The effectiveness of proteins in addiction recovery

August 28, 2015

The effectiveness of proteins in addiction recovery: What unit of protein is adequate?

The effectiveness of proteins in addiction recovery is realistically working and any deficiency in protein must be avoided if we have to win in the fight against addiction

In one of the forums where I lecture people on the usefulness of nutrition in the sustainability of good health one of the listeners ask a very important question. She enquired the role of protein intake in the fight against drug addiction. Her concern raised a very healthy discussion and we want to share with you some of the effectiveness of protein in addiction recovery even as we progress in to the discussion. Ideally whenever protein is mentioned what come to your mind is body building and good health it is therefore no doubt that protein is a very essential dietary component for those recovering from addiction. According to the experts at AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center under the able leadership of doctor Dalal Akoury, when poor eating patterns is combined with the use of drugs and alcohol a lot of health complications follows suit including mental, social and physical damage. Doctor Akoury says that the knowledge of this negative impact of the addiction on individuals is very important besides taking time in the proper identification of the modalities of achieving optimal health in during the recovery process. It is from these understanding that we want to take time to look at the physical health problems that addiction creates in the body and how protein can be of help in correcting some of these issues.

The effectiveness of proteins in addiction recovery: The role of protein in the body

Proteins like we have already mention is one of six most essential food nutrients in food which is partially responsible for the structure of all cells, tissues and organs in the body. They are broken down into amino acids, which help in the process of replacing and regenerating all cells. Experts are all in agreement that protein plays a vital role in sustaining life. And this brings us to the next vital question which is “where exactly do we find this valuable nutrient from?” Even though this list may not be exhaustive, the following are some of the great sources of protein you can rely on for your nutrition:

Meat including all the poultry, red meat, and seafood
Legumes both dry beans and peas
Eggs
Dairy products including milk, cheese and yogurt
Soy and tofu
Nuts and seeds
Some grains e.g., quinoa, whole grains etc.

The effectiveness of proteins in addiction recovery: How much protein do we need?

On average, most people across the globe get enough protein from their diet. Like for instance in the western cultures, there appear to be more than enough quantities of in their diet which often go exceedingly beyond the daily consumption recommendations. According to the experts at AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center, the daily recommendations for dietary protein should be based on weight and physical activity levels. That is to say that for adults they should aim to consume approximately 0.8g of protein per kilogram of their weight. (Weight in kg x 0.8g/kg = protein intake in g). However it is important to appreciate that when looking at the protein and food intake of someone suffering from an addiction, their intake falls below the average. It therefore means that when drugs or alcohol are present in ones’ life, other areas fall short and nutrition is no exception thereby making repair for recovery to become very necessary. And therefore since drugs and alcohol have a harmful effect on many metabolic processes, various organs and systems are greatly affected and need repair in addiction recovery. The following are just but a few of some of the organs that are greatly affected:

The effectiveness of proteins in addiction recovery: Protein and the digestive system

The gastrointestinal tract (GIT), also known as the digestive system is one area that is affected by addiction. The GIT transports food to the stomach to be broken down, and into the small intestines where most nutrients are absorbed. The inner part of the GIT is lined with a thin layer of mucous, which protects the outer layers of cells, muscle, blood vessels and nerves.

Mal-absorption is an abnormality causing poor nutrient absorption, can occur in addicts. Chronic alcohol use is one of the major causes of a folate deficiency, as it impairs the uptake of folate in the intestines. The bigger problem with most alcoholics is that their diets are weak and limited in many food nutrients including folate. It will interest you to note that folate deficiencies alter the intestines normal physiological role of absorbing other vitamins and minerals. Besides that the other characteristic of mal-absorption is diarrhea, which accelerates the excretion of nutrients and limits their absorption. This combination of factors culminates to mal-absorption, which eventually leads to malnutrition. Doctor Akoury recommends that for a better solution to this condition, sobriety is very essential in helping reverse these damages in the gastrointestinal tract, as the toxic effect of alcohol causes this chain reaction. In addition, providing extra nourishment, from protein can help to accelerate the recovery from the effects of mal-absorption.

A common, yet painful occurrence in alcoholism is gastro esophageal reflux or heartburn. Stomach acid is very potent, and can dissolve a nail! Alcohol relaxes the lower esophageal sphincter, a muscle that separates the esophagus and the stomach. When relaxed, stomach acid rises up into the esophagus. In severe alcoholism, chronic alcohol use can create tears in the esophagus causing esophageal varicosities. In addition, alcohol causes direct damage to the esophageal mucosa (a thin protective layer of mucous in the gastrointestinal tract). As with all damage in the body, protein is an important element of the healing process.

The effectiveness of proteins in addiction recovery: Protein and muscle

As discussed previously, food and nutrition is not a high priority for most addicts. They are normally lazy in preparing meals for themselves. Full meals can interfere with the ‘high’, and cause unpleasant side effects when mixed with alcohol or drugs. When using drugs or alcohol, appetite is suppressed and most addicts skip at least one meal a day. Others can go for hours to days without eating and without food the source of fuel for our body is limited, causing the body to fall back on stored energy supplies to sustain energy. And before you knew such individual will be starving causing the body to rely on glycogen stores, which are located in our muscles and liver. When addicts restrict their food intake and ‘starve’ their bodies, they continuously exhaust glycogen stores which deplete and reduces lean muscle mass. This is one of the major causes of weight loss during the addiction. In recovery, it is important to rebuild strength and muscle, to support a healthy lifestyle for recovery. Protein and exercise are essential in preserving and rebuilding muscle mass, as well as increasing energy levels in recovery.

Finally doctor Akoury reiterates that the effectiveness of protein in addiction recovery is a very healthy way of solving the problems of substance abuse and should be embraced by all standards. Therefore if you or any one you know is struggling with addiction doctor Akoury is more than willing to help you through the whole process if only you can schedule for an appointment with her today.

The effectiveness of proteins in addiction recovery: What unit of protein is adequate?

Understanding the specific nutritional impact on addiction

August 27, 2015

Understanding the specific nutritional impact on addiction: Detailing nutritional impact on individual substances of abuse

Understanding the specific nutritional impact on addiction will help you take timely precautions before the damage is too overwhelming to handle.

While looking at the nutritional impact on individual substances of abuse, we discussed at length specific substances like alcohol and opioids in the previous article. You can make reference on that however for the purpose of this article, under the title “understanding the specific nutrition impact on addiction” we want to further on the discussion specifically exploring on the on other substances of abuse like stimulants and marijuana. Besides that we are also going to find out from the discussion how promoting self-care and a healthy life style will benefit this worthy journey of eliminating drug addiction. Dealing with matters relating to addiction is never easy and therefore consulting with able professionals from AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center under the able leadership of doctor Dalal Akoury (MD) is very much in order.

It will interest you to note that doctor Dalal Akoury is one of the most respected addiction professionals globally who out of her passion of offering lasting solution to all she made a passionate decision of creating a medical center (AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center) whose primary objective is to transform each individual’s life through increasing awareness about health and wellness and by empowering individuals into finding their own inner healing power. Besides that, it will also interest you to appreciate 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. This therefore means that if you are struggling with any kind of addiction of whatever nature and irrespective of the level of your addiction, this is the place and home of lasting solutions. If this description suits your needs, then you can call doctor Akoury on telephone number 843 213 1480 to schedule for an appointment with her to have all your concerns addressed professionally and in good time. In the meantime, let us progress with our quest of understanding the specific nutritional impact on addiction following.

Understanding the specific nutritional impact on addiction: Stimulants

Stimulants, including crack, cocaine, amphetamines, methamphetamine, nicotine, and caffeine, generally lead to decreased appetite and weight loss. Cocaine has been associated with anorexia and eating disorders and may impact energy intake and requirements. Large amounts of stimulants result in insomnia, paranoia, anxiety, malnutrition, and memory problems. Therefore when individuals first discontinue stimulant use, dehydration and electrolyte imbalances may occur, so careful monitoring is important. Since low weight and eating disorders may be of concern, encouraging and educating patients on proper nutrition and helping them achieve a healthy BMI is important.

Methamphetamine abusers commonly suffer severe dental problems that interfere with diet quality. According to one of the studies, it was established that up to 41.3% of methamphetamine users had dental disease and nearly 60% had missing teeth. Doctor Akoury is suggesting that based on such facts it is necessary that dietitians should take lead role in offering nutritional education to support dental health and recommend foods with an appropriate consistency.

Understanding the specific nutritional impact on addiction: Marijuana

Marijuana, which impairs memory, attention, judgment, and balance and increases heart rate, is the most commonly used drug in the United States. The main nutritional impact of this drug is increased appetite. Long-term users may be overweight and may need a calorically restricted diet and an exercise program to help them achieve a healthy weight. Since marijuana is a fat-soluble drug, it can take up to six months for a daily user’s brain to return to normal functioning after abstaining.

Understanding the specific nutritional impact on addiction: Promoting self-care and a healthy lifestyle

Various professionals should help promote a healthy lifestyle to accompany substance abuse patients’ recovery. Important aspects of self-care include physical activity, proper sleep, and devoting time for pleasurable activities. These activities may help to keep patients positive, improve health, establish new routines, and reduce idle time that may lead to relapse. Exercise is thought to stimulate some of the same circuits in the brain as do most substances, so promoting healthful activities may be a good way to replace old behaviors. Lack of sleep can lead to a decrease in well-being, reduced cognitive function, and reduced energy, so encouraging patients to practice healthful bedtime routines is beneficial.

Patients must be educated on the importance of nutrition in their recovery process. Grocery shopping, cooking, and preparing foods are important skills that dietitians can promote for patients in recovery. Cooking classes or recipes may be of interest to clients who are unsure about how to cook or are looking for ideas for healthful options. Financial struggles and unstable living situations are common obstacles to recovery that can lead to food insecurity, which significantly contributes to the nutritional status of drug abusers and to relatively unbalanced diets. Educating patients on nutrition resources, budget-friendly options, and support may be helpful.

Finally in order to achieve this worthy course, some serious commitments must be made and everyone must pool together in one direction of finding solutions. In that respect it is necessary that the dietitians play the overall and important part in the process of recovery for all patients seeking help for substance abuse. It must be appreciated that in many situations the obstacle of denial will pose a serious challenge and therefore consistency in encouragement in going to be very paramount. Doctor Dalal Akoury reiterates that many patients must be professionally encouraged to understand how nutrition can play an important part in their recovery process. The commitment in encouragement must not be a one stop thing instead it should be continuous because this is the only way through which victims of substance abuse will be able to get the much needed help to navigating the struggles that arise so that they can achieve a healthy lifestyle. Doctor Akoury encourages that this is a challenge that we must all be ready to take so that together we can make a difference.

Understanding the specific nutritional impact on addiction: Detailing nutritional impact on individual substances of abuse

Exploring nutritional therapy for substance abuse eradication

August 27, 2015

Exploring nutritional therapy for substance abuse eradication: Being objective in dealing with addiction

Preceptorship Addiction Treatment – Effective Treatment Support

Exploring nutritional therapy for substance abuse eradication

Because complications relating to drugs addiction are not going to go away anytime soon going by the various statistics gathered from research documents, we need to up our sleeves into bringing this ghost of addiction to manageable levels. That would therefore means that no stone must not be left unturned and everyone must be brought on board for the operation to be successful. For that reason, AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center under the able leadership of doctor Dalal Akoury who is a veteran addiction expert of several decades is going to share with us in depth about exploring nutritional therapy for substance abuse eradication from our societies. This is very important not just to the direct victims of substance abuse but even to their loved ones who are equally affected even if it is indirectly. We are therefore going to us this article to conclude on the two elements we did not handle while discussing on the topic “medical nutrition therapy for substance abuse” in our previous article. The two elements we want to address include:

Weight management and eating disorders and
Pharmacotherapy

Exploring nutritional therapy for substance abuse eradication: Weight Management and Eating Disorders

According to the experts at AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center, the problems that are associated with weight management are common nutritional concern related to substance abuse. In the same discipline detoxification programs are commonly seen to be leading to weight gain, as addicts being taken through the process often turn to food instead of their drugs of choice. Besides that biochemical changes also result in increased appetite and a preference for highly palatable foods, and confusion in hunger/fullness cues arise. However, for some, weight gain is important due to significant protein-energy malnutrition and low BMI as a result of substance use. Doctor Akoury is raising concern that increased consumption of lots of calories and weight if not managed properly can lead to other devastating health complications including obesity, diabetes, hypertension and cardiovascular disease, therefore it is very important that professionals in this discipline should monitor and counsel patients on healthful eating and weight management and that is what doctor Akoury and her team of experts at AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center are doing relentlessly in giving their contribution towards fighting the scourge of addiction from our systems.

While in treatment, most patients reduce their levels of exercise either due to lack of time, the program structure, or lack of motivation. Increased abnormal liver tests are common in re-feeding among hospitalized drug addicts, which is theorized to be caused by a lack of exercise and increase in weight. According to a study conducted by the Journal of the American Dietetic Association, it was established that the daily weight change had a significant positive correlation with changes in serum alanine transaminase or aspartate aminotransferase concentrations from admission to discharge. Experts can therefore help in monitoring weight gain and laboratory results primarily to identify patient goals for achieving or maintaining a healthy weight. They can also work with professionals including the families and relatives of the victims to develop exercise programs during and after treatment that can help to level patients’ liver enzymes and manage their weight.

Doctor Akoury is of the opinion that with the high prevalence of eating disorders in the substance abuse population, care must be taken in making recommendations for weight management to ensure they aren’t too restrictive and weight gain or loss is monitored and steady. It is a point of great concern that up to 72% of women who are below 30 years of age and are struggling with alcoholism have eating disorder problems and besides that, other substances such as cocaine are associated with a higher prevalence of eating disorders, it is therefore very important that careful attention and precautions be taken when working with these populations.

Exploring nutritional therapy for substance abuse eradication: Pharmacotherapy

The next element of discussion is the pharmacotherapy which is a common component of addiction treatment. While exploring nutritional therapy for substance abuse eradication, it is important to note that these medications are intended to improve mood stability and recovery success and to assist with any medical or mental health problems resulting from or co-occurring with detoxification. When exploring this working with experts is very important because they can help in the management of any nutritional implications of these medications says doctor Dalal Akoury.

According to the experts at AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center, medication-assisted treatment for substance abuse has been effective for alcohol and opioid dependence immensely. It’s important for dietitians to be familiar with these common medications, because the side effects may influence patients’ nutritional status. Alongside that, dietitians need to be cautious when recommending supplementation in this population due to addicts’ quick-fix mindset and already-taxed bodies. Taking cognizance that a damaged liver may not be able to correctly process certain supplements, and the supplements may ultimately have a negative impact on liver health. And that not with-standing nonetheless, and according to a study funded by the National Institutes of Health it was suggested that a common over-the-counter herbal supplement, N-acetylcysteine, can reduce the cravings of cocaine and heroin addicts and possibly alcoholics during withdrawal.

Finally Naltrexone (ReVia, Vivitrol, Depade), disulfiram (Antabuse), and acamprosate calcium (Campral) are used to treat alcoholism. Naltrexone, which also has been used with opiate and narcotic dependence, may cause anorexia, weight loss, nausea, and vomiting. Disulfiram may cause nausea and vomiting, and if patients ingest alcohol, they will become very ill. Therefore, care must be taken to ensure that all traces of alcohol are eliminated from patients’ diets, including any that may be used in recipes. Acamprosate calcium may cause an increase in appetite, increased weight, and taste changes. Dietitians should take note of these side effects and work with patients to identify ways to promote adequate nutritional intake. With all these worthy points about exploring nutritional therapy for substance abuse eradication, if you still have any area of concern that you need to be clarified, you can schedule for an appointment with doctor Dalal Akoury for a one on one professional touch today and you will never be the same again there-after.

Exploring nutritional therapy for substance abuse eradication: Being objective in dealing with addiction

Correcting addiction by normalizing neurotransmitters and moods

August 25, 2015

Correcting addiction by normalizing neurotransmitters and moods: When it is necessary to feed on good nutrition

Correcting addiction by normalizing neurotransmitters and moods is very much in order in the management of the prevalence of drug addiction

In the process of seeking for solutions when it comes to defeating drug addiction, people often go for very big things, big rehabilitation institutions and expensive and elaborate addiction professionals. This is very much in order because the most important thing is the reclaiming one’s health and freedom back from the scourge of addiction. However what many may not know or if they do, then they don’t care about is the avenue of nutrition as a tool of fighting and eliminating all sorts of addictions you may be privy about. For quite a while now we have been posting articles touching on the use of healthy nutrition in the fight against substance abuse and we are not about to stop. We want all of us to have the knowledge so that the work of dealing with drug addiction can be made easier and much lighter to both the direct and indirect victims. From the expert’s point of view, correcting addiction by normalizing neurotransmitters and moods is one very important avenue available for containing the problem. Doctor Dalal Akoury (MD) who is a well-respected expert in addiction is of the opinion that psychoactive substances may lead to psychiatric problems because in many cases the substances can have toxic effects on brain chemistry. She adds that before detoxification is done, neurotransmitters are reduced due to poor nutrition which then alters the amino acid absorption and utilization. The implication of this is that the victims (addicts) are left feeling depressed, agitated and unregulated early in recovery. From the various researches done, it is believed that these imbalances will disappear over a couple of weeks however they may also last as long as one year after an addict becomes sober.

Correcting addiction by normalizing neurotransmitters and moods: Moods and behavior abnormalities

For some, moods and behavior abnormalities may have been present before the substance abuse. With proper diagnosis of any possible underlying mental health disorders, a healthy diet and education on how nutrition influences mood and brain chemistry, recovery can be enhanced. An understanding of how food affects mood and the risk of substance abuse begins with macronutrients. And with carbohydrates being the body’s main source of energy it therefore means that without this macronutrient, the brain can’t function properly, blood sugar becomes unstable, and neurotransmitters become disrupted. Unstable blood sugar can lead to feelings of frustration, anxiety, and cravings.

Correcting addiction by normalizing neurotransmitters and moods: The role played by carbohydrates

Speaking to the experts at AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center under the able leadership of doctor Dalal Akoury, we are able to professionally establish that carbohydrates aids in the production of serotonin which then facilitates a happy and stable mood; aids in sleep; and helps curb food cravings. Besides that low serotonin levels can also result in sleep problems, irritability, and depression. Remember that the release of insulin following the adequate consumption of carbohydrate facilitates the entry of glucose cells, where it’s used for energy that triggers tryptophan’s entry into the brain. Then folic acid and vitamins B6 and B12 help the synthesis of tryptophan to serotonin. Ensuring that clients receive adequate carbohydrates and tryptophan-rich foods, such as dairy and meats, helps stabilize these reactions.

Amino acids which are the building blocks of protein, also forms the foundation of neurotransmitters. Doctor Dalal Akoury says that low levels of neurotransmitters, and more so dopamine, can trigger an individual to turn to substances to feel better, a factor which is common with most substances as they impact on the body’s dopamine levels. Remember that dopamine is made from the amino acid tyrosine, while serotonin is made from tryptophan. Therefore whenever an individual lacks either of these amino acids, synthesis of the respective neurotransmitter is disrupted, which then affects mood, aggression, and the desire for drugs or alcohol.

Dietary fat – this also plays a role in maintaining mental health. Because it affects inflammation and cell membrane integrity, limiting dietary fat directly influences mood. Research has shown that increased inflammation or pro-inflammatory cytokines result in more depressive symptoms.

Omega-3 fatty acid – the consumption of omega-3 fatty acid may help with depression by enabling the rejuvenation in the uptake of neurotransmitters and subsiding inflammation. According to the experts at AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center having a proper balance of omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids helps neurotransmitter receptors function, which in turn helps increase the amount of neurotransmitters that can be active in the brain. Besides that many experts have recommended supplements containing polyunsaturated fatty acids to help in the reduction of anxiety in people who are struggling with substance abuse.

Encouraging patients to drink adequate amounts of hydrating fluids also will help them manage mood while ensuring adequate absorption of any medications they take to prevent side effects from withdrawal or underlying psychiatric disorders. The following are some of the most common symptoms of dehydration irritability, trouble concentrating, and disorientation. Dehydration also commonly results from detoxification, so monitoring daily intake and output values will help determine appropriate fluid intake recommendations.

Correcting addiction by normalizing neurotransmitters and moods: Reduce Cravings

Doctor Akoury is stating categorically that it is important to appreciate that conditions like anxiety, irritability and low mood or energy levels are commonly triggers for cravings. All of these symptoms can result from low blood sugar, dehydration, high levels of caffeine, and an unbalanced diet. Increased relapse occurs when an individual has poor eating habits, mainly because of the impact on cravings. Encouraging balanced meals and regular eating times helps patients decrease these events. Generally, a diet relatively high in complex carbohydrates, moderate in protein, and low in fat and sugar is recommended to help sustain recovery. It isn’t wise to advise clients to follow a high-protein diet since excess protein will strain the already damaged liver.

Finally in many cases during the early part of recovery, many patients will often struggle with differentiating hunger from cravings for drugs or alcohol and emotions. It is very normal for addicts at this point to commonly forget what normal hunger feels like and may perceive a craving for substances when actually they’re just hungry. Similarly, many addicts will switch to sweets to replace their drug dependency; some of this is as a result of seeking pleasurable foods that trigger a physiological response (such as increasing dopamine), emotional eating, or experiencing irregular blood sugar levels. Monitoring sweets intake may be important with some clients because up to 50% of substance abusers also have co-occurring eating disorders, so monitoring signs of binge behavior may help in properly identifying possible binge-eating disorder or bulimia. In conclusion substance abuse has no respect for anybody and therefore you are not equally safe. If for whatever reason you are struggling with any substance, do wait for too long to seek for help. Call doctor Akoury today and schedule for an appointment with her to get your treatment and recovery journey started immediately today.

Correcting addiction by normalizing neurotransmitters and moods: When it is necessary to feed on good nutrition

Coping with challenges associated with addiction treatment

August 24, 2015

Coping with challenges associated with addiction treatment: Intelligent ways of containing drug addiction professionally

Coping with challenges associated with addiction treatment can be very difficult if you chose to face it on your own however with support from experts and loved ones the burden becomes much easier to bear.

If you have been with us on this very informative journey of delivery health information concerning our health, you must be aware that drug addiction is very dangerous and both socially, physically and psychologically to everyone. It has no boundaries and does not care whom to affect, when and how to attack. From the previous article we have intensively dealt with several mechanisms, pathways, intelligent and mart ways of dealing with complications that come with drug addiction. You can make reference to those articles but for the purpose of this article we want to focus our discussion on the topic “coping with challenges associated with addiction treatment and recovery process.” We therefore want to invite you to stay with us on the link as we engage the services of doctor Dalal Akoury a veteran addiction expert of over two decades to shade more light on the strategies of coping with challenges associated with addiction treatment in our societies.

Coping with challenges associated with addiction treatment: Coping with drug cravings

Experts from AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center a facility founded by Doctor Dalal Akoury are in agreement that sometimes craving cannot be avoided in certain circumstances and therefore in such time it is necessary to find coping ways to the problem. The following are some of the ways you can adopt to cope with cravings:

Get involved in some distracting activity – Distracting activities like reading, a hobby, going to a movie, exercising (jogging, biking) are some of the good examples that can be very effective in helping containing the escalation of substance abuse. This is so because ordinarily once you get interested in something else, you’ll find the urges go away. Another effective response to a drug craving is eating however when implementing this careful attention must be taken of ensuring that you eat a lot of junk food which are likely to add you more stress and inches to your waistline.

Sharing the problem with others – There is a lot of benefits is sharing problems and like it is always said that a problem shared is half solved, it therefore means that talking to your friends or family members about craving when it occurs is indeed seeking for solutions. Talking about cravings and urges can be very helpful in pinpointing the source of the craving. Also, talking about craving often helps to discharge and relieve the feeling and will help restore honesty in your relationship. Craving is nothing to feel bad about.

Urge surf – Many people try to cope with their urges by gritting their teeth and toughing it out. But some are just too strong to ignore. When this happens, it can be useful to stay with the urge until it passes. This technique is called urge surfing. Imagine yourself as a surfer who will ride the wave of your drug craving, staying on top of it until it crests, breaks, and turns into less powerful, foamy surf.

Challenge and change your thoughts – When experiencing a craving, many people have a tendency to remember only the positive effects of the drug and forget the negative consequences. Therefore, you may find it helpful to remind yourself that you really won’t feel better if you use and that you stand to lose a lot. Sometimes it is helpful to have these benefits and consequences listed on a small card that you keep with you for reference purposes.

Coping with challenges associated with addiction treatment: Build a meaningful drug free life

You can support your drug treatment and protect yourself from relapse by having activities and interests that provide meaning to your life. It’s important to be involved in things that you enjoy and make you feel needed. When your life is filled with rewarding activities and a sense of purpose, your addiction will lose its appeal.

Pick up a new hobby – Do things that challenge your creativity and spark your imagination, something you’ve always wanted to try.

Adopt a pet – Yes, pets are a responsibility, but caring for an animal makes you feel loved and needed. Pets can also get you out of the house for exercise.

Get involved in your community – Replace your addiction with drug-free groups and activities. Volunteer, become active in your church or faith community, or join a local club or neighborhood group.

Set meaningful goals – Having goals to work toward and something to look forward to can be powerful antidotes to drug addiction. It doesn’t matter what the goals are whether they involve your career, your personal life, or your health, just ensure that they are important to you.

Look after your health – Regular exercise, adequate sleep, and healthy eating habits help you keep your energy levels up and your stress levels down. When you feel good, drugs are much less of a temptation. The more you can do to stay healthy, the easier it will be to stay sober.

Coping with challenges associated with addiction treatment: Don’t let relapse keep you down

Relapse is a common part of the recovery process from drug addiction. While relapse is understandably frustrating and discouraging, it can also be an opportunity to learn from your mistakes and correct your treatment course.

What causes relapse? – Various “triggers” can put people at risk of relapsing into old patterns of substance use. Causes of relapse can differ for each person. Some common ones include:

negative emotional states (such as anger, sadness, trauma or stress)
physical discomfort (such as withdrawal symptoms or physical pain)
positive emotional states (wanting to feel even better)
testing personal control (“I can have just one drink”)
strong temptations or urges (cravings to use)
conflict with others (such as an argument with a spouse or partner)
social pressures to use (situations where it seems as though everyone else is drinking or using other drugs)
good times with others (such as having fun with friends or family)

Finally doctor Akoury says that the most important thing to remember is that relapse doesn’t mean treatment failure. Therefore instead of giving up, it is important that you get back on the wagon as quickly as you can. Call your sponsor, talk to your therapist, go to a meeting, or schedule an appointment with your doctor. When you’re sober again and out of danger, look at what triggered the relapse, what went wrong, and what you could have done differently. You can choose to get back on the path to recovery and use the experience to strengthen your commitment.

Coping with challenges associated with addiction treatment: Intelligent ways of containing drug addiction professionally

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