly associated with drugs and alcohol, these substances can also have severe consequences for people’s sexual performance and desires. Some of the most common problems of frequent drinkers and drug users may include the following:

Low Libido

The effects of drugs on their users’ will often cause hormonal balances; drugs can destroy people’s sex drives. Like for example, alcohol and marijuana for example are known to reduce testosterone which is the most important hormone in regulating men’s libidos. Cocaine, meth, and other stimulants can also cause a rise in cortisol. Remember that cortisol is a stress hormone which causes the body to switch to starvation mode, prioritizing weight gain and low energy consumption over sex and reproduction.

The association of sexual dissatisfaction with addiction: Poor Performance

Testosterone-lowering drugs can cause erectile dysfunction, leading to poor performance or none at all in the bedroom an occurrence which can be very embracing to all affected men. ED can also occur from the circulatory problems caused by cocaine and other drugs that raise blood pressure. Even when these specific problems aren’t present, the stresses of addiction can destroy both men and women’s sexual performance. As I have said before sex is supposed to be pleasant and enjoyable by both partners, none should feel less functional and inadequate because of sex related problems.

We are privileged these days because of the advancement of technology and education. If this article is describing your condition then I want to encourage you that all is not lost because doctor Akoury is offering lasting solutions to conditions like this. Men who are experiencing ED are receiving treatment from this able experts who administers Priapus Shot ® a natural and friendly new method of correcting the sexual dysfunctions resulting from ED. All you need to do on your part if you or anybody you know is suffering from problem of this magnitude is to make that very important call to doctor Dalal Akoury and schedule for a one on one appointment with her in total confidence and in a record time she will attend to your problem with a lot of professionalism.

Besides the problem of sexual dissatisfaction, there is also this problem of addiction, it may not matter which one is bothering you because if they do, it can be very frustrating and demining. Nonetheless when it comes to substance abuse, doctor Akoury is equally relevant in this discipline. She is one of the well-respected addiction experts of our time and most importantly is that she has a passion in helping her clients get their lives back at a very minimal cost yet she delivers absolute quality healthcare to all her patients with a lot of love and care. Your condition will be very safe in her care and with just a short time; you will have your life back enjoying it to the fullest. The question that many may be asking is that who is this highly talked about professional? If you do then wait no longer because in her over two decade of service to the people globally, doctor Akoury made a decision to create a medical center (AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center) with the sole objective to transform each individual’s life through increasing awareness about health and wellness and by empowering individuals to find their own inner healing power. It will also interest you to note that Dr. Akoury’s practice focuses on personalized medicine through healthy lifestyle choices that deal with primary prevention and underlying causes instead of patching up symptoms. It therefore means that your condition will be very safe and your portion in all this arrangement is to present yourself before the expert and the rest will be history.

Loss of Interest

Some heroin addicts claim that getting high is better than sex. Brain scans have even confirmed that the pleasure-inducing dopamine response to drugs is far stronger than sexual arousal. People who abuse powerful narcotics often lose all interest in sex, craving only the more intense feelings they get while high.

The association of sexual dissatisfaction with addiction: The devastation of drugs on sexual life

 

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Is malnutrition related to substance abuse

August 10, 2015

Is malnutrition related to substance abuse: The significance of alcohol addiction in malnutrition?

Is malnutrition related to substance abuse

Is malnutrition related to substance abuse? this question came at the right time since currently addiction of all substances is on the rise and this is killing the good healthy habits including healthy feeding habits.

Food is very essential for anyone’s life and well-being. From the food stuff we eat we are able to get the constant supply of the energy we need to keep a float and to be productive in our daily undertakings. Even though when food is not taken the right way could also cause certain complications, it is very good and rich in nutrients which are the driving forces in the proper functionalities of our bodies. In one of the forums where doctor Dalal Akoury a veteran expert in addiction was addressing professionals in different health sectors, she posed a question that is malnutrition related to substance abuse? That question is going to form the focus of our discussion with a view of finding out the significance of alcohol addiction in malnutrition. Ideally alcohol addiction and malnutrition are two different elements that must not be allowed to have any relationship let alone one being a victim of either or both. Therefore doctor Akoury is kicking off the discussion with finding out the nutritional status of what we feed on as follows.

Is malnutrition related to substance abuse: Nutritional status?

According to the experts from AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center a facility which was established by doctor Akoury the general observation suggests that many alcoholics in many cases do not actually feed on a well-balanced diet. And besides, excessive alcohol consumption may interfere with these alcoholics’ ability to absorb and use the nutrients they do consume. Accordingly, many alcoholics suffer from various degrees of both primary and secondary malnutrition, where primary malnutrition occurs when alcohol replaces other nutrients in the diet resulting in an overall reduction of nutrient intake. Secondary malnutrition occurs when the drinker consumes adequate nutrients but alcohol interferes with the absorption of those nutrients from the intestine so they are not available to the body.

The most severe malnutrition, which is accompanied by a significant reduction in muscle mass, generally is found in those alcoholics who are hospitalized for medical complications of alcoholism (e.g., alcohol–related liver disease or other organ damage). According to the experts at AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center if these patients continue with their drinking habits, the consequence would be that they will lose additional weight; conversely, if they abstain from drinking, they will gain weight. This pattern applies to patients with and without liver disease.

Is malnutrition related to substance abuse: Alcohol’s effects on digestion and absorption of essential nutrients?

Alcohol consumption, particularly at heavy drinking levels, not only influences the drinker’s diet but also affects the metabolism of those nutrients that are consumed. Thus, even if the user takes in sufficient proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals, deficiencies may still develop if those nutrients are not adequately absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract into the blood, are not broken down properly or are not used effectively by the body’s cells. Two classes of nutrients for which such problems occur are proteins and vitamins.

Is malnutrition related to substance abuse: Amino acids and proteins?

Proteins are essential components of all cells. They help maintain the cell’s structure, transport certain substances in and out of cells, and act as enzymes that mediate almost all biochemical reactions occurring in the cells. Proteins are composed of approximately 20 different building blocks called amino acids. Many of these amino acids can be produced by the body itself from various precursors or are recycled when proteins that are damaged or are no longer needed are broken down or degraded. Other amino acids however, must be acquired through diet. Alcohol can interfere with the uptake of these essential amino acids.

Patients with chronic liver failure also exhibit a number of defects in protein metabolism. These include decreased production of proteins in the liver that are secreted into the blood decreased urea synthesis, and decreased metabolism of a group of amino acids called aromatic amino acids. These defects have important clinical consequences:

Is malnutrition related to substance abuse: Vitamins?

Vitamins are molecules that are present in small amounts in various foods and are essential for normal metabolism; insufficient vitamin levels in the body can lead to serious diseases. Alcoholics, even without liver disease, tend to have clinical and/or laboratory signs of deficiencies in certain vitamins, particularly vitamins B1 (thiamine), B2 (riboflavin), B6 (pyridoxine), and C (ascorbic acid), as well as folic acid. The severity of these deficiencies correlates with the amount of alcohol consumed and with the corresponding decrease in vitamin intake.

Is malnutrition related to substance abuse: A person’s nutrition affects liver function?

Malnutrition, regardless of its causes, can lead to liver damage and impaired liver function. For example, children in underdeveloped countries whose diets do not contain enough protein can develop a disease called kwashiorkor. One symptom of this disorder is the accumulation of fat in the liver, a condition known as fatty liver. Studies performed during and after World War II indicated that severe malnutrition also could lead to liver injury in adults. However, in these cases other factors, including exposure to certain toxins or parasites that are prevalent in war–ravaged or underdeveloped countries, may have exacerbated the relationship between liver injury and poor nutrition.

Doctor Akoury registers that because malnutrition also is common in alcoholics, clinicians initially thought that malnutrition, rather than alcohol itself, was responsible for alcohol–induced liver injury. Over the past decades, however, a more balanced view has evolved. Studies in humans, primates, and rodents have established that alcohol can cause liver damage even in well–nourished people.

In conclusion, doctor Akoury reports that it is becoming clear that nutritional effects and the toxic effects of alcohol often are intertwined at the biochemical level. Like for instance, alcohol induces the MEOS to break down alcohol. Similarly, alcohol promotes the breakdown of nutrients such as vitamin A, of which alcoholics may already consume too little with their diet. Therefore for us to be safe from all these malnutrition, our starting point should be the elimination of drug addiction from our societies and life system and that is where doctor Dalal Akoury a well-respected addiction expert of several decades come in. if this describes your situation, then it is important that you call doctor Akoury today to schedule or an appointment with her for the commencement of your addiction recovery treatment program today.

Is malnutrition related to substance abuse: The significance of alcohol addiction in malnutrition?

 

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