Category Archives: Integrative Addiction Treatment for Physicians

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Aiding cancer health problems

July 12, 2017
Aiding cancer health problems

Aiding cancer health problems alcohol usage

Aiding cancer health problems: The increased risk of alcohol abuse

Despite the risks that come with alcohol, it is one that is also abused globally. Surprisingly as addictive as it is, it is one of the biggest government source of revenue across the globe. Alcohol is aiding cancer health problems worse. Alcohol is the common term used or ethanol or ethyl which is a chemical substance commonly found in beer, wine, liquor, some medicines, mouthwashes, household products and other essential oils scented liquids taken from plants. There is no doubt that alcohol abuse is facilitating cancer risk as we will be discussing going forward.

Aiding cancer health problems: Alcohol content

And for value addition, we spoke to experts at AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center. This facility was founded by doctor Dalal Akoury and currently, she is also the MD of the establishment. Together with her team of experts, they are going to help us put in perspective some of the concerns we have in relation to our topic of discussion today which is “facilitating cancer risk with alcohol abuse”. Besides that it will interest you to note that alcohol is produced by the fermentation of sugars and starches by yeast, it is equally important that we are aware of the main types of alcoholic drinks and their alcohol content. This is going to be very helpful to us as we explore the primary effects of alcohol to cancer and cancer patients. The alcohol content in various alcoholic beverages is as follows:

  • Beers and hard ciders: 3-7 percent alcohol
  • Wines, including sake: 9-15 percent alcohol
  • Wines fortified with liquors, such as port: 16-20 percent alcohol
  • Liquor, or distilled spirits, such as gin, rum, vodka, and whiskey, which are produced by distilling the alcohol from fermented grains, fruits, or vegetables: usually 35-40 percent alcohol (70-80 proof), but can be higher

According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, a standard alcoholic drink in the United States, for example, contains 14.0 grams (0.6 ounces) of pure alcohol. Generally, this unit of pure alcohol is found in

  • 12 ounces of beer
  • 8 ounces of malt liquor
  • 5 ounces of wine
  • 1.5 ounces or a “shot” of 80-proof liquor

Up to this point let me pose briefly and find out or justify why alcohol is the most abused drug globally besides facilitating cancer risks and other health problems. Take for instance according to the federal government’s Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2010 just five years ago, the federation position or definition of what should be considered to be moderate alcohol drinking is a maximum of one drink per day for women and two drinks per day for men. Heavy alcohol drinking is defined as having more than three drinks on any day or more than seven drinks per week for women and more than four drinks on any day or more than 14 drinks per week for men. With that piece of information, you are now beginning to appreciate the realities of alcohol abuse. Ideally what is considered heavy drinking per week is equivalent to what most people consume in just two hours daily. If in just two hours one would take this much, translate that into a day then to a week, a month and a year. It thus explains why this is the most abused drug in our societies and so the biggest facilitating cancer risks among other health problems. We are certainly going to continue with this discussion in the next article but in the meantime, you can call doctor Akoury for further professional direction about alcohol abuse.

Aiding cancer health problems: The increased risk of alcohol abuse

 

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Gut-Brain-Skin-Microbiota Axis

Digestive health system

July 11, 2017
Digestive health system

Digestive health system that allows eaten food to be broken into useful units in the body

Digestive health system: Alcohol abuse

Alcohol consumption when abused can become dangerous to the body. Even though it is said that the use of alcohol can be beneficial to the body, this point loses meaning since this substance is addictive and the minimum level of usage is often very difficult to attain. Moreover, the said benefits are very insignificant when compared to the demerits of alcohol. For that reason, we want to explore some of the effects of alcohol addiction on the digestive health system to understand corrective measures we can take to salvage the situation.

When we talk about the benefits, it is often eluded to the moderate consumption of alcohol. Users of alcohol will tell you that when taken in moderation, it can make life a bit more enjoyable for some people. These people will tell you that it allows them to socialize more easily, and also cause them to relax after a hard day’s work. However what may not be clear to these users is that there is a dark side to alcohol consumption, and this will soon become apparent when individuals drink beyond the estimated limit. The consequences of this can lead to all sorts of physical and mental health problems. Therefore if people become addicted to alcohol it can completely destroy their life.

Digestive health system: Organs of the digestive system

Before we get to understand how alcohol addiction affects the digestive system health, it is important to appreciate that people need to consume food in order to survive, to be strong and healthy. Besides that, it is also not only needed for fuel but the body also uses elements of this nutrition for repair of the body. Now the digestive system is a group of organs in the body that is tasked with the role of removing all the needed nutrients from any food that is eaten. In other words, in order for people to live life to the fullest, they need to have a fully functional digestive system. These digestive systems are made up of several different organs including the following:

  • The mouth is where digestion begins. The food that is eaten will be partially broken down by chewing so as to make it easier to digest. At this point, the saliva can begin to break down some chemicals in food.
  • Food is then transferred to the stomach by the esophagus.
  • The stomach contains a strong acid that helps to break down food. The churning motion of the stomach turns food into a sludge-like substance called chime.
  • The liver produces bile which is stored in the gallbladder.
  • The pancreas produces enzymes that are also required for digestion.
  • The small intestine is where bile and enzymes help to extract the nutrients from the food.
  • The large intestine contains microbes that assist in breaking down food. In this organ electrolytes and water is extracted from the chime.
  • Anything in the food that is not of use to the body ends up in the rectum where it is expelled as feces and that is the process of digestion which can be literally destroyed by the abuse of alcohol.

Finally, alcohol addiction can be fatal if not addressed in good time. If you’re wondering where to run to, doctor Dalal Akoury is on stand-by to hear and listen to your individual case for a much more professional solution.

Digestive health system: Alcohol abuse

 

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Addiction

Complementary addiction treatment

July 11, 2017
Complementary addiction treatment

Complementary addiction treatment for everybody

Complementary addiction treatment: Drug abuse and mental health

We have already looked at some of the complimentary addiction treatment for drug abuse previously, but for the benefit of your health, we want to explore more in this line to equip you with all the relevant health information as follows:

Get therapy or stay involved in a support group – Your chances of staying sober improve if you are participating in a social support group like Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous or if you are getting therapy.

Follow doctor’s orders – Once you are sober and you feel better, you might think you no longer need medication or treatment. But arbitrarily stopping medication or treatment is a common reason for relapse in people with co-occurring disorders. Always talk with your doctor before making any changes to your medication or treatment routine.

Make healthy lifestyle changes

Practice relaxation techniques – When practiced regularly, relaxation techniques such as mindfulness meditation, progressive muscle relaxation, and deep breathing can reduce symptoms of stress, anxiety, and depression, and increase feelings of relaxation and emotional well-being.

Healthy eating habits – Start the day right with breakfast, and continue with frequent small meals throughout the day. Going too long without eating leads to low blood sugar, which can make you feel more stressed or anxious.

Exercise regularly – Exercise is a natural way to bust stress, relieve anxiety, and improve your mood and outlook. To achieve the maximum benefit, aim for at least 30 minutes of aerobic exercise on most days.

Get enough sleep – People often ignore sleeping because of the pressures of work and economic hardship however lack of sleep can exacerbate stress, anxiety, and depression it is therefore prudent that you sleep for 7 to 9 hours of quality sleep a night.

Helping a loved one with a substance abuse and mental health problem

Helping a loved one with both a substance abuse and a mental health problem can be a roller coaster. Resistance to treatment is common and the road to recovery can be long. The best way to help someone is to accept what you can and cannot do. You cannot force someone to remain sober, nor can you make someone take their medication or keep appointments. What you can do is make positive choices for yourself, encourage your loved one to get help, and offer your support while making sure you don’t lose yourself in the process. You could take either of the following in helping your loved ones:

Seek support – Dealing with a loved one’s dual diagnosis of mental illness and substance abuse can be painful and isolating. Make sure you’re getting the emotional support you need to cope. Talk to someone you trust about what you’re going through. It can also help to get your own therapy or join a support group yourself.

Set boundaries – Be realistic about the amount of care you’re able to provide without feeling overwhelmed and resentful. Set limits on disruptive behaviors, and stick to them. Letting the co-occurring disorders take over your life isn’t healthy for you or your loved one.

Be patient – This is very important because recovering from a dual diagnosis doesn’t happen overnight. It is an ongoing process that can take sometimes may be months or years, and relapse is common. Ongoing support for both you and your loved one is crucial as you work toward recovery. All these are just some guidelines to help you offer better support to your loved ones. And even as follow these guidelines it is still very important that you seek the services of the experts in this discipline. You can reach doctor Akoury on phone today to schedule an appointment with her and she will be of great help to you and your loved ones as well.

Complementary addiction treatment: Drug abuse and mental health

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Sharon and Dr. Akoury

Contracting cancer disease through alcohol

July 11, 2017
Contracting cancer disease

Contracting cancer disease through alcohol can be avoided simply by quitting alcohol consumption

Contracting cancer disease through alcohol: Types of cancer

Currently, there is a strong scientific association between alcohol drinking and several types of cancer. In its Report on Carcinogens, the National Toxicology Program of the US Department of Health and Human Services lists consumption of alcoholic beverages as a known human carcinogen. Available evidence indicates that, the more alcohol a person drinks, the higher his/her risk of contracting cancer disease. The effects are fatal when accounting for deaths resulting from the consumption of alcohol. Available statistics has estimated that in 2009 about 3.5% of cancer deaths in the United State, were alcohol related. That percentage represents about 19500 people dying from this scourge. Experts at AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center under the able leadership of doctor Dalal Akoury while studying the formation of different types of cancer, established that there is an emerging pattern of alcohol consumption and developing cancer including the following types:

Contracting cancer disease through alcohol: Head and neck cancer

Alcohol consumption is a major risk factor for certain head and neck cancers, particularly cancers of the oral cavity (excluding the lips), pharynx (throat), and larynx (voice box). People who consume 50 or more grams of alcohol per day (approximately 3.5 or more drinks per day) have at least two to three times’ greater risk of developing these cancers than nondrinkers. The matter is even more complicated where the patient is also smoking thereby increasing the risk even much higher.

Esophageal cancer

The consumption of alcohol poses a major risk factor for a particular type of esophageal cancer commonly known as esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. Besides that, individuals who inherit a deficiency in an enzyme that metabolizes alcohol also have significantly increased risks of alcohol-related esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.

Liver cancer

Alcohol consumption is an independent risk factor for, and a primary cause of, liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma). (Chronic infection with hepatitis B virus and hepatitis C virus are the other major causes of liver cancer.)

Contracting cancer disease through alcohol: Breast cancer

Ideally, no study about types of cancer can be done without touching on the breast cancer which is one of the most discussed types of cancer globally. In our case study following more than 100 epidemiological studies whose objective was to find any link between alcohol consumption and breast cancer, it was established in most of these studies that breast cancer is closely linked to alcohol intake. A meta-analysis of more than half of these studies revealed that women who drunk more than 45 grams of alcohol daily (3 drinks) had 1.5 times the risk of developing breast cancer compared to nondrinkers. The risk of breast cancer was, however, higher across all levels of alcohol intake. That is to say for every 10 grams of alcohol consumed daily (slightly less than one drink), researchers observed a small (7 percent) increase in the risk of breast cancer.

This confirms that alcohol abuse is a serious threat to life as it introduces cancer into your life. You can have this prevented or corrected by seeking for immediate help from the experts at of AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center by scheduling an appointment today and doctor Akoury will professionally and personally handle your condition.

Contracting cancer disease through alcohol: Types of cancer

 

 

 

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ageing skin naturally

Abusing crack cocaine

July 11, 2017
Abusing crack cocaine

Abusing crack cocaine does not only defiles your body but also destroys its health

Abusing crack cocaine: Health consequences

The history of cocaine is well known and how it affects the good health of our societies. Abusing crack cocaine is dangerous since it is a very powerful addictive stimulant serious health consequences. Whichever way you look at it, crack cocaine is poisonous to your health. According to the experts from AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center under the able leadership of doctor Dalal Akoury MD, the illusion that cocaine is beneficial remains just an illusion. The naked truth is that no single advantage can be attached to this drug says doctor Akoury. As a matter of fact crack cocaine abuse is a serious threat to humanity.

The powdered hydrochloride salt form of cocaine can be snorted or injected as a solution of water. And when we talk of crack cocaine, it means that this cocaine base has not been neutralized by an acid to transform it into a hydrochloride salt. When that is done, this form of cocaine comes in a rock crystal which can be heated to produce vapors, a product which can be smoked. The term “crack” refers to the crackling sound produced by the rock when heated.

Abusing crack cocaine: How is cocaine abused?

According to the experts at AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center, crack cocaine abuse is in most cases considered in relation to the mode of its administration. There are three main routes that are commonly used for the administration of crack cocaine:

Snorting – this is the process of inhaling cocaine powder through the nose, where it is absorbed into the bloodstream through the nasal tissues.

Injection – in this case, cocaine in mixed with water and the solution is then injected into the body using the needle to release the drug directly into the blood streams.

Smoking – this involves inhaling cocaine vapor or smoke into the lungs, where absorption into the bloodstream is as rapid as by injection.

Even as we progress into the discussion, it is important to note that, the mode of administering the substance doesn’t in any way reduce the danger. The consequences remain the same with the risk of addiction and infection by other serious chronic health complications like contracting STI’s. Besides that, the following are some of the experiences that users of crack cocaine will face:

  • The intensity and duration of cocaine’s effects, which include increased energy, reduced fatigue, and mental alertness, depend on the route of drug administration.
  • The faster cocaine is absorbed into the bloodstream and delivered to the brain, the more intense the high.
  • Injecting or smoking cocaine produces a quicker, stronger high than snorting.
  • On the other hand, faster absorption usually means shorter duration of action.
  • The high from snorting cocaine may last 15 to 30 minutes, but the high from smoking may last only 5 to 10 minutes.

Finally, and in order to sustain the high, a cocaine abuser has to administer the drug repeatedly. That is to say, crack cocaine is often abused in binges taken repeatedly within a relatively short period of time, at increasingly high doses. This is very dangerous and the sooner you enroll for a recovery program the better. You can always call doctor Dalal Akoury for more professional advice and treatment on this journey of recovery.

Abusing crack cocaine: Health consequences

 

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