Category Archives: Addiction Courses

Methamphetamine and Pregnant Women

September 16, 2014

Methamphetamine Causes Health Problems to Pregnant Women

Methamphetamine is drug with many names, users have given it very many names but this is not strange as this is always the case with any illegal drug. This drug is illegal and users call it crank, ice, speed, crystal and meth just among the many tittles it has got just in a bid to conceal what it really is from concerned authorities. This drug is used as a stimulant. It works in such a way that it floods the brain with extra dopamine hence stimulating the entire central nervous system (CNS). Dopamine is a chemical that is known to stimulate pleasure and this has led to use of not only meth but also other illegal drugs that induce production of dopamine.

methamphetamine

The use of this drug is not good especially to the women who are on their way to being mothers. Pregnant women should avoid the use of this drug more than anybody else. This is because it affects pregnancy negatively in many ways and if a woman continues to indulge in the risky behavior of using this drug when pregnant then at least she should know the dangers she is exposing herself to.

Generally, Methamphetamine causes irregular heartbeat, insomnia, paranoia, anxiety, heart damage, stomach cramps and high blood pressure just among the many side effects it’s known to cause. These side effects are not good for a pregnant woman and affects them adversely here are some more was that this drug adversely affects the life of a pregnant mother.

Methamphetamine may cause Placenta Abruption

Placenta abruption is the case when the placenta prematurely gets detached from the uterine wall. When placenta gets detached from the uterine wall before labor has begun it is termed premature and it can cause even death of both the mother and the child if emergency medical attention is not sought. Normally, the placenta remains attached to the uterine wall until after delivery after which it gets detached in thirty minutes. If accidental abruption occurs, emergency cesarean procedure must be done without which the mother and the baby may be lost to death. Methamphetamine affects the placenta adversely as it constricts the blood vessels hence causing lack of oxygen and nutrients to the baby. This leads to long term effects on the baby as a result of lack of significant nutrients in early life. Placenta abruption is dangerous and therefore it is worth quitting the use of methamphetamine for.

Meth and Preterm labor

Naturally the body of a woman should be able to know the right time to give birth but women who are victims of drug addictions have their bodies disabled to sense this right time. This may lead to early labor. Scientists have not made it known what causes the contractions during the 9 month gestation periods but several research findings have found that women who continue to use meth during their pregnancy mostly fail to contain the pregnancy to the full nine months.  In United States alone half of women who use this drug during their pregnancy fail to carry the pregnancy to full term. Most of women using this drug give birth to underweight babies if they are lucky enough to carry the pregnancy to the full term.

Methamphetamine causes high blood pressure

As scientists have proved, Methamphetamine increases catecholamine activity in the branch of the peripheral nervous system responsible for controlling heart rate and blood pressure.  This is the basis of all the heart related problems caused by this drug; Excessive catecholamine activity. The high levels of catecholamine are cardio toxic hence causing constriction and spasm of the blood vessels, rapid heart rate (tachycardia), high blood pressure (hypertension), and rupture of heart muscles. It may also lead to increment in the sizes of heart muscle tissues which in turn narrows the heart muscles. In the end of it narrow vessels leads to high pressure building in the blood vessels. Possible death of the heart muscle.

methamphetamine

In pregnant mothers high blood pressure can cause serious complications, the foetus is still having most of its features being developed and its blood vessels are still very weak to put up with high blood pressure.

Methamphetamine and Growth retardation

A child who is born of a mother who is addicted to meth and continued to use it during the gestation period is exposed to myriad of health problems. To begin with it is known that the drug constricts the vessels through which oxygen and nutrients are transferred from the mother to the baby, this causes deficit in the nutrients that reaches the baby and this explains why most women who continued to use this drug end up giving birth to babies that are underweight. These nutrients that the baby has missed are very crucial for its growth and this is just one way through which the use of methamphetamine causes growth retardation in babies born of mothers addicted to this drug.

Generally, a pregnant woman should avoid the use of methamphetamine at all costs as it causes serious health problems to both of the baby and the mother. Among other problems that it can cause is stillbirth. This is when a baby dies in the uterus after being alive for the 24 weeks. No woman would be happy to have a stillborn baby and so all pregnant mothers should avoid methamphetamine.

Dr. Dalal Akoury (MD) is an experienced doctor that has helped many cancer patients in their fight against the disease. She is also dedicated to offer help to addiction patients. She founded AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center which is home to many people seeking health breakthrough. Call on her now and learn more on how to fight drug addiction.

Methamphetamine Causes Health Problems to Pregnant Women

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Drugs Can Behave Like Neurotransmitters

September 15, 2014

Drugs Can Mimic Neurotransmitters

neurotransmittersDrugs will automatically interfere with the bodily functions. That is guaranteed. But some drugs do not only alter minor body functions but go a step further in inhibiting the functions of neurotransmitters.  Most of the drugs that can mimic or interfere with the functions of the neurotransmitters in any way are mostly hard and are hence illegal in many parts of the world. The brain is the engine that drives all the body functions. Even as you are reading this article you do not see with your eyes but you see with your brain. It has various mechanisms through which it accomplishes all the functions of the body. Before we learn how the drugs can affect the neuron transmitters it is good to know how they work.

Neurotransmitters are very crucial in the system. They are the chemicals that transmit messages from one nerve cell to another. Nerve cells are known as neurons. The nerve impulse travels from the first nerve cell through the axon, a single smooth body arising from the nerve cell to the axon terminal and the synaptic knobs. Each synaptic knob communicates with a dendrite or cell body of another neuron, and the synaptic knobs contain neurovesicles that store and release neurotransmitters. The synapse lies between the synaptic knob and the next cell. For the impulse to continue traveling across the synapse to reach the next cell, the synaptic knobs release the neurotransmitter into that space, and the next nerve cell is stimulated to pick up the impulse and continue it. An interference with the neurotransmitters can adversely affect the flow of message within the nervous system.

A point to note is that there is neurotransmitter compatibility, that is every transmitter is designed to be bound by a specific receptor. Some drugs are structurally similar to neurotransmitters and hence may be bound by the receptors and hence mimic the functions of the neurotransmitters. The drug will therefore disrupt the functions of the neurotransmitters adversely affecting the whole neuron system. Typically, this is like having an intruder into your personal computer- he will definitely interfere with your programs.

Here are some of the ways through which a drug can interfere with the neurotransmitters functions.

  • Stop the chemical reactions that create neurotransmitters.
  • Empty neurotransmitters from the vesicles where they’re normally stored and protected from breakdown by enzymes.
  • Block neurotransmitters from entering or leaving vesicles.
  • Bind to receptors in place of neurotransmitters.
  • Prevent neurotransmitters from returning to their sending neuron (the reuptake system).
  • Interfere with second messengers, the chemical and electrical changes that take place in a receiving neuron.

Marijuana for example has a compound known as THC which is known to mimic the functions of various neurotransmitters. It mimics the activities of a natural neurotransmitter called anandamide.  Anandamide is an important neurotransmitter as it is charged with the role of boosting memory and learning, reducing pain, and stimulating the appetite.  Anandamide normally works in conjunction with dopamine, and together these neurotransmitters turn on and turn off different chemical pathways as required so as to accomplish certain functions.

The fact THC mimics the Anandamide does not mean that it will work as that natural neural transmitter would. When a person takes marijuana THC binds to cannabinoid CB1 and CB2 receptors, which are located in several parts of the brain namely, the hippocampus, cerebral cortex, cerebellum, and basal ganglia. These brain areas are responsible for short-term memory, coordination, learning, problem solving, and unconscious muscle movements. When THC gets itself bound in the cannabinoid receptors, it blocks natural neurotransmitters like anandamide that need to bind to those sites to achieve all their functions. This therefore makes the functions of these neurotransmitters unaccomplished. When THC prevents anadamide from doing its job, the delicate balance between anadamide and dopamine is thrown off and suddenly a person will feel euphoric, off-balance, hyperactive, senseless to pain and unable to retain information.

Nucleus accumbens Reward Mechanism (addiction)

neurotransmitterThe core structures of the brain reward pathway are located in the limbic system. These are a set of primitive structures in the human brain. Typically, the function of the limbic system is to monitor internal homeostasis, mediate memory, mediate learning, and experience emotion.  It also enables important aspects of sexual behavior, motivation, and feeding behaviors. The primary parts of the limbic system include the hypothalamus, amygdala, hippocampus, septal nuclei, and anterior cingulate gyrus.  Also important in the function of the limbic system is the limbic striatum, which includes the nucleus accumbens, ventral caudate nucleus and the putamen. The nucleus accumbens, often abbreviated as (NA) has been implicated as an especially important structure of the brain reward pathway because it is targeted by drugs of abuse.

When the brain becomes exposed to a certain drug, it begins relying on self stimulation as opposed to the natural neurotransmitter induced stimulation and this is what causes addiction. Several experiments have been done on animal models by use of electrodes that are placed into the nucleus accumbens under conditions of imposed environmental stress. Through these experiments the dependence on drugs for stimulation in brains exposed to these drugs is seen.

Dr. Dalal Akoury (MD) is an experienced doctor that has helped many cancer patients in their fight against the disease. She is also dedicated to offer help to addiction patients. She founded AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center which is home to many people seeking health breakthrough. Call on her now and learn more on how to fight drug addiction.

Drugs Can Mimic Neurotransmitters

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Catecholamine Fatigue Is Worse Than Adrenal Fatigue

September 7, 2014

Beware! Catecholamine Fatigue Is Worse Than Adrenal Fatigue

What is catecholamine?

These are hormones which are made by adrenal glands. These hormones are released by the adrenal glands found on top of the kidneys and go into the blood streams when a person becomes under physical or emotional stress. Catecholamine is found in the main three forms; dopamine, norepinephrine and epinephrine (also called adrenalin).

Catecholamine
What is the role of Catecholamine?

The role of Catecholamine can be understood by looking at the functions of the various components which form them. These compounds are dopamine, norepinephrine and epinephrine (also called adrenalin). Catecholamine especially dopamine and the norepinephrine are the principal neurotransmitters which mediates various activities or functions of the central nervous system.

The main function of catecholamine therefore is the regulation of functioning of the central nervous system. It sends signals which help the body to prepare to respond to stress or fright and adequately prepare the body to fight it.

How does catecholamine work?

When catecholamine gets into the body system via blood streams, it works by increasing the rates at which you heart beats, the blood pressure, breathing rate, the strength of your muscles, and also the mental strength. To ensure enough supply of blood to the main organs of the body (such as brain, kidneys, liver, lungs, heart etc.), it regulates the amount of blood going to the skin and intestines. This ensures that the main body organs are sufficiently supplied with blood.

What are the effects of catecholamine deficiency?

Just as we discussed earlier, catecholamine is a very important hormone. It is one of the two main neurotransmitters whereby the other is serotonin. Deficiency in catecholamine has been known for years to cause variety of diseases. The following are some of the diseases/ illnesses associated with deficiency in catecholamine:-

  • Depression or being moody – one of the effects of lowness in catecholamine which is known to be very common, is depression. This is one of the factors which make the catecholamine fatigue by far worse than that of adrenals. When a person who is addicted of a given substance and is also diagnosed with catecholamine fatigue, the problem becomes even more complicated to address. Before a successful addiction recovery program is undertaken, the problem of catecholamine fatigue needs to be first address. This is because it causes depression which makes it impossible for recovery from addiction to occur. The reason behind this difficulty is that for success in the addiction recovery to occur, your mind must be in good working condition. Depression in itself is a disease, and when adjoined with addiction it may make the recovery from addiction chances next to impossible.
  • A feel of anxiety – when a person is a victim of catecholamine fatigue or deficiency, the levels of excitement may be high. This is because the catecholamine is a component of neurotransmitter, which is the hormone responsible for regulation the brain’s reward system. This deficiency leaves the system un-regulated, and thus the levels of excitement may remain high, especially when initially triggered high. In this respect, catecholamine which supposed to regulate the levels of this excitement is low, and thus the levels of excitement remain high.
  • Insomnia may also occur – a state of sleep disorder is also very likely to occur. The principle behind it is that all the metabolic functions in our bodies are controlled from our minds and neurotransmitter plays the main role in this control. When there is a deficiency in catecholamine, it becomes very difficult for the brain to regulate the metabolic rates, which would facilitate sleep through activities such as regulation of the rate at which the heart beats.
  • Other common problems may include: – panic attacks, obesity, bulimia, anorexia, migraines, ADD/ADHD, Fibromyalgia just to mention a few.

What are the possible causes of depletion in catecholamine in the body?

There are several factors which have been attributed with causing depletion in catecholamine in our bodies. Some of these factors are:-

  • Simulants use – researches have shown that among the causers of depletion in catecholamine from our bodies is the use of stimulants. When one uses these stimulating substances, they lower the effectiveness of neurotransmitter and thereby creating resistance to the neurotransmitter.
  • Nutritional triggers – catecholamine (neurotransmitters) are made from proteins, and thus to ensure that they remain at a high level, we must take foods rich in proteins. When we take foods which are low in proteins for quite a long time. There is a likelihood of development of catecholamine deficiency. For a person who is an addict of a given food which is low in protein, catecholamine deficiency is a possibility.
  • Some medications especially SSRI, deplete catecholamine – research has shown that, administration of some SSRI medications can deplete serotonin receptors by 40 – 60%.
  • Stress – it has also been argued that stress can also contribute to the decline in the levels of catecholamine.

Why must catecholamine fatigue be addressed before addiction recovery program is embraced?

Catecholamine fatigue is more serious than the adrenal fatigue, although closely related. This is because unlike with adrenal fatigue, catecholamine fatigue is usually accompanied by depression and thus not unless it is addressed first, it becomes very difficult for the addiction recovery program to be successful.

Can catecholamine levels be restored?

CatecholamineRepletion of catecholamine is very easy. You just need to understand where it is synthesized from. Catecholamine and serotonin comes from the same source, which are the amino acids, vitamins and the minerals which are common in the foods we eat. These minerals are the ones which are converted into neurotransmitter, which catecholamine forms part. Therefore, to get your catecholamine restored into your body, you just need to eat much of the foods rich in these nutrients. Such foods may include: – bananas, pineapples, eggplants, red plum, tomatoes, walnuts, just to mention a few.

Alternatively, you can get these nutrients as supplements or seek advice from doctor for the administration of drugs rich in the nutrients.

From this discussion, we can clearly see the need for addressing catecholamine deficiency before we address the addiction recovery. Are you now thinking about where you can get help out of addiction or catecholamine fatigue? Your solution is here; call or visit us at Awaremed Resource And Wellness Center.

Beware! Catecholamine Fatigue Is Worse Than Adrenal Fatigue

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Tackling Alcohol Dependency And Alcohol Withdrawal

September 7, 2014

How To Treat Alcohol Dependency And Avoid Seizure From Alcohol Withdrawal

Alcohol dependenceAlcohol dependence is also known as alcoholism and it occurs when one drinks too much, too often and for a long period of time. On the other hand, alcohol withdrawal occurs when you stop drinking or drink less while still having alcohol dependence. The exact cause of dependence is not known but there are possible causes and conditions which may increase chances of dependence and they include age, family history, genetics, sex and other ailments. Alcoholism is a problem that affects health, relationships and also one’s career.one of the ways to tackle alcoholism is to seek therapy. This involves talking to a professional healthcare specialist who will examine the issues that led to one’s drinking and suggest ways that will help one to quit. This is an opportunity to scrutinize negative beliefs, habits and behavior and replacing them with new and positive ones. The counsellor can also help the patient to outline specific goals and treatment strategies to help him or her quit alcohol.

The second step involves visiting a doctor to advice on the medications to take that can curb cravings or cause undesired feelings and reactions when one drinks. Some of the medications include antabuse, revia ,campral and vivitrol. Although the medications do not guarantee that one will stop drinking, they are an effective part in the treatment plan that involves counselling and support groups.an alcoholic can also try natural therapies to complement the addiction treatment. Facilities such as the university of Maryland medical center suggests the use of kudzu. Kudzu may reduce the cravings for alcohol. Kudzu is a plant that is characterized by climbing, coiling and trailing vines.

Furthermore, homeopathic remedies are often used to treat alcohol addiction and symptoms of withdrawal.

Acupuncture might also help get rid of cravings and alleviate side effects of withdrawal.it is used as a supportive measure and not as an isolated means of treatment.one can also join a support group such as the alcoholics anonymous or any other where one is surrounded by people going through the same problem. These groups help an alcoholic feel a sense of togetherness in the struggle. Recovering alcoholics can also provide each other with tips and advice on how to tackle the problem.

An alcoholic should also find ways and means to manage stress and other negative emotions which are dangerous triggers that can lead one back to alcoholism. Regular exercise, yoga and meditation have also been proven to be helpful in tackling alcohol dependency.one should also create time for hobbies and other interests.

In-patient rehabilitation facilities that offer more intense treatment are also effective.one may also need detoxification before starting treatment especially if one is physically addicted to alcohol in that, when he or she stops drinking, he experiences withdrawal symptoms. Detox helps one get ready for treatment even though it does not help with mental, social and behavior changes that an alcoholic has to make to stay sober. Detox depends on the severity of the symptoms.

Seizures are a possibility for those who want to quit alcohol. Seizures are caused by alcohol withdrawal for someone who drinks heavily then suddenly quits. So, if one believes he has a problem, he should ask for help because getting sober alone is risky and dangerous.

Going to a rehabilitation center is also an option to avoid seizures because a detox can be provided. Detox programs involve professionals who monitor the alcoholics and keep an eye on seizures and other withdrawal symptoms. This is a way to safely stay sober. Detoxification lasts for seven days.an alcoholic should also not be embarrassed about his situation. When one is an addict, preventing seizures is vital.

Eating well and drinking lots of water also prevents alcoholic seizures. Alcohol causes dehydration and promotes poor eating habits. The body needs energy and this comes from healthy food and water which prevent seizures in a recovering alcoholic.

Alcohol dependenceMedications can also help in preventing seizures before they start. Benzodiazepines are the recommended drugs for people undergoing withdrawal of alcohol. They inhibit nerve cell excitability which deals with the overstimulation resulting from the brain as a result of alcohol effects. Examples include halazepam and lorazepam. Alcohol withdrawal symptoms can begin from as early as two hours after the last drink and can persist for up to weeks. The effects range from shaking to delirium tremens. Clinical management of alcohol withdrawal is to minimize the severity of symptoms and facilitate an entry into a treatment program.

Vitamins are also used in treating alcoholics. Intravenous administration of thiamine is usually done before starting any carbohydrate containing fluids or food. Vitamins that are essential in alcohol withdrawal are thiamine and folic acid. Anti convulsants such as topiramate carbamezapine are also effective in the treatment of alcohol withdrawal. Clonidine may be used with benzodiazepines to help other symptoms. Antipsychotics such as haloperidol are sometimes used to control psychosis and agitative behavior. Intravenous injection of ethanol could be used though there is little evidence to support its use.

General care for alcoholics is also vital. Abnormal fluid levels, electrolyte levels and nutrition should be corrected. Fluids should be injected intravenously in patients with severe withdrawal symptoms due to excessive loss through hypothermia, sweating and even vomiting. However, fluids should not be administered to patients with less withdrawal symptoms to prevent them being overhydrated. Medication can either be administered using a fixed schedule or symptom-triggered regimens. Symptom triggered regimens have been shown to result in the administration of less total medication and requires a shorter duration of treatment.

Treatment of alcohol withdrawal syndrome is supposed to be followed by treatment for alcoholic dependence.

Whether you need help on balancing adrenals or you are an addict who is looking for a natural way of gradually recovering from an addiction, Awaremed Resource And Wellness Center is your perfect solution. You are free to call us, for more go to www.awaremednetwork.com

How To Treat Alcohol Dependency And Avoid Seizure From Alcohol Withdrawal

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Preparing the Brain and Mind For Safe Addiction Treatment

September 6, 2014

How To Ease The Brain, Calm The Mind Of An Addict To Initiate And Implement Safe Addiction Treatment

Getting the brain to alpha, gamma or delta wave before initiating addiction treatment to prepare the chaotic brain for safe addiction treatment

Recovery is in different steps, starting from the point where one decides to put down the drink or the drugs.it also involves living an honest, responsible and accountable life that is free of drugs and alcohol. Activities such as sex addictions and gambling can also harm a person. Drugs also alter the structure and functioning of the brain.

Addiction Treatment

Addiction is a complex disorder and each drug has different physical effects although they have one effect in common which is altering the brain’s functions. Taking recreational drugs causes a surge in the levels of dopamine in the brain which trigger feelings of pleasure. The brain remembers the feelings and wants them repeatedly. When one becomes addicted, the substance of addiction takes the same role as other behaviors that enable us to survive such as eating and drinking.

These changes in the brain affect one’s ability to think clearly, make sound judgments, control behavior and also affect the ability of one to feel normal without drugs. So, for one to be treated and hit the road to recovery, he should be put in a good frame of mind for results to be positive. The first step to recovery is acceptance. Recognizing that one has a problem is a key step to recovery.

A well planned intervention is designed to be of benefit to the addict, as well as his family. Interventions by professionals are controlled, organized and very effective. Preparing for a drug intervention involves bringing together close family members and friends that the person’s addiction has had an impact on. The meeting should be beforehand so as to plan on the best approach and to determine what is to be said.to help the addict, family members and friends should be positive in their tone. They should be loving and not attack the addict with words.

Action should then be taken immediately because any kind of delay can give the addict a chance to back out or have a change of mind.

Brain waves of addicts may be abnormal to some extent, and these abnormal brain waves may be the reason they got addicted in the first place. Therapists claim that they can use neurofeedback technique to help normalize brainwaves. Through participation in therapy, the addicts can retrain their brains to behave normally and by doing so reduce their compulsion to drug use.an example is a study which revealed that cocaine addicts were able to change their brain wave activity by using the neurofeedback technique. After the therapy, they showed a lesser craving for the drug, even when they were showed pictures of cocaine. But before the therapy, the pictures could have triggered their cravings.

Neurofeedback is a form of brain training and it takes one a lot of time to get used to.it involves the addict looking at a screen and being instructed by a therapist. When the user pulls his or her brainwaves into a proper alignment, the screen might show colors or music might be played. But as soon as the patient spins out of control, no feedback is given from the screen. After a while, the person can learn how to think in a way that he is more likely to be rewarded.

The good thing about neurofeedback is that it does not use drugs or needles and there are no tests involved in it. However, using neurofeedback takes long for one to see results, meaning that a lot of sessions are involved.

Addiction Treatment

Changes in brain function due to drug use can also have many behavioral effects, like the inability to control the urge to use drugs. This can be corrected by use of motivational enhancement therapy. This is a counselling approach whose aim is to initiate behavioral changes.it employs strategies aimed at evoking rapid and internally motivated change. This therapy starts by the therapist providing feedback to the initial assessment and simulating discussion about personal substance use and eliciting self-motivational statements. Motivational interviewing principles act to strengthen motivation and build a plan for reform. Therapists suggest ways of coping and adapting for risky situations and in the following sessions, the therapist monitors change as well as reviewing cessation strategies that have been put in place and continues to encourage commitment to sustained abstinence from drugs. Addicts sometimes bring their partners to the therapy. Research has shown that the effects of this therapy depends on the type of drug the patients used and the aim of the intervention. Doctors use this therapy successfully with alcoholics to improve their treatment engagement and reductions in problem drinking. Adults who are hooked on bhang make progress in recovery when using motivational enhancement therapies in combination with cognitive behavioral therapy. Patients using other drugs like heroin, cocaine, nicotine and for those who tend to use multiple drugs show mixed outcomes when undergoing motivational enhancement therapies. This therapy is more effective by engaging drug users in treatment than for producing changes in drug use.

Whether you need help on balancing adrenals or you are an addict who is looking for a natural way of gradually recovering from an addiction, Awaremed Resource And Wellness Center is your perfect solution. You are free to call us, for more go to www.awaremednetwork.com

How To Ease The Brain, Calm The Mind Of An Addict To Initiate And Implement Safe Addiction Treatment

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