Category Archives: Integrative Addiction Treatment for Physicians

consequences of alcohol

Understanding alcoholism deeply

May 16, 2017
Understanding alcoholism deeply

Understanding alcoholism deeply marks the beginning of the long journey of quitting

Understanding alcoholism deeply: When do you begin noticing alcoholism problems?

Evidence gathered from different studies indicate that alcohol is the most abused drug globally. This beats the logic behind its legalization for consumption. In view of that concern, we want to focus our discussion on understanding alcoholism deeply by unlocking its complications in a series of articles primarily to raise awareness of this issue. We are going to be relying on the expert opinions of the professional from AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center under the able leadership of doctor Dalal Akoury (MD) who is also the founder of the facility.

From the professionals’ opinion, alcoholism is an addiction to the consumption or the misuse of all kinds of alcoholic beverages or any other mental illness and compulsive behavior accruing from alcohol dependency. And the next point of concern is “when exactly does one begin noticing the problems of alcoholism?” interestingly doctor Dalal Akoury states that alcohol being a legal substance will often be consumed freely by its users and in the process, it enters into a person’s life with very little or no notice at all. This normally happens because of the fact that users of this substance take it for pleasure and because of its addictive nature, gradually it progresses to another level that the users did not intend to get to. With that in mind, let us explore further the possibilities and warning signs of alcoholism in the life of an addicted user.

Understanding alcoholism deeply: Signs and symptoms of alcohol abuse

Substance abuse experts make a distinction between alcohol abuse and alcoholism which is also known as alcohol dependence. Unlike alcoholics, alcohol abusers have some ability to set limits on their drinking. However, their alcohol use is still self-destructive and dangerous to themselves or others.

Repeatedly neglecting your responsibilities at home, work, or school because of your drinking – For example, performing poorly at work, flunking classes, neglecting your kids, or skipping out on commitments because you’re hung over.

Using alcohol in situations where it’s physically dangerous – Like for instance drinking and driving, operating machinery while intoxicated, or mixing alcohol with prescription medication against doctor’s orders.

Experiencing repeated legal problems on account of your drinking – For example, getting arrested for driving under the influence or for drunk and disorderly conduct.

Continuing to drink even though your alcohol use is causing problems in your relationships – Getting drunk with your buddies, for example, even though you know your wife will be very upset, or fighting with your family because they dislike how you act when you drink.

Drinking as a way to relax or de-stress – Many drinking problems start when people use alcohol to self-soothe and relieve stress. Getting drunk after every stressful day, for example, or reaching for a bottle every time you have an argument with your spouse or boss.

Finally, the mentioned signs may not be conclusive and the more you know the better for your action plan. We can, therefore, recommend that you get in touch with the experts at AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center for a more conclusive understanding of what you may need to protect yourself from this problem of alcoholism and alcohol abuse.

Understanding alcoholism deeply: When do you begin noticing alcoholism problems?

http://www.awaremednetwork.com/

 

 

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neurotransmitters-and-mood-symptoms

Mesolimbic pathways and drug seeking

May 13, 2017
Mesolimbic pathways

Mesolimbic pathways and drug seeking. We’ve got to clean our mind from all intoxication of drug addiction

Mesolimbic pathways and drug seeking: Drug cravings to the brain

From our basic understanding of the purpose and functioning of the brain’s reward system in the previous postings, we can interrogate it a little bit further in several ways. The circuit most associated with pleasure and reward is the mesolimbic pathways which are located in the brainstem. The objective of this area of the brain is primarily concerned with basic survival. Within the mesolimbic pathways is an area called the ventral tegmental area (VTA). The VTA projects to the nucleus accumbens (thought to be the reward center). The neurotransmitter most commonly linked with the mesolimbic system is dopamine. Many people consider dopamine to be the driving force behind the human pursuit of pleasure. The release of dopamine is a pleasurable sensation. The release of dopamine motivates us to repeat behaviors or activities that prompted this release. This system’s purpose was to promote survival by rewarding life-sustaining behaviors such eating and procreation.

All addictive drugs and activities release varying amounts of dopamine into the nucleus accumbens with stimulant drugs like cocaine and methamphetamine releasing the most. However, when it comes to drugs like alcohol or heroin, the brain’s own opiate system (endorphins) also gets involved. Doctor Akoury further says that even though different forms of addictions have different effects in the nucleus accumbens, they share one common denominator that they all activate the reward system which in turn motivates us to repeat those behaviors, even though they may be harmful. Besides what we have discussed about the concepts of reward, pleasure, and craving together, it is however very important to appreciate that there is a distinction between pleasure-seeking and drug seeking. Note that pleasure-seeking is all about the pleasurable, rewarding aspect of addiction while drug-seeking refer to the craving aspect of addiction. Dopamine may be more involved in drug-seeking (craving) component of addiction. The opiate (endorphin), GABA, or glutamatergic systems may be more involved in a pleasure-seeking aspect of addiction too.

Mesolimbic pathways and drug seeking: Keeping the brain free from all attacks

Pleasure-seeking and drug-seeking (cravings) are interrelated, yet distinct. Research has established that natural rewards (food, water, sex) typically lessen their influence on the reward system over time. As a behavior occurs more often, dopamine levels tend to decrease in the process. Psychologists call this habituation. This makes sense. Once you’ve eaten enough food, you don’t need to be rewarded for eating more food. Then you would be eating too much, or too much of one type of food. Therefore everyone needs to take heed of keeping the brain free from all attacks be it from substances or otherwise. Talking to the experts at AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center under the able leadership of doctor Dalal Akoury should be your starting point. Call and make that appointment today for the commencement of your journey to full recovery from your addiction.

Mesolimbic pathways and drug seeking: Drug cravings to the brain

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Behavioral Addiction and Brain Function

Neurons signals and addiction

May 13, 2017
Neurons signals

Neurons signals and addiction. In fact, neurons are the primary communication unit of the brain and must not be contaminated with drugs

Neurons signals and addiction: The brain chemistry

The neuron is the primary unit of communication within the brain. A single neuron is extremely tiny. Experts are estimating that there are over 100 billion neurons in the human brain. With that, you can imagine just how complex and distinct your brain is from the person next to you. And because good communication is of two ways where we both listen (receive information) and at the same time we also speak (send information). The same is applicable to the brain’s communication system with the neurons having the ability to both send and receive communication signals. The dendrite is the portion of neuron signals that typically receives information (listens) while the axon is a portion of the neuron signals that sends out information (speaks).

Neurons signals and addiction: Neurotransmitters

When humans communicate with each other, we typically use words and gestures. The different parts of the brain communicate with each other using electrical signals. Neurons use electrical pulses to send their communication signals. These electrical impulses are called action potentials. When neuron fire, the action potential travels down the neuron’s axon where it ends. At the end of the axon is the axon terminal or pre-synapse. In this area, special chemical messengers called neurotransmitters and neuromodulators lay in wait. These are stored in specialized capsules called vesicles. The action potential causes the release of these chemical messengers into an open space between one neuron’s axon and the next neurons’ dendrites. This open space is the synaptic cleft. At the other side of the synaptic cleft is the post-synapse that is formed by the dendrites of connecting neurons. In the post-synapse, there are special receptors that receive the neurotransmitters.

Receptors and neurotransmitters function in a way that is similar to a keyhole and key. Receptors are like keyholes and neurotransmitters are like the keys. When neurotransmitters fit into the receptors it is called binding. Once a neurotransmitter is bound to a receptor, the key turns the lock. Once the lock opens, it communicates with the receiving neuron’s dendrites. In the post-synapse, there may be many different receptors (many different shaped keyholes). However, a particular neurotransmitter may be able to fit into (bind to) several different receptors types. This is similar to the way a single key can open several different locks. The particular receptor type determines the type of signal that is transmitted. Thus, the receptor type is often more critical to the communication than the particular neurotransmitter.

It may be easiest to visualize this communication as a single chain of events: First, a neuron sends an electrical impulse (action potential) down the axon. Next, the electrical impulse causes chemicals (neurotransmitters and neuromodulators) to be released into space between two neurons. Then these chemicals can signal the next neuron to send an electrical impulse and so on. This electrochemical process forms the brain’s communication system. In conclusion, it is evident that the functions of the brain in communication are very sensitive and any alteration caused by drugs addiction can have far-reaching effects. Therefore before we get there, we must do all it takes to prevent or correct as soon as it is necessary. For this reason, it will be prudent that you schedule an appointment with doctor Dalal Akoury MD a veteran addiction expert who is also the founder of AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center for the commencement of your addiction recovery process.

Neurons signals and addiction: The brain chemistry

http://regenerativepotential.com/wp-admin

 

 

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Tools of addiction

Drug use cravings and the brain

May 13, 2017
Drug use cravings

Drug use cravings and the brain have nothing in common

Drug use cravings and the brain: Addictions effect on the brain’s reward system

The delicate functions of the brain demand that at no given time must we have an unhealthy brain. The problem of drug use cravings will, however, not allow this to be. And because the brain is the brain’s reward system which is part of the survival system, in many instances we often experience an urgent need for food whenever we are starving and generally have a powerful desire for sex too. According to doctor Dalal Akoury, MD President and founder of AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center, the brain’s reward system rewards food and sex because they ensure our survival. Unfortunately, drugs of abuse operate within these reward systems which leads people to experience an urgent need or powerful desire for drugs or addictive activities.

The brain’s reward system has ensured our species survival. You may not have known but food, water, and sex are some of the elements that activate the reward system. Therefore when the brain’s reward center is activated, it releases dopamine which then creates a pleasing, enjoyable sensation to motivate us into repeating these behaviors necessary for our survival. That is happening because dopamine has rewarded us with a pleasurable feeling. Doctor Akoury recommends that from an evolutionary standpoint, it is helpful to have a reward system that works.

For example, when there is very little food and you’re wandering around looking for food, and when you finally find something to eat, this triggers your reward system. This pleasing feeling (dopamine “reward”) will become associated with whatever behavior that led you to that food. This causes you to want to repeat that behavior. Moreover, the reward system is closely tied to emotional and subjective memories. If you were successful and found food in a particular place for instance, in the future you will want to look for food in the same location. This reward system increases the likelihood that you will be successful in finding food there the next time. This is because your brain chemicals are rewarding you with a pleasing sensation. It also helps you to remember how and where this pleasant feeling occurred.

Drug use cravings and the brain: Negative dopamine reward sensation

It will come to you as a surprise that the element that motives your survival is the very same reward system that ensures your survival and also rewards drug use. Doctor Akoury reiterates that all addictive substances and activities will trigger the release of dopamine which rewards us with a pleasant sensation thereby succeeding in motivating us to continuously indulge in these harmful behaviors. It is nowadays common knowledge that peoples with addiction problems will all it takes to get their drug of choice and in the same way, they continue with their addiction despite the harm it causes to themselves or their loved ones. It is therefore very important to note that all these characteristic of addictive behaviors arise from the brain’s pleasure and rewards centers. Therefore seeking for lasting solutions becomes a must to do for all victims. This may not be a very popular thing owing to the addictiveness of some of these drugs, but nonetheless, it is the best option if you want to have a healthy life that is free from all sorts of addiction. You can schedule an appointment with doctor Dalal Akoury for the commencement of your journey to recovery.

Drug use cravings and the brain: Addictions effect on the brain’s reward system

http://regenerativepotential.com/wp-admin

 

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over the counter drug abuse

Relapse prevention obstructions

May 13, 2017
Relapse prevention obstructions

Relapse prevention obstructions will always be there but you can change that by being positive and active

Relapse prevention obstructions: Threatening signs and coping skills

One of the big impediments in dealing with substance abuse is relapse prevention obstructions. Relapse itself is an obstacle and its triggers are even making the already delicate situation more disturbing. This is a serious drawback to many recovering addicts across the globe. We must stand out in addressing this problem to succeed in the fight against drug addiction. It is important to understand the relapse threatening signs and coping skills to have a good starting point in defeating drug addiction. According to the experts at AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center, relapse is a process that comes in different stages and that is going to be our starting point in this discussion. Doctor Dalal Akoury is going to take us through the discussion and therefore I want to ask you to stay on the link and be empowered in your individual fight against the scourge of addiction today.

Relapse prevention obstructions: Stages of Relapse

Relapse is a process, it’s not an event – Doctor Akoury says that in order to understand relapse prevention you have to understand the sequences of relapse. Being a process and not an event, relapse often starts weeks or even months before the event of physical relapse. In this page, you will learn how to use specific relapse prevention techniques for each stage of relapse. There are three stages of relapse and they may include:

  • Emotional relapse
  • Mental relapse
  • Physical relapse

Relapse prevention obstructions: Emotional Relapse

In emotional relapse, you’re not thinking about using – But your emotions and behaviors are setting you up for a possible relapse in the future unless something is done today and now. This is not a joke for it hit hard your health and can be very fatal. It’s important that treatment is sought in good time. For timely treatment, you can schedule an appointment with doctor Dalal Akoury for her professional touch on your situation. In the meantime, the following are some of the signs of emotional relapse you need to be wary of:

  • Anxiety
  • Intolerance
  • Anger
  • Defensiveness
  • Mood swings
  • Isolation
  • Not asking for help
  • Not going to meetings
  • Poor eating habits
  • Poor sleep habits

Relapse prevention obstructions: Emotional relapse signs and post-acute withdrawal symptoms

If you understand what post-acute withdrawal is, then it will become easier to avoid relapse, because the early stage of relapse is easiest to pull back from. In the later stages, the pull of relapse will get stronger and the sequence of events moves faster thereby confirming the important phrase of prevention being better than cure. Before we get into the discussion about the early relapse prevention, it is important to note that dealing with relapse is not an easy assignment. Many people often fall along the way because they do not have the skills or techniques of dealing with this problem. Nevertheless, there is hope with doctor Akoury MD who is also the founder of AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center whom can be reached through that telephone number 843 213 1480 for any appointment needs.

Relapse prevention obstructions: Threatening signs and coping skills

 

 

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