Category Archives: outpatient addiction treatment

Beautiful Child wearing a head scarf due to hair loss from chemotherapy fighting cancer

Cancer affects emotional health in many ways

Cancer affects emotional health

Cancer affects emotional health in many ways.

Cancer affects emotional health in many ways: Depression and cancer

It is never fun to be told that you are suffering from cancer. When such news is broken to the patients, devastation, pain and anguish sets in not just to the patient but even to the relatives and loved ones. For sure most patients, families, and caregivers expresses some degree of depression, anxiety, and fear when cancer becomes part of their lives. These feelings are normal responses to this life-changing experience. We want to settle into the discussion of how cancer affects your emotional health and what you can do to help. We will be guided by the help of doctor Dalal Akoury who is also the founder of AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center where a lot of cancer preventive treatment are done. You can also be part of the many experiencing life transformation with the professionalism approach doctor Akoury is applying in the treatment of her clients.

Like I have just mention cancer is life threatening and people struggling with cancer will have the feelings expressed above which can be caused by many things, including changes in their families’ roles and even assignment at their work stations. A cancer patient is likely to feel the loss of control over life events, and bear the burden of dealing with changes in their body image. They might feel grief at the losses and changes in their lives that cancer brings. There may be fear of the eventualities like death, suffering, pain, or all the unknown elements that lie ahead. This may not be limited to the patients only but even the family members and caregivers may have these feelings too. It is possible that they will be afraid of losing their loved one. Anger of knowing that cancer is affecting their loved ones will be another concern especially with the knowledge that cancer is genetically inherited. This will in many ways cause both the patient and their loved ones frustration and stress that they are either not doing enough to help or that they have to do more at home.

In all these, it’s important to remember that people with cancer, as well as their friends and family, can feel distress about these things at any time after a cancer diagnosis, even many years after the cancer is treated. And as the cancer situation changes, they all must cope with new stressors along with the old, and their feelings often change, too. For instance, people dealing with cancer that’s spread and is making the person feel worse may have more emotional distress than those dealing with early-stage cancers.

People who have physical symptoms such as pain, nausea, or extreme tiredness (fatigue) also seem more likely to have emotional distress. Most of the time, physical symptoms can be controlled with medicines but it could take more than one try to find the right drug or combination of drugs. Doctor Akoury emphasizes that because of this, patient must keep consulting closely with their doctors and with their cancer team. This way they can help with these kinds of symptoms before you feel overwhelmed.

Take note that this link is tailored to equip you with health information that can help your families, friends, and caregivers to know what feelings and behaviors they might expect from their loved one who has been diagnosed with cancer. It is also to help you understand what isn’t normal and when more needs to be done like getting outside help. Besides, it can also help you recognize when you or others need outside help. Remember that everybody is vulnerable to cancer and all these things can happen to anyone including your caregivers, friends, and family members too. Anyone affected by cancer theirs or a loved one will need help in dealing with the emotions that result.

Cancer affects emotional health in many ways: Depression and cancer

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sex addiction

Addressing adolescent addiction problems

Addressing adolescent addiction

Addressing adolescent addiction problems begins by creating serious awareness about addiction and encouraging treatment as well.

Addressing adolescent addiction problems: When your teen has problems with drugs

We all want to bring up children in the way that they will become useful people in the society. This duty is becoming difficult by the day thanks to the abundance of drugs on our streets and neighborhood. The pain parents go through with their teens is overwhelmingly disturbing. Just imagine discovering for the first time that your son/daughter whom you have believed is honest, discipline and trustworthy is doing drugs! It is painful, frustrating, confusing and annoying. But even with that state of confusion we still have a duty of addressing teen’s addiction problems objectively. Doctor Dalal Akoury is an addiction veteran expert who has over the past two decades been working with all categories of addiction complications and she is going to be of great help to us in addressing teen’s addiction problems.

Doctor Akoury explains that under such situations it is important that as a parent or guardian you remain calm in the way you approach your teenage child with this disturbing issue. Yes you are angry and disappointed but you still need to be sober in handing this situation. It is important that even as you address your children, they should get the tone of a concern and loving parent and not that of a police officer or a high court judge. They (teens) needs to feel that they are still loved and are being supported come out of this drug problem. And so that you are not caught off gourd, it is important that you are aware of the signs indicating that your teens are abusing drugs

Addressing adolescent addiction problems: Warning signs of teens abusing drugs

It may be true that experimenting with substances many not result in abuse, it possess a challenge in the sense that early introduction to drugs is a risk factor to serious future addiction. Statistic also indicate that teens are at risk of addiction during transition like when moving from one school to another or from highs school to college. Doctor Akoury therefore advices that parents needs to be very observant to some of the following teen’s red flags of addiction.

  • Sudden bloodshot eyes or dilated pupils resulting in application of eye drops to mask these signs
  • Skipping class; deteriorating grades; consistent disciplinary actions at school
  • Missing money, valuables, or prescriptions at home
  • Sudden change in hobbies and telling lies about new hobbies and activities
  • Dropping one group of friends for another and being secretive about the new peer group
  • Seeking for more privacy by locking doors and often avoiding eye contact and just sneaking around
  • Acting unusually isolated, reserved, angry, or depressed

Addressing adolescent addiction problems: Possible actions parents may take

Rules and penalties – Stern action points needs to be in place. Teens must never feel that it is business as usual when they make mistakes. All this must be supported by both parents and no spouse should relent when penalties are being executed.

Be observant about your teen’s activity – Be informed of who your teens keep as friends. Occasionally walk around inspecting possible drug dens around your territory or home. Ensure your teens understand that privacy is a privilege which when violated, can be withdrawn and therefore this luck of privacy is a penalty to them for using drugs

Motivate your teens to focus on other interests and social activities – You can do this by expose them to much productive hobbies and activities like team sports.

Discuss with your children about any underlying issues – Drug use can be the result of other problems. Is your child having trouble fitting in? Has there been a recent major change, like a move or divorce causing stress? These are fundamental issues that can lead them into drugs.

Finally children can be rebellious to their parents and so seeking help from other authorities, they are likely to heed and get transformed. That is why doctor Dalal Akoury and her able team of experts are every available waiting to help you get the best out of your teens. Make a point of contacting us today for a life changing session with your teens.

Addressing adolescent addiction problems: When your teen has problems with drugs

 

 

 

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Addiction

Heroin addiction journey to the neighborhoods

Heroin addiction journey

Heroin addiction journey to the neighborhoods. Understanding myths about quitting addiction will enable you to make the right decisions in relations to drug addiction treatment

Heroin addiction journey to the neighborhoods: The prevalence of heroin

The cry of the society about the impact of drug addiction and in particularly heroin is making strides in to very unusual territories. It is no longer the preserve of the dangerous canners at the back yards in the city centers. It is moving into our homesteads and door steps to the disbelief of the authorities and parents. If you are in doubt then listen to this story of a college student whose name we are going to withheld and call him Felix. The story of Felix is a clear manifestation of heroin addiction journey right into our neighborhoods. To expose the picture clearly, expert at AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center under the able leadership of doctor Dalal Akoury who is the MD and founder of the facility states that “the drug has followed prescription painkillers into new neighborhoods, an element that has surprised even the police and parents into confronting the unexpected problem.”

Heroin addiction journey to the neighborhoods: The sequence of heroin addiction

And now back to the story of Felix, he was a good student in school always scoring above-average grades. He seemed poised and self-possessed, and like many of his friends in his charming coastal town north of their town was an incredible path to the college. Then, during his freshman year in high school, he decided to experiment with drugs and alcohol. And this is how it often begins they call it experiment no wonder Felix is following suit. It was on one night when he got very drunk in company of his friends and guess what? He loved it acknowledging that it made his day and that he felt like he has always wanted to be. Before long he was smoking cigarette and marijuana. Soon after a friend graduated him to some prescription painkiller pills which made him feel even much better than alcohol and other drugs he had been taking. Because of the experience he had, he begun purchasing these painkillers secretly and unlawfully spending all his up keep money on this unworthy habit. When he could not get further funding for the same, he resorted into stealing to support his habit but even with the stolen money it was not adequate. The trend continued and his friends introduced him to heroin which was much cheaper. His response was mutual “isn’t heroin for drug addicts?”

Heroin addiction journey to the neighborhoods: High drug dependency and addiction

Yes his concern was realistic but by that time his dependence on the painkillers had become more than he could resist. And as usual he bought the heroin, snorting the powder for the very first time. Oh my goodness, six days later he was injecting himself with a needle becoming the archetype of a classic heroin addict. His anguished journey from conscientious student to heroin user is one confronting many young people in suburbs across the country and the world over. It has become a thorn in everyone’s flesh and both parents and police are struggling with the ever rising usage of heroin in suburban neighborhoods than ever before.

According to the experts at AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center the rise is being driven by a large supply of cheap heroin in its purer concentrations that can be inhaled or smoked and which often removes the stigma associated with injecting it with a needle. But much of the increase among suburban teens, as well as a growing number of adults, has also coincided with a sharp rise in the use of prescription painkiller pills, which medical experts say are essentially identical to heroin. And with all these complications talking to doctor Akoury should be your starting point for a much healthier life.

Heroin addiction journey to the neighborhoods: The prevalence of heroin

 

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alcoholism

Applying antioxidant for cancer prevention

Applying antioxidant

Applying antioxidant for cancer prevention and stop complicating the already difficult problem with toxic substances

Applying antioxidant for cancer prevention: Free radicles

The human health is always in danger of attacks from all manner of diseases. People literally spend more than half and sometimes all their lifetime saving on medication. This trend if not addressed may render economies of many states to a halt. For every state to be productive they need to produce and there will be no production without man power. When the citizens are sick the economy is also sick. Cancer is one of the major life threatening health conditions today that needs to be addressed. Therefore we want to help you in this article with some tips you can use to be safe and healthy. Our focus is going to be on applying antioxidants for cancer prevention. This is a very interesting discussion that you don’t want to miss. The experts at AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center under the able leadership of doctor Dalal Akoury gives the following attributes and definitions of antioxidants:

  • Antioxidants are substances that may protect cells from the damage caused by unstable molecules known as free radicals. Free radical damage may lead to cancer.
  • Antioxidants interact with and stabilize free radicals and may prevent some of the damage free radicals may have caused. Examples of antioxidants include beta-carotene, lycopene, vitamins C, E, and A and other substances.
  • Antioxidants are chemicals that interact with and neutralize free radicals, thus preventing them from causing damage. Antioxidants are also known as “free radical scavengers.”
  • Antioxidants are chemicals that block the activity of other chemicals known as free radicals. Free radicals are highly reactive and have the potential to cause damage to cells, including damages that may lead to cancer.
  • Free radicals are formed naturally in the body. In addition, some environmental toxins may contain high levels of free radicals or stimulate the body’s cells to produce more free radicals.
  • Some antioxidants are made naturally by the body. Others can only be obtained from external (exogenous) sources, including the diet and dietary supplements.
  • Laboratory and animal research has shown that exogenous antioxidants can help prevent the free radical damage associated with the development of cancer.
  • Research in humans has not demonstrated convincingly that taking antioxidant supplements can help reduce the risk of developing or dying from cancer, and some studies have even shown an increased risk of some cancers

Finally doctor Akoury agrees that it is evident that we must effectively deal with free radicles if we are to be safe. Meaning that in many cases the body will make some of the antioxidants it uses to neutralize the free radicals. These antioxidants are called endogenous antioxidants. However, the body relies on external (exogenous) sources, primarily the diet, to obtain the rest of the antioxidants it needs. These exogenous antioxidants are commonly called dietary antioxidants. Fruits, vegetables, and grains are rich sources of dietary antioxidants. Some dietary antioxidants are also available as dietary supplements. Examples of dietary antioxidants include beta-carotene, lycopene, and vitamins A, C, and E (alpha-tocopherol). The mineral element selenium is often thought to be a dietary antioxidant, but the antioxidant effects of selenium are most likely due to the antioxidant activity of proteins that have this element as an essential component (i.e., selenium-containing proteins), and not to selenium itself. When applying antioxidant, it is necessary that you keep a close link with your doctor to ensure that mistakes are identified and corrected in good time. You can also schedule for an appointment with doctor Akoury for further professional undertakings.

Applying antioxidant for cancer prevention: Free radicles

 

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heroin addiction

Heroin treatment solution and opiate addiction

Heroin treatment solution

Heroin treatment solution and opiate addiction begins with detoxification effectiveness

Heroin treatment solution and opiate addiction

When one has come to terms with the addictive nature of these substances, the next point would be finding solution. Like for example when heroin is the problem, then heroin treatment solution become necessary. And for better understanding, doctor Dalal Akoury MD president and founder of AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center share with us the heroin treatment solutions as follows.

Detoxification/”Detox”

The primary objective of detoxification is to relieve withdrawal symptoms, stabilize participants and prepare them for longer-term treatment. Symptoms of withdrawal most of which peak between 24-48 hours after the last use include: restlessness, muscle and bone pain, insomnia, diarrhea, vomiting, cold flashes with goose bumps and uncontrollable leg movements. Medications like Subutex may be used to minimize withdrawal symptoms.

Residential Drug Rehab

This is a situation where residential treatment participants come to live in a safe, supervised setting for 30 days or more. Normally the intention of residential rehab is to create an environment where patients are able to remain focus to the assignment of recovering from their addiction. Some of the services offered may include drug education both individual and group counseling, family counseling and making referrals by way of making introduction to community-based self-help groups & referrals to community resources.

Therapeutic Communities

Research published by The National Institute On Drug Abuse states that one of the most effective drug-free treatments are the therapeutic community (TC) programs lasting 3 to 6 months. TC programs are residential, with participants and therapists living together. The program length gives participants the time they need to stabilize from their drug use and to develop new, healthy behaviors and support networks.

Outpatient Treatment

More intensive treatments may be followed by outpatient treatment regular structured therapeutic groups and individual counseling several days a week, usually for several months. Outpatient participants have stabilized in terms of their drug use, and are appropriate for a level of care that isn’t monitored or structured 24/7.

Community-Based Self-Help Groups

Group like Narcotics Anonymous and Alcoholics Anonymous, along with non-12 step based programs, are designed to help addicts attain long-term abstinence. Group members gain new tools and support networks to deal with their addictions.

Maintenance Programs

Some heroin addicts do not find complete abstinence feasible. In these cases, a maintenance approach providing a small dose of medication so individuals can function without going into withdrawal is employed. The use of methadone, buprenorphine (Subutex) and levomethadyl has been found to most effective in the maintenance programs.

Finally the duty of managing heroin addiction must be done collectively and not to be left to the government authorities alone. All of us are affected and we all have a duty to perform. When doctor Akoury made the decision to form a medical center whose main objective is to transform each individual’s life through increasing awareness about health and wellness and by empowering individuals to find their own inner healing power, she was guided by this common fact of collective responsibility. Dr. Akoury’s practice focuses on personalized medicine through healthy lifestyle choices that deal with primary prevention and underlying causes instead of patching up symptoms. This makes her one of the best professionals you can rely on with your addiction problem. You can reach her on call to schedule for an appointment with her for the commencement of your addiction treatment.

Heroin treatment solution and opiate addiction

 

 

 

 

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