Category Archives: Act Now

Breaking addiction bars

Quitting smoking advantages over weight gain

June 19, 2017
Quitting smoking advantages

Quitting smoking advantages over weight gain may not be clear for many but experts will explain it better

Quitting smoking advantages over weight gain: Causes of weight gain when ceasing smoking

Cigarette smoking is hazardous to humanities and its stoppage is essential for health perfection. We should do all it takes to be free from smoking. It is emerging that quitting smoking advantages over weight gain are both positive and negative. And according to the experts at AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center, there are two main causes of weight gain when quitting smoking. They include eating more food and the effects of nicotine on the body:

Eating more food – many smokers find their eating habits change when they quit cigarettes. Some people experience increased hunger as a withdrawal symptom, but research suggests their eating patterns eventually return to normal.

The effect of nicotine on the body – nicotine is the addictive substance in tobacco that causes smokers to continue their habit. Although nicotine isn’t thought to cause cancer, it does speed up the body’s food processing system, the metabolism. After many years of smoking, smokers tend to weigh slightly less than non-smokers.

Quitting smoking advantages over weight gain: Eating instead of smoking

 These three components (smoking, weight gain and quitting) are very interesting when considering the life of most ex-smokers. For instance, ex-smokers would eat more, mostly in the first few weeks after quitting. This behavior may allude to the following:

  • The sudden withdrawal of nicotine from their system may cause the feeling of emptiness and by extension mimic the feeling of hunger pangs. This may actually convince the smoker into thinking that they are hungry when they are not.
  • Missing the oral satisfaction of putting a cigarette into their mouths prompts some ex-smokers to substitute food for cigarettes. Instead of lighting up, they eat something.
  • Food can be comforting. If an ex-smoker is having a hard time during the withdrawal period, they may reward themselves with treats and snacks in an attempt to feel better.
  • Some smokers regularly skip meals for example; breakfast may be a cup of coffee and a couple of cigarettes. Once you stop smoking, you may find that you don’t feel like skipping meals anymore.
  • Many ex-smokers find that food tastes better, and this may lead to more helpings.

Researchers suggest that one of the reasons why smokers tend to put on some weight after quitting is because their metabolism slows down, and they burn fewer kilojoules than when they were smoking. This would explain why some ex-smokers put on weight even if they do not eat any more than usual. From the discussion so far, it is evident that even though quitting smoking is a step in the right direction, it is actually introducing a small drawback as far as weight management is a concern. Smoking and weight gain are serious health problems and we cannot allow quitting one to add injury to the already devastating problem. That is why you need to seek professional advice from the experts at AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resources from time to time over these two health conditions.

Quitting smoking advantages over weight gain: Causes of weight gain when ceasing smoking

 

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cocaine-addiction1

Crack cocaine administration

June 19, 2017
Crack cocaine administration

Crack cocaine administration into the body in whichever way will have serious health complications to any user

Crack cocaine administration: Power in the powder

Is there any difference between cocaine and crack cocaine? For a better understanding, it is important to know the mode of crack cocaine administration and cocaine drugs into the body. Because of that, we want to focus on the topic “understanding cocaine and crack cocaine” progressively. This is not going to be the first time we are doing this, but it is still important that people get to know the dangers of using cocaine and other drugs as well. Ordinarily, cocaine can be taken orally by snorting it through the nose, injected with a syringe or in the case of crack, through inhalation of the fumes from heating it. The terms used to describe ingestion include chewing, snorting, mainlining which is the injection into a large vein and smoking. By definition, the word cocaine refers to the drug in a powder form and a crystal form (crack). It is made from the coca plant and, next to methamphetamine, creates the greatest psychological dependence of any drug.

Short-term Effects

Cocaine causes a short-lived intense high that is immediately followed by the opposite—intense feelings of depression and edginess and a craving for more of the drug. People who use it often don’t eat or sleep properly. They can experience greatly increased heart rate, muscle spasms, and convulsions. The drug can make people feel paranoid, angry, hostile and anxious, even when they aren’t high.

Long-term Effects

In addition to those effects already mentioned, cocaine can cause irritability, mood disturbances, restlessness, paranoia, and auditory (hearing) hallucinations. Tolerance to the drug develops so that more is needed to produce the same “high.”

Coming down from the drug causes severe depression, which becomes deeper and deeper after each use. This can get so severe that a person will do almost anything to get the drug—even commit murder. And if he or she can’t get cocaine, the depression can get so intense it can drive the addict to suicide.

Crack cocaine administration: Crystal meth & methamphetamine effects

Crystal meth and meth are inhaled, smoked or injected. Low doses are in pill form. This is a form of methamphetamine that resembles small fragments of glass or shiny blue-white rocks. Their street names may include ice, crystal, glass among many other names. It is a highly powerful and addictive man-made stimulant that causes aggression and violent or psychotic behavior. Many users report getting hooked (addicted) from the first time they use it. It is one of the hardest drugs to treat and any form of preventing its usage nonetheless you can always consult with doctor Akoury in the case of any concern about these drugs.

Short and long-term effects

Negative effects can include disturbed sleep patterns, hyperactivity, and nausea, delusions of power, increased aggressiveness and irritability. Can cause decreased hunger and bring on weight loss. In higher doses has a greater “rush,” followed by increased agitation and sometimes violence? Other effects can include insomnia, confusion, hallucinations, anxiety, and paranoia. Can cause convulsions leading to death. Increased heart rate and blood pressure, damage to blood vessels in the brain, leading to strokes or irregular heartbeat and cardiovascular (involving the heart and blood vessels) collapse or death. Can cause liver, kidney and lung damage. Users may suffer brain damage, including memory impairment and an increasing inability to grasp abstract thoughts. Those who recover are usually subject to memory gaps and extreme mood swings.

Crack cocaine administration: Power in the powder

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Holistic treatment

Drug abuse curative approach

June 19, 2017
Drug abuse curative

Drug abuse curative approach is important and must be done immediately

Drug abuse curative approach: Enigmatic needs

Because of the stigmatization associated with drug addiction, many often conceal their habits and suffer in silence. This suffering is not necessary because treatment is available conveniently and affordably. At AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center, an addiction recovery center established by doctor Dalal Akoury MD professional treatment is being offered to all victims of addiction from all walks of life. It is therefore essential that you are aware of all the warning signs for you to take immediate drug abuse curative approach. It will interest you to know that doctor Akoury is a veteran addiction expert who has for more than two decades now been dedicating all her life and energy in offering addiction solution to the victims who need it the most.

Drug abuse curative approach: Indicators of emerging drug addiction

Together we can help all addiction victims but first, we must be informed of the drug addiction warning signs. This way we will be able to notice if a friend or a loved one is abusing drugs. Therefore, if you are worried that somebody you know might be involved in drugs, you need to be very observant on some of the following warning signs:

  • Behavioral warning signs of drug abuse
  • Physical warning signs of drug abuse
  • Psychological warning signs of drug abuse

Behavioral signs of drug abuse

  • Deterioration in academic or efficiency in place of work. This may also include consistent lateness and absenteeism
  • Always being reserved and engaging in secretive or suspicious behaviors
  • Frequently topping the list of trouble makers by way of fighting colleagues, causing accidents or rubbing shoulders with the authorities by engaging in illegal activities
  • The fellow having all over sudden begun associating with new friends, favorite hangouts, and hobbies
  • Unexplained need for money or financial problems, in other words, your friend without a good reason borrows or just steal to get the need met.

Physical warning signs

  • Strange and unpleasant smells on breath, body, clothing or emanating from their rooms
  • Tremors, slurred speech, or impaired coordination
  • Sudden drastic weight loss or weight gain
  • Deterioration of personal hygiene and physical appearance as well as personal grooming habits
  • Changes in appetite or sleep patterns
  • Bloodshot eyes, pupils larger or smaller than usual

Psychological warning signs of drug abuse

  • Appears fearful, anxious, or paranoid, with no reason
  • Lack of motivation; appears lethargic or “spaced out”
  • Periods of unusual hyperactivity, agitation, or giddiness
  • Sudden mood swings, irritability, or angry outbursts
  • Unexplained change in personality or attitude

With the above information, we can all pool together to help our societies come out of their addiction cocoons. But take note that sometimes this signs may not necessarily mean that your friend is into drugs. It is therefore important that you consult with the experts so that the right steps are taken. On the same note, you can schedule for an appointment with doctor Dalal Akoury MD, President, and founder of AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center, for further professional direction on telephone number 843 213 1480 today.

Drug abuse curative approach: Enigmatic needs

 

 

 

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addicts

Hormone balance disruption

June 19, 2017
Hormone balance disruption

Hormone balance disruption is common with people who are smoking

Hormone balance disruption: The role of cigarette smoking hormones

The nicotine content in the cigarette is very harmful to human health. This is a common knowledge. However, many women may not know that besides risks like heart complications, lung conditions, several cancers and osteoporosis, hormone balance disruption is facilitated when we smoke the cigarette. Many women are the concern with other problems like how cigarette affects their beauty, fatigue and nutrient depletion because that is what can be physically be seen outright. All that has been mention are closely associated with cigarette smoking but for the purpose of this article, we want to look at how nicotine causes hormone imbalances. According to experts from AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center, research has established that premenopausal women who smoke have the higher risk of infertility, complications during the menstrual cycle and even get into early menopause. Besides that, it is also becoming evident that cigarette smoking also affects menopausal hormones.

Hormone balance disruption: Why you need to quit smoking

What is stated above is just a drop in the ocean when it comes to the risks associated with smoking. Therefore the evidence of how bad smoking is to your health is very overwhelming. And just a quick reminder, your consistent morning cough should alert you of the damage smoking is causing to your lungs. Remember that every stick of cigarette robes you off the much-needed energy in your body’s daily needs.

Quitting smoking will, therefore, enables you keep your hormones well balanced. And when this is achieved, you to will experience more mood stability and put to check your weight. Remember that even using nicotine patches and gum instead of smoking will help, because the chemicals added to cigarette tobacco and created by burning tobacco are thought to be those responsible for most of the negative side effects. In other words, it’s not the nicotine itself that’s so very harmful, it’s the delivery system. You can choose today to be free from all these challenges by calling doctor Dalal Akoury MD for a more professional direction about all the addictive elements of cigarette smoking and how it sabotages hormone balance.

Hormone balance disruption: Menopausal women

In menopausal women, cigarette smoking raises adrenal hormones such as cortisol (a stress hormone), and androgens (male hormones) such as androstenedione and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA). Chronically high cortisol levels create unstable blood sugar, which in turn causes high blood glucose and insulin which stimulates the ovaries to produce androgens. It, therefore, means that in a menopausal woman, the ovaries have slackened in the production of estrogen and progesterone, nonetheless, the production of androgens can continue well into her eighties. Androgens without the balance of estrogen and progesterone are the source of much-dreaded hair loss and whiskers in older women and cigarette smoking magnifies these effects.

Quitting smoking, combined with strategies to balance hormones such as bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT), stress management, exercise, and reduction of sugar and refined carbohydrates, has dramatic potential to improve overall health, stabilize mood, increase energy, increase weight loss and improve sleep and that explains why you need to quit smoking now if not immediately.

Hormone balance disruption: The role of cigarette smoking hormones

 

 

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Addiction Recovery-happy

Kicking out drugs and addiction

June 16, 2017
Kicking out drugs

Kicking out drugs and addiction is the best you can do for yourself and loved ones

Kicking out drugs and addiction: Protecting yourself from relapse

Addiction treatment is riddle with so many challenges. Many have found it difficult in kicking out drugs of their lives and live a drug free and meaningful lifestyle because of these challenges. One of such challenge is relapse nonetheless with this in the picture, you can support your drug addiction treatment and protect yourself from relapse by having activities and interests that provide meaning to your life. According to the experts at AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center under the leadership of doctor Dalal Akoury MD, it’s important to be involved in things that you enjoy and make you feel and have a sense of belonging. When your life is filled with rewarding activities and a sense of purpose, your addiction will lose its appeal.

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.

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.

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

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.

Kicking out drugs and addiction: Never 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:

  • Conflict with others (such as an argument with a spouse or partner)
  • Good times with others (such as having fun with friends or family)
  • 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)
  • Social pressures to use (situations where it seems as though everyone else is drinking or using other drugs)
  • Strong temptations or urges (cravings to use)
  • Testing personal control (“I can have just one drink”)

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.

Kicking out drugs and addiction: Protecting yourself from relapse

 

 

 

 

 

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