Alcoholism Increases the Risk to Diabetes

December 18, 2014

Alcoholism Increases the Risk to Diabetes

Alcoholism is a vice that ought to be fought at all costs. This is because apart from the health risks and diseases associated with it, it also affects the economy of a nation. Today there are very many people who have been rendered liabilities to their families as a result of their addiction to alcohol. Most people who have become dependent on alcohol have no places to work. Even if they were employed they will lose their jobs as no organization is interested in employing a person who can’t control his craving for alcohol. Being drunk and disorderly is a common recipe for arrests and so it is not strange to hear men who have been jailed for assaulting their wives when under the influence of alcohol. These are the heavy penalties that our societies suffer as a result of alcoholism. However there are some problems that will affect the individual health wise and this includes diabetes.

Alcohol and Diabetes

What is diabetes?

Diabetes is a lifelong condition that is associated with high blood sugar levels. The term describes a group of metabolic diseases in which the person has high blood sugar level which is either caused by deficiency in insulin production is or failure of the body’s cells do not respond appropriately to insulin, or both. Common symptoms associated with high blood sugar level are that the patients will typically experience frequent urination, they will become increasingly thirsty and hungry at the same time.

Diabetes is a serious disease that has disabled many people around the globe and so anything that may heighten the risk of getting this disease should be avoided. In 2013 alone it was estimated that over 382 people in the world had diabetes. That just shows how serious problem diabetes really is. The most common diabetes symptoms include frequent urination, intense thirst and hunger, weight gain, unusual weight loss, fatigue, cuts and bruises that do not heal male sexual dysfunction, numbness and tingling in hands and feet.

What is the relationship between diabetes and alcoholism?

Through numerous research studies scientists have been able to establish the fact that alcoholism can increase a person’s chances of getting diabetes. As known to many, diabetes type 2 is caused when there is insulin resistance. In an experiment done on rats it was found that binge drinking directly caused insulin resistance. In the past it was the link between binge drinking and diabetes had not been established but now scientist have proved that binge drinking alone aside from other factors as overeating can directly cause insulin resistance thereby leading to type 2 diabetes. People with a history of binge drinking have a higher risk of developing metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes.

A group of Researchers at the Diabetes Obesity and Metabolism Institute at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, in New York, published their findings in the 30 January issue of the journal Science Translational Medicine. The scientists report that alcohol appears to disrupt insulin-receptor signaling by causing inflammation in the hypothalamus, an area of the brain that among other things is important for metabolic processes.

Alcoholism induces Insulin Resistance

Typically, the main role of the insulin receptor is to control the uptake of glucose. When there is a decrease in signaling of this receptor the cells will not be able to take up glucose, and this will result in too high sugar level in the blood a condition known as hyperglycemia among other consequences of type 2 diabetes.

Insulin resistance refers to a condition in which insulin does not bind properly to the receptor, thus hindering its ability to send the right signals to cells so they can use glucose for energy. This can happen even when the pancreas is producing enough insulin to keep glucose levels under control. One major symptom of insulin resistance is high levels of insulin in the bloodstream. This is a major component of metabolic syndrome, a group of risk factors that together increase the risk for type 2 diabetes, coronary artery disease, and stroke.

Senior author Christoph Buettner, an Associate Professor of Medicine, Endocrinology, Diabetes and Bone Disease, at the Icahn School of Medicine, is quoted in a research report saying; “Insulin resistance has emerged as a key metabolic defect leading to type 2 diabetes and coronary artery disease (CAD).” This statement shows the link between insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes.

“Someone who regularly binge drinks even once a week, over many years, may remain in an insulin resistant state for an extended period of time, potentially years,” he adds.

In their study, the researchers replicated human binge drinking by giving rats alcohol for three days while keeping another group of rats as controls. Both the groups had the same calorie intake but the control group was not fed alcohol. After the three days the researchers then ran a series of tests to check glucose metabolism. They found that even when there was no trace of alcohol left in their bloodstream, the binge drinking rats had higher levels of circulating insulin than the control rats this was a proof of insulin resistance in the drinking rats. This increase in circulating insulin hormone in the blood of drinking rats was induced by the alcohol.

Alcohol and Diabetes

Another author Claudia Lindtner, an Associate Researcher of Medicine, Endocrinology, Diabetes and Bone Disease at the Icahn School of Medicine, is quoted in the report saying; “Previously it was unclear whether binge drinking was associated with an increased risk for diabetes, since a person who binge drinks may also tend to binge eat, or at least eat too much.”

“Our data show for the first time that binge drinking induces insulin resistance directly and can occur independent of differences in caloric intake,” she concludes.

Drug Addiction is a vice that should be fought by all means that is why we at AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center are committed to availing help to addicts and offering them a place to call home. It does not matter what kind of addiction you are wrestling with right now, just call on Dr. Dalal Akoury (MD) today and begin your journey to victory against addiction.

Alcoholism Increases the Risk to Diabetes

Long-term Effects of Toxicity

November 25, 2014

Toxicity and Its Long Term Effects

Toxicity- this refers to a degree to which a substance can be poisonous to anybody who uses it. Most of the drugs of recreation are toxic or are high in toxicity and using them for a long time results in damaged neurotransmitters among other problems. The degrees of toxicity can be categorized as acute, Sub-chronic and chronic. Acute toxicity involves harmful effects in an organism through a single or short-term exposure. Sub-chronic toxicity is the ability of a toxic substance to cause effects for more than one year but less than the lifetime of the exposed organism. Chronic toxicity is the ability of a substance or mixture of substances to cause harmful effects over an extended period, usually upon repeated or continuous exposure, sometimes lasting for the entire life of the exposed organism. This explains why those addicted to drugs are severely affected. The more you expose yourself to the substance the more the toxicity you are subjecting yourself to. Toxicity is not only a worry when dealing with recreational drugs, there are also other substances of high toxicity that you need to avoid. These may include pesticides, some window cleaners and other inhalants. With that said it is crucial to mention that in most cases we get these toxic substances by our own intervention especially through the use of drugs of recreation. Even some drugs that are used in hospitals may be toxic when recommended dosages are surpassed. For example benzodiazepines are very effective drugs when used within the specified dosages but are high in toxicity when used beyond the recommended dosages.

Long-term medical consequences of toxicity

Since exposure to different substances will result in different symptoms of toxicity in the long-term, I suggest we focus on one type of drug and for this purpose we will work with benzodiazepines. Benzodiazepines are also good in this case as they drugs that are used clinically hence the result of their misuse can be of help to many.

Depression and anxiety

Using benzodiazepine for a long time results in depression. It has been found that alcoholics who use benzodiazepines for a long time become depressed. It is possible that benzodiazepines cause or aggravate depression, perhaps by reducing central monoamine activity. However, anxiety and depression often coexist, and benzodiazepines are often prescribed for mixed anxiety/depression. Sometimes, the drugs seem to precipitate suicidal tendencies in such patients. It also causes Emotional anesthesia which is the inability to feel pleasure or pain. It is therefore recommended that benzodiazepines should not be used alone in treating depression.

Dependence

Due to high toxicity of some drugs they will affect the brain causing dependence on these drugs. The long term effect use of benzodiazepines for example can lead to both psychological and pharmacological dependence. After getting dependent on drugs other problems like tolerance and other withdrawal symptoms sets in whenever the person tries to stop using the drug.

Structural Brain Damage

There is insufficient to support the fact that long term use of benzodiazepines can cause structural brain damage. However some drugs have high toxicity and continued exposure to such drugs can cause structural brain damage.

Hemorrhoids – this is not limited to benzodiazepines alone. Long term use of other drugs with high toxicity can cause hemorrhoids where the varicose veins of the anus become painful, swell and itch. This is often caused by constipation and lack of dietary fiber.

Tolerance- long term use of certain drugs results in tolerance where a person will have to use more of a drug to feel the effect. This is a common problem that most people on long term use benzodiazepines go through.

Autopsy findings for inhalants

Inhalants are chemical vapors or gases that affect how the mind works when abused or misused by concentrating and intentionally inhaling these fumes. The inhalants may include volatile organic solvents, fuel gases, nitrites, and anesthetic gases. These inhalants may cause death when a person is exposed to them for a long time. Some of the common inhalants include;

Amyl nitrites (poppers) – poopers are normally sold under such names as ram, rush, thunderbolt among other names. They are mostly used by gay men to prolong orgasm and enhance the sensation. Over a time the person will be dependent on these poppers so much that he can’t have sex without them. These poppers have been found to be responsible for many deaths especially through increased risk of HIV. However giving up on poppers isn’t easy since some people depend on it entirely for their sexual purpose. There is insufficient information on the number of deaths that have been caused by use of poppers however in one study it was found that 96% of gays who were HIV positive were using poppers.

Benzenes (gasoline) – CDC defines benzene as a chemical that is a colorless or light yellow liquid at room temperature. It has a sweet odor and is highly flammable. It is one of the inhalants that are greatly abused. When inhaled it alters the way the body cells work for example it can cause bone marrow not to produce enough red blood cells, which can lead to anemia. Also, it can damage the immune system by changing blood levels of antibodies and causing the loss of white blood cells. At extreme intoxication it causes death.

Finally, We at AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center are committed to availing help to addicts by availing some of the most integrative approaches to healing an addict. We advocate for natural healing to all kinds of addiction. Call on Dr. Dalal Akoury (MD) at Myrtle Beach, South Carolina for help.

Toxicity and Its Long Term Effects

Withdrawal Syndrome

Amino Acids Therapy Used For Addiction Treatment

October 27, 2014

Intravenous Amino Acids Detoxification as Used in Addiction Therapy

Amino AcidS

Amino acids play a very important role in the body. The amino acids are the building blocks of proteins while proteins are essentials in building and repairing all body tissues. Therefore, the amino acids can be effectively used in detoxifying the brain and the neurotransmitters that are often affected by alcohol and other substance abuse. Addiction can be treated with the amino acids detox therapy.

The use of amino acid for detox was first thought of by an American doctor. His thought was to investigate on how the amino acids could be used in maintaining or achieving neurotransmitter balance in the brain in those who had suffered or were still suffering from mental disorders. One of the major effects of alcohol and substance abuse is that they cause an imbalance on neurotransmitters. This imbalance can be rectified by intravenous amino acid therapy.

Alcohol and drugs of addiction when used for a time will alter the balance between the neurotransmitters this is because the balance of the neurotransmitters in the brain is very delicate. Neurotransmitters are those chemicals that carry electrical impulses throughout the brain, and the central nervous system. When this delicate balance of neurotransmitters in the brain is altered, the brain functions that depend on impulses from these neurotransmitters will be altered. At some point there will be dependence on substances that cause the imbalance for brain to continue functioning. It is therefore not very logical to begin fighting addiction in a patient without detoxing the brain in order to achieve this balance between the neurotransmitters in the brain.

The role of amino acids in the brain is vital and that is why it is believed by many doctors that an imbalance in amino acids is a leading contributor to substance abuse and eventual addiction. In most cases the imbalance in amino acids is as a result of use of drugs of abuse and /or alcohol. In such cases, greater volumes of alcohol or drugs gradually result in a greater imbalance in neurotransmitters. To achieve the euphoric effects an addict will need to use more of the drugs and this leads to increase in dosages of the drugs that addict takes and this is known as tolerance.

Intravenous Amino Acids Is Safe

In most instances, an addict will suffer some side effects during detoxification. This is because of the imbalance in neurotransmitters. Even as the detoxification process continues the addict will have to deal with intense cravings for the substance of abuse. By using intravenous amino acid during detoxification the side effects are mitigated plus the cravings also stops since the intravenous amino acids will feed the brain what it seeks from the drug. In some cases during detoxification the cravings will increase even after the detoxification process is completed. When Amino Acids are used in the process, all will be safe since it will fight the craving for the drugs by restoring the imbalance in the neurotransmitters more efficiently. This occurs because of the side effects of drug and alcohol use. Unlike the use of other pharmaceutical drugs that are used in fighting addiction, intravenous amino acids do not cause withdrawal symptoms to addicts who are were using it.

Amino acids in therapy can help a recovering addict since the neurotransmitters of the addict will be supplied with amino acids intravenously therefore restoring the balance in the brain. During this process the intravenous amino acids may be accompanied by essential minerals and vitamins that will be of help to the addict. The use of amino acids in detoxification for addiction is not a new phenomenon as it has been used in the United States and the United Kingdom. It was used in helping opiate and alcohol addicts, in 80 percent of the cases it was used successfully.

DETOX WITH AMINO ACIDS

Any addict who tries to stop using a drug will automatically suffer the withdrawal symptoms. When withdrawal begins, the intravenous solution which is composed of amino acids and other important minerals & vitamins is sent through the veins and directly to the brain. Feeding the brain directly stimulates it to rebalance itself. As withdrawal occurs the amino acids are building blocks and when they are mixed in right proportions with the minerals and vitamins the body will be vitalized to naturally fight addictive substances and balance itself.

Drug Addiction is should be treated personally for the patient that is suffering, that is why we at AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center are committed to availing help to addicts and offering them a place to call home. It does not matter what kind of addiction you are wrestling with right now, just call on Dr. Dalal Akoury (MD) today and begin your journey to victory against addiction.

Intravenous Amino Acids Detoxification As Used In Addiction Therapy

Detox Centers for Alcoholics

October 24, 2014

Detox Center Is a Better Option for Alcohol Addicts Seeking Help

Detox Every addict wants to break free from the bondage of addiction. Alcoholism is one of the bondages that addicts have to fight with today. In fact most of addicts have had an encounter with alcohol even if their addiction is to other substances. Alcohol is very available and many people begin using alcohol due to peer pressure and the need to belong. The fact that alcohol is not an illegal substance makes the matter even worse as youths are using it more openly without fear of arrest for using it as it is with other illegal drugs like cocaine and other opioids.

However, just like all the other forms of addiction fighting alcoholism single handedly has never been easy. The alcohol addicts are trapped in this habit and none of them can easily pull himself out. Most of the home based detoxification programs do begin well but without proper care by family or chaperone who will be able to help the addict to live in a trigger free zone most of them fail to reach full recovery and go back into the filth of alcohol addiction again even after spending huge amounts of money in the home based alcohol detoxification and recovery programs. Alcoholism is a disease because it makes the addict to have no control of the quantity of alcohol he takes. In fact a person will demand more of alcohol to feel high and the more he gets the more he wants. This situation is rather complicated to deal with as the desire for alcohol becomes insatiable. The more of alcohol a person takes the more he begins to waste away and if he tries to stop then the side effects associated with withdrawal sets in making it impossible for an addict to stop g using alcohol.

There are very many shortcomings of trying an alcohol detox programs at home since there is lots of interference with the program. The honest truth is that you cannot change your lifestyle the moment you agree and begin your detox program. The cravings will be very high at the beginning and without changing to an environment where there will be few triggers then the whole recovery program will be a waste of time and resources.

Fewer Triggers at detox centers

Due to the shortcomings of home based addiction recovery programs, most governments have put in place drugs and alcohol detoxification centers to help the addicts recover from their addictions and begin their lives more effectively and be of service to their families and communities at large. There are very many advantages that an addict enjoys while accessing detox program at a detox center than while doing it anywhere else. To begin with in a detox center the triggers are minimal as opposed to a home based where the addict will have to encounter triggers in every sphere of his life. Triggers are part of the recovery program that needs to be given lots of consideration whilst choosing an appropriate detox program. The fewer the triggers the greater the chances of success in an alcohol detox program.

Today there are addiction detox centers in many states for substance-use disorders. The best thing with most addiction detox centers is that their treatment goal is to provide you with a safe, comfortable transition through the detox process from alcohol. These centers have the best trained personnel to deal with alcoholism and so you will be handled by experts. The treatment teams also understand the difficulties of addiction detoxification and therefore use techniques aimed at reducing the discomfort of detox from alcohol. Through the help of Physicians who specialize in addiction medicine the addicts are given safe medical detoxification. There are also nurses who are well trained to provide care which includes the administration of medication to counteract the uncomfortable symptoms of withdrawal and evaluate any other medical problems an addict may have.

Individualized treatment plan

Unlike in most home-based alcohol detox programs, treatment of alcohol addicts at a detox center is more individualized. The individualized treatment plan supports the addict during the detox process and prepares him for the next phase of treatment for which maybe for his substance-use disorder. Though many detox centers differ in terms of treatment teams expertize and psychiatric resources, the general view is that an alcohol detox program is more successful when done at a detox center as opposed to any other place. To get the best place to attend a detox program you may consider referral or do a research on the best detox center you can find.

Detox The money spent in an addiction detox center is worthy. This is because when an addict is successful recovered he is not the only beneficiary. According to a study conducted by the National Institute on Drug Abuse found for each dollar that is spent on addiction treatment program, there is a reduction ranging between $4 to $7 in drug-related crimes. Detox centers are designed to provide patients with all of the resources they need to not only detox from alcohol or other drugs but also to learn how to begin a new life that is not dependent on drugs or alcohol. Regardless of whether you need to detox from alcohol or drugs, the right program can help you to manage your physical withdrawal symptoms and provide you with the medical assistance you need during this difficult time.

Finally, Dr. Dalal Akoury (MD) of AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina is dedicated in helping all addicts. Visit her at Myrtle Beach, South Carolina for help.

Detox Center Is a Better Option for Alcohol Addicts Seeking Help

How much does detox cost?
Women and sobriety: 3 critical steps from addiction to sobriety
Coverage for Drug and Alcohol Rehabilitation Facilities
How to Create a Successful Mentorship Program for Disadvantaged Youth
e-Prescribing for controlled substances is coming to your EHR
What is Alcohol Detox

Substance Abuse: Natural Treatment Care Model

October 13, 2014

A Continuous Care Model for Substance Abuse

Substance Abuse

Drug and substance abuse is more prevalent in todays society than we think. Did you know that 1 in every 10 Americans are addicted? However, only 11% of that population actually receive the treatment they actually need. Addiction patients’ biggest dream is the day they will break the chains of their addiction to these substances. These proven therapies are a comprehensive intregravtive approach to addiction treatment for alcohol, and substance abuse.

Natural Healthy Detox NAD and Intravenous Amino Acid Therapy for Substance Abuse

Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide often abbreviated as NAD is a metabolic co-enzyme and has the important job of structuring, repairing, and remodeling every cell in the body. These specialized enzymes require constant replenishment in the body. Unfortunately, alcohol and substance abuse prompt the human brain to reorganize, particularly on a cellular level. This process, neuroadaptation, is directly responsible for addiction-related brain damage and depletion of neurotransmitters. NAD IV therapy can be used to replenish the drained enzymes and target brain restoration. The intravenous amino acid therapy focuses on biochemical detoxification of the body and brain from the effects of addiction.

Liver Detox for Substance Abuse with Amino Acids

Liver is a vital organ in the body. In most cases the liver is exposed to toxicity that may impair its functions if necessary actions are not taken to clear the mess- detoxify it. Amino acids can be used in detoxing the liver and restore its health. There are several essential amino acids however these two are very important in detoxifying the liver; valine. This is necessary for muscle metabolism and the repair of tissues. It can be useful in the treatment of liver and gallbladder disorders. Another amino acid that is equally important in detoxing the liver is methionine. This amino acid aids in the production of sulphur, which is necessary for normal metabolism and it is also essential for the synthesis of hemoglobin and glutathione that fights against free radicals.

Exercise for Substance Abuse Treatment

Exercise plays a vital role in achievement of healthy wellbeing. The body is made up of muscles that need to be strengthened in order to support the health of the body. Through exercise the body gets detoxified through sweating. Exercise also improves the metabolic functions of the body. Exercise aids the liver in detoxifying the body therefore relieving the liver from the burden of accumulated filtrate of toxins from alcohol and substance abuse. Exercise also strengthens the heart and improves the flow of blood hence increasing the rate at which the waste products are removed from the body.

Meditation for Substance Abuse Treatment

Meditation is a vital part of healing your mind body and spirit. Meditation is promoted to have many health benefits. Meditation is a perfect way to detox the mind and restore calmness throughout the body. However, it seems it serves more than just restoring calm and detoxing the mind; it also detoxifies the liver. It is argued that when the digestive system works well there is less buildup of waste in the liver. Good digestion is received when the body, mind and spirit are in synchrony. Meditation helps the body, the mind and the spirit to have good communication and enables proper metabolic functions of the body which is vital in liver health.

Hormonal Restoration for Substance Abuse Treatment

As discussed earlier, hormones are vital in a person’s body. They are the chemical messengers that are secreted directly into the blood. Without these hormones certain vital functions of the body cannot be accomplished. There are hormones that are responsible for metabolic functions. Sometimes hormonal fluctuations may interfere with the metabolic functions of the body leading to a liver overburdened with toxins. In such a scenario hormonal restoration becomes necessary to restore the health of the liver and the entire body.

Psychoneuro-Endocrine-Immune Restoration for Substance Abuse

The neuroendocrine and immune systems communicate bidirectionally. The neuro-immune-endocrine interface is mediated by cytokines acting as auto or endocrine factors regulating pituitary development, cell proliferation, hormone secretion, and feedback control of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. Restoring the psychoneuroendocrine immune system beefs up the security of the body to fight unwanted pathogens hence vital in protecting the liver after detoxification.

Adrenal Rehabilitation for Substance Abuse

Adrenal glands play a major role in the body as it is the site on which many hormones are produced. However, alcohol and substance abuse may affect the adrenal glands making it inadequate to perform its function of secreting vital hormones that will keep the body in perfect health. After detoxifying the liver, the adrenal restoration becomes a vital procedure to ensure good liver health as well as body health.

Continuing Care for Substance Abuse

After adrenal rehabilitation and liver detoxification, there is still need to continue providing care to those facing substance abuse. This will mean that he/she should maintain the good practices of health. It will also involve consolidating all the good practices that will keep he/she fit and away from issues with substance abuse.

Finally, you need more information to stay away from dependence on substance and drugs as these have crippled societies and that is why here at AWAREmed we are dedicated to finding the best solutions to addiction and substance abuse. Dr. Dalal Akoury (MD) helps any patient to be addiction free. Do not hesitate to call AWAREmed for help in managing type of addiction as well as other diseases.

A Continuous Care Model for Substance Abuse

Tag Archives: Withdrawal